What do we think when we hear the word “restoration”? Old furniture? Antique cars? Simply put, restoration is bringing something back to its original condition.
Spiritually, whenever there is a departure from God’s will, there stands a need for restoration. Sometimes, even people need restoration. Humanity was created to glorify God (Isaiah 43:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 Corinthians 10:31), but “all have sinned” and have fallen short of that glory (Romans 3:23). From the first sin (Genesis 3:6), accountable human beings have needed restoration. The fulfillment of this need began very shortly after the first sin. It was in the promised “seed of woman” (Genesis 3:15). The remainder of the Old Testament shows the coming answer to real restoration. The New Testament reveals the reality of that answer. Thanks be to God who provided His image-bearer, mankind (Genesis 1:26-27), with a way to be restored (John 3:16). Jesus Christ is the one who “washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). Thus, Jesus Christ is “the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). For restoration to be a reality, the Word of God must take precedence (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Restoration can only occur when the Bible is learned, respected and applied. When the right attitude is present along with a proper understanding of God’s Word, restoration will take place (Acts 8:30-31; 10:33). May we all “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matthew 5:6), taking advantage of the opportunities we have to hear God’s Word. Let us examine ourselves, for we might find that we stand in need of restoration.
