Restoration
“Restoration; reconstitution”
Summary
Restoration refers to the biblical expectation of a future renewal of all things under Christ's reign, when the consequences of sin will be removed and creation restored.
☩Biblical Teaching
The idea of restoration originated in the preaching of the Old Testament prophets, who believed that Israel's destruction would be followed by restoration under conditions realizing God's original purpose. In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of 'the regeneration' (palingenesia) when the Son of Man sits on His throne of glory. Peter proclaimed that Christ must remain in heaven 'until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets.'
☩The New Creation
John's vision in Revelation anticipates this restoration: 'I saw a new heaven and a new earth... Behold, I make all things new.' The restoration contemplates the restoration of humanity, under Christ's reign, to a life in which the consequences of sin are no longer present. This includes both the physical and spiritual regeneration of creation, when God will dwell with His people and wipe away every tear.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Restoration," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Restoration," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).