Restoration and Healing Scripture

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has gone; the new is here!
—2 Corinthians 5:17

Did you know that the word “restore” appears 136 times in the Bible? The Bible is filled with examples of healing and restoration. It is a consistent theme in both the Old and New Testaments, from Genesis all the way to Revelation. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines restoration as “a bringing back to a former position or condition.” The promise of restoration offers hope when all else seems to oppose it.

Looking at the biblical theme of restoration provides a foundation for understanding God’s unceasing quest to save His people and restore them to His image.

4 Rs of Restoration

I once heard restoration explained as the 4 Rs: Replace, Renew, Revive, and Return.

• Replace: God replaces our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh.
  —Ezekiel 36:26

• Renew: By focusing on the Bible, our minds can be continually renewed.
  —Romans 12:2

• Revive: Through the resurrection of Jesus, we are given new, everlasting life.
  —Romans 6:4

• Return: Through the saving work of Jesus on the cross, we are reunited with God.
  —Romans 5:10

Can restoration happen overnight? Despite our often anxious urgency to be rescued, restoration is a process. The renewing of our individual hearts and wounds, our turning from sin and returning to God, and the restoration of marriages, broken families, and even physical bodies is a continual process. Pray, seek an intimate relationship with God, and surround yourself with others who can help encourage you on your path to restoration.

As you read through the following scriptures on restoration, pause and think about what it means to be restored or experience restoration.

• “But I will restore you to health, and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord, “because you are called you an outcast, Zion, for whom no one cares!’”
  —Jeremiah 30:17
  
  

• Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
  —Psalm 51:12
  
  

• And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
  —1 Peter 5:10
  
  

• Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone; the new is here!
  —2 Corinthians 5:17
  
  

• I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.
  —Ezekiel 34:16
  
  

• Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
  —Galatians 6:1
  
  

• “Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.”
  —Hosea 6:1
  
  

• But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
  —Isaiah 40:31
  
  

• Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
  —Isaiah 61:7
  
  

• Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
  —James 5:16
  
  

• I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart.
  —Jeremiah 24:7
  
  

• For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
  —Jeremiah 29:11
  
  

• For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
  —John 3:16
  
  

• Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
  —Mark 11:24
  
  

• Then Jesus laid his hands on His eyes again; and he opened His eyes, His sight was restored, and He saw everything clearly.
  —Mark 8:25
  
  

• Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  —Matthew 11:28
  
  

• But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
  —Matthew 6:33
  
  

• The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
  —Psalm 145:14
  
  

• He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
  —Psalm 23:3
  
  

• You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.
  —Psalm 71:20
  
  

• Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
  —Psalm 51:12
  
  

• Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me.
  —Revelation 3:20
  
  

• He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.
  —Ruth 4:15
  
  

• The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.
  —John 10:10
  
  

• I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
  —Ezekiel 36:26
  
  

• Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, perfect will.
  —Romans 12:2

1. Luke 15:32 – The Prodigal Son

“But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

This parable exemplifies God’s joy over a sinner’s repentance and return to Him. It highlights the theme of restoration not just to a previous state but to a renewed relationship with God, emphasizing His unconditional love and forgiveness.

2. Matthew 18:11-14 – The Lost Sheep

“For the Son of Man came to save the lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?”

This passage illustrates Jesus’ mission of restoration. It shows God’s individual care and relentless pursuit of each person who has strayed, reflecting the depth of His concern for every lost soul and His desire for their restoration.

3. John 21:15-17 – Restoration of Peter

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.'”

After Peter’s denial of Jesus, this dialogue symbolizes Peter’s restoration. Jesus entrusts Peter with a significant role, indicating that failure is not final and that restoration and commissioning are possible with repentance and reconciliation.

4. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New Creation

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

This verse speaks to the transformative power of salvation in Christ. It underscores the concept of spiritual restoration, where believers are not just improved but made entirely new, highlighting the profound impact of Christ’s redemption.

