THE DESTINY OF MULTITUDES IN THE POPULAR WAY

Matthew 7:13

From the beginning and throughout the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord, Jesus Christ speaks about the Kingdom of heaven, the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3,10,19,20; 6:33; 7:21). His focus was on the destiny of man. The Lord looks at life as a journey, a journey from time unto eternity. He reveals that there are only two gates - the wide gate and the strait (narrow) gate; only two ways - the broad way and the narrow way; only two destinations - destruction and life. There are only two destinations unto which any of us can get to; the path we are treading will lead to either eternal peace and happiness in heaven or eternal torments, sorrow and suffering in hell. The choice we make of which gate we enter, which path, road or way we walk in will determine our final, eternal destiny after this life. God has ordained only two distinct places to be the final, eternal abodes of men after this life, and between them, He has fixed a great gulf so that none can pass from the one to the other (Luke 16:26).

There are only two gates, the wide gate of multitudes, the majority of the human race; and the narrow gate of the few who make the right choice which God has ordained. And there are only two ways, the popular way, the spacious road on which broadminded multitudes travel, and the narrow way, the unpopular road traversed by the few who walk and follow the Lord closely and consistently. There are only two destinations, not three. Some religious people have invented a third destination which they call ‘purgatory’. It is an imaginary place of human invention which does not exist. Men enter through the wide gate or the narrow gate; there is no third gate. Men travel on the broad way or the narrow way; there is no third way. There are only two classes of people - believers or unbelievers, saints or sinners, the few or the many. We are either in the light or in darkness; in the truth or in error; among the few or among the multitude; either righteous or unrighteous. There is no third category. There are only two ends - the end of the broad way or the end of the narrow way. There are only two destinations for travellers journeying through life - life or destruction. There are only two destinies - heaven or hell. Where will you spend eternity?

THE BROADENED ENTRANCE GATE FOR MANY INTO DEGENERATION

Matthew 7:13; Genesis 6:5,12; Psalm 14:2,3; Isaiah 59:7,8,13-15; Romans 1:28-32; Romans 3:9-19,23; Ephesians

2:2,3; Philippians 3:18,19; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 5:19.

“Wide is the gate.” Ancient cities have walls around them, and they have gates through which people may go out or come in. The wide gates are spacious enough to admit men and their loads or chariots while the strait, narrow gates take only individuals without loads or encumbrances. The examples of wide gates (for big trucks and vehicles) and narrow gates (for pedestrians) are still very common in cities and communities today. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, often used visible, known, natural things to illustrate spiritual, invisible, unknown, eternal realities. For travellers to get into the way leading to their destination, they go through the wide toll gate. The gate is the only avenue of admittance into the way and it must be taken in order to reach the destination. All who enter the wide gate will travel on the broad way and the only place this way leads to is destruction, doom and damnation.

The wide gate is the gate through which multitudes enter into life from the age of accountability. The gate takes in everyone with loads of sin and evil without any restriction or restraint. There is ample liberty for everyone desiring to go through the wide gate; the Pharisee and the Saduccee, the hypocrite and the reprobate, the covetous and the deceiver, the self-righteous and the religious, the fleshly, sensual and pleasure-seekers, despisers of God and opposers of righteousness, private and public sinners, unconverted moralists and unashamed criminals, the proud and the worldly, vicious, violent men and vile, vulnerable youths, wicked people and wandering backsliders, tempters, temptresses and their victims all go through the wide gate that leads to the broad way of the world.

THE BROAD, EVIL WAY OF MULTITUDES LEADING TO DESTRUCTION

Matthew 7:13; Psalm 36:1-4; Proverbs 14:12; Isaiah 1:28; 13:6-11; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Romans 2:16-24; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12; 1 Peter 4:17,18; Jude 11-16.

“Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” As we have noted already, the wide gate leads to the broad way which in turn leads to destruction. The broad way is deceptive; it seems right, proper and good to men of carnal reasoning. Since it is a crowded road with many rich, intelligent, worldly-wise, religious and church-going people walking therein; everybody thinks that these multitudes cannot be wrong. Among these travellers are scientists, philosophers, successful businessmen, preachers and priests, notable leaders among men, respected people in society. Can they all be wrong? If they are on the broad way, they are deceived.

The broad way is a downward road; it is easy, convenient and appears pleasant to travel on. It is “the course of this world.” It is the path of self-indulgence, self-gratification, self-interest, self-will, self-seeking and self-satisfaction. There is no hedge, control or self-denial. It is an easy, pleasant way to the flesh.

The broad way is a dangerous road. Unknown to the travellers, it leads to destruction, eternal, irreversible destruction. We can only escape the damnation if we turn back from the broad way by repentance from sin, faith in Christ, true and total conversion to Christ before reaching the end of the way. There is no repentance or second chance after death. No one can be absolutely sure of being alive another day. Decide today, enter the narrow gate and walk in the narrow way.

THE BITTER, ETERNAL WAGES OF MANY, DOOMED TO DAMNATION

Matthew 7:13; Philippians 3:18,19; 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9; 1 Timothy 6:9,10; Psalm 9:17; Isaiah 33:12-14; Matthew 23:14,25-28,33; Matthew 25:41; Luke 16:19-31; Psalm 2:10-12.

“Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction.” The Greek word translated “destruction” does not mean annihilation. It does not mean that the “destruction” makes the many unconverted people who walked on the broad way cease to exist. See the use of the words “destroy” and “destruction” and compare with other verses in the New Testament (2 Thessalonians 2:8,9; 1:8,9; Revelation 19:20; 20:10). The destruction or damnation refers to a state and a place of conscious, unending, eternal torment and suffering.

Hell, a place of eternal punishment, is the final destination of all who walk on the broad way till the end of their lives. The infallible Word of God describes the final destiny of multitudes on the broad way as the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:15; 21:8), devouring fire and everlasting burnings (Isaiah 33:14), a furnace of fire (Matthew 13:41,42), a place of torments (Luke 16:23), a place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46), a place of the blackness of darkness for ever (Jude 13), where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:28).

