The Restoration of All Things
In The Restoration of All Things, Benjamin Vrbicek shares how the promise of Christ’s return brings us comfort today.
This is a book about the end times, but it’s not what you might expect. Instead of fear and confusion, it offers hope and reassurance. Interestingly, Vrbicek frames his chapters around different forms of suffering and shows how Christ’s return will turn our pain into praise.
Christ Returns
In Chapter 1, Vrbicek presents a theology of food and communion, explaining how history will culminate in the fullness of a wedding feast. With a memorable illustration, he helps us anticipate our resurrected bodies: “I can see you in the future, and you look much better than you look right now.”
I was especially moved by Vrbicek’s discussion of how faith in Christ divides families around the world, yet how Jesus provides a family for the forsaken. The doctrine of adoption shines throughout this chapter, and it made me eager for the day when our true family will be together forever. Chapter 5 focuses on justice for the wronged, and I was particularly challenged by Vrbicek’s call to pray and sing our rage until it is gone—or until Christ returns.
Christ Reigns
The book concludes by describing how God will bring glorification to those who struggle. I was pleasantly surprised to read that glorification includes perfected mental health alongside the end of our struggle with sin. Vrbicek is a wonderful writer, and he has written a beautiful book.
After reading, my perspective on the end times has shifted. Rather than focusing on competing views, I find myself placing greater faith in the future realities Christ has promised. My eyes have been lifted above our present problems and fixed on future glories. My heart has been filled with hope for Christ’s return and reign.
I received a media copy of The Restoration of All Things (Amazon, save an extra 5% off Westminster Bookstore with code DIVEINDIGDEEP) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.