Sermons From Acts - The Times Of Restoration (3:21)

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                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                    The Times Of Restoration (3:21)

INTRODUCTION

1. As Peter preached his second gospel sermon...
   a. He called on his audience to repent and be converted - Ac 3:19
   b. He promised that their sins would be blotted out - ibid.

2. Also that Jesus must remain in heaven until "the times of
   restoration of all things"... - Ac 3:21
   a. What are "the times of restoration"?
   b. Is it limited to events to occur at the end times, just before
      Jesus returns?
   c. Or does it encompass the period between Jesus' first coming and
      His final coming?

[The language in the text allows for either understanding.  To be sure we
understand the distinction between the two views, let's first summarize
them...]
 
I. TWO PROPOSED EXPLANATIONS

   A. REGENERATION OF ALL THINGS AT THE END TIMES...
      1. Many connect the word "restoration" with "regeneration" - cf.
         Mt 19:28
      2. That when Christ comes (or shortly before) all things will be
         restored, or regenerated
      3. Including the heavens and the earth, currently in bondage to
         pain and decay, but presumably will be "restored" (regenerated)
         as a permanent dwelling for the righteous - cf. Ro 8:18-22

   B. PROPHETIC FULFILLMENT THROUGHOUT THE MESSIANIC AGE...
      1. The word "restoration" can mean establishment or fulfillment 
         a. "the Greek could just as easily mean that a process of
            restoration is already underway and that Jesus' return will
            mark its climax and dramatic conclusion." - D.G. Peterson
         b. 'Establishment' or 'fulfillment' is equally well attested,
            and makes good sense in the present context, in reference to
            the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy - F.F. Bruce
      2. As seen in the RSV:  "whom heaven must receive until the time
         for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy 
         prophets from of old." - Ac 3:21
      3. This understanding is supported further by Peter:  "and all the
         prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have 
         spoken, have also foretold these days." - Ac 3:24

["It is difficult to determine the exact force of the term restoration in
this connection" (McGarvey).  Even so, I believe the second explanation
gains merit when one considers the following question...]

II. THE END TIMES:  REGENERATION OR RECREATION?

   A. THE REGENERATION OF ALL THINGS...
      1. Many believe that when Jesus returns the current heavens and
         earth will be purified by fire (i.e., refurbished, regenerated,
         not annihilated)
      2. A cosmic redemption, if you will, to serve as the eternal home
         of the righteous (not to be confused with any millennial reign
         on the earth)
      3. Hoekema (and other amillennialists) gives four reasons for
         renewal rather than annihilation:
         a. The word for "new" (kainos) means "new in nature or in
            quality," not new in the sense of "totally other"
         b. Paul speaks of a universe longing to be liberated from
            corruption, not replaced - cf. Ro 8:19-22 
         c. The continuity between our old and new bodies is an analogy
            of the old earth being made new 
         d. If God has to annihilate this present cosmos, then His
            original purpose for it will have been thwarted and Satan 
            will have won a victory
         -- The Bible And The Future, Anthony Hoekema, p. 280-281

   B. THE RECREATION OF ALL THINGS...
      1. Putting Ro 8:19-22 aside for the moment, consider what is
         revealed elsewhere:
         a. The earth and the heavens will perish - Ps 102:25-26; cf.
            He 1:10-12
         b. The heavens will vanish away like smoke, the earth grow old
            like a garment - Isa 51:6
         c. Heaven and earth will pass away - Mt 24:35; Mk 13:31; Lk
            21:33
         d. The Lord will shake the earth and heaven, indicating its
            removal - He 12:26-27
         e. The earth will be burned up, the heavens will be dissolved,
            the elements will melt, therefore we look for new heavens and
            a new earth - 2Pe 3:10-13
         f. Earth and the heaven will have fled away, no place found
            for them - Re 20:11
         g. There will a new heaven and a new earth, for the first
            heaven and the first earth will have passed away - Re 21:1
      2. Every indication is that earth and the heavens will be
         annihilated; what then of Ro 8:19-22 and the four arguments 
         offered above in favor of renewal?
         a. It is true that "new" (kainos) means "new in nature or in
            quality", but if something is new in sense of "totally other"
            could it not also be "new in nature or in quality"?
         b. Ro 8:19-22 does speak of the universe longing to be liberated
            from corruption, but for what purpose?  Note carefully what
            is actually written, that the creation:
            1) "eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God" - Ro
               8:19
            2) "will be delivered...into the glorious liberty of the
               children of God" - Ro 8:21
            3) Seeks not its own revealing or glorious liberty, but
               that of the children of God!
            4) Is not actually said to be refurbished when freed of its
               corruption
            5) The focus in the passage is on what happens for the
               people of God when the creation is finally freed (which it
               will be when annihilated by fire)
         c. The analogy between our bodies and the earth with the
            heavens is never made by Paul
         d. Any victory by Satan when the earth and heavens are removed
            is negated by a new heavens and new earth, just as any 
            victory by Death and Hades is negated when our decayed bodies
            are raised in incorruption and immortality as spiritual 
            bodies - 1Co 15:52-55

CONCLUSION

1. When Jesus returns, there will first be a de-creation followed by a
   re-creation...
   a. All things will not be regenerated or restored, but annihilated
      by fire
   b. All things will pass away, and there will be found no place for
      them
   c. In their place will be a new heavens and a new earth:  new in
      "nature and quality", because it will also be new in the sense of 
      "totally other" 

2. If such is to be the case, then it is best to understand "the
   restoration of all things" as...
   a. Translated by the RSV:  "whom heaven must receive until the time
      for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy 
      prophets from of old." - Ac 3:21
   b. Referring to the fulfillment of those things foretold by the
      prophets concerning the Messiah and His kingdom

This fulfillment of prophecy began with the first coming of Christ and
the establishment of His reign (cf. "the prophets...have also foretold of
these days" - Ac 3:24), and will continue until all is fulfilled with the
events of His second coming and the culmination of His reign (cf. 1Co
15:22-26).

Living in the days of such fulfillment, and looking forward to the Lord's
return, are we living as we should...?

   "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens
   and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  Therefore, beloved,
   looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in
   peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the 
   longsuffering of our Lord is salvation..." - 2Pe 3:14-15
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