Baptist City Blog

Restoration Process

Jeremiah 52:31

"And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the first year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison,"

There is a process that must be taken in order for someone to be restored from sin. Sin is an ugly part of life that everyone must deal with at some time. When sin has been committed, it is very important that the one who has sinned be restored back to usefulness. The whole purpose of the restoration process is so that the one who committed sin can be used by God again.  Let me show you several steps that must be taken in order for someone to be completely restored.  

First, there must be a penalty for sin.  I know this sounds strange, but part of the restoration process is paying for what you have done. Remember, the purpose is to bring them to the point where they can be used by God again. Without a penalty for what they have done, then they will continue to do wrong. Jehoiachin was in captivity for fourteen years before he was lifted out of prison.

Second, the penalty of sin must end. One of the mistakes many people make is they never end sin's penalty.  If there is no end for sin's penalty, then there is no hope for the fallen to be restored.  If there is no hope to be restored, then there is no reason for someone to follow through the whole restoration process.  

Third, restoration must immediately begin. You will notice that the king of Babylon lifted Jehoiachin out of prison.  Likewise, when someone falls into sin, and they acknowledge their sin, then you must immediately start the restoration process of lifting them out of the prison of their sin.  

Fourth, forgiveness must be exercised.  In verse 33, you will see that forgiveness was exercised when his prison garments were changed.  Your goal in the restoration process is to bring the person to the point that they are not remembered for the wrong that they did, but for the good that they will do.

Fifth, fellowship must be restored.  In verse 32, the king of Babylon "spake kindly" to Jehoiachin. One of the sad results of sin is that fellowship is broken with those whom you love.  Therefore, it is very important that those who have been wronged forgive the offender so that they can continue to go through the restoration process.  

Sixth, relationships must be reestablished. Jehoiachin was able to eat at the king's table daily.  When someone sins, you will never restore them unless you allow your relationship with them to be reestablished.  Part of the restoration process is for the fallen to be able to walk with those who will pull them out because of their influence.  If you continue to shun those who have sinned, then how will they ever be restored?  

Last, position must be available again. Yes, sin forfeits the right for certain positions to ever be held again, but a person who has gone through the restoration process must be allowed to gain position in some area once they have proven that they are not going to commit that sin again.  There must be a goal in sight for the fallen to drive them through the whole restoration process.  

Let me ask you, are you helping people who have sinned to go through the restoration process, or are you condemning them? If you want to be like Christ, then you need to make it a part of your daily life to help restore people back to usefulness.