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If the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery, and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live. Ezekiel 33:15–16
D.L. MOODY
If you have ever taken money dishonestly, you need not pray God to forgive you and fill you with the Holy Ghost until you make restitution. If you have not got the money now to pay back, you must will to do it, and God accepts the willing mind.
Many a man is kept in darkness and unrest because he fails to obey God on this point. If the plough has gone deep, if the repentance is true, it will bring forth fruit. What use is there in my coming to God until I am willing, like Zacchaeus, to make it good, if I have done any man wrong or have taken anything from him falsely? Confession and restitution are the steps that lead up to forgiveness.
ERWIN LUTZER
Obviously, Ezekiel 33 is not teaching salvation by works, it is referring to civil penalties that can be avoided if the offender makes restitution. But I cannot overemphasize the need for restitution; we should not pray for the fullness of the Spirit until we have returned what we have stolen and asked forgiveness from those we have hurt.
Years ago, there was a genuine revival in western Canada. Christians were experiencing deep and abiding repentance. They were returning money they had misappropriated from their taxes; they were asking forgiveness of each other. Such humble actions were blessed by God and people came to saving faith in Christ. God wants His children to be fully right with Him and also have a clear conscience in regard to others. If we are willing to pay any price to be fully right with God, we will experience the fullness of the Spirit in many blessed ways.
PRAYER
Father, search my heart. Convict me of any sin I have hidden. Let me make restitution wherever appropriate—no matter the cost.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
In your own life, is there a hidden sin or material possession that’s hindering your relationship with God?
Is there an area in your life where you have confessed a sin to God but have resisted taking the practical steps to make it right?