REDEMPTION AND RESTORATION

And there was great JOY in that city – Acts 8:8

Redemption or Salvation is the legal platform for the Restoration of all that man lost in Adam. The first Adam lost all to the devil; the Last Adam – Jesus – recovers and restores all for us: “And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit” (1Cor.15:45). Restoration is a renewal or a revival of things that had died. It is a recreation and reconstitution of what has been damaged – in the spirit, soul, body, or other aspects of life: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2Cor.5:17).

Salvation (‘Sozos’) is a total package that involves spiritual rebirth, moral reconstruction, mental restructuring, physical rejuvenation, and material or financial restoration. These assorted blessings are packaged into the reality of your Redemption. They all come through the genuine experience of salvation. Restoration can therefore be another word for redemption; it is a renewal or replacement of something that had been damaged or removed. Through salvation all demonic chains, fetters, and restraints are destroyed: “Therefore if the Son make you free, you shall be free indeed” (Jh.8:36).

To restore means to give back or to bring back to the original condition, say, of health: “Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.”  And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other” (Mt.12:13). Redemption restores many things, all of which you can claim by faith. In addition to forgiveness of sins, redemption brings restoration of health (Exo.15:26; 23: 25-26; 1Pet.2:24). The crucified Christ, the saving Jesus, is also the healing Jesus (Psa.103:2-5). Redemption ensures prosperity (Jos.1:8; Job 36:11; Psa.35:27). It also brings Joy (Psa.51:12; Lk.10:17). If you can believe God’s Word concerning these, and act on it, you will experience restoration in these and other dimensions of destiny.

Redemption is the platform for restoration. Redemption offers a total cure (spirit, soul, and body) and access into all the blessings that follow forgiveness of sins: “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Psa.32:1). It attracts times of refreshing: “Repent therefore…so that TIMES OF REFRESHING may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). Through the ministry of Philip, Samaria experienced such a season of miracles, healings, deliverance, and Joy (vv 8:6-8). There was also deliverance from the deception of Simon the sorcerer, and the triumph of truth (vv. 9-24). As you ponder afresh on the realities of your redemption, may you also enjoy full restoration in Jesus name.