HEAVEN: THE DESTINY OF SAINTS

MEMORY VERSE: "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1).

TEXT: Revelation 21:1-27

The subject of heaven is a revelation of hope and happiness to the redeemed of Christ, as well as that of doom and downcast for those who rejected the redeemer that died for the sin of mankind. Some scriptures give revelation about heaven, and insight of the existence of it as the dwelling place of God the Creator of all things. The Psalmist attempted to know the condition of dwelling with God in heaven after life on earth has ended. "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?'' (Psalms 15:1). When Jesus came into the world, He spoke about heaven. He preached the need of repentance by sinners (old or young) so as to have eternal life. He also warned against the danger of eternal damnation in hell. When comforting His sad disciples at the revelation of His crucifixion and death, He gave deeper insight into the likeness of heaven. He said "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you'' (John 14:1, 2). 

In the first three chapters of the book of Revelation, the loving Saviour wrote to the seven churches to make them know their spiritual states and the fierce trials some of them would encounter. He exposed to the world the danger of rejecting Him and choosing the way of sin. The careless believers and the sinners are warned of the suffering that shall befall them after the rapture of the saints. After all these, detailed revelation about the beauty and glory of heaven, the destiny of the saints was given at the end of the book of Revelation by Christ. This is to let us know that after our light affliction comes the weight of glory which Jesus the righteous Judge has prepared for us in heaven.

Question 1: Give a clear description of heaven as revealed in our text.

In the language of man, there is no word found to describe the beauty and glory of heaven. It is only when we get up there that we shall understand the beauty and glory of the place where our great God dwells. Though the book of Revelation chapter 21 gives an insight into it, all we need is to endure to the end and strive to enter in at the strait gate, because when we shall enter there, only then shall we be able to explain. Attempt shall be made to give a clear description of heaven as explained in our text. We shall also see those that will be counted worthy to enter and dwell there. There will also be need for youths to take an appropriate decision to dwell in this beautiful city which description surpasses human understanding.

CLEAR DESCRIPTION OF NEW JERUSALEM (Isa 66:22; 65:17, 18; 64:4; Heb 11:10, 16; Rev 21:1-3, 9-23; 22:5).

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind'' (Isaiah 65:17). God promised in the Old Testament the creation of a new heaven. The Saints of old in their life-time sought for the heavenly city despite having little knowledge of it. There were things that were so sure to them about heaven: (i) It is a place where the Almighty God dwells with the holy angels; (ii) It is a better country; unlike the earth, it has a foundation; the maker is God Himself (Hebrew 11:10, 16). It was through the vision of John the beloved in the Isle of Patmos that the description was given.  It is a city that has wall of great height, with twelve gates and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel written on them.  The city lies foursquare, the length, breadth and height of the city are equal and it is seven million, nine hundred and twenty thousand feet (2414Km).The building is made of Jasper stone, the city also of pure gold like clear glass, her light was the glory of God like a stone most precious, even like a Jasper stone, clear as crystal. The foundation of the wall garnished with all manner of precious stone. 

Question 2: Read Revelation 21:19-21 and mention how many precious stones the foundation wall is garnished with.

The foundation of the wall of the city is garnished with all manner of precious stones as follows: the first foundation is Jasper; second is Sapphire; the third is Chalcedony; the fourth is Emerald; fifth is Sardonyx; sixth is Sardius; seventh is Chrysolyte; eighth is Beryl; ninth is Topaz; tenth is Chrysoprasus; eleventh is Jacinth; twelfth is Amethyst. The gates are made of twelve pearls each and every several gate a pearl. The street is made of gold as transparent as glass. There is no temple there, for God and the Lamb are the temple of it. No need of the sun and the moon for the glory of God does lighten it, and there is no night there. "For since the beginning of the world, men have not heard, nor perceive by ear, neither had the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waited for him'' (Isaiah 64:4). This city prepared by the LORD for the redeemed should be the desire of everyone. Youths, will you all be there?

CLEANSED DISCIPLES FOR HEAVEN (Rev 21: 5-7, 27; Joel 3:17; John 3:3; Heb 12:14; Psa 15: 1-5; Isa 65:18, 19).

It was a known fact even in the Old Testament that sinful men or sinning youths shall not inhabit heaven since it is the place where the holy God lives. A songwriter said "Heaven is a holy place, filled with glory and with grace, sin can never enter there''.  King David, when meditating, asked God, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place?'' And God gave the answer ''He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully'' (Psalms 24:3, 4). God's answer to David for this important question is, someone whose works and thoughts are clean and pure. Jesus Christ told Nicodemus that except a man is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God! Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews thought he was already a disciple for heaven. Having listened to Christ's messages several times, he thought it necessary to come to Him for clarity. This also is what Christ expects from Christian youths today. There is need for youths to come to Jesus who is speaking to them now. He is the one that shed His blood upon the cross of Calvary for the remission of their sins. 

Question 3: What conditions qualify sinning youths to dwell with God in heaven?

Sinning youths that have the hope of living in heaven at last must have acknowledged their sinfulness, confessed their sins, be cleansed from sins through the blood of Jesus, and turn away from them. They need to allow Christ to lead them in all their ways. They should make deliberate effort to be pure in heart through the sanctifying power of Christ and be at peace with all men and other fellow youths. It is written: "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14).

Question 4: Are all who go to Church qualified for heaven? 

