What
does the word restoration mean to
you?
Perhaps having eyesight restored after surgery or the restoration of a historic
home to its original beauty.
Restoration that comes from
God actually restores a person to a condition far better than his or her former
state. In God’s economy, restoration is about life—abundant life—every aspect
of life. Moses said of the Lord, “He is your life” (Deut. 30:20).
“I
have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” <> Words of Jesus—John 10:10b NKJV
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“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” <> Words of Jesus—John 14:6 NKJV
When
Jesus went to the cross, He became the once-for-all (1 Cor. 5:7) Paschal Lamb
(Ex. 12)—the Passover Lamb (Mark 14:12)—The Lamb of God (John 1:29).
On
Passover, in ancient Israel, a spotless male lamb was sacrificed to atone for
sin—for the deliverance (salvation)—of the Jews. Jesus was the spotless Lamb
sacrificed on the cross to atone for the sins of all mankind, once and for all.
John
the Baptist recognized Jesus and announced, “Behold! The Lamb of God, Who takes
away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJV).
It
was from the moment in time*, when Jesus died, that anyone who believes and
receives Him may have abundant life for the rest of their days on earth and
Eternal Life with Jesus in Heaven. Notice, I didn’t say a trouble-free life. Followers of Jesus have access to the
attributes of Christ which can enrich life and give hope and peace even during earthly
trials.
Anyone
who will follow Christ will be restored to a right relationship with their
Creator, God the Father. This cosmic restoration allows that person to enjoy
the same fellowship with God that Adam and Eve knew before their fall. This
restoration gives the follower of Jesus access to the abundant life spoken of
in John 10.
It
doesn’t mean we won’t ever sin again either. It means that when we do, we have
an advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ, Himself will plead our case and help
us return back to right relationship (1 John 2:1).
God’s
restoration means the spiritual death brought about by sin is replaced with
spiritual life (Ezekiel 36:26, 27); that we will be one with Jesus (John 17:22); that we can live by the Spirit rather
than by our flesh (Rom. 8:13); and that we can know God’s mystery, which is Christ
in us, the hope of glory (Col. 1:26, 27).
SO, let’s
rejoice in this amazing restoration to which we have access because of the
cross of Christ. The crucifixion of our Lord made the way for each of us to
receive the gift of Salvation—that’s being saved from our sin debt. At the cross
He took the punishment you and I deserved. He paid our debt!
When
Jesus rose from the dead, He overcame—He conquered death, hell, and the grave.
In His own words: “I am He who lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.
Amen. And I have the keys of Hates and of Death” (Rev. 1:19 NKJV).
As Good Friday approaches, let us look with gratitude, to the cross of
Christ and then let's celebrate, with great rejoicing, Resurrection Sunday, for we
have been redeemed from sin's penalties and restored to a right relationship with God for all
Eternity. Oh, Hallelujah!
*Some
researchers have suggested April 3, 33AD as the date of Jesus’ crucifixion. They
say that geological evidence of an earthquake on that date and that location indicates
this possibility. –Interesting! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/jesus-crucifixion-date-possible_n_1546351.html
©Connie
Wohlford 2016
