Restoration and Healing Scripture

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has gone; the new is here!
—2 Corinthians 5:17

Did you know that the word “restore” appears 136 times in the Bible? The Bible is filled with examples of healing and restoration. It is a consistent theme in both the Old and New Testaments, from Genesis all the way to Revelation. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines restoration as “a bringing back to a former position or condition.” The promise of restoration offers hope when all else seems to oppose it.

Looking at the biblical theme of restoration provides a foundation for understanding God’s unceasing quest to save His people and restore them to His image.

4 Rs of Restoration

I once heard restoration explained as the 4 Rs: Replace, Renew, Revive, and Return.

Can restoration happen overnight? Despite our often anxious urgency to be rescued, restoration is a process. The renewing of our individual hearts and wounds, our turning from sin and returning to God, and the restoration of marriages, broken families, and even physical bodies is a continual process. Pray, seek an intimate relationship with God, and surround yourself with others who can help encourage you on your path to restoration.

As you read through the following scriptures on restoration, pause and think about what it means to be restored or experience restoration.

1. Luke 15:32 – The Prodigal Son

“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

This parable exemplifies God’s joy over a sinner’s repentance and return to Him. It highlights the theme of restoration not just to a previous state but to a renewed relationship with God, emphasizing His unconditional love and forgiveness.

2. Matthew 18:11-14 – The Lost Sheep

“For the Son of Man came to save the lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?”

This passage illustrates Jesus’ mission of restoration. It shows God’s individual care and relentless pursuit of each person who has strayed, reflecting the depth of His concern for every lost soul and His desire for their restoration.

3. John 21:15-17 – Restoration of Peter

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.'”

After Peter’s denial of Jesus, this dialogue symbolizes Peter’s restoration. Jesus entrusts Peter with a significant role, indicating that failure is not final and that restoration and commissioning are possible with repentance and reconciliation.

4. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New Creation

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

This verse speaks to the transformative power of salvation in Christ. It underscores the concept of spiritual restoration, where believers are not just improved but made entirely new, highlighting the profound impact of Christ’s redemption.

5. Galatians 6:1 – Restoration in the Community

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

This instruction emphasizes the responsibility of believers to help restore those who have fallen into sin, doing so with gentleness and caution. It reflects the collective duty towards restoration within the Christian community, promoting a culture of support and forgiveness.

6. 1 Peter 5:10 – After Suffering, Restoration

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

Peter offers encouragement that God will restore believers who have endured suffering. This restoration is comprehensive, including confirmation, strengthening, and establishment in faith, illustrating God’s active role in mending the brokenness experienced in life.

7. Acts 3:21 – Restoration of All Things

“Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”

This verse points to a future event where God will restore all creation to its intended glory. It speaks to the ultimate restoration that awaits at the end of time, affirming God’s sovereign plan for cosmic renewal.

8. Revelation 21:5 – Making All Things New

“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.'”

In Revelation, God declares the comprehensive restoration and renewal of all things. This promise of creating a new heaven and a new earth underscores the hope of eternal restoration and perfection in God’s presence.

9. James 5:19-20 – Saving a Soul from Death

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

James emphasizes the importance of restoring those who have strayed from the faith. This act of restoration is portrayed as life-saving, highlighting the critical role believers play in guiding others back to truth and salvation.

10. Colossians 1:20 – Reconciliation Through Christ

“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

This verse speaks to the ultimate restoration made possible through Jesus Christ. It highlights the reconciliation of all creation to God, achieved through Christ’s sacrifice, underscoring the breadth and depth of God’s plan for restoration through redemption.

11. Ephesians 2:14-16 – Christ as Our Peace

“He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…that he might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”

Christ’s work on the cross not only brought about individual restoration but also broke down barriers between people, promoting unity and peace. This reconciliation with God and each other is a profound aspect of restoration in the Christian faith.

12. Luke 19:10 – Seeking and Saving the Lost

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Jesus’ mission is clearly articulated here as one of restoration—seeking out and saving those who are lost. This verse underscores the proactive love of God in Christ, reaching out to individuals in need of spiritual restoration.

13. Romans 8:21 – Liberation from Decay

“that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

Paul speaks of a future restoration that includes all of creation, liberated from decay and corruption. This comprehensive restoration reflects the hope of renewal and freedom in God’s redemptive plan.

14. 1 John 1:9 – Confession and Forgiveness

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This verse highlights the restorative power of confession and God’s promise to forgive and cleanse us. It reassures us of the continual availability of God’s grace for restoration and renewal.

15. Acts 2:38 – Repentance and Baptism

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”

The call to repentance and baptism is foundational for personal restoration in the New Testament. It marks the beginning of a renewed life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

16. Romans 5:10 – Reconciliation with God

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

This verse demonstrates the depth of God’s desire for restoration, reconciling us to Himself through Christ’s death and life. It celebrates the transformation from being enemies of God to being saved and restored.

17. 2 Corinthians 13:11 – Restoration and Encouragement

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Paul’s closing exhortation to the Corinthians emphasizes restoration within the Christian community, along with peace and encouragement. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work of restoration among believers.

18. Revelation 22:2 – Healing of the Nations

“down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

In John’s vision of the new Jerusalem, the tree of life symbolizes the ultimate restoration and healing available in God’s kingdom, offering a picture of eternal health and prosperity for all nations.

19. Philippians 1:6 – Completion of Good Work

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

This assurance from Paul to the Philippians speaks to the ongoing process of restoration and sanctification in the believer’s life, affirming that God will finish the work He has started.

20. Titus 3:5 – Renewal by the Holy Spirit

“he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,”

This verse emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in our restoration, highlighting God’s mercy as the basis for our salvation and the Spirit’s work in renewing our lives.

Conclusion

The journey through “bible verses about restoration” offers profound insights into God’s desire for our renewal and healing. These scriptures not only provide solace but also instruct us on navigating the path to spiritual and personal restoration. As we reflect on these verses, let them inspire us to seek God’s restorative power in our lives, embracing the promise of renewal and hope they bring.