Complete Restoration

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:19-20 ESV)

Beloved,

My best friend’s dad loved to restore old cars. He started with restoring an old Ford Model A. The Ford

last sold the Model A in 1931. It was so exciting to watch the progress of the restoration during my high school years. After being on the road for 60 plus years, the car needed a lot of work as it had been subjected to years of decay. It needed a complete restoration: new tires, new engine, and a new everything. After the full restoration the car was able to function for its original purpose and my best friend drove that Model A to our senior prom.

The Ford Model A was subject to corruption before my best friend’s dad restored it back to its original design. Since the Fall of man, the earth and everything in it has also been subject to corruption. Romans 8:20-21,

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

The earth and everything in it is under the bondage of corruption. Jesus promises to restore not only His people, but also to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven. The blood of the cross of Jesus Christ brings peace with humanity and with our world. The earth is perishing and needs a complete restoration. The earth needs to be restored to its original state of perfection after years of decay. The shed blood and resurrection of the Lord Christ promises that our world will be fully restored.

Our world is beautiful, and yet, it is under the curse. Just imagine what our world will be like when it is fully restored as far as the curse is found. The promise of restoration is not only for God’s people, but God’s world. Revelation 21:5-6,

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Jesus Christ brings joy to the world as He makes His blessings flow as far as the curse is found, as far as the curse is found. Jesus Christ is reconciling all things to Himself, whether on earth or in heaven, through the blood of His cross.