Restoration

Restoration in the biblical context refers to the act of God bringing back His people to a state of spiritual, physical, or material wholeness after a period of loss, exile, or judgment. The theme of restoration is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, highlighting God's redemptive plan and His desire to renew His covenant with His people.

In the Old Testament, restoration often follows a period of judgment or exile. For instance, the Babylonian exile was a significant event where the Israelites were taken captive due to their disobedience. However, God promised restoration through the prophets. Jeremiah 29:10-11 states, "For this is what the LORD says: 'When seventy years for Babylon are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.'"

The concept of restoration is not limited to physical return but also includes spiritual renewal. Ezekiel 36:26-27 speaks of a new heart and spirit: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances."

In the New Testament, restoration is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who restores the broken relationship between God and humanity. Through His death and resurrection, believers are restored to a right standing with God. Acts 3:19-21 calls for repentance and promises restoration: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you. Heaven must receive Him until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets."

Inheritance

Inheritance in the Bible refers to the blessings and promises that God bestows upon His people, often depicted as a legacy passed down through generations. It encompasses both physical land and spiritual blessings.

In the Old Testament, inheritance is closely tied to the Promised Land, which God pledged to Abraham and his descendants. Genesis 17:8 records God's promise: "And to you and your descendants I will give the land of your sojourn—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God." The division of the land among the tribes of Israel, as detailed in the book of Joshua, represents the fulfillment of this promise.

Inheritance also carries a spiritual dimension, as seen in the blessings given to the patriarchs. For example, Jacob's blessing to his sons in Genesis 49 outlines the future of each tribe, indicating a spiritual and prophetic inheritance.

In the New Testament, the concept of inheritance is expanded to include all believers, who are considered heirs with Christ. Romans 8:16-17 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him."

The inheritance promised to believers is eternal and incorruptible. 1 Peter 1:3-4 describes this inheritance: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you."

Thus, inheritance in the biblical sense is both a present reality and a future hope, encompassing the fullness of God's promises to His people.