If someone committed a serious crime and never got caught, then became a Christi

1. 76

   Shepherd's Lambposted 13 years ago

   If someone committed a serious crime and never got caught, then became a Christian...
   
   What would be the right thing to do?  If someone committed a serious crime (murder, robbery, rape, embezzlement, you name it) and never got caught...then became a Christian, should he/she turn themselves in and pay the penalty or not?
   
   

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2. 62

   jwood00posted 13 years ago

   Obviously. Becoming christian doesn't exempt them from punishment in the eyes of the law, nor is that enough to assure the safety of ordinary citizens who are in danger from this person being free.

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3. 71

   Silver Poetposted 13 years ago

   If he robbed someone he should pay them back plus interest.  The same if he embezzled.  He should make it right.  If the party who is paid in full decides not to press charges, the case may or may not be dropped.
   
   The other two crimes cannot be undone, and turning himself in would be the best way to go.

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4. 62

   Gary Hayesposted 13 years ago

   The sin is against their fellow man, not against their god. If your God forgives you, what difference does it make? You've still wronged another person. Perhaps the true measure of one's conversion will not be in what they say, but in what they do to rectify the wrong. If their religion says to just brush it under the carpet and forget about it, is it really worth following?

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5. 60

   ladyjojoposted 13 years ago

   I believe it depends on what you did if it's thief you can recompence the person back etc
   
   If it's murder that would be tuff...... I believe God is faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins. Ask God to forgive you my friend.
   
   Atleast you turn around your life for the better.....

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6. 61

   Dave Mathewsposted 13 years ago

   Christianity by definition is based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and adapting those principles taught by Him. Render unto Ceasar is one principle that comes to mind.
   
   To become a Christian one must confess ones sins, repent, which includes repay ones sins or sin-debt and then accept Jesus as one's Lord and Saviour and be baptized.

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7. 60

   HOOWANTSTONOposted 13 years ago

   Man can never repay God for his sins, because he is a sinner from birth, so if he wants to give himself over to the law then let him. God does not remember the sins of those that are "Born again" so God doesn't have an issue with it. Confessing your sins to man cannot change what God has done for man, so rather be born again. God will never judge you

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8. 60

   Mark Upshawposted 13 years ago

   I knew a minister who professed all sort of crimes as badges of honor that he committed prior to conversion and refused to pay the price and confess to any of them because the money was too good in the ministry and his family had it too well.

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9. 48

   Patricia1958posted 13 years ago

   YES................No if's and's or but's..............People do change for the good but the past will catch up with them .........as it always does.

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10. 61

    micahjoyposted 13 years ago

    Yes, of course. Being Christian isn't an excuse for illegal behavior, even if it was in the past. 
    
    Just because God forgives you, doesn't mean you shouldn't be held accountable to the law, or that the people you wronged don't deserve justice.

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11. 69

    chasemillisposted 13 years ago

    They should, but honestly, I'm not sure if I would. I hope I would, but in that situation, I have no idea. Eventually they will face judgement, so their not exempt from it. They just may not have to face the judgement of it on this earth.

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12. 0

    jasper420posted 13 years ago

    the true chrishtain thing to do would be for them to turn themsleves in and let justice be served while still remaining to serve the lord

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13. 51

    Norine Williamsposted 9 years ago

    What did Judas do? Matthew 27:3-5 "Then Judas, who had betrayed him, when he "SAW" that he was condemned, REPENTED, and BROUGHT AGAIN (Repented) the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, (v4) SAYING (Confessing) I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood..." (v 5) "And he cast down the pieces of silver (Repented) in the temple, and departed, and hanged himself."  This is why Scripture says "It is is better that he had never been born" in Matthew 26:24 and Mark 14:21 because he was so "mentally tortured," "he hanged himself!"
    
    However, I Peter 3:19 says after Jesus rose from the dead "...he went and preached to the spirits in prison" (where Judas was) preaching to all "The Gospel of Christ" affording them (prisoners) (v20) "Who at one time were disobedient..." (Judas) Grace and Mercy under the New Covenant. I Peter 4:6 says "For, this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged ACCORDING TO MEN IN THE FLESH, but live according to God in the spirit."  Therefore,  Jesus afforded the "disobedient" (as He does us today) the opportunity of Grace and Mercy who died prior to the New Covenant so we (men/flesh) will all be judged on the same merits! 
    
    Consequently, Judas "Repented, Confessed, AND JESUS gave Grace and Mercy to those who "heard" (in the grave) and is why I believe Judas (who repented and confessed and at one time KNEW Jesus) received Grace and Mercy and was forgiven "in the grave!"  Just saying!  Is that not what we do for forgiveness=Repent and Confess?  And MY GOD, being the Merciful GOD that He is, would not "use a vessel" and just "kick him to the curb" as man does!  Get real! 
    
    Furthermore, Exodus 33:19 and Romans 9:15 GOD says {paraphrasing} "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I PLEASE!"
    
    However, we have been given instructions to "leave that alone" as stated in John 21:22 which says, "...If I will that he tarry til I come, WHAT IS THAT TO THEE?  Follow thou me!"  In other words, "It's none of our business, just follow JESUS!" 
    
    Yes, I believe us MOST do not!  If it had not been for Judas betraying Jesus, Scripture would not have been fulfilled and we would not have been afforded Grace and Mercy, the Holy Spirit, forgiveness from our transgressions and sins, benefits, and on and on!  Thank God for Judas!
    
    Sometimes "things" don't "appear" to be "right" in the sight of man, but it is ALL in God's Plan and not for us to judge. We should only judge with the Word of God and "You" (personally) will NEVER judge or be "wrong!"
    
    In other words, I can't judge you, only HIS WORD can do that!  It is a consolation to know "According to his divine power HATH GIVEN UNTO US "ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN UNTO LIFE AND GODLINESS..." (II Peter 1:3) is WRITTEN in SCRIPTURE!
    
    STUDY (II Timothy 2:15)!

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14. 52

    celafoeposted 7 years ago

    only the Holy Spirit is able to give each such individual instructions.    No one else knows ALL THINGS.

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