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Have you ever restored anything old or broken back to its original, factory showroom condition? Perhaps an antique piece of furniture, vintage toys or clothing, or maybe even a classic car from an era gone by. Returning anything old or worn out to its former glory takes a lot of work and a lot of commitment, but the end result can be very fulfilling and rewarding. Not being a handyman myself, I have never restored anything beyond scrubbing the dirt off of my old running shoes and adding new laces—but I know people who have.
There are days when, admittedly, I feel like my ‘older’ body is sorely in need of restoration from several age-related aches and pains, but having said this, did you know that Jesus is in the restoration business? God sent Jesus into the world to redeem and restore all of mankind from the sin that befalls us since the very beginning with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. In fact, since day one, God’s heart was for the lost and broken—those of us in need of full body and soul restoration—and redemption. Jesus Christ is the best restoration expert that ever walked the earth, and he doesn’t charge a penny for services rendered!
At Jesus’s feet, we can come freely to offload all the rusted, worn-out baggage that each of us carries around day to day. In the business of renewing and restoring all creation through his shed blood on the cross, we can be made new in Christ, refreshed, restored, and forgiven. I’m sure that you are familiar with probably the most famous Bible verse of all time from John 3:16, 17, this from the NIV: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
If Jesus owned a restoration service garage in every neighbourhood on earth, I can visualize a large neon sign mounted over the front door with the above scripture brightly flashing for all to see. It doesn’t matter how tarnished you are, the background you come from, or the sins committed. If you are willing to come to Jesus and believe in him, then he promises to wash you whiter than snow, to bring you and I back to showroom condition, fully restored and shiny clean for all eternity.
Are you in need of restoration? You can be saved right now, in this moment as you read these words. The only condition is to believe in Jesus. The reward is eternal life with a head-to-toe makeover, no strings attached, and with no money exchanged for your soul to be made right before God.
Are you ready? Here’s a short salvation/restoration prayer you can say right this moment!
“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and in need of restoration. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness, once and for all. I want to trust Jesus as my personal Lord and Saviour, and in Jesus alone. Thank you, Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Come into my heart. Amen!” (If you would like some assistance in giving your heart to Christ, click this link!)
If you prayed this prayer and received Christ today, then I salute you! Restoration in Jesus is the best transaction you will ever make, and the manufacturer’s warranty never expires! If not, then I would encourage you to do so sooner than later. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” (John 14:6 NIV)
Paul Smyth
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