One of the most common proof texts for the LDS restoration is Acts 3:19-21. Indeed, these verses have been cited more than 175 times in General Conference. But do these verses really support the idea that there would be an apostasy and eventual restoration of Christ’s true Church?
Here’s the passage in the KJV: “19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom 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.”
Taken out of context this passage can seem supportive of the idea of a restoration that is a “restitution of all things” and that this restoration must take place before Jesus returns.
But in context this passage does not refer to “the Restoration” as understood in the LDS Church.
The context of this verse is a sermon that Peter the Apostle gave in Jerusalem after he had healed a beggar near the temple. The people around were “utterly astounded” at what had happened. Peter emphasizes that this miracle had been done in the name of that same Jesus “whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.” Indeed Peter accuses them of “kill[ing] the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead.”
But Peter also offers his audience a message of peace and reconciliation. He declares that the men and their leaders had “acted in ignorance” and in fulfilment of what God had already foretold through the Prophets. And he promises them that repentance is possible and that all of their “sins may be blotted out.”
What, then, did Peter mean by ‘times of refreshing’ and ‘the restitution of all things’?” Was Peter referring to a future dispensation involving Joseph Smith and a restoration of the true church? No. That concept of a future restoration would have made no sense to Peter or his audience.
Restoration of All Things
The restoration that Peter speaks of is what Christ will do when he returns to inaugurate his kingdom on earth. The restoration involves the fulfilment of all that God has promised through the prophets. (Isaiah 11:6-9; Ezekiel 37:21-28). It involves the restoration of all creation and the eradication of sin and death. (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-5). “All things” would have referred to all of these prophecies being fulfilled in Jesus Christ culminating in his second coming, rather than to a future day of “restoration.”
Why else doesn’t it make sense to think that Peter was speaking of a restoration of Christ’s Church? Because he was a part of Christ’s very living and established Church. This was shortly after the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had descended in miraculous ways fulfilling the prophecy of Joel that God would “pour out my Spirit on all people.” (Joel 2: 28) It would not have made sense to tell his listeners to wait for a future restoration of what was already there right in their midst. Nor would this have made sense to Luke’s audience around thirty years later that would have been part of a thriving Church that had seen miraculous growth. So even if there was to be an apostasy and restoration, it makes no sense for Peter to have been talking about those events to his 1st Century audience in Jerusalem. But the idea is even more preposterous given that the New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the perseverance of Christ’s church (e.g., Matthew 28:20; Ephesians 3:21).
Peter’s message is that Jesus Christ whom they crucified was their long-awaited Messiah who would come again in glory and condemn the wicked. He would fulfil all of God’s promises and bring about the kingdom that they anticipated.
Times of Refreshing
When Peter referred to times of refreshing he was speaking about the spiritual renewal and peace that comes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. These blessings are available even now as we wait for Christ to return.
Throughout his Sermon, he has linked Jesus to the suffering servant of Isaiah 53, the one who would “suffer” for all of our sins (Acts 3:18). They had “esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But in reality he “was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5). The crucifixion was not a tragic accident, but the fulfilment of God’s plan for the salvation all of his people.
Peter offers his listeners good news. The day of repentance was still available and that they could have peace and reconciliation to God through believing in Christ. As Paul would later similarly preach: “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”(2 Corinthians 6:2). Though they had rejected their Messiah and their God, his arms of mercy were still extended to them. Indeed, those “times of refreshing” were available to them even that very day if they would but turn their hearts to God.
This is also really good news for all of us. “Times of refreshing are available to us all. If we have not yet repented and put our hope in Jesus Christ, then he promises that if we turn to him we will be refreshed and made into a “new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). And if we have put our trust in Jesus, then God is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” as we continue to confess and repent.
Peter urges his listeners to act immediately. And we should do likewise Whether Christ comes in our lifetimes or not, today is the day to receive his grace and live in the peace and assurance that he offers us. Come to Jesus, have your sins “blotted out,” and receive the “free gift” of “eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).
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