Restitution in a corrupt church
A religion that compels a man to restore things he has stolen and uncover his crimes,commands confidence from men of the world.
When a man goes to give thanks after a a jail term for an offence committed,especially theft and expresses remorse,God upon forgiveness,expects such to restore whatever he has stolen to show complete repentance.
Mr lagbaja steals billions from government coffers,he goes to jail for a few months he is released because he is a senior public officer whose health is failing...then goes to church, he repents of the sin, after a while,he sits back ,and in luxury,enjoys his loot,his penitence sometimes evidence by huge donations towards religious undertakings.
The scenario is all too familiar.my question is should the remorse embezzler embrace the doctrine of restitution.?
Restitution follows genuine repentance.
When Zaccheaus met with Jesus ,he said he would return things he took wrongly. In Nigeria today especially the oxthodox churches they don't believe in restitution.few of the Pentecostal do.
Pentecostal churches that don't believe in restitution are the ones doing ungodly things,am not judging any body but thats a fact...it's emanating from stories we hear every day.many of the people that occupy front sits in churches today are armed robbers.They pay big tithes and offerings.
When you receive # 1 million from a person as tithes every month it becomes difficult to preach against such a fellow.That is why the pattern of preaching in some churches have changed.
'so religious leaders are silent for selfish reasons.'
Many pastors believe that if they don't speak things that would please their members they will end up with a small congregation.The bible says seek first the kingdom of God and every other things will be add unto you.
Restitution is very important it is a law in the bible that every Christian must follow,but many religious leaders don't preach it talk less returning wrongfully taken money or any other thing.This is because of the love of money and selfish interest. The word of God says what ever thing you have taken wrongfully you must return it.
Christian leaders must re-orientate themselves.we should not preach the gospel that suits the congregation or interest,because of the level of poverty in the land religious leaders use it to exploit the members, the bible say not everyone that call upon the name of the Lord qualify for his kingdom
In conclusion if... the owner of the money or property cannot be identified or located. The property and what ever has been purchased with the stolen money should be sold and given to an orphanage.On no account should the money be given to a pastor or priest. I'll gotten wealth is not for pastors or priests.
The bible is the principle guiding Christians the religious leaders must abide by the word of God and speak the truth.
