Restoration is a multifaceted and often misunderstood aspect of the Christian faith. Over the years, various perspectives and approaches to restoration have emerged. While restoration should ideally return someone to their original position with the Lord—and potentially to their original calling—its manifestation can differ depending on circumstances and individuals involved. This article explores the different types or perceptions of restoration, aiming to shed light on this vital yet complex subject.
Definition of Restoration
Restoration involves bringing someone back to their rightful place with God and, as often as possible, to a position of service. This may not always mean returning to the same location or title, but it does mean restoring them to ministry. While not every restored individual may return to the pastorate, they can and should be restored to a role that fulfills their calling. The goal is to enable the fallen to serve God again, in whatever capacity He sees fit. Restoration is not about mere forgiveness—it is about positioning the individual for future usefulness in God’s kingdom.
Perceived Restoration
Perceived restoration exists in the minds of observers rather than in the reality of the individual’s walk with God. A person may already have been restored spiritually, yet to others, their restoration seems incomplete. Often, this perception stems from lingering rumors, misinformation, or unresolved biases.
For example, some assume that a fallen individual is still in the process of restoration simply because they are unfamiliar with the full story. Others may inaccurately believe they played a role in someone’s restoration, despite having no real influence. This creates a situation where the restored person must graciously endure misperceptions and misplaced assumptions.
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). True restoration is between the individual and God, not public opinion. Nevertheless, those who have been restored must often bear the reality that some will always see them as a work in progress.
The lesson here is patience and humility. Let time and continued faithfulness dispel the misperceptions. Eventually, the fruit of a restored life becomes undeniable.
Conditional or Delayed Restoration
Conditional restoration places probationary measures on the individual, mirroring legalism more than grace. While spiritual growth and accountability are necessary, indefinite probation is not.
Just as salvation is by grace through faith, so is restoration. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Placing excessive conditions on the restored undermines the transformative power of God’s grace. Conditions may help guide someone’s growth, but restoration is not contingent on meeting arbitrary human requirements.
It is not the responsibility of every believer to impose standards of restoration. God uses specific individuals to aid in the process, and the broader community’s role is one of encouragement and love, not constant judgment. There is a difference between healthy boundaries and burdensome conditions. The church must remember that the goal is healing and renewal, not prolonged penance.
Limited Restoration
Many churches impose limitations on what a restored person can do. Some believe that while God may forgive, the person can only serve in lesser capacities. This perspective contradicts the redemptive examples seen in Scripture.
King David committed grievous sins yet was restored to his full role as king. Peter denied Christ but was entrusted with leading the early church. “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29). Restoration is not about limiting future service but unlocking the potential for even greater ministry.
The church must resist the temptation to confine those who have been restored. Their future service should not be restricted by their past failures but inspired by the transformative power of God’s grace. Restoration should empower individuals to grow beyond their failures and embrace their calling with renewed passion and humility.
Administrative Restoration
Administrative restoration operates through checklists and formal procedures. While accountability is vital, true restoration is not achieved through human-led programs but through the Holy Spirit’s work.
Restoration is often messy and cannot be neatly packaged into a set of rules. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us” (Titus 3:5). Restoration is an act of divine grace, and any attempts to regulate it through exhaustive procedures diminish the role of God’s transformative power.
The church is called to walk alongside the fallen, offering guidance and love, not rigid bureaucracy. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Encouragement and compassion foster genuine restoration far more effectively than administrative oversight. Programs can assist, but without a heart of grace and patience, they often hinder more than they help.
Perpetual Restoration
For some, restoration becomes an unending process in the eyes of others. Despite being spiritually restored, they are perpetually viewed as needing further healing or oversight. This occurs when individuals cannot move beyond the past, continuing to view the restored as broken.
It is important to recognize that full restoration does not mean every consequence of sin disappears. Relationships may remain strained, and not all earthly wounds are healed. However, this does not invalidate the completeness of God’s forgiveness and renewal. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
The challenge for those in perpetual restoration is to embrace God’s view of their lives rather than the opinions of others. While some will always see the scars, God sees the redeemed heart. The church must remember to view restored individuals as whole, reflecting the grace of the Father rather than the skepticism of the elder brother.
Let the church reflect the heart of the Father, who did not condition the Prodigal’s return with continued suspicion but clothed him immediately with robes, a ring, and shoes (Luke 15:22). Such a spirit reflects the true heart of restoration.
Conclusion
Restoration is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. While human perspectives may differ, true restoration is rooted in grace and carried out by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not limited by past failures but defined by future potential in Christ.
May the church strive to restore in the spirit of meekness, following the example of Christ, and may those who have been restored walk boldly in their new life, free from the chains of both sin and the misperceptions of men. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).