The phrase “time of restoration of all things” comes from Acts 3:21, which says “Heaven must receive Christ until the time of restoration of all things, about which God spoke through His holy prophets from ancient time.” This verse points to a future time when God will restore and redeem all of creation through Jesus Christ. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about this important time.
1. It refers to the future restoration of creation
The “restoration of all things” refers to God’s plan to redeem and renew the whole creation that was affected by sin and the Fall. All of creation, including human beings, suffer under the curse of sin (Romans 8:20-22). But in the future, God will act decisively to liberate creation from this bondage and decay. The prophets foretold of a time when God would create “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17), reverse the curse on the ground (Isaiah 11:6-9), and bring renewal to all of nature. The restoration of all things encompasses all that God plans to do to free the world from the effects of sin.
2. It is tied to the second coming of Christ
Acts 3:21 connects the timing of this restoration to the return of Christ from heaven. The restoration cannot happen until Christ comes back to establish his kingdom. Other passages confirm that creation’s renewal will occur when Jesus returns in glory (Romans 8:18-23). The second coming of Christ will inaugurate the fullness of the new creation. The Lord will restore the world to its former glory and rule over it in righteousness and peace (Isaiah 11:1-5). God will create a “new heaven and new earth” under Christ’s lordship (Revelation 21:1).
3. It brings salvation to God’s people
The restoration of all things includes salvation for God’s people. The prophets associated the renewal of creation with the salvation of Israel (Isaiah 35:1-10). In Acts 3, Peter is preaching to the Jews about how they can receive salvation through faith in Christ. The restoration tied to Christ’s return includes the fullness of salvation – including resurrection from the dead (Acts 3:15) – for all of God’s redeemed people. The restoration brings cosmic redemption as well as personal salvation.
4. Old Testament prophets spoke of this restoration
Acts 3:21 says the prophets spoke of the time of restoration. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, and others prophesied about God renewing creation and redeeming Israel in the messianic age. For example, Isaiah 65:17 says, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” Ezekiel 47:1-12 prophesies about a river of life flowing from the temple and trees with leaves that bring healing. Many Old Testament passages anticipate the restoration of all things.
5. It brings the full establishment of God’s kingdom
The restoration of all things coincides with the coming of God’s kingdom in its fullness. Peter preached that through Jesus, there is a time of “restoration of all things about which God spoke” (Acts 3:21). When Jesus returns, Satan will be defeated, and God’s kingdom will be established in power and glory. Paradise lost in the Garden of Eden will become Paradise restored. Righteousness, justice, and peace will reign throughout creation. The redeemed people of God will inhabit the new creation to live under Christ’s perfect kingship.
6. Creation eagerly awaits this restoration
In Romans 8:19-22, Paul personifies creation as groaning in eager expectation for its restoration and redemption. The decaying state of the current world reminds us that things are not the way they are supposed to be. But creation still has hope! The day is coming when the sons of God will be revealed, and creation will be set free from its bondage to decay. Creation itself eagerly awaits the time of restoration.
7. It brings glory to God
The Bible shows that the restoration of all things brings great glory to God. Revelation 21:22-26 describes the new Jerusalem shining with the glory of God. The renewal and redemption of God’s creation will display his majesty, goodness, wisdom and grace as nothing else can. The restoration reveals the all-wise plan of God to defeat evil and undo the curse of sin. God delays the restoration so more sinners can be redeemed (2 Peter 3:9), but the day will come for God’s glory to fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.
8. We can look forward to this with hope and patience
As Christians, we can look forward with eager anticipation to the “time of restoration of all things.” We wait with perseverance and patience because we know God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. Although we struggle with sin and brokenness now, we can find hope in the world to come. The restoration of all things reminds us that this fallen world is not all there is – we await “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” As we long for Christ’s return, we can live with godly conduct and purity, speeding its coming (2 Peter 3:11-12).
9. We are called to work towards restoration now
While we wait for the full restoration, we can participate in God’s work of restoration now. As redeemed people, we are called to work for the good of the created world and the relief of suffering. We proclaim the good news of restoration in Christ, as a foretaste of what is to come. Though the complete restoration awaits Christ’s return, we can pursue substantial healing by God’s power and grace. We work for the well-being of others, rightly steward resources, and reflect God’s redemptive purposes in our vocations. Our present labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
10. Christ will complete the restoration at His return
Acts 3:21 teaches us that the restoration of all things is tied to Jesus’ second coming in power and glory. Only then will paradise truly be restored. The full renewal of creation, salvation of God’s people, defeat of evil, and the consummation of God’s kingdom await the return of Christ. He will make all things new. And God promises to dwell with His people in perfect communion. As the New Testament concludes, we cry “Come Lord Jesus!” as we long for the glorious day of restoration.
The “restoration of all things” is the definitive renewal of creation that reverses the curse of Genesis 3 and brings God’s redeeming purposes to completion. This day will come when Jesus returns and God makes His dwelling with man. As followers of Christ, we await this blessed hope as we participate in God’s restorative mission in the world today. The restoration of all things will be the final display of God’s glory and the fullness of our eternal joy as the redeemed people of God.