Heaven is meant for the overcomers, those that persevere and endure affliction for Christ's sake. Those who deliberately refused to yield to temptation, those who do not retard at trials; and those that endure persecution. Their heart's determination is, "I have laid my hands upon the plough, and will never look back". "He that overcometh, shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son'' (Revelation 21:7). They must overcome the world (1 John 5:4, 5; 2:15-17), Satan (Revelation 12:11), False prophets (Mathew 7:15), self and sin (Romans 6:12). Heaven is more than a reward for believing youths. It is the consummation of God's redemptive work. The thought of dwelling with God in heaven is more attractive than merely living in the most beautiful place on earth. The purpose of our redemption is restoring back to man the lost glory before the fall. It is only in heaven we can enjoy full and sweet fellowship with God. Living in heaven allows us to see God, Jesus Christ, the angels and all the saints who had gone to glory. It will be wonderful to see our loved ones who had gone to be with the Lord again.

Question 5a: Mention some of the saints in the Bible that you hope to see in heaven.

Question 5b: Are you personally determined to be there?

CONSCIOUS DECISION FOR HEAVEN (Rev 21:8,27; Matt 16:26; Deut 32:29; Isa 55:6,7; Psa 15:1-5; Isa 65:18,19).

Everyone desires to spend eternity in heaven, even the sinners. From the foregoing, it is clear that sinners cannot make it to heaven. They may come to church everyday, pray and fast all the time, be given to good works, lead other youths and play important part in the school fellowship, sing in the Choir, have beautiful Christian names. Yet, without genuine repentance, they can neither see nor enter heaven. There is only one way to heaven, it is the highway of holiness which comes through real encounter with Jesus Christ the Saviour. There is only one decision to be taken consciously by the youths, that is, to give their lives to Christ. They should weigh the cost of losing their souls! Let me remind you once again how a songwriter puts it:

Have you counted the cost, if your soul should be lost,

Tho' you gain the whole world for your own? ...

Even now it may be that the line you have crossed,

Have you counted, have you counted the cost? 

Christ said "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mathew 16:26). For every decision you make or take, there is always a corresponding outcome! If you choose to continue in your sins, you have succeeded in choosing hell fire. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and Idolaters, and all liars, shall have their parts in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death'' (Revelation 21:8). For this reason we call you to take a conscious decision now as a sinning youth. 

The saved youth are admonished by the Lord "to endure to the end''. Therefore, do not give up to temptations. Trials will not destroy you but only make you stronger. Choose not to compromise, do not look back brothers and sisters; for we shall soon get to the shore of heaven where Christ will wipe away all our tears! It is only then we can tell the story how we overcome. The undecided youths, hear the word of God "O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!'' (Deuteronomy 32:29). Today is the day of decision. "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD; and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon'' (Isaiah 55:6, 7). What is your decision now?

(Source: DCLM Youth Search the Scriptures - Vol 38, Lesson 494)

CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL VICES: THE CHRISTIAN VIEW

MEMORY VERSE: “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that  every  imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5).

 

TEXT: Romans 1:18-27; Philippians 4: 8, 9; 1 Peter 1: 6-11.

 

Since the fall, Adam and all generations after him have become easily influenced by evil imagination and actions. Through the ages past, mankind had shown the evil traits in many different ways. Modern youths live in a world that invents evil things. Man himself has a sin-generating mind. He has the capacity to generate or create sin and sinful entertainment. Sin, in itself, is inexhaustible. It is brewed in the depth of human heart. Man’s craving for evil and vices are insatiable. He ever craves for innovation of sin. Therefore, the contemporary youths –boys and girls, rich and poor, educated and illiterates, restricted and free - have some newly devised set of evil.

 

Question 1: What do you understand by contemporary vices?

 

These are present day evil practices in the society. “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Since the flood, the heart of man has always been evil. God saw the whole imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart, and concluded that it was evil continually - every hour, every day, every year, every moment. He hardly deviated into good. Such is the authentic account of the whole race of mankind. Such were all men before God brought the flood upon the earth. And strange enough, the scriptures do not give us a reason to think otherwise of youths today. The mind of the modern youths is a sin-generating machine. Increase in technology meant increase in evil. The advent of the television, video, mobile phone, internet and the computer and their potential of conveying thoughts in picture, colour or language motion is accompanied by increased engagement in sinful entertainments and pleasures. The television, for instance, impresses some vices on the mind of youths and make light of violence, hooliganism, murder and  assault. Therefore, to live a victorious Christian life today, we must seek the Lord daily for His grace and strength.

 

DESCRIPTION OF CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL VICES AMONG YOUTHS (Romans 1:18-32; Genesis 6:1-6; Deuteronomy 22:5; Micah 2:1-3; James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17).

 

“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, … (Romans 1:29,30). 

 

Question 2: What are the common contemporary social vices that a Christian youth should guide against?

 

Drug addiction, a practice found among teenagers and students in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning, is a vice that ranks very high in contemporary times. Some freely say that scriptures do not say anything about the use of drugs. Yes, but it does warn us against defiling or, in modern usage, destroying the temple of the Holy Ghost which we have in us. “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19,20).

​

The use of hard drugs is a contemporary vice and its effect on the life of its users is quite heavy. Hard drugs inflame the mind, sedate the heart and make the soul to feel “high”. Its end is more dangerous and deadly than the beginning. It leaves its victim a wretch and a danger to others. Closely related with drug addiction is involvement in cults among students in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning. Cults, these days, pretend to be a social club but when its activities are closely examined, it is revealed as the breeding ground of all contemporary vices - wild life, drug addiction and immorality. In recent times, dangerous weapons like life ammunition, machetes, spears and arrows are found among the members of cults in schools. This is a modern trend and it comes with every conceivable danger to lives and properties.

Another contemporary social vices is betting and pools-staking. The bottom line and motive in engaging in this practice is covetousness. An attitude to get-rich-quick and laziness is the driving spirit behind this practice. It is sad to see this creep into the midst of some believers years after they have claimed to be converted.

