Should a Christian turn themselves in for minor crimes committed before being saved?

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Mar 10, 2025
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#1
I've been thinking about this and I wonder, should I turn myself in for crimes I committed before coming to Christ, i.e. Pirating games and movies, I stole a thing of beef jerky from a gas station when I was in middle school once, and other things. And if this applies for smaller crimes what about bigger ones, how should a Christian go about this? In terms of Pirating games I bought most of the games I pirated before becoming a Christian, kinda reconciling it, but would I be called to go to the police and admit these crimes and asked to be charged, or would this be just a personal thing for me to decide.
 
Sep 17, 2018
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#2
I've been thinking about this and I wonder, should I turn myself in for crimes I committed before coming to Christ, i.e. Pirating games and movies, I stole a thing of beef jerky from a gas station when I was in middle school once, and other things. And if this applies for smaller crimes what about bigger ones, how should a Christian go about this? In terms of Pirating games I bought most of the games I pirated before becoming a Christian, kinda reconciling it, but would I be called to go to the police and admit these crimes and asked to be charged, or would this be just a personal thing for me to decide.
Don't forget speeding. Or not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. Or any other traffic infractions.
My point is, how far down would one have to go to feel they have to turn themselves in?
Nor do I think it has any affect on you getting saved. In fact I'd say the reverse is true. It would be getting saved that would make you feel that way.
Anyone willing can be saved.
 
Feb 15, 2025
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#3
No.

God forgave you all your sins and shall not remember them ever again.

Why should you dwell on the natural you that you were before being renewed in Christ and born again?

1 John 3:9
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.
 

Tall_Timbers

Well-known member
Mar 31, 2023
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christiancommunityforum.com
#4
When I was a kid one couldn't pirate stuff because it was before the personal computer era and before the internet. I did get influenced by some other kids to steal some small things... and they were always small.

After I became a Christian I visited all the places I'd stolen those little things and gave them compensation. I admitted what I did as a youngster and I think every place accepted whatever I handed them money-wise.

If pirating stuff was possible back then, and I did some of it, I wouldn't turn myself in.

It's good that you're thinking about those things from the past and want to make things right.
 

Suze

Active member
Mar 14, 2025
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#5
I've been thinking about this and I wonder, should I turn myself in for crimes I committed before coming to Christ, i.e. Pirating games and movies, I stole a thing of beef jerky from a gas station when I was in middle school once, and other things. And if this applies for smaller crimes what about bigger ones, how should a Christian go about this? In terms of Pirating games I bought most of the games I pirated before becoming a Christian, kinda reconciling it, but would I be called to go to the police and admit these crimes and asked to be charged, or would this be just a personal thing for me to decide.
No , if u have been baptized u r as innocent as a new born babe 😇 , until u sin again , which u will of course 😬 . Thereafter Christ is our advocate . If we break any of the laws of the land we must confess to God and ask for forgiveness through Christ . After that I think it's down to u and your conscience and if the Spirit moves u to confess , if it does I'm sure u will know about it and act accordingly . If u don't act accordingly , if u ignore God's Holy Spirit when it prompts u loud and clear , then it maybe something that u will have to account for , eventually 😲 .
 
Dec 9, 2011
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#6
I've been thinking about this and I wonder, should I turn myself in for crimes I committed before coming to Christ, i.e. Pirating games and movies, I stole a thing of beef jerky from a gas station when I was in middle school once, and other things. And if this applies for smaller crimes what about bigger ones, how should a Christian go about this? In terms of Pirating games I bought most of the games I pirated before becoming a Christian, kinda reconciling it, but would I be called to go to the police and admit these crimes and asked to be charged, or would this be just a personal thing for me to decide.
It should be a personal thing between you and God.God looks at the heart.Man looks at outward appearances.

Get it right with God and the rest will follow.
 
Jul 7, 2022
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#8
I've been thinking about this and I wonder, should I turn myself in for crimes I committed before coming to Christ, i.e. Pirating games and movies, I stole a thing of beef jerky from a gas station when I was in middle school once, and other things. And if this applies for smaller crimes what about bigger ones, how should a Christian go about this? In terms of Pirating games I bought most of the games I pirated before becoming a Christian, kinda reconciling it, but would I be called to go to the police and admit these crimes and asked to be charged, or would this be just a personal thing for me to decide.
If you defrauded your neighbor, like stealing his tax money, I think you should return it.

As to salvation, all the restitution you can remember will not satisfy God's justice. He is the ultimate Judge and required the just penalty. I guarantee that the crooked police will not do so.
I've known those who seemed like decent men who were helpful police that I got to know and served with me in ministry. I've also witnessed a psychopath commit heinous crimes and get away with it. They will not get away with it for long because I reported his crimes to a high court Justice.

Here is where you have to begin.
Are You 100% Sure?
 
Mar 10, 2025
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#9
I've been reading some of the answers and I feel like i'm getting a general theme, if its something I can give back I should probably pay for it but i probably shouldn't bother the police with telling about my past actions. Thanks for all the answers, i will probably still think about it some, but i think you answers have helped