"Times of Restitution of All Things"

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Jul 23, 2018
12,199
2,775
113
#22
So do you think it pertains to the Millennium and if so do you believe the Church will partake?
It seems so to me.
the restitution of all things,
It really seems multifaceted.
I think once we see and experience heaven it begins the restitution.
Then the earth later.
Also it says the sea etc gives up her dead in the gwtj.
I believe some will be redeemed at that judgement.
Just my .02
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#23
Acts 3:21 (KJV) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.


Why is Peter using this term to address the Jews?
Is it in reference to the Millennium?
For the nation Israel, their sins may only be blotted out at Jesus' 2nd coming. It was spoken since the world began.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,770
3,679
113
#24
I think once we see and experience heaven it begins the restitution.
Let's hope not, otherwise Jesus won't come back...

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution ...
 
Jul 23, 2018
12,199
2,775
113
#25
Let's hope not, otherwise Jesus won't come back...

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution ...
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
 
Jun 11, 2020
1,370
424
83
73
#26
Sorry, I'm still not tracking. Peter is speaking to Israel about the restitution of all things. Does this pertain to the Millennium, and if so does the Church take part in this Millennium? (We are talking about physical land and not just our status of 'In Christ' as the new creation/man.
Yes. In both cases I'm talking of a physical Land. In Genesis 1:26-28 God makes man in His image and likeness to display Him, and He commands man to rule the earth, sea and sky. This theme is followed throughout the Bible and God never gives up His plan. The Bible ends with a City made of men which has the glory of God and rules forever (Rev.21:11, 22:5). The fall of man delayed God, but only in that He could unfold more of His glory. God's recovery plan started with Abraham - a Syrian, Gentile, idol worshiper. To Abraham God promises a number of things.
  1. Seed as the Sand of the Sea Shore
  2. Seed as the Stars of Heaven
  3. Seed that would bless all the families of earth
  4. Seed that would possess the "Gates of his enemies" ( a "Gate" in parable is the rule, or government of a city)
  5. A physical piece of the earth with borders - Canaan
Since the hindrance to God's work is always the flesh of man, Abraham's side of the Covenant of Promise, was circumcision - a "sign" that he put the flesh aside for God's purpose. Abraham then learned that he would not receive this Land in his lifetime. Thus, Abraham proved his faith over and above what God wanted. Not only did he believe God fr the Land, leave his home country and fellowship with God, but three times he showed by his actions that he believed that he would receive the PROMISES IN RESURRECTION. So, God extended the PROMISE to include, with Canaan, the WHOLE EARTH (Rom.4:13).

When our Lord Jesus came He came as Israel's Messiah and King. But He also came as Maker and Inheritor of all things. He not only offered Israel their Kingdom back, but He offered them the Whole Earth. The whole package would be ruled by the rules that were in place in heaven, so our Lord Jesus prayed; "Thy (God's) Kingdom COME (to earth), thy will be done on EARTH as it is in heaven". That is, the Kingdom of God would be a Kingdom of rule by Heaven and Heaven's rules. But Israel stumbled. The reason that Israel stumbled was that the cause of all their woes was not foreign kings ruling over them. That was just the symptoms of a broken Law. Israel needed to go to the root of the problem - their sins. So the call was, from John Baptist and our Lord Jesus, "REPENT" - for the Kingdom (out) OF Heaven is at hand." Israel believed that they had the Law of God and were keeping it, and refused to humble themselves and admit that they were fallen apostate and in darkness.

The outcome of our Lord's Jesus' overtures to Israel is well known. They rejected their Messiah and chose Caesar. So in Matthew 21:43 the Lord withdraws the offer of the Kingdom (out) OF Heaven and declares that it will be given to another people. But because of the Covenant of Promise for Canaan, Israel will still get their Land. So when the Millennium dawns, our Lord Jesus sets up His everlasting Kingdom on earth after defeating the military power of the Gentiles in one swoop at Armageddon. This Kingdom covers the whole earth and will be ruled by Overcoming Christians (Lk.19:17-19). But within this Kingdom out OF Heaven is a special subsection - Canaan.

It is special for two reasons. (i) It is the fulfillment of God's Promises to a single man and his Seed, and (ii) our Lord Jesus, Emanuel, will set up His Residence in Jerusalem and take His rightful position as King of Israel. However, the RULERS of Israel, just like the Nations, will be Christians. So second in command in Israel during the Millennium will be David (Hosea 3:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23-24, 37:24-25). We can see from the Psalms that David believed in our Lord Jesus. This makes Him a Believer - looking forward just as Moses did in Deuteronomy 18:18. Under David will be the twelve Apostles, each ruling one Tribe (Matt.19:28). That is, Israel will be ruled by Overcoming Christians, but who were once Jews.

