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 disobedience. The theme of restoration is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating God's redemptive plan for humanity and His desire to renew and restore His creation.

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 thus says the LORD: '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 death. 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."

Reward

The concept of reward in the Bible is closely linked to the idea of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Rewards are often depicted as blessings or benefits given by God in response to faithfulness, obedience, and righteousness.

In the Old Testament, rewards are frequently associated with the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Deuteronomy 28 outlines blessings for obedience, including prosperity, protection, and favor. Psalm 19:11 highlights the value of God's commandments: "By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward."

The New Testament expands on the theme of reward, emphasizing eternal rewards in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus teaches about rewards in the Sermon on the Mount, encouraging believers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-20). He also promises rewards for acts of righteousness done in secret, as seen in Matthew 6:4 : "so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

The Apostle Paul speaks of rewards in the context of faithful service and perseverance. In 1 Corinthians 3:14 , he writes, "If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward." Paul also encourages believers to run the race of faith with the goal of receiving an imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

The Book of Revelation concludes with a promise of reward from Jesus Himself. Revelation 22:12 states, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." This underscores the ultimate reward for believers: eternal life and fellowship with God in the new creation.