Last time we delved into the first two components of scripture’s overarching story line: creation and fall. These two explain where the world came from and what went wrong with it. Today we’ll consider the last two components: redemption and restoration. These two tell us what God has done about the problems of our world already and what he yet plans to do in the future. Taken together, these four elements of the Christian metanarrative provide a robust explanation that not only makes sense of the human experience, but also gives us purpose and hope.
Redemption ———– Redemption – Greek apolutrōsis, meaning “to release,” connoting the deliverance effected through the death of Christ from the retributive wrath of God and the merited penalty of sin.
Eph 1:17—“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our transgressions, according to the riches of his grace”
Rom 8:24—“Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees?”
Restoration ———– Restoration – Greek apokatastasis, meaning “to return to a previous good state,” connoting the restoring of what was once good but has since been altered.
Acts 3:21—“Therefore, repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be erased; so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord’s presence; and he may send the Messiah appointed in advance for you, that is, Jesus. He has to remain in heaven until the time comes for restoring everything, as God said long ago, when he spoke through the holy prophets.”
I don’t know if everybody desires a happy ending or heroism. There are thousands of people starving and in misery. I cannot get a handle on this talk. Just words and speculation. All I know is if you seek God, he will find you and bring you to his son. And Jesus brought the kingdom. Why is it that so many people feel they have to come up with an explanation of what is to happen. God is handling it. And I don’t think I would quote Augustine. ajc And I am with you on the king james bible. He was a bad person.
Good job
The christian faith is the only narrative that makes sense. A story that leads somewhere.
Thx Kent
I don’t know if everybody desires a happy ending or heroism. There are thousands of people starving and in misery. I cannot get a handle on this talk. Just words and speculation. All I know is if you seek God, he will find you and bring you to his son. And Jesus brought the kingdom. Why is it that so many people feel they have to come up with an explanation of what is to happen. God is handling it. And I don’t think I would quote Augustine. ajc And I am with you on the king james bible. He was a bad person.