But our Lord Jesus is Maker and King of the whole Earth. So His rule goes out from Jerusalem into the Nations via His most trusted Christian servants - those who proved in their lifetime to be utterly loyal and obedient to Christ, their Head (Matt.24:45-47; Lk.19:17-19). Israel is Israel and enjoys her recovery to the fullest. The prophets speak of wonderful blessings, safety and peace. But the earth will be ruled in "righteousness peace and joy" by the Church's Overcomers.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#27
Acts 3:21 (KJV) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.


Why is Peter using this term to address the Jews?
Is it in reference to the Millennium?
I believe that the times of restitution of "ALL THINGS", is referring to the receiving of the Holy Ghost on pentecost. John 14:26, But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you "ALL THINGS", and bring to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#28
Yes. It is "ye men of ISRAEL", and "our fathers". This precludes Christians because we have ONE FATHER and there are no Israelites in the Church (Gal.3:28; Col.3:11). The prophets were to Israel, except Chapters 2 to 6 of Daniel, which were to the Nations. They prophesied about Israel. The Church was not revealed to them. When Christ sets up His Kingdom on earth after His return, the earth, laboring under the effects of the curse of Adam and Cain, plus the pollutions by the Nations, will experience a "coming to life as dormant plants do in spring". This is the meaning of the Greek word we render "regeneration" in Matthew 19:28; "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Acts 3:21 just goes further and predicts a lot more, like dead Israelites resurrected, the Nation One again, all seed of Jacob, plus the Fathers, restored to the Land. David on a throne over them (Jer.30:9), a Temple in place (Ezekiel Chapters 40 onward). A New Covenant in place with the Law fulfilled by Israel. The word "restitution" means "reconstitution". It means; "restoring that which was before". It is a different word to "NEW heavens and NEW earth" in Revelation 21. There, it means; "Made pristine".

Thus, it DOES mean the Millennium.
There is no such teaching of Jesus coming back to earth, except to gather his elect, and he does not set foot on earth, but sends his angels to gather the elect, and they shall meet him in the air. 1 Thes 4:17.

The kingdom of God is the church that Jesus set up, and he has been reigning as King, and the husband of such, sense the days of the apostles.
 
Jun 11, 2020
1,370
424
83
73
#29
There is no such teaching of Jesus coming back to earth, except to gather his elect, and he does not set foot on earth, but sends his angels to gather the elect, and they shall meet him in the air. 1 Thes 4:17.

The kingdom of God is the church that Jesus set up, and he has been reigning as King, and the husband of such, sense the days of the apostles.
I am aware that there are men who deny that the Lord will come to earth, personally crush Gentile dominion and set up His Kingdom on earth. According to my experience, no ten, or even twenty scriptures, will convince them. Nevertheless, may God bless you.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#30
It is special for two reasons. (i) It is the fulfillment of God's Promises to a single man and his Seed, and (ii) our Lord Jesus, Emanuel, will set up His Residence in Jerusalem and take His rightful position as King of Israel. However, the RULERS of Israel, just like the Nations, will be Christians. So second in command in Israel during the Millennium will be David (Hosea 3:5; Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23-24, 37:24-25). We can see from the Psalms that David believed in our Lord Jesus. This makes Him a Believer - looking forward just as Moses did in Deuteronomy 18:18. Under David will be the twelve Apostles, each ruling one Tribe (Matt.19:28). That is, Israel will be ruled by Overcoming Christians, but who were once Jews.
Good points you are making there.

When you mention Christians however, do you mean those in the Body of Christ?
 

stepbystep

Well-known member
Aug 31, 2020
619
496
63
#31
Acts 3:21 (KJV) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.


Why is Peter using this term to address the Jews?
Is it in reference to the Millennium?
From what I read in the Commentaries, it does not seem to address the Millennium. But, I suppose there may be a Commentary I did not find addressing it. Matthew Henry seems to have a "common understanding" from the Commentaries I read.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
3:19-21 The absolute necessity of repentance is to be solemnly charged upon the consciences of all who desire that their sins may be blotted out, and that they may share in the refreshment which nothing but a sense of Christ's pardoning love can afford. Blessed are those who have felt this. It was not needful for the Holy Spirit to make known the times and seasons of these dispensations. These subjects are still left obscure. But when sinners are convinced of their sins, they will cry to the Lord for pardon; and to the penitent, converted, and believing, times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord. In a state of trial and probation, the glorified Redeemer will be out of sight, because we must live by faith in him.
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,770
3,679
113
#32
From what I read in the Commentaries, it does not seem to address the Millennium. But, I suppose there may be a Commentary I did not find addressing it. Matthew Henry seems to have a "common understanding" from the Commentaries I read.
This could be that most commentators up to at least the 19th Century were Amillennialists, viewing the Millennium as more of a figurative event rather than a literal event fulfilling dozens of Old Testament prophecies.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#33
There is no such teaching of Jesus coming back to earth, except to gather his elect, and he does not set foot on earth, but sends his angels to gather the elect, and they shall meet him in the air. 1 Thes 4:17.

