In a previous blog, we explored how God can cover failure. We came to understand that, during creation, God had something better in mind for all creation. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:18 onwards that a future glory awaits. That glory shrouds our failures and sufferings with meaning.
My aim in writing is to strengthen your joy and worship, so you don’t lose heart during tough times. For starters, let us consider what God did in view of the challenge of sin in humanity.
The Promise of Restoration: God’s Covering
Sin separates us from God. We cannot discuss the restoration of health, wealth, mental wellness, relationships, etcetera, without acknowledging that all these stem from the problem of sin. Due to our separation from God through rebellion, we often find ourselves doing things that are contrary to God’s will. The good news in Genesis, and all through Scripture, is that God, in his mercy, provides an opportunity for fallen, rebellious humans to know what it means to be restored.
The theme of restoration in Scripture begins in Genesis with the first family and continues through all subsequent families. After their sin, Adam and Eve tried to cover themselves the best way they knew how—using leaves. But that was lame and mediocre. It was not enough to cover their nakedness and shame. They attempted to reconcile the eternal with the physical. What can we learn from this?
Garments of Skin
God is not an inconsiderate God and definitely takes no pleasure in the death of his beloved creation. When Adam and Eve sinned, God punished them, alright. Nevertheless, he covered their nakedness better than their efforts could, by killing an animal and using its skin to clothe Adam and his wife. Their ‘genius’ effort, leaves, would never have survived the harsh conditions outside the Garden of Eden. With this act of kindness, God signaled the eventual restoration of every soul that believes in him through Jesus Christ.
The skin covering, as provided by God, signifies the blood covering of Christ upon everyone who turns to God in faith. The lamb of sacrifice and the priestly offerings all point to the restorative work of Christ on the cross for everyone who believes. Paul says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He also says, “…and be found in him, not having a righteousness of [your] own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.” (Philippians 3:9)
We also see in the Old Testament the priestly sacrifices intended to atone for Israel’s sins, especially during the Feast of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1-34). The High Priest would perform rituals annually during a week-long fast for the entire nation. The sacrifice was to be a pleasant aroma before God so that he could forgive the nation and give them a new lease of life for yet another year. All these were shadows of what God would accomplish later for us (individually, in Christ Jesus).
In sacrificing his life for ours, Jesus sets the ball rolling for every one of us who has wandered off in sinful living to know the joy of living a life that is free of sin, shame, and judgment. Restoration is what happens when the hearts of men respond in repentance to God’s reviving work. There is no true restoration without a response to revival. And just as the blood of the lamb covered the Israelites in Egypt from the angel of death (Exodus 12:13-28), the blood of Jesus shed on the cross covers our nakedness before the eyes of the Lord (Hebrews 9:22).
Eviction Through Adam, Admission Through Christ
After the rebellion and judgments, God kicked Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden—out of his presence. At the entrance of the garden, God put a flaming sword to keep man outside. Man was expelled from the garden because he was no longer worthy of the honor of being therein. Consider the grace here: God did not cast out the man to hell but just out of Eden (Genesis 3:22)! The worst did not happen.
Fast forward to today, and the eviction has been reversed by the work of Christ. Now, for all who would be willing, there is an admission that is not dependent upon the work of man but on the work of Christ. Paul says, “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2). Again of Christ Paul elsewhere says, “…in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him” (Ephesians 3:12). God has fully provided for our restoration. So sweet are the words of the old hymn:
The vilest offender
Who truly believes
That moment from Jesus, a pardon receives
The journey of restoration must always begin with salvation. It is in regaining our identity in Christ through salvation that we are restored to the high life that God intended for us at the beginning. Before we get excited about outward restoration in matters of health, wealth, prosperity, family, and other areas, we must realize that the primary problem we face is unregenerate hearts. We all inherited from Adam all the vileness of heart we see around: immorality, sensuality, lying, murder, anger, hate, and corruptions of all kinds. Sad and great are the consequences of sin. But God has richly provided for our covering through the death and resurrection of Christ. Shame, guilt, anger, and bitterness do not need to define us again. It does not matter how terribly low you may have fallen; the God of restoration can write a different story for you.
Consider the many people whose fates had seemed sealed, only for God to rewrite their stories beautifully. Think of Abraham, a moon worshipper-turned-friend of God. Or Moses, an adopted son who became a deliverer. Or Joseph, the despised brother-turned rescuer of a nation. Or Ruth, the forgotten lady who became Boaz’s wife through redemption. Or Rahab, the harlot who later on became part of the family of Israel. And the list is endless. Yes, there might be an eviction notice on our foreheads, but in Christ, we can be readmitted to God’s household.
Our past can be undone in the person of Christ. All is not lost. Waging war within ourselves is crucial to staying focused on the most important thing: God’s calling. And though this may be elusive at times, be reminded that God looks at us through the lenses of Christ’s salvific work. Remember, God’s restoration depends on his work, not ours.