Common among students who are desperate to excel without corresponding input of labour and diligence is examination malpractice. In contemporary times, this has reached some level that frightens constituted examination bodies, school authorities, students who have the fear of the Lord and, of course, Christian parents. This practice looks like a contemporary vice that has come to stay in most societies. But its permanence or rationalisation does not make it right. It remains essentially evil and vicious.

Contemporary youths are unduly exposed to the practice ofpornography. The evil sight that stirs up the base nature of man through pornography has a demonic hold on youths. Some Christian youths cannot stand or continue in the faith because of pornography. Illegal sensual pleasure is basically sinful.Closely allied to pornography are the unclean practices of lesbianism and homosexuality. These are rampant practices among students in boarding schools and higher institutions. Some of them are found in religious circles.

From the days of old, music has always been   spiritual and edifying medium. The Scripture exhorts us to “admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”(Colossians3:16). David’s songs and playing on the harp had great spiritual and soothing impact on Saul. Elisha called for a minstrel under whose ministration he received inspiration (2 Kings 3:15). Indeed, hymn-singing is a great inspiration to those  who preach; just as good singing and music precede most of all preachings today. In heaven, music continues. “And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps” (Revelations 14:2). Such is the traditional and even future use of music. But in contemporary times, music has been perverted from its original spiritual, inspirational and edifying context. Sensational music, which in the past was one exclusive of sinners in brothels and pleasure-mad houses, has now been brought to the Churches. Most churches have lost the solemnity, inspiration, freshness, and refreshing that come with God-glorifying music in the Bible. Contemporary youths are besieged by rock and roll, noisy music, drumming and tunes which are very much akin to those that obtain in heathen shrines. Secular music has a strong appeal which makes the mind stray away from the Kingdom. Contemporary pseudo-Christian music is a vice which believers must reject.

Finally, the use of slang and gutter language is another contemporary vice. The Bible says: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Christian language, as salt, should do five things. First, it should sweeten, edify the heart and mind of the hearers.Second, it should purify, not defile or offend; whiteness of salt symbolises purity. Third, it should preserve the hearers from decay and spiritual decomposition. Fourth, it should be pervasive in its influence, no matter how few the words are, just as a pinch of salt would pervade a whole meal. Fifth, it should be known for its characteristic. The Bible says “... a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words” (Ecclesiastes 5:3).The Christian’s use of slangs sourced  from brothels, drug addicts,  “heroes” in boxing, sports and theatre makes a believer to minister to sinners.  And the Bible asks: “...Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?”  (Luke 6:39). The Scripture says: “Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matthew 15:14).

 

DANGER OF CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL VICES AMONG YOUTHS (Romans 18,21,24,26,32; Genesis 6:5-7; Ecclesiastes 12:1,2,13,14; Zephaniah 1:8; 1 Corinthians6:15-20; 3:16,17; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8).

 

"Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Romans1:32). The danger of contemporary social vices among youths affects its victims now and in eternity.

 

Question 3: What are the dangers of contemporary social vices among youths?

 

Some of the dangers of contemporary social vices among youths include: (1) destruction of internal organs of the body of those who used hard drugs; (2) making one an enemy of God (James 4:4); (3)  backsliding and compromise; (4) hinderance to one’s education and progress in life; (5) exposure to deadly diseases such as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS); (6)  dishonour to God and brings shame to His church; and (7) finally, eternal punishment in hell-fire. “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him” (Luke 12:4,5).  

 

DECISION FOR CHRIST, THE SAVIOUR OF YOUTHS (Mark 1:14,15; Isaiah 1:16-20; Philippians 4:8,9; 1 Peter 1:5-11; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33).

 

There is no sitting on the fence for Christian youths. Christian youths cannot afford to pitch their tents with Sodomites and Gomorrhites and still claim to know Christ. The vices, known in contemporary times, are deceitful, but no Christian should be deceived. The Bible has given enough guides to Christians as to the position they must take on these issues.

 

Question 4: How should a Christian assess any practice or conduct that looks like a source of temptation?

 

 As a Christian daily faces temptation and allurements from any of these vices, he needs to ask some questions. First, does it glorify God? Would God behold it with joy? Can I do it in the presence of the Lord? Can I do it or talk about it without any shame or contradiction before the saints of God in the Church of the living God? Second, does it edify the saints of God? Does it provoke the brethren to love (Hebrews 10:24). Is it worth emulating? Third, does it point the sinner to Calvary? Is the practice of pornography, homosexuality, lesbianism, smoking, involvement in cult, sensational music, drug addiction, use of gutter language, gambling, betting and pools staking capable of gaining a soul for the Kingdom or challenging the sinner on the need for the salvation of his soul? Fourth, does the practice harm the temple of the Holy Ghost, whose body you are? Does it not weaken my frame, enlarge my heart, enfeeble my mind, waste my resources and enslave me for the rest of my life? Fifth, does it make me an example to believers? “Be thou an example to believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”(1 Timothy 4:12). it is important for a Christian to always ask himself before embarking on any action: Does it draw me nearer to heaven? Does it enhance my preparedness for heaven? Does it make me rapture- ready? Sixth, will the practice, language or lifestyle earn me a smile of approval from my Lord and Savour? Finally, is the issue under consideration true, honest, just, pure and lovely, of good report? If it is not, a Christian’s position is a firm No!

 

Question 5: What is the way out of these contemporary social vices?

