restitution

This expression, which is found in Acts 3:21²¹Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. (Acts 3:21), has been taken out of its connection and used in the attempt to prove Universalism, namely, that all mankind will be eventually saved. The restitution mentioned in scripture is of all things “which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets.” The thought is thus limited to what had been stated in the prophets. In Matthew 17:1¹And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, (Matthew 17:1)1 Christ speaks of Elias coming and “restoring” all things. All such expressions clearly have reference to God’s dispensational dealings on earth, to which the term “all things” refers, and do not touch one way or another the idea of universal salvation. See also RECONCILIATION.

Number:

Greek:

ἀποκατάστασις

Transliteration:

apokatastasis

Phonic:

ap-ok-at-as’-tas-is

Meaning:

from 600; reconstitution

KJV Usage:

restitutio n