Restitution does not mean universal salvation but a universal opportunity for salvation. See Acts 3:23.
Though we hear little about restitution from Christian teachers and preachers, the scriptures tell us it was the theme song spoken by the mouth of all God’s holy prophets. restitution means a return to a former condition (not heaven)—a restoration of that which was lost. Christ will restore to Adam’s children what father Adam had in the Garden of Eden and what he lost thru disobedience. Adam lost lifehe lost his paradise homehe lost dominion over the earthly creationhe lost sonship and fellowship with God. (Genesis 1:27,28; Luke 3:38)
We would like to try to create a word picture of what restitution will mean. restitution will be a gradual process of uplift and rehabilation during the 1000 year kingdom of Christ. (Job 33:24-26; Jer. 31:33-34; Isa. 66:21-25)
Mankind will be restored to physical perfectionNo more will human bodies be worn and torn by the thousands of diseases that now prey upon the race. Unfailing health, strength and vitality will belong to all. Beauty will be universal. Nothing within man, nor in the earth, air, climate or food will contribute to imperfection—but man’s knowledge will enable him to use everything in the most beneficial manner.
Mankind will be restored to mental perfection. Memories that are unfailing and perfect powers of perception and reasoning with imagination and sense of humor will be theirs to enjoy forever. The world’s greatest inventors, authors, artists and musicians will seem to have been mere beginners in comparison with the creative attainments of all. The human intellect will explore fields of knowledge and science beyond our present comprehension.
Mankind will be restored to moral perfection. There will be nothing of hatred, anger, envy or pride. In their place the opposite qualities will shine. Every human heart will radiate peace, joy, friendliness, kindness and love. All tones of voice and expressions of face will tell the glad story that love is indelibly written in their hearts. There will be a beautiful brotherhood of mutual respect and trust.
Mankind will be restored to religious perfection. No more will unbelief, despair and idolatry mar the relationship between God and man. Every human heart will be an altar of praise. God will be man’s supreme delight. Communion with Him will be man’s highest privilege an joy. No more will God be dreaded, but reverence toward him will fill all hearts.
What a wonderful world this will be! Nothing to mar, nothing to harm, nothing to hurt in all the holy kingdom. The blending of everything good and useful will characterize its every activity and purpose. Isaiah 65:25 No wonder it is called the desire of all nations! Haggai 2:7
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are in earth, even in Him. Eph. 1:10.
Truly, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. I Cor. 2:9
If human perfection on a perfect earth is almost beyond our imagination, what will be the glory of the heavenly reward for the footstep-followers of Christ, called to be His bride, to share His glory and His throne? Rom. 8:17; Rev. 3:21
To these the scriptures give a assurance, It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2
In the wonderful fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul states concerning the resurrection: There are heavenly and also earthly bodies; but the radiance of the heavenly is of one kind and that of the earthly is another kind. 1 Cor. 15:40
For a clear, scriptural study of the comparison and contrast between the heavenly and earthly planes of life, we invite you to a careful consideration of the chapter, Natures Distinct and Seperate, in The Divine Plan of the Ages. You will find it interesting, enlightening and inspiring. If you do not already have this helpful Bible study aid, send for a free copy today.
Following is an excerpt from The Divine Plan of the Ages:
A Preview of the Kingdom
Close your eyes for a moment to the scenes of misery and woe, degradation and sorrow that yet prevail on account of sin, and picture before your mental vision the glory of the perfect earth. Not a stain of sin mars the harmony and peace of a perfect society; not a bitter thought, not a unkind look or word; love, welling up from every heart, meets a kindred response in every other heart, and benevolence marks every act. There sickness shall be no more; not an ache nor a pain, nor any evidence of decay—not even the fear of such things. Think of all the pictures of comparative health and beauty of human form and feature that you have every seen, and know that perfect humanity will be of still surpassing lovliness. The inward purity and mental and moral perfection will stamp and glorify every radiant countenance. Such will earth’s society be; and weeping bereaved ones will have their tears all wiped away, when thus they realize the resurrection work complete. (Rev. 21:4)
Miami Valley Bible Students 