 

Victims of contemporary vices need a release. The vices are yokes and like every yoke, they must be broken.  Whoever has slipped into them should go back to the Lord in repentance and call on the Lord for salvation or restoration.  Repentance is followed by a return to the Lord (Isaiah 55:7). To return implies one has felt some brokenness and contrition and to such the Lord is very much keen to save and deliver. “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit”(Psalm 34:18). After repentance, returning and restoration, it becomes very necessary to practise the abiding presence of the Lord. Imagine the Lord is ever by you and do only those things that He would approve of. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

(Source: DCLM Youth Search the Scriptures - Vol 38)

PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT FOR A VIBRANT LIFESTYLE

II Timothy 1:6; Isaiah 54:2

We have studied several aspects of soul-winning. To enable you fulfil your life as a vibrant believer and effective soul-winner, you need to take care of your inner life. Given the natural talents and divine resources Christians are endowed with, our potential for growth is infinite. There is however the need to ‘stir up’ ourselves and call forth the latent talents in us. It is our responsibility to claim the resources of grace and avail ourselves of the unsearchable riches in Christ. Our usefulness for God depends on the level of our spiritual development. It is helpful to be fed and motivated by others for growth but spiritual growth is often faster when there is personal consciousness and diligent commitment to it. It is a great day for a little child when he learns to feed himself; so it becomes a new era in a believer’s life when he forms the habit of going daily to the original source of spiritual truth for personal feeding.

HINDRANCES TO PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Want of talents or spiritual gifts is not always the cause of spiritual mediocrity but want of purpose for spiritual progress. Lack of vision makes a person to have no sense of mission. The main barrier to spiritual development is within the person. Lack of persuasion of the Christian faith leads to an unstable Christian life (Genesis 49:4; Revelation 3:15), while self-indulgence and loose habits are the bedrock of spiritual decay. Ungodly ambition (Exodus 32:6), complacency, want of determination (I Kings 18:21), worldly attachments (Hosea 7:8), laziness (Proverbs 6:611) and loose time control (Ephesians 5:16) are hindrances to personal spiritual development. Just as little leaks sink the ship, any of these hindrances will make a potential spiritual giant to become a slave. There is then the necessity for self-examination (II Corinthians 13:5) to remove any of these growth-deterrents.

HELPS FOR PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Divine resources are more than sufficient for our spiritual growth if we are ready to exploit them. Some of the helps we have for our personal spiritual development are:

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STUDY OF THE BIBLE (II Timothy 2:15; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:97; John 5:39)

No one can pretend to be a Christian without a competent acquaintance with the Scripture. Ignorance of scriptural injunctionsmakes a believer easily deceived. The Bible is a volume of inspiration of full fountain, ever flowing. A diligent study of the Bible fills the mind with the most splendid of heavenly truth, soothes the heart with an inexpressible sweetness, satisfies the sacred hunger and thirst for knowledge of God and imprints thedivine testimony firmly upon the mind, that believing souls rest upon it securely. Bible study aids, concordance, commentary, bible atlas and a complete Bible with references (KJV) are essentials for a systematic and profitable study of the Scripture.

GENERAL STUDY (I Timothy 4:13; II Timothy 4:13; I Peter3:15; Acts 7:22)

Every Christian needs to study to develop, whatever be his disposition. The aim of study is not to gather mere knowledge but to be aware of our environment, to understand God’s creation, to be relevant to our fellowmen as we minister to them and to be current with important events. Our studies of other books – Christian literatures, science and art – should draw us to the Bible and our goal should also be to draw our studies to the Bible. In our reading or study of books, we have to be selective. The books we read are an outward expression of our inner hungers and expression. Our reading should be regulated largely by what we are and what we do or intend to be. For a profitable study, we must think or reflect on what we have read. Invest in Christian literature, which includes (auto)biographies of notable believers, evangelism, spiritual growth, consecration, etc.

PRAYER AND DEVOTION (Luke 6:12; 18:1; Mark 1:35; Psalm 146: 1,2; 149:1; I Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer should be natural to Christians as water is to fish. It is the Christian trade. Prayer is the appropriate channel of heavenly communications. It is not only circumstances that are changed through prayer but also the person. Prayer paves the way for transfiguration. A spirit of continual prayer, mixed with reading, is fuel for spiritual exploits. We need prayer for additional supplies of heavenly influence. Much prayer and little study advance the work of God more than abundance of study without prayer. Devotion is largely praise worship – prayer of praise and singing. It takes us away from the world of cares to our Father’s throne. It is a sweet moment of blessed communion with God.

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PERSONAL RETREAT (Psalm 46:10; Mark 6:31)

For spiritual growth, we often need distraction-free environment where we can have still times with God. Solitude is essential for rest, reflection, evaluation and meditation. We need to ‘come apart’in order not to ‘fall apart’. Personal retreat is essential for a personal revival. We need personal retreat when spiritually dry, dead, weakor overwhelmed with spiritual responsibilities. In a personal retreat, you set time aside (a whole day, a whole week or weekend) to pray, meditate on God’s word and reflect on your life. Time for personal retreat can be partly or wholly devoted to fasting. It is a time to order or reorder your life and make necessary adjustments. It is at such times that God communicates to you the next step in His will for your life (Acts 13:1-3). It is important also to meditate deeply in the scriptures, spend time to sing spiritual songs and listen to anointed messages from our ministers. Invest on these resources!

If you can cultivate the inner life, you are bound to flourish spiritually. There is no excuse to remain a spiritual pauper when you ought to be a giant. Why not rise up and stir up the gifts that are in you?

OVERCOMING THE SPIRIT OF THIS AGE

Matthew 24:10-13; I Timothy 4:1-3; II Timothy 3:1-5

The heavenly vision requires constant renewing. A lot happens here below that could block the pilgrim’s view to his aspired homeland. God is calling our attention to the perilous times in which we live. We in the western world need to be extra cautious because our society is so secular that true Christianity and heavenly living have become strange. We could begin to lower our heavenly focus to be acceptable to our society, or we could become completely secular and abandon the heavenly vision altogether. These are perilous times and we need to be very watchful.

