Topical Encyclopedia Robbery, the act of taking another's property unlawfully, is explicitly condemned in the Bible. It is a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). Throughout Scripture, robbery is associated with sin and injustice, yet the Bible also offers hope for forgiveness and redemption for those who repent.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, robbery is often linked with violence and oppression. The prophets frequently denounce the practice as a sign of societal decay and moral corruption. For instance, Ezekiel condemns the leaders of Israel, saying, "The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice" (Ezekiel 22:29). Here, robbery is not just a personal sin but a systemic issue that reflects a broader failure to uphold justice and righteousness. Despite the severity of the sin, the Old Testament also provides a framework for restitution and forgiveness. In the Mosaic Law, a thief was required to make restitution, often paying back more than what was stolen (Exodus 22:1-4). This principle underscores the possibility of restoration and reconciliation with both God and the community. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to affirm the sinfulness of robbery but emphasizes the transformative power of repentance and faith in Christ. In the Gospel of Luke, the account of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, illustrates this theme. Zacchaeus, who had likely enriched himself through dishonest means, encounters Jesus and experiences a profound change of heart. He declares, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold" (Luke 19:8). Jesus responds, "Today salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9), highlighting that genuine repentance leads to forgiveness and salvation. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of theft in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, he lists thieves among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God but follows with a message of hope: "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). This passage underscores the transformative power of God's grace, which can cleanse even those guilty of robbery. Forgiveness and Restoration The Bible consistently teaches that forgiveness is available to all who repent and turn to God. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus illustrates the boundless mercy of the Father, who welcomes back his wayward son with open arms (Luke 15:11-32). This parable serves as a powerful reminder that no sin, including robbery, is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness. Moreover, the call to forgive others as we have been forgiven is a central tenet of Christian teaching. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs His followers to pray, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). This principle encourages believers to extend the same grace and forgiveness they have received to those who have wronged them, including those guilty of robbery. Practical Implications For Christians, the message of forgiveness for robbery carries practical implications. It calls for a heart of compassion and a willingness to support those seeking to make amends. The church is encouraged to be a place of restoration, offering guidance and support to those who have repented of their sins. Additionally, believers are called to advocate for justice and righteousness in society, addressing the root causes of theft and promoting systems that reflect God's justice and mercy. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 33:15If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. Nave's Topical Index Library An Unalterable Law 1 Cor. xv. 29 Exhortation to Repentance. Psalm CXXXIX. Terror by Night From the Seventh to the End of the Tenth Commandment Christ Our Advocate The Trinity St. Ambrose Shows by Instances that the Places in which those ... How the Back Parts of God were Seen. The Faith of the Resurrection ... Resources Is gambling a sin? What does the Bible say about gambling? | GotQuestions.orgIs it possible to be Christian and pro-choice at the same time? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between natural evil and moral evil? | GotQuestions.org Robbery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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