The restoration of the world to their "former estate" (life on earth) is a doctrine held by few Christians to-day through lack of seeing the glorious "plan" of salvation" God has revealed to us in his word. When once you get hold of restitution as a starting-point, you will soon find that God has a "plan", and diligent study of Scripture will open your eyes to see God's love and wisdom, if you will only believe what God says, and not "human traditions." "Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
We read in Acts 3:21 of the times (years) of restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. And in Rom. 8:21, "The creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." Yes; the man Christ Jesus gave himself a ransom for all (1 Tim. 2:6). By the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life" (Rom. 5:18). "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:22.)
All praise be to God, Christ has bought the "world," and in due time will deliver them all from the prison-house of death, for he says, I have the keys of hades and of death (Rev. 1:18.) But every man in his own order: Christ (the first-born from the dead,) the Head, then his body—the Church—after the Church has been glorified—the "world"—to their "former estate." For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19). Waiting and groaning (though ignorantly) for the Son of Righteousness to arise with healing in his wings. Then the promise to Abraham will be fulfilled: "In thee and in thy seed (The Christ) shall all the families of the earth be blessed." (Gen. 28:14.)
Let us look at what the Prophets say about this glorious day (one thousand years.) Please read carefully the following: Ps. 96:10-13; Isa. 11:1-10; 61:4-11; 65:17-25; Jer. 31:31-40; Ezek. 16:48 to end; 28:25 and 26; 34:24-31; Hos. 2:14-23; Rev. 21:3-5. After the world has been restored to their "former estate" under the righteous reign of "The Christ," it will be their "Judgment Day" (before the great "White Throne" of Truth), on trial for Eternal Life, having had a complete experience of good and evil in this present age, and then having full knowledge and power to obey. If they then willfully sin, they will die the second death—die for their own sin. (Jer. 31:30; Acts 3:23; Rev. 21:8.)
Truly we who see God's plan can sing, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of nations. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: For all nations shall come and worship before thee—for thy judgments are made manifest. Amen. Thy Kingdom come. (Rev. 15:3 and 4.) R. COSSAR.