CHARACTERISTICS AND CONFLICT OF THIS AGE

The age we live in is described in the Bible in many vivid ways. It is called ‘evil world’, ‘latter times’, ‘last times’, ‘evil days’, ‘perilous times’, etc (Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 4:16; I Timothy 4:1; II Timothy 3:1; I John 2:18). And the inhabitants are described as ‘an evil generation’, ‘an untoward (lawless) generation’, ‘children of disobedience’, ‘a perverse nation’, etc (Matthew 12:34,39; Acts 2:40; Ephesians 2:2; Philippians 2:15). In order words, this age has a different interest, focus and agenda than that of God for His children. This implies conflict for the heavenly pilgrim in many ways. One, there is conflict of loyalty. Who will be lord over us? Whose will do we hold supreme? Two, there is conflict of faith. Shall we continue in the purity of the Bible or change its claims to accommodate the changing views of human minds? And three, there is conflict of lifestyle. Shall we keep on the old-fashioned way or yield to the demands of our modern-day world? Unfortunately, the spirit of this age has affected some believers such that they are no longer heaven-focus. Are you part of them? The true believer must watch to avoid being swept aside by the mentality and spirit of this age. It is a battle we cannot afford to lose.

CHALLENGES FOR CHRISTIANS IN THIS AGE

The last days pose several practical challenges to the believer. The Bible is very clear that the days are evil and it requires the violence of faith to overcome (Matthew 11:12). What are the challenges?

1.     The common temptations of the heavenly pilgrim (I Corinthians 10:12,13).

2.     Personal, peculiar trials that can make the pilgrimage tedious (Job 2:11-13).

3.     Distractions and enticement from a world that craves our attention constantly (Proverbs 1:10).

4.     Increasing iniquity that discourages the mind and makes righteousness seem extra difficult, with the result that the love of the pilgrim begins to wax cold (Matthew 24:12).

5.     The pressure of daily living: what to eat, drink, put on, how to make ends meet, etc (Matthew 6:31).

6.     The legitimate cares of a busy and challenging ministry (II Corinthians 11:27-29).

7.     Family trials or troubles that baffle the mind and undermine the faith (Genesis 25:20-22).

8.     Perilous struggle for survival and quest for personal advancement (James 4:13).

Care is necessary to manage these challenges. The believer needs to make a courageous choice to stand for the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly despite the prevailing pressures.

CHOICE AND COURAGE IN THIS AGE

“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” – Matthew 24:13. You can be victorious in this age. Two things are required: choice and courage. Choose your destiny (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:14). Where will you spend eternity? Choose your doctrine (I Timothy 4:15,16). Will you believe the totality of God’s word or only what seems convenient? Will you stick to the old-time truth or bend to the popular gospel that makes light of the way of holiness? Choose your companions (Psalm 119:63). You will be like your friends. Will you go with the godly few or the compromising or sinning multitude? Choose your lifestyle (I Peter 2:9). Will you live like a pilgrim or like a tourist? Lastly, choose your ministry (Hebrews 12:28,29). What kind of service will you render to God – a wholehearted, consecrated one or the one that seeks to please men at the expense of God?

Courage is also essential for total victory. Courage exhibits several elements. One, it is to keep on to the truth despite fierce opposition (Hebrews 10:39). Two, it is to keep standing for the truth in the presence of error and perversion (II John 8-11). Three, it is to keep on preaching the word when it seems very unpopular (II Timothy 4:1-5). Four, it is to keep on praising God when your trials multiply (Job 1:20-22). Five, it is to keep on praying till you get the victory (Luke 18:1). Six, it is to keep on resisting temptation till it is overcome (Hebrews 12:4). And seven, it is to keep on faithfully watching and waiting till the Bridegroom comes (Matthew 25:10; Luke 21:34-36). He that shall come will come; He will not tarry.

ENRICHMENT AND GROWTH THROUGH PERSONAL DEVOTION

Psalm 1:1-3; Mark 1:35

Personal devotion is crucial to spiritual. While it is important to attend Church and have fellowship with other brethren steadfastly (Hebrews 10:25), this cannot take the place of personal fellowship with God (Joshua 1:8). Growing in grace and knowledge (II Peter 3:18) demands that you make personal effort to read the Word, meditate on it and pray its contents into your life. This is what you do during your Quiet Time, which is a period set aside to meditate on God’s Word and pray at a time when your mind is fresh. This practice enables you to feed your soul and receive divine strength for the Christian journey (I Kings 19:5-8). Just as babes and adults alike need food for survival and strength, so do young converts and adult believers alike need daily quiet time for survival, growth and fruitfulness.

PURPOSE OF PERSONAL DEVOTION

Personal devotion is a major element in spiritual development. It is the provision God has made for your renewal, growth in grace and daily infilling with the Spirit. The purpose of devotion is threefold. One, it creates time and environment for God to impress His holy Word on your heart (Exodus 34:1; II Corinthians 3:3). The Word of God is the food for the soul (Deuteronomy 8:3). As you receive His Word daily, your ways are cleansed (Psalm 119:9,11), you gather strength for daily spiritual journey (I Kings 19:5-8; Isaiah 40:30,31), and obtain illumination and guidance from the Lord (Proverbs 6:23). Two, it provides opportunity for God to reveal Himself to you in a personal, intimate way (Exodus 33:18; 34:5). This revelation deepens your conviction in the Lord, binds you more firmly to Him, and transforms your spiritual life (I John 1:1-3; John 20:11-16; II Corinthians 3:18). And three, it creates avenue for personal supplication, intercession, and devotional worship (Exodus 34:8,9; Daniel 6:10). At the time of personal devotion, you can bare your heart before the Lord and pour out your soul before Him on important matters. Devotional worship transports your heart to heaven, honours the Lord and brings deliverance down to men.

PILLARS OF PERSONAL DEVOTION

For your personal devotion to be fruitful, three pillars are important. One, you should ponder on the word of God, which is the main raw material for your growth. Two, you should pen down instructions, lessons and prayer points to make your prayer focused and for future reference. And three, you should pray yourself into God’s presence and pray the word of God into your life for growth and stability.

