Welcome to Day 21 of our 60-Day Challenge! But before we tackle today’s question, let’s take a moment to reflect on the question from Day 20: What does Peter mean when he talks about the need for a future restoration?
If you’ve ever wondered why the concept of restoration is so central to the gospel, or how it connects to both biblical prophecy and modern revelation, this post is for you. Let’s break it down together!
What Does the Bible Say About Restoration?
Peter’s words in Acts 3:19-21 give us a lot to think about:
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.”
Let’s pause here. Peter is clearly pointing to a time in the future when all things will be restored as prophesied by the prophets of old. This “restitution of all things” isn’t just a feel-good concept; it’s a pivotal moment in God’s plan for humanity.
What Does “Restoration” Mean in This Context?
In the context of the gospel, restoration means bringing back everything that was lost—truth, authority, ordinances, and the full organization of Christ’s church. After Christ and His apostles were killed, key parts of His church fell into apostasy. Over time, truths were lost or altered, and the priesthood authority was no longer on the earth.
This is why Peter’s words are so powerful. He’s pointing to a time when all of these things would be restored, preparing the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The Restoration in Action: A Modern Fulfillment
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the doctrine of the Restoration is more than a concept—it’s a reality. Here’s how it all ties together:
1. Christ’s Original Church
In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul describes the structure of Christ’s church:
“And He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
This organization, led by apostles and prophets, was essential for guiding the early church.
2. The Great Apostasy
After the death of Christ’s apostles, the church fell into a state of apostasy. Without apostolic authority, many truths were lost or changed, leading to divisions and confusion in Christianity.
3. The Restoration Begins
The Restoration of Christ’s church began in 1820, when Joseph Smith experienced the First Vision—seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ, who called him to be a prophet.
Over time, the priesthood authority was restored through Peter, James, and John, and essential ordinances such as baptism and temple worship were reintroduced.
Why Does Restoration Matter?
Restoration isn’t just about bringing back old practices—it’s about fulfilling God’s plan for humanity. Here’s why it’s so important:
1. Preparing for the Second Coming
The Restoration is paving the way for Christ’s return. Peter’s prophecy points to a time when Christ will reign, the earth will be renewed, and all things will be made whole.
2. The Gathering of Israel
The restoration includes the spiritual and physical gathering of Israel, as prophesied in the Bible. This gathering is about uniting God’s children, spreading the gospel, and helping everyone prepare for the blessings of the Second Coming.
3. Ongoing Revelation
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Restoration is that it’s ongoing. Modern prophets continue to guide the church, ensuring that God’s will is revealed in our day.
How Does This Impact Us Today?
Peter’s message isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a call to action for us. Here’s what it means for you:
Repentance is Key: Peter starts by urging us to repent and be converted. Restoration begins with individual transformation.
Be Part of the Gathering: Each of us has a role to play in helping others learn about Christ’s restored gospel.
Prepare for the Future: The restoration isn’t just about the past—it’s about the future. Living faithfully today helps us prepare for Christ’s return.
A Powerful Thought to Consider
Someone once told me: “If you don’t prepare to live in a heavenly state now, you won’t feel comfortable when heaven comes.”
The Restoration isn’t just about theological ideas—it’s about learning to live in a way that aligns with God’s kingdom.
What’s Next? Question 21
As we wrap up, here’s your next question to consider:
What was Christ teaching His apostles during the 40-day ministry after His resurrection? Why did He spend so much time with them when they’d already been with Him for three years?
You’ll find the answer in Acts 1.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
I hope today’s discussion has given you a fresh perspective on what Peter’s words about restoration mean for us today. What do you think about the idea of a “restitution of all things”? How does the Restoration shape your view of God’s plan?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, and if this post inspired you, share it with someone who’s ready to learn more about Christ’s restored church.
Transcription:
Hi, my name is Joe Cirillo with Gospel First, and thanks for your decision to follow me on this exciting journey to find Christ's restored church in our day. But before I give you question 21, did you get the answer to question number 20? What does the scripture mean when Peter talks about the need for a future restoration?
Acts chapter 3 verses 19 to 21 says, Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he was sent, Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you, whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets.
Well, in the Restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, the Doctrine of the Restoration refers to the return of the fullness of the Gospel, which was lost after the early apostles died, leading to a great apostasy. From my opening remarks, do you remember how Christ's church was organized in Ephesians 4, verses 11 to 16?
As a refresher, the scripture reads, And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. And so on. Now this restoration began in 1820 when Joseph Smith had a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ, and later received priesthood authority from Peter, James, and John of the Bible.
It includes the restoration of the true church, priesthood authority, and sacred ordinances like those performed in the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. The church also teaches that this ongoing restoration is preparing the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ, when the earth will be renewed, the dead will be resurrected, and all things will be made whole.
The gathering of Israel, both spiritually and physically, is part of this process. And modern prophets continue to guide this ongoing restoration. This ultimate fulfillment is seen as the full restoration Peter spoke of in Acts chapter 3, verse 21, where all things will be brought back to their perfect state under Christ's reign.
So here's question number 21. What was Christ teaching his apostles during the 40 day ministry? Why did he need an entire 40 days after he was resurrected when he was with them every day for the last three years? Now you can find the answers in Acts chapter 1. And of course, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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