What is indemnity and how does restoration through indemnity work?
Indemnity is a theological principle that requires specific conditions to atone for past errors, reverse the human Fall, and restore humanity's relationship with God. It involves fulfilling "conditions of indemnity"—equal, lesser, or greater—to symbolically repay a debt created by transgression. This process separates individuals from Satan and aligns them with God, enabling the reception of the Messiah and participation in God's ongoing work of restoration.
The concept of indemnity is central to understanding God's providential work of restoration. Indemnity, in a theological sense, refers to the condition required to atone for past errors, restore original good, and reverse the consequences of the human Fall. It signifies a debt that humanity cannot repay; yet, God, out of His grace, allows for forgiveness based on the fulfillment of specific conditional amounts. These "conditions of indemnity" symbolize the ideal, even when perfect attainment is not yet possible. Restoration through indemnity is the process by which humanity and the world are brought back into their rightful relationship with God, overcoming the separation caused by the Fall.
The Biblical Foundation
The Bible illustrates the principle of indemnity through numerous accounts, though it does not use the specific term. For example, after Adam's and Noah's families failed to establish the foundation of faith, Abraham was called. His failure to divide the birds in his offering (Genesis 15:9-11) led to a condition of greater indemnity: the sacrifice of his son, Isaac (Genesis 22). When Moses broke the tablets of the Ten Commandments, he had to fast for another 40 days to receive them again (Exodus 34:28), illustrating an equal condition of indemnity. The Israelites' failure to enter Canaan after 40 days of spying resulted in 40 years of wandering in the wilderness (Numbers 14:34), a condition of greater indemnity. These instances show a pattern of making conditions to rectify past failures.
The requirement for atonement, a form of indemnity, is explicitly taught in the sacrificial system under the Mosaic Law. "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life" (Leviticus 17:11). These sacrifices were conditions by which the Israelites could receive forgiveness and restore their relationship with God after sinning (Leviticus 4:20, 26, 31, 35). This foreshadowed the ultimate act of indemnity through Jesus Christ, who "once for all time offered his body as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many" (Hebrews 9:28, 10:10). His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection served as the indispensable condition for humanity's salvation, paying the ultimate price of indemnity for sin. Romans 5:8 states, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus absorbed the consequences of human rebellion, providing the path for restoration. Moreover, as Acts 4:12 teaches, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
Divine Principle's Clarification
The Divine Principle systematically explains indemnity as a necessary condition for God to recreate or restore what was lost or corrupted due to the Fall. Because the Fall created a love relationship with Satan, humanity must establish a new love relationship with God through conditions of love and faith. This separates us from Satan and allows us to build a foundation to receive the Messiah. The Principle identifies three variations of indemnity conditions: 1. Equal Indemnity: Restoring something with a condition of the same value as the transgression (e.g., Moses' second 40-day fast, "eye for eye" from Exodus 21:24). 2. Lesser Indemnity: Restoring something through a condition of less value, often due to God's grace or a foundation laid by a central figure (e.g., salvation through faith in Jesus' redemption, water baptism for rebirth, Holy Communion as engrafting to Christ). 3. Greater Indemnity: A condition heavier than the original transgression, required when a lesser condition fails (e.g., Abraham offering Isaac after failing with the birds, Israel's 40 years in the wilderness after failing the 40-day spying mission).
The Principle emphasizes that the Fall occurred at the top of the growth stage, so restoration requires conditions correlating to reaching that point. After removing original sin, humanity can be restored to the position of Adam and Eve before the Fall. Humanity must then follow the Messiah to complete the purpose of creation. As fallen beings, we are in a midway position between God and Satan, and it is our responsibility to make good conditions to draw closer to God and separate from Satan. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Understanding the Deeper Meaning
The suffering and trials experienced by righteous individuals throughout history, and by all humanity to varying degrees, are elements of fulfilling indemnity. God, as a loving parent, does not want to see His children suffer, but the reality of the Fall necessitated a path to reverse its effects. The cross of Jesus is the pinnacle of this concept, providing universal indemnity for humanity's original sin (Luke 24:46-47; 1 Peter 2:24). However, individuals are still called to make their own conditions of indemnity to overcome their individual sins and restore their relationship with God. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1). This implies an active, ongoing effort on our part. Every effort we make to overcome temptation, to love our enemies, to serve others, and to align our will with God's will is an act of paying indemnity, restoring the broken connection and laying a foundation for goodness. It is not merely passive acceptance but active participation in God's redemptive plan. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Living the Principle
1. Actively overcome personal weaknesses and selfishness, striving to connect with God's will and separate from Satan's influence. 2. Practice acts of sacrificial love, going beyond what is comfortable to serve others, as a condition to establish a love relationship with God. 3. Take responsibility for past mistakes, acknowledging errors and making conscious efforts to rectify them, seeking forgiveness and making restitution. 4. Persevere through challenges, viewing difficulties as opportunities to strengthen your character and align with God's will, understanding they contribute to greater restoration.
These answers explain the Bible in the light of the Divine Principle, the teachings of Reverend Sun Myung Moon. Read about the author, Sun Myung Moon.
Last reviewed:
More on Restoration & Providence
Sources and further reading
- The Holy Bible, King James Version — Scripture quoted and referenced throughout the answers.
- The Divine Principle (full text) — The complete text of the Divine Principle, the teaching of Reverend Sun Myung Moon that these answers explain.
- Unification texts library (tparents.org) — Large online library of Unification texts, sermons and collected speeches, including the Cheon Seong Gyeong.
- Short video lectures in English — Playlist of short English video lectures presenting these same principles.