REPENTANCE AND RESTITUTION

Repentance means a change of mind. It is a change of mind that results in a change in behavior. Repentance is the result of godly sorrow (II Corinthians 7:10). Godly sorrow is the quality being so grieved by the wrongs committed in the past that there is a determination to turn away from those kinds of actions combined with a determination to do only that which is right in the eyes of God. This sorrow (godly sorrow) is not the sorrow of being caught, but sorrow that is characterized by a broken, contrite heart. Jude tells us that such a one hates even the garment spotted by the flesh (Jude 23). Repentance was described by Jonah when it was said that the Ninevites “turned from their evil way” (Jonah 3:10). When Jesus spoke of the same situation, He stated that they “repented at the preaching of Jonah” (Matthew 12:39-41).

All sin is against God and must be forgiven by God. King David recognized that though his sins involved others those sins were against God. He exclaimed, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:4). God is not obligated to forgive. Forgiveness is the result of God’s mercy and grace. Forgiveness is through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7). Paul in that passage also referred to the “riches” of God’s grace. God’s grace is sufficient to forgive all of the sins of all of mankind. There is no inadequacy in the blood of Christ. No matter how awful our sin is, no matter how many those sins are we can be forgiven by God. If we are alien sinners (not Christians), we must do those things that God requires in order to receive the remission (forgiveness) of our sins. We must obey the Gospel to be saved from our sins. That Gospel stipulates that we must believe in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of man (John 8:24), repent of our sins (Luke 13:3,5), confess our faith in Christ before men (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized by the authority of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16). If we are already members of the church, we must follow God’s second plan of pardon to be forgiven. We must repent of our sins (Acts 8:22) and confess those sins to God in prayer (I John 1:9; Acts 8:22). The blood of Jesus can thus cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In either case (alien sinner, fallen child of God), the common act required for forgiveness is repentance. It is, therefore, imperative that we understand what is meant by repentance and all that is involved in this act.

Repentance involves restitution. Restitution is restoring to another that which we have unjustly taken in our sins. If we have deprived others of some material thing, then we must restore to that person the thing taken or the value of that thing. If that cannot be done then reasonable satisfaction must be given. If what is taken is intangible, then every effort must be made to remove the effects of the wrong. In simple terms this means that if we have stolen an automobile we must return it if we have repented. We cannot keep riding around in the car if we have genuinely repented. I believe we all have the ability to understand this. This illustration has been used effectively many times. It clearly illustrates the idea of restitution involved in repentance.

If emotions were not so heavily involved in other similar situations, I believe we could see the parallel and apply this idea of restitution consistently with success. But, when “marriage” is the sin, many do not see as clearly as they would otherwise. If a person is in an unscriptural marriage (a “marriage” not authorized by God), then many want to suggest that a person can repent without giving up that which is not rightfully his or hers. Repentance requires restitution where possible. Baptism, in the case of the alien sinner becoming a Christian, does not sanctify an unscriptural relationship. The sin of adultery can be forgiven, but only when repentance occurs which means turning away from the practice of adultery. A person cannot continue in the sinful practice and have God’s approval or forgiveness. A person must stop the practice of whatever sin in order to be forgiven.

Perhaps this additional illustration will help. Suppose a practicing homosexual learned the Truth and wanted forgiveness. It is impossible to have that forgiveness and have a right relationship with God while continuing to practice homosexuality. That sinful practice must stop if forgiveness is to obtained! Baptism will not sanctify such a relationship that is sinful no more than baptism will sanctify an adulterous relationship. If forgiveness is to be obtained, then the sinful practice must stop. That is part of what repentance requires!

Lester Kamp

I Don’t Understand

Some things I don’t understand:

• I don’t understand how men who were once faithful Gospel preachers can preach a perverted “gospel” based on fantasy instead of fact (II Timothy 4:2; Galatians 1:6–9).
• I don’t understand why congregations put up with or fellowship preachers who have left the faith (I John 1:6–10; II John 9–11).
• I don’t understand how anyone can think that instrumental music in worship is authorized (or more beautiful) than singing that comes from our hearts (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
• I don’t understand how anyone can think that God’s Word changes just because his—or a family member’s—situation in life changes (Matthew 5:32; 19:3–9).
• I don’t understand how anyone can believe that the Spirit works directly on the heart of some unless he believes that God is a respecter of persons (Proverbs 24:23; John 7:24; Acts 10:34–35).
• I don’t understand why faithful Gospel preachers are ridiculed, abused, and even fired for doing what God has told them to do (I Corinthians 1:23; II Timothy 4:2).
• I don’t understand how anyone can love the things of this world and expect to be loved by the Father (I John 2:15–17).
• I don’t understand how God could love such a one as I and be willing to give up His Son to die as a sacrifice for me (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
• I don’t understand pain, suffering, and death, but I do know that one day these will be no more (Revelation 21:3).

