If a man embezzled billions in government money and used it to build houses and factories, purchase automobiles, and to marry, how can he make restitution when he becomes a Christian (Luke 19:1-8)?

QUESTION: If a man embezzled billions in government money and used it to build houses and factories, purchase automobiles, and to marry, how can he make restitution when he becomes a Christian (Luke 19:1-8)?

ANSWER: Not knowing the details (including the laws of your country) involved in this situation makes it impossible to give specific (step-by-step) answers to the question. However, that restitution must be made is without doubt. The very nature of true repentance demands that all wrongs be set aright, where possible.

Clearly, there are cases in which a person has truly repented, but restitution is impossible, e.g., a man may repent of murder, but obviously he cannot bring one back from the dead. However, whatever one can do, he must do! In the case in question, the man would obviously have to report himself to the Government’s authorities, give up all that he has illegally gained to them, and suffer the penalties demanded by the law. Otherwise, true repentance has not occurred, without which one cannot become a Christian!