Question:
If I confess to GOD about evil deeds that were commited long ago against people, will I be forgiven by God if there is no way to make amends for physical harm?
Answer:
That is the difference between the God of Christianity, and all other Gods. He can see into our hearts and is concerned first and foremost with our intentions, humility and motivations.
If you are truly repentant of sins committed ANY time, God forgives them when you ask. Period.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NKJV)
If we have the OPPORTUNITY to make ammends, pay restitution or otherwise “make right” a wrong against another person, we most certainly should when appropriate. If that is impossible, then God knows your heart.
A word of caution…..
Before we go running off to “make things right”, we need to consider if our actions are only going to result in more hurt. For example, let’s say a person becomes a Christian and is truly repentent over an adulterous incident with someone else’s spouse many years ago.
While it might make you feel better to “get it off your shoulders”, you have no idea what kind of destruction you could cause the parties by “coming clean” years after the fact. You would have no idea where they might be in their walk with God, their marriage or the raising of their kids.
So when considering confession (to other humans), restitution or making ammends for long past sins, ask God for wisdom on how to proceed, and He will answer.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (NKJV)