I don’t understand such things, but I know that if I endure faithfully to the end, God the Father will explain it all to me on that Day (II Timothy 4:7–8)!

Danny Box

Let God Do the Clapping

From time to time a question arises concerning the practice of clapping during our worship periods to show our approval of something said or done. This practice is, generally speaking, relatively new among churches of Christ. That fact within itself does not make the practice either right or wrong.  Neither does the fact that it is a practice borrowed by our denominational neighbors from the entertainment industry, and then by churches of Christ from our denominational neighbors. The rightness or wrongness of an act is determined, not by its antiquity or its novelty, not by who has or has not made it a practice, but by whether or not it is in harmony with the teaching of the New Testament.

Clapping during worship fits into the agenda of those who are trying to change the church. Some of them have made it plain that worship must be changed to make it more appealing to the worshiper.  Calvin Warpula wrote, “I also believe we should let individuals and congregations use the musical format they like without judging them.” Rubel Shelly said, “The tired, uninspiring event we call worship in traditional churches has to give away to the exhilarating experience of God that exhibits and nourishes life in the worshipers.” He also said in the same speech, “The church has got to change.  If it doesn't change, my kids are not going to stay with it.”

These statements suggest that worship must please the worshiper. They ignore the fact that worship is designed to honor God. When the design of worship is to entertain the worshiper, we expect those being entertained to show their approval by clapping.

There is the same authority for clapping in Christian worship as there is for playing a piano or organ. It is doing something for which there is no divine authority. Furthermore, those among our brethren who first started clapping in worship are the same ones who have stretched the tent of fellowship over the denominational world, and who will not say those who use the instrument in worship sin in so doing. While clapping has now caught on with some who are otherwise, it should be remembered that hand clapping in worship was originally borrowed from the denominations by some who believe those in the denominations have God’s approval.

It would be admitted by most that clapping the hands in worship does not in any way add to the dignity and solemnity of the occasion. It does not do honor to God; we honor Him by doing what He has told us to do in worship, and He has not told us to clap.

It is also a fact that, until recent years, it was considered in bad taste to applaud any religious activity. If you think otherwise, consult the books by Emily Post, whose name for many years was synonymous with etiquette.

Who is being applauded when there is hand clapping in worship? Are those who clap their hands doing so to honor God? If so, they are seeking to honor God in some way He has not authorized instead of as He has directed. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). II John 9 says, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.  He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” It will be admitted by all that we can abide in the doctrine of Christ without ever having a round of applause in any of our worship assemblies.

If hand clapping is something of value in our worship, then why didn't God prescribe it? Could it be that those who initiated this practice think they have thought of something God overlooked? Or did God simply not know of its great value?  Brethren with such wisdom would do well to read I Corinthians 3:18-20: “Let no man deceive himself.  If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.  For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.  And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.”

Those really interested in the peace and harmony of the church will not insist on clapping in worship. They themselves will agree that clapping is not necessary in order to have Scriptural worship. They will acknowledge also that clapping is not an act God has prescribed. Therefore, they must confess they can worship Scripturally and conscientiously without applauding. In love for those who conscientiously oppose it, and in the interest of peace and harmony, it should be omitted.

Occasionally one will be heard to say that hand clapping is no different from saying, Amen. But there is one slight difference: saying, “Amen” is authorized in Scripture. I Corinthians 14-16, “Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?”

Where is the verse which mentions clapping hands in worship?

I would emphasize that I am not one who is opposed to change, provided the change is in harmony with the Will of God, and provided the change will be an improvement. However, if we are to improve our worship, it will not be by adding other acts, but by improving the worshipers.

If there is to be applause in connection with our worship, let it be by God; he is the only audience.  All of us are participants.