The kingdom of God is the church that Jesus set up, and he has been reigning as King, and the husband of such, sense the days of the apostles.
Zechariah 14
3 Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Acts 1
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

Would these 2 scriptures be enough for you?
 

laymen

Senior Member
Apr 6, 2014
680
102
43
faithlife.com
#34
Acts 3:21 (KJV) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.


Why is Peter using this term to address the Jews?
Is it in reference to the Millennium?


The disciples had witnessed Christ’s ascension (ch. 1:9, 10), and they realized He must remain in heaven until His second advent. Jesus had told His disciples that it was necessary for Him to leave them (John 14:1–6), but even they did not understand until they saw Him ascend, and learned that they must look for His return. Nichol, F. D. (Ed.).
 

crossnote

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2012
30,770
3,679
113
#35
The disciples had witnessed Christ’s ascension (ch. 1:9, 10), and they realized He must remain in heaven until His second advent. Jesus had told His disciples that it was necessary for Him to leave them (John 14:1–6), but even they did not understand until they saw Him ascend, and learned that they must look for His return. Nichol, F. D. (Ed.).
Right, so what does Peter mean by 'times of restitution' and is the Millennium being referenced?
 
Jun 11, 2020
1,370
424
83
73
#37
Good points you are making there.

When you mention Christians however, do you mean those in the Body of Christ?
Yes. I am aware that the Bible hardly uses the word "Christian", but it is so widely used in Christianity that its meaning is clear. A better word is "Disciples" - those who have entered into the "Disciplines" of our Lord Jesus. Then I believe the next best word to use is "brethren". This implies the same Father, and immediately it excludes all imposters because it addresses only those born of God. "Believers" is next best but it is not exclusive to the Church because everybody believes something - even those in error. "Body of Christ" is a grand concept, but in general Christians don't have a full grasp of it. It is a mystery how all we individuals make up the corporate Body of Jesus, especially while He sits in heaven in a human body, and we're on earth. But it carries with it the deepest understanding of how SEPARATE the Church is. And then comes, "The Bride of Christ", which has very mystical connotations. Scripture shows Eve to be the Type. She is taken out of Adam's rib and made like Adam, but is the female part - which has differences. And then comes the mysterious description which describes Eve AND the Church; "You are bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh". What happened to the blood?

Now, we are on the verge of derailing the thread. But, "yes" to your question.
 

Yahshua

Senior Member
Sep 22, 2013
2,915
817
113
#38
Acts 3:21 (KJV) Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.


Matthew 17:9-11
9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.



Malachi 3:1
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.


Malachi 4:5-6
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.



Peter is explaining that the Messiah must remain in heaven until (the end-time) Eljiah comes to do his work.

His work is "The restitution of all things", which is the same as "restoring all things", which is the same as turning the hearts of the children [of Israel] to the fathers...the very process of preparing the way before the King's next appearance.


Why is Peter using this term to address the Jews?
Because it is they for whom the King comes, to restore their kingdom. This was the hope of the descendants of Israel since their captivity. Recall that the Messiah was even asked whether it was time for this restoration before His ascension, to which he replied, "it's not for you to know..."


Is it in reference to the Millennium?
In a way, yes. Or more specifically, right before the Millennium (the day of the Lord). "What has been is what will be...there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

The worship was/is unacceptable.

Elijah judged Israel because of their Ba'al worship, and restored true worship of the Living God to the kingdom.

John judged Judah's religious leaders for leading the Jews in man-made traditions that nullified the commandments of Yah, in preparation for Messiah's 1st appearance.

The end-time messenger's task is to restore the children back to the original ways of the patriarchs of the faith, which has been lost to them since being scattered to the four corners and being corrupted by the current world's traditions.

Malachi 3:2-3
But who can endure the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:

3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an
offering in righteousness


...and then the King will descend from heaven to gather all who are His, both natural and wild branches.
 

GraceAndTruth

Well-known member
Sep 28, 2015
2,031
637
113
#39
why not read it IN CONTEXT and find out for yourself?
Who can know what ANYTHING means when it is presented OUT OF CONTEXT!!?
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#40
Zechariah 14
3 Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.

4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Acts 1
9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

Would these 2 scriptures be enough for you?
The book of Zechariah references how displeased God was with Jerusalem, and gathered all nations to battle against Jerusalem, and utterly destroyed it. This is past history.

The verses in Acts has reference to Christ's second coming at the last day to collect his elect.