Is restitution necessary to be baptized(forgiven).

[Sean]

I saw an Apostolic Church in Hawaii that demanded in their pre baptism indoctrination program, saying that a candidate for baptism MUST perform restitution as much as possible(imagine the implications), to all that they have offended, before they can be considered "truly repented" and therefore find remission of sins during the baptism process. A good friend of mine also said his 1st pastor was taught that doctrine as a new convert, turned himself in for former crimes, and went to prison.

I would like to see anyones' input here, for or against it...(I personally am against it.)

[PastorTLArt]

All I can say is Im thankful that salvation comes through Grace not water!!!

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by PastorTLArt

All I can say is Im thankful that salvation comes through Grace not water!!!

Poor Jesus, poor Peter.........if only they knew.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Sean

I saw an Apostolic Church in Hawaii that demanded in their pre baptism indoctrination program, saying that a candidate for baptism MUST perform restitution as much as possible(imagine the implications), to all that they have offended, before they can be considered "truly repented" and therefore find remission of sins during the baptism process. A good friend of mine also said his 1st pastor was taught that doctrine as a new convert, turned himself in for former crimes, and went to prison.

I would like to see anyones' input here, for or against it...(I personally am against it.)

I don't believe restitution was ever required before baptism in Scripture. Repentance yes, restitution no. Besides, wouldn't it be a better witness to have a brother who is born again, signed, sealed, and delivered seek you out and give restitution because he's saved... instead of finding out the only reason why he sought you out for restitution was so that his church would accept him and baptize him???

After being born again (the Acts 2:38 experience) a believer begins a journey of sanctification. Restitution should by all means be a part of this journey wherever it might apply. But it's part of the journey... not a requirement to embark on the journey.

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by Sean

I saw an Apostolic Church in Hawaii that demanded in their pre baptism indoctrination program, saying that a candidate for baptism MUST perform restitution as much as possible(imagine the implications), to all that they have offended, before they can be considered "truly repented" and therefore find remission of sins during the baptism process. A good friend of mine also said his 1st pastor was taught that doctrine as a new convert, turned himself in for former crimes, and went to prison.

I would like to see anyones' input here, for or against it...(I personally am against it.)

Is there a precedent in NT scripture for this doctrine? I can find none. I believe the Lord may convict us of things in our past that can be made right, but it is not right to make a doctrine out of it.

[Esaias]

Restitution is part of repentence. A person may refuse baptism to someone if they sincerely believe the person's faith and repentence is defective. And perhaps this may require restitution.

But the scriptural requisite for baptism is "believing with your whole heart."

[Sean]

I agree that there is NO N.T. precedence for restitution prior to baptism. However, it was an O.T. requirement to find "salvation by the works of the Law"..(ie, Zacchaeus, etc.), but at Pentecost and after, we see no mention of it.

FYI, I went fishing today and my(minister) buddy told me he knows ministers that believe in restitution, it is more of a prevalent doctrine than we realize.

[FlamingZword]

Originally Posted by Sean

I saw an Apostolic Church in Hawaii that demanded in their pre baptism indoctrination program, saying that a candidate for baptism MUST perform restitution as much as possible(imagine the implications), to all that they have offended, before they can be considered "truly repented" and therefore find remission of sins during the baptism process. A good friend of mine also said his 1st pastor was taught that doctrine as a new convert, turned himself in for former crimes, and went to prison.

I would like to see anyones' input here, for or against it...(I personally am against it.)

I would like to provide input, but I can't since I am terrified that if my post disagrees with yours, you might put a dying curse upon me.

[Sean]

Originally Posted by FlamingZword

I would like to provide input, but I can't since I am terrified that if my post disagrees with yours, you might put a dying curse upon me.

Oh stop it!....

The Lord may just take care of you by missing the rapture or something, I have no specifics about you.(I'm sure it all depends on how defiant you are to the Holy Ghost, ie... joking about all the souls that have been lost over tithes, etc.)

[FlamingZword]

Originally Posted by Sean

Oh stop it!....

The Lord may just take care of you by missing the rapture or something, I have no specifics about you.(I'm sure it all depends on how defiant you are to the Holy Ghost, ie... joking about all the souls that have been lost over tithes, etc.)

Well since I do not believe in the rapture, then it is not a big loss.