If that is the case, what is needed is a personal restoration. Become childlike, ready in humility to learn and submit (Matthew 11:25; 18:2-3; 19:14). Return to Jesus and to His revealed way. “Remember… the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles” (2 Peter 3:2 cf. John 17:20; Ephesians 3:5; 4:11). Learn His will, all His will (Matthew 28:20), not partially or selectively as when reforming some tradition.
● “Grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).
● “Stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12).
● Don’t imitate Judah’s King Amaziah who made changes, “…yet not with a whole heart” (2 Chronicles 25:2).
Restoration must be thorough, empowered by continual submission to God’s Spirit as we learn more from His word.
Restoring a relationship is called “reconciliation.” God reconciled us to Himself by letting His Son suffer and die in our place.
We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake [God] made [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:20-21)
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)
CHRIST’S SACRIFICE MAKES OUR RECONCILIATION COMPLETE.
Such is the enormity and power of Jesus’ sacrifice! It makes our return and reconciliation complete! In Christ, we become the very “righteousness of God,” seen by God as “perfect” (Hebrews 10:14). We receive continual cleansing as we “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7). Whenever we find ourselves straying, we keep returning to the light.
Your restoration is what we pray for…. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:9, 11)
As we “aim for restoration”—both personally and with others—we face challenging questions. You may have more questions than can be addressed in this brief survey. Please share those with us. For all questions, we seek the Bible’s answers.