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, a bringing back to the original condition.

People Need Restoration
Humanity was created to glorify God (cf. Isa. 43:7; Eccl. 12:13; 1 Cor. 10:31), but "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). From the first sin in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:6), accountable human beings have needed restoration. The fulfillment of this need began very shortly after the first sin with the promised "seed of woman" (Gen. 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 (Gen. 1:26-27), with a way to be restored! "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (Jn. 3:16). Jesus Christ is the one who "washed us from our sins in his own blood" (Rev. 1:5). Therefore, Jesus Christ is "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:9).

God Provides Restoration
In order for restoration to be a reality, the word of God must take precedence (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Since the Bible is the mind of God revealed (Jn. 14:26; 15:26; 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:6-16; 2 Pet. 1:20-21), 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 (cf. Acts 8:30-31; 10:33).

May we all "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Mt. 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.