A popular interpretation of Leviticus 6:1-6 and Exodus 22:1 suggests that God will restore believers’ losses with a significant increase—up to 120% of the original value or quality. This belief is often applied to various areas of life, including the restoration of lost time, possessions, and even relationships. For instance, this interpretation is saying that a divorced person can expect a new partner with qualities surpassing the previous one by 20%.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this verse-by-verse study is to carefully examine these scriptures and evaluate the accuracy of this widespread teaching. Let’s begin by analyzing the context of Leviticus 6:1-6.
| 1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “If a person sins and commits a trespass against the LORD by lying to his neighbor about what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or about a pledge, or about a robbery, or if he has extorted from his neighbor, 3 or if he has found what was lost and lies concerning it, and swears falsely—in any one of these things that a man may do in which he sins: 4 then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he has stolen, or the thing which he has extorted, or what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or the lost thing which he found, 5 or all that about which he has sworn falsely. He shall restore its full value, add one-fifth more to it, and give it to whomever it belongs, on the day of his trespass offering. 6 And he shall bring his trespass offering to the LORD, a ram without blemish from the flock, with your valuation, as a trespass offering, to the priest. (Leviticus 6:1-6 NKJV) |
| 4 when they sin in any of these ways and realize their guilt, they must RETURN what they have stolen or taken by extortion, or what was entrusted to them, or the lost property they found, (Leviticus 6:4 NIV) |
The key term in this well-known teaching is “RESTORE” or “RESTORATION.” However, a closer look at Leviticus 6 reveals a different meaning:
- Restitution:
If someone sins through deceit, theft, or perjury, they must fully repay the victim and add a fifth (20%) as a penalty, totaling 120% of the original value (v. 5). - Sacrifice:
The offender must present a guilt offering to the priest for atonement (v. 6-7). - Forgiveness:
Only then is forgiveness granted (v. 7).
In contrast to this biblical outline, the popular teaching distorts, misunderstands, or misleads the scripture by promising a blanket 120% restoration of all losses, including wasted time, broken relationships, and material damages. Its core principle in the context is not for God to provide significantly more compensation.
Essentially, this teaching suggests that Jesus serves as the believers’ substitute, acting as their guilt offering. It proposes that whenever believers sin/ fall short, Jesus compensates God (the Father) by 120% more than what was lost. Thus, God the Father is enriched by this additional 120%. In contrast, Leviticus 6 states that a sinner must repay 120% of the value of the stolen item.
This teaching then quickly references Ruth as an example. However, Ruth’s story might not be suitable in this context. Leviticus 6 addresses sin and the restitution required for sinful actions, whereas Ruth was not living in sin. Furthermore, as a Gentile, Ruth chose to embrace the God of Israel and placed her faith in Him.
The teaching then shifts to Exodus 22:1, using it as further support for the concept of “RESTORATION.”
The context of Exodus 22:1 is provided;
| (NIV) 1 IF A man steals an ox or sheep and kills or sells it, he shall PAY five oxen for an ox, or four sheep for a sheep. (Exodus 22:1) |
| (NKJV) 1 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and slaughters it or sells it, he shall RESTORE five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. (Exodus 22:1) |
It is a self-explanation. Exodus 22:1 is also talking about the restitution of a sinner. It is not talking about promises of God for the divine compensation of the wasted years for His people.
CONCLUSION
Undoubtedly, everyone desires complete restoration. However, this isn’t the biblical perspective grounded in the two scriptures mentioned. In some cases, lost time, opportunities, failed relationships, and impaired health are irreversible.
Certainly, should believers seek restoration for their misfortunes, God can act on it. Those two passages are undeniably God’s Word, but their meaning is being distorted.
It’s not biblical to claim that God the Father has been enriched by 120% through Christ’s work on the cross.
In conclusion, believers should consider these questions:
- Does this mean believers could commit crimes and expect Jesus to cover the cost, plus an additional 20% for God the Father?
- If someone sins, does it imply that Jesus will compensate the Father by 120%? Amenbible
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