Full Restoration
Scripture Reading — Luke 15:17-24; John 8:31-36
“A slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.”
The depth of God’s grace is startling. He is not a reluctant forgiver, stingy with grace. God is eager to wipe the slate clean of sin and fully restore his lost children. In the parable of the lost son, everything the father does from the moment he sees his son returning is a clear sign of not only forgiveness but also complete restoration.
The father interrupts his wayward son’s speech by saying, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.” All these things are signs of full restoration to the family. The son will not become a slave, a servant, or a hired worker. He will live with the father as his son, with all of the inherent privileges of being part of the family. The son is welcomed back to the family not as a slave or a hired worker but as a fully restored son.
The guilt and shame of our childish rebellion was transferred to Jesus on the cross. He provided the way out for us. By his suffering and death for our sake, we are spared the sentence of death for our sin and offered forgiveness—full and free. When we receive Christ as our Savior, we become fully restored as children of God. Jesus was crucified with open arms because the Father’s arms are wide open, waiting for us to come home.
Your grace, O Lord, is amazing. Thank you for restoring our souls and crediting the righteousness of Christ to us so that we can be restored as your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Rob Jansons
Rob Jansons is the pastor of New Hope Fellowship in Monroe, Washington, where he has served for almost twenty years. He and his wife, Sue, have been married since 1989 and have three daughters. Rob spends time each year in Calcutta, India, working with a Christian ministry to children living in slums. He enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, camping with his family, reading, writing, and being a pastor.
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