5. Galatians 6:1 – Restoration in the Community

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

This instruction emphasizes the responsibility of believers to help restore those who have fallen into sin, doing so with gentleness and caution. It reflects the collective duty towards restoration within the Christian community, promoting a culture of support and forgiveness.

6. 1 Peter 5:10 – After Suffering, Restoration

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

Peter offers encouragement that God will restore believers who have endured suffering. This restoration is comprehensive, including confirmation, strengthening, and establishment in faith, illustrating God’s active role in mending the brokenness experienced in life.

7. Acts 3:21 – Restoration of All Things

“Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”

This verse points to a future event where God will restore all creation to its intended glory. It speaks to the ultimate restoration that awaits at the end of time, affirming God’s sovereign plan for cosmic renewal.

8. Revelation 21:5 – Making All Things New

“And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'”

In Revelation, God declares the comprehensive restoration and renewal of all things. This promise of creating a new heaven and a new earth underscores the hope of eternal restoration and perfection in God’s presence.

9. James 5:19-20 – Saving a Soul from Death

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

James emphasizes the importance of restoring those who have strayed from the faith. This act of restoration is portrayed as life-saving, highlighting the critical role believers play in guiding others back to truth and salvation.

10. Colossians 1:20 – Reconciliation Through Christ

“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

This verse speaks to the ultimate restoration made possible through Jesus Christ. It highlights the reconciliation of all creation to God, achieved through Christ’s sacrifice, underscoring the breadth and depth of God’s plan for restoration through redemption.

11. Ephesians 2:14-16 – Christ as Our Peace

“He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…that he might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”

Christ’s work on the cross not only brought about individual restoration but also broke down barriers between people, promoting unity and peace. This reconciliation with God and each other is a profound aspect of restoration in the Christian faith.

12. Luke 19:10 – Seeking and Saving the Lost

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Jesus’ mission is clearly articulated here as one of restoration—seeking out and saving those who are lost. This verse underscores the proactive love of God in Christ, reaching out to individuals in need of spiritual restoration.

13. Romans 8:21 – Liberation from Decay

“that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

Paul speaks of a future restoration that includes all of creation, liberated from decay and corruption. This comprehensive restoration reflects the hope of renewal and freedom in God’s redemptive plan.

14. 1 John 1:9 – Confession and Forgiveness

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This verse highlights the restorative power of confession and God’s promise to forgive and cleanse us. It reassures us of the continual availability of God’s grace for restoration and renewal.

15. Acts 2:38 – Repentance and Baptism

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”

The call to repentance and baptism is foundational for personal restoration in the New Testament. It marks the beginning of a renewed life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

16. Romans 5:10 – Reconciliation with God

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

This verse demonstrates the depth of God’s desire for restoration, reconciling us to Himself through Christ’s death and life. It celebrates the transformation from being enemies of God to being saved and restored.

17. 2 Corinthians 13:11 – Restoration and Encouragement

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Paul’s closing exhortation to the Corinthians emphasizes restoration within the Christian community, along with peace and encouragement. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work of restoration among believers.

18. Revelation 22:2 – Healing of the Nations

“down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

In John’s vision of the new Jerusalem, the tree of life symbolizes the ultimate restoration and healing available in God’s kingdom, offering a picture of eternal health and prosperity for all nations.

19. Philippians 1:6 – Completion of Good Work

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

This assurance from Paul to the Philippians speaks to the ongoing process of restoration and sanctification in the believer’s life, affirming that God will finish the work He has started.

20. Titus 3:5 – Renewal by the Holy Spirit

“he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,”

This verse emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in our restoration, highlighting God’s mercy as the basis for our salvation and the Spirit’s work in renewing our lives.

Conclusion

The journey through “bible verses about restoration” offers profound insights into God’s desire for our renewal and healing. These scriptures not only provide solace but also instruct us on navigating the path to spiritual and personal restoration. As we reflect on these verses, let them inspire us to seek God’s restorative power in our lives, embracing the promise of renewal and hope they bring.