Repentance Restores

January 11th, 2026

Psalm 51:10-17.

David penned Psalm 51 after a particularly heinous act of sin. He had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Then, when she informed the king that she was pregnant, he tried to cover it up. Even worse, when her husband Uriah’s integrity made a coverup impossible, David used his status as commander-in-chief to have Uriah killed in battle. Finally, the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sinfulness, and David repented of his sin.

I am glad to be a part of a denomination that believes in restoration after sin. I know many people who believe that when a minister has a moral failure, they are then barred from ministry for the rest of their lives. While there are some situations that do call for such a ban, I am glad that my denomination makes space for restoration if there is repentance.

It is repentance that is the key. In my own community, a pastor was having multiple affairs. As far as I know, he has never repented and has acted as though his removal from ministry was an unjust punishment. He eventually left the church he had pastored to start his own church.

Restoration can happen, but repentance must come first.

Author: Joe Foltz