Bobby Duncan

Repentance

Repentance is absolutely essential to one’s salvation (Acts 2:38; II Peter 3:9). It is universal in its import (Luke 13:3, 5). Without doubt, however, the hardest command to obey in becoming a child of God is the command to repent of one’s sins. Human beings as a rule do not like to be told that they are wrong about anything, especially when it comes to their moral conduct. To be criticized about anything seems to “cut against the grain” in our mental make-up. Yet, it is precisely the humbling of ourselves- -so as to recognize we are wrong when we are wrong--that lies at the very heart of genuine, heart-felt, and life-changing repentance. It is the lowering of ourselves in our own eyes, not only to acknowledge with both mind and lips “I am wrong,” --but the steeled determination to do something about it, regardless of what may be required by the Lord, that is the essence of true repentance. Repentance is produced by “godly sorrow,” but it is more than this (II Corinthians 7:10). While it recognizes the fact of wrongdoing and creates in the human heart genuine sorrow “after a godly sort,” it proceeds to motivate the penitent to do something about the wrong—to try in some fashion to correct it or, at the very least, to change his behavior about it. Where restitution is possible, it seeks to make it. It is a change of life itself, produced by a change of mind! Repentance is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:28-32. The first son refused to go into his father’s vineyard to work, but then “afterward he repented, and went” (v. 29). It is also demonstrated in the wonderful account of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who went on to preach the faith which he once destroyed. 

Some years ago, I was studying the Word of God with a young man. He soon came to understand God’s plan of salvation. When it came time to press the matter and call upon him to obey what he now knew to be true, he backed away from the Gospel by claiming that he simply could not bring himself to stop doing certain things, such as drinking alcoholic beverages, dancing in the nightclubs, et. al. He ultimately rejected the Gospel because it demanded more of him than he was willing to do! Invariably when people reject God’s plan of salvation, the key point is repentance. 

I am convinced that more people get hung up on that command far more even than the command to be baptized for the remission of sins. In fact, if the truth be known – in all cases where the latter is rejected, the former has never begun really to take place! True faith and repentance demand nothing less than full compliance with God’s Word in becoming a Christian. The biggest obstacle is not getting into the water to get into Christ, it is getting out of self so that the other can occur! The first requirement of discipleship is a denial of self (Mat.16:24). 

Repentance is the proper expression of such radical change in one’s focus in life.

Daniel Denham

Time and the Gospel

The well worn axiom, “All things change with time,” is applicable to many things in life: the physical aspects of the lives of human beings; the temporal configuration of the terrain, weather, etc. of the Earth; countries, kings, and customs; even the emotional dispositions of men.

However, change is not relevant to all things that exist. To the point – God does not change, “For I am the LORD, I change not;therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6). James also speaks of God immutability, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

To be more precise, God does not change is in His Divine attributes. God does not vary or change concerning His: omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, or immutability. Change is, however, involved in God’s circumstantial will – hence the record of Genesis chapter six.

A circumstance of Biblical history that vividly illustrates the type of change which exists with God (His circumstantial will) is found recorded in the book of Jonah. The barbaric Assyrian people were hideously wicked. Their great evil brought the wrathful justice of God against their capital city of Nineveh (Jonah 1:2). Consequently, God determined to destroy Nineveh (Jonah 3:4). When God’s message of destruction was delivered by the prophet Jonah, the Ninevites heard the Word of God and repented (Jonah 3:4-9). The repentance, or change of mind, of Nineveh changed the mind of God, “And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not” (Jonah 3:10). God had determined to destroy Nineveh – but that determination was based upon the reaction of the Ninevites to God’s Word: God’s will was circumstantial or conditional, in that, if Nineveh repented they would be saved – if not, they would be destroyed.

One should notice what did not change: God’s Word. His Word was the standard of determination. God’s decree went forth to Nineveh, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown,” and the Ninevites reaction to that Word determined God’s further actions.

At the dedication of the temple, which Solomon built, God said, “And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel” (I Kings 9:4-5). If Israel remained obedient to God’s Word they would prosper – if not; they would perish: “But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people” (I Kings 9:6-7). Israel sinned greatly and God turned from blessing Israel, as He had before, and brought great wrath upon them (cf. II Kings 17:1-23; 24:1-4).

Throughout the times of the kings of Israel, God’s Word was the standard by which Israel was judged (such is also true of all of man’s history), “Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God” (II Kings 17:13-14). When men rejected God’s Word, God rejected them (II Kings 17:18).

God’s Word remained constant, unchanging. Man changed – God did not (His attributes and His Word which is a product of His attributes). So it has always been with God’s Word. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The immutability of the Word of God qualifies It to be the basis for God’s judgment on that final day, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

The final conclusion, therefore, is: times change and men change but every man’s obligation to be obedient to God’s unchanging Word remains the same.

John Rose