Pondering on the WORD (Genesis 24:63; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:3; Luke 2:19; I Timothy 4:15)

He who ponders or meditates on God’s word will enrich his spiritual life greatly; he will live deeply and talk deeply – like an oracle of God. Meditation is interaction with a subject so that it can change your life positively. Your meditation should be on the word of God, which reveals God – His Person, will, works, creation, wonders, etc. – to us in a new way. Select a few verses of the Bible, read them a few times over and think upon them deeply. Your heart should be calm and you should avoid every distraction. Moreover, you should ask practical questions to benefit from the Word of God.

Penning-down from the WORD (Exodus 34:1-3; Deuteronomy 6:6,8,9; Isaiah 30:8; James 1:22-25)

Write down the lessons you learnt, the commandments, warnings, encouragement, comfort, etc you received. Write down key prayer points. Write down key decisions. This is important for your prayer and also for easy reference. Be not a forgetful hearer!

Praying-in the WORD (Exodus 34:5-9; Numbers 14:17-20; Luke 24:32)

True meditation leads to rich prayer. It makes your heart to burn and gives you matter for scriptural prayer. Through prayer, you draw God’s power to make what you have learnt practicable. It enables you to deal with God in the light of the new revelation you received. The Word of God mixes with faith in your heart. You receive strength to carry God’s instructions out and overcome the downward pull of the flesh. Prayer is the crown upon your Quiet Time.

Personal devotion is a practical, enriching venture. Those who neglect it live defeated lives (Hosea 8:3); but those who choose this good thing will be commended by the Lord and they will grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 10:41,42; II Peter 3:18).

BIBLE DOCTRINE 7 - JUSTIFICATION

Justification - That Justification (or Regeneration) is the act of God’s grace whereby one receives forgiveness and remission of sins, and is counted righteous before God, through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus, standing before God as though he had never sinned. Psalm 32:1,2; Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:29; John 3:3-8; Acts 13:38,39; Romans 3:24-30; 4:6-16; 5:1,2; II Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; I Peter 1:23.

God's Word teaches:

Justification is the act of God’s grace through which one receives forgiveness and remission of sins and is counted righteous before God, through faith in the atoning blood of Jesus. Having thus been cleared of every guilt of sin, the regenerated stands before God as though he had never sinned. Now totally forgiven and the sins forgotten, God looks at the redeemed not on the basis of any personal merit but in the light of what Christ had accomplished for mankind by his substitutionary death on the cross of Calvary (Psalms 32:1-2: Isaiah 1:18; Micah 7:19; Acts 13:38).

In order to fully appreciate the benefits of salvation in Christ Jesus, the utter helplessness and hopelessness of man should be noted. Man being incapable of personally providing a solution to his problem of sin or change his eternal destiny of damnation (Isaiah 59:8), the need for justification becomes obvious.

To meet the standard of divine justice, due price needed to be paid. Man lacked both the capacity and purity to afford this. It therefore required the sacrifice of the spotless Iamb of God, untainted and without blemish in himself to pay the necessary ransom with his blood for the expiation of man’s sins.

It is instructive here to note that the nature of sin is not such that man could handle on his own or by the merit if his good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Just as circumcision cannot justify the Jew nor water baptism the Gentiles, so by the standards of God’s righteousness and holiness, church membership or confirmation does not suffice to justify any one. Only the faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross can assure a penitent soul the full justification through faith by the grace of Jesus. As has been outlined above, three aspects of the doctrinal question need be examined closely.

Redemption by the blood of Christ, Necessity of faith and Evidence of Justification. Genesis 2:16-17 reads and the Lord God commanded the man, saying of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. God's indelible words cannot be changed as revealed in the Holy Scriptures (Isaiah 55:11). Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:25).

Adam and Eve though still physically in the Garden of Eden after eating the forbidden fruit, consequently spiritually dead and became alienated from God and from the commonwealth of His kingdom. This verdict they could not set aside, which emphasizes the insufficiency of man’s works and personal endeavor in gaining salvation, except he be born again (John 3:3). It needed a Messiah - one qualified, sure and of a high integrity to meet the divine standard and thus satisfy God’s imperative judgment.

Christ therefore became the sin bearer, based on the fact of God’s provision and what the scripture says (Romans 3:25). And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (I John 2:2; Acts 4:12). And by Christ’s finished work of grace, solution was provided to the problem of sin to ensure man s reconciliation with God (Isaiah 44:22; Romans 5:9).

Although Christ's atonement on the cross guarantees universal provision of salvation for all mankind, but could only be appropriated on a personal basis there is yet a needful element for it to avail one; through faith in Christ Jesus. The sinner who seeks salvation must take the necessary step of faith in the blood of Jesus. St. Paul gives proof of it in his Epistle to the Romans 5:1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard. (Hebrews 4:2; 11:6).

Having been saved through faith in Lord Jesus, the redeemed has evidence in his new life to show for his justification (II Corinthians 5:17). In keeping with this expectation, Apostle Paul exhorts the Ephesians converts. be ye therefore followers of God as dear children. And work in love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. (Ephesians 5:1-2). Before he was justified, the sinner had works of the flesh as catalogue in Galatians 5:19-21 but as a new creature, the fruit of the spirit are manifest (Galatians 5:22-23). Therefore, in life style, speech. conduct and disposition, the redeemed is more like Christ, having been quickened by the spirit of God.

The misleading concept of justification by works, as an article of man’s religion, is opposed to justification by faith because it denies the grace of God and dishonors the blood of Christ.

The reference in the General Epistle of James 2:14-26 may be interpreted amiss by a cursory reader of the scriptures, where it asks: but wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

BIBLE DOCTRINE 6 - RESTITUTION

Restitution - That Restitution is making amends for wrongs done against our fellowmen, restoring stolen things to their rightful owners, paying debts, giving back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologising to those slandered, so as to have a conscience void of offence toward God and man. Genesis 20:1-8,14-18; Exodus 22:1-7; Leviticus 6:1-17; Numbers 5:6-8; 11 Samuel 12:1-6; Proverbs 6:31; Ezekiel 33:14-16; Matthew 5:23,24; Luke 19:8,9; Acts 23:1-5; 24:16; James 4:17-5:6.

