There is a belief circulating in many Christian circles, sometimes as a quiet assumption, sometimes as a bold declaration, at other times as a doctrinal teaching, that a person cannot be truly saved without first making restitution for wrongs they have committed.

Pay back what you stole. Restore what you damaged. Correct what you wronged. Otherwise, you cannot be truly saved, and God may not receive you.

It sounds holy. It sounds responsible. It even sounds biblical

But is it the gospel?

In this short episode, I take you on a journey to examine the story of Zacchaeus, the most-cited proof text for restitution, and reveal that, when read carefully, it proves the exact opposite of what most people assume.

This is Part 1 of 2 in the series.

To get a hold of the full article, go to my main article link below.

Is Restitution Required for Salvation?

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Some people wonder why God did not give them a one-way ticket straight to heaven the moment they give their lives to Christ to avoid the risk of falling away.

Understand that the moment you gave your life to Christ, you are already deployed.

Jesus said in Luke 19:13, “Occupy till I come.”

Paul gave that command practical shape in Romans 12:11: “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” and the three things God requires of every redeemed life: vocation, devotion, and service to humanity.

Why does God leave believers on earth after salvation? What does your work say about your witness? Can spiritual activity replace true devotion? And can anyone truly serve God while ignoring people?

This is a three-part message and calls believers to examine what actually counts before God and also the balance between diligence in work, fervency in spirit, and genuine service to others.

Key Scriptures: Romans 12:11, Luke 19, James 1:27, Matthew 5:16, Proverbs 22:29.

To read the full episode, visit my Substack page.

Is tithing required for New Testament Christians, or does it belong to the Old Covenant?

In this teaching, Pastor Bo examines the difference between Old Testament tithing and New Testament giving, showing why believers must understand the covenant they are standing in.

The issue is not whether Christians should give. New Testament believers are called to give generously, sacrificially, and responsibly to the fellowship and household of faith. But giving under grace is not the same as being placed back under the law.

This message challenges the common practice of taking tithing from the Old Covenant while ignoring the rest of the law. If Christ has finished the work, then believers must learn to walk fully in the New Covenant, led by the Holy Spirit, not by selective religious obligation.

In this teaching, you will hear about:

• New Testament giving
• The difference between tithe and generosity
• Why the early church gave beyond percentages
• The danger of mixing law and grace
• Ananias and Sapphira and the issue of dishonest giving
• Why Christians must understand covenant identity

Watch till the end and examine this carefully through Scripture.

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