Restoration

Restoration in the biblical context refers to the act of God bringing His people back 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 relationship 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 experienced God's judgment 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 the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the ultimate restoration from sin and separation from 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."

Security

Security in the biblical sense refers to the assurance and protection that God provides to His people. This security is rooted in God's character, His promises, and His covenant relationship with His followers.

The Psalms frequently express the theme of security in God. Psalm 46:1-2 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas." This passage emphasizes God's role as a refuge and source of strength, providing security even amidst chaos.

In the New Testament, security is found in the person of Jesus Christ. John 10:27-29 assures believers of their security in Christ: "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand."

The Apostle Paul also speaks of the security believers have in Christ. Romans 8:38-39 affirms, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Security in the biblical sense is not the absence of trials or difficulties but the assurance of God's presence and faithfulness through them. It is the confidence that God, who began a good work in His people, will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).