God's Word teaches:

Repentance

Restitution is an act of making amends for wrongs done against our fellowmen, restoring stolen or misappropriated things, properties or persons to their rightful owners, paying back just debts, giving back where one has defrauded, making confessions to the offended and apologizing to those slandered so as to have a conscience void of offense toward God and men. This is done whether the person injured knew or not, for God knows (Hebrews 4:13).

We receive forgiveness when we confess and forsake our sins. We get cleansed by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (Proverbs 28:13; I John 1:9). When a sins against God, we often find that other people suffer as a result of that sin. It is also true that when a man sins against his neighbor, he sins against God in the same act, because one of God’s commandments has been broken. God willingly forgives the sins committed against Him when there is repentance and forsaking of sin. However, God requires that a man make amends to any person he has injured or wronged as a mark among other things, that repentance is genuine. We need to bear fruit that signify to all that we have become new creatures indeed (Luke 3:8-14; Romans 8:1-2; Acts 24:16; II Corinthians 5:17). Making restitutions ensures that we have right relationship with our fellowmen after we are reconciled with God.

The Bible doctrine on restitution in practice and precept spans virtually all the dispensations of God’s dealings with men till present day. The revelation of God’s will and word before the Mosaic laws demands that we make restitution (Romans 1 LI 9-20). Therefore, this teaching or doctrine of God's word, which had been, established many years before the law cannot be abolished with the law.

Restitution is part of the moral law. Most sins committed by men are against God as well as their neighbor. So repentance toward God for the children of Israel included restoration to man of all properties gained by fraud, lying or pretence of whatever kind (Exodus 21:18,19,22,26-36; 22:1-15; Leviticus 6:2-5; Numbers 5:6-8).

Rulers in Israel reflected and embraced this teaching on restitution. It is vital today that rulers, temporal and spiritual reflect this commitment to God’s moral requirement for all men (II Samuel 16:5-8 with 19:16-23; Proverbs 6:30,31; I Kings 20:34; II Kings 8:1-6). The prophets in Israel also preached, explained and emphasized the need to make restitution by every backslidden Israelite who is returning to God. Nehemiah 5: 6-13. The prophets proclaimed and prophesied much of the coming of Christ and the atoning sacrifice. They were quick to recognize the need for the blood of the Iamb to cleanse sins, yet they did not lessen God's requirement of the necessity of restitution. The ministry of preachers today is akin to that of the Old Testament prophets.

Restitution is a doctrine of Christ, confirming his word that till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one title shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Every believer must earnestly and whole-heartedly contend for and practice all that Christ taught (Matthew 18:15-17; Luke 17:3-5; Luke 19:8-1 0).

Zaccheus’ encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ is an object lesson. Zaccheus wanted nothing to stand between himself and his salvation - not even his wealth, especially that part that has been ill gotten. Though the people murmured that Jesus was going to be a sinner’s guest, Jesus pronounced that salvation has come to Zacchaeus' house since he as a son of Abraham not only by birth but now also by faith, is ready to make right his life and wholly follow the Lord. The salvation experience makes a person feel like returning all possessions that rightfully belong to another.

The apostles in the early church also preached and taught restitution. In fact the whole church of God lived by this teaching. Matthew 28:19,20; John 14:26; Acts 2:42; 16:4,5; Philemon 7:21. The rules of righteous living are just as high (or even higher) under the dispensation of Grace as those in the Old Testament. Restitution is as much a part of the Gospel as conversion or water baptism. It is not a self-righteous act to merit pardon. When a man is saved, he will not only make right matters of money such as theft, dishonest gains and unpaid bills; he will also confess his lies, slanderous reports, unjust criticisms, hatred, malice - those things in which one may have injured others in word or deed. One may say, ‘my brother or sister does not know that I talked evil of him’. but what about the person to whom you talked? Without doubt you have harmed him, and perhaps he repeated it to others. You should go to the one to whom you talked and confess it.

It is better that we make right all previous wrongs here and now than face it in eternity. The great counselor who never lost a case can go before us and soften the hearts of those whom we wronged (I Timothy 5:24).

Making restitution can be likened to a scriptural warfare in which we need God’s help and wisdom to undertake for us and quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:10-12,16). Some restitution are delicate. These are restitutions that may implicate or bring injuries or harm to others that may be unsaved; or the need to settle issues with individuals or organizations that may affect other people in an adverse way. It also includes cases in which we do not have clear leading from God’s word as to what steps to take. For delicate restitutions, we need fervent prayerfulness, wisdom and counseling from Spirit-filled preachers of God’s word who believe and teach the whole counsel of God (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6).

The civil laws in a country may not always govern in matters of restitution. For example, the law may provide a time limit for certain classes of debts and obligations, after which they become lapse; but no debts are outlawed with God. Time cannot cancel moral obligations.

Restitution is usually considered at the time of salvation because God will only forgive when a man is willing, so far as it lies within his power to make right every wrong that he has committed against others. There would be need however throughout life as a Christian to be ready to make restitution where need be when others are offended, for example, out of human error of judgment (Acts 23:1-5, Matthew 5:23,24).

God demands that restitutions be made. A far-reaching benefit in God’s plan as regards restitution is that an undeniable testimony is directed to people who otherwise might never seriously hear the story of the gospel. A religion that compels a man to pay his just debts, restore back the things he has stolen, and uncover his crimes demands confidence from men of the world.

When restitutions are made, and past wrongs are settled, the peace of God floods the believer’s heart. There is confidence towards God in prayer and the believer makes progress in the Christian life as sense of guilt is removed (Romans 8:1,2).