“For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Cor.1: 20).

Peter was used as the spokesman on the day of Pentecost, after they had received the promise. The multitude was amazed and some were in doubt, saying one to another, “What meaneth this?” Peter, under the influence of the power of the Holy Spirit, gave the spiritual answer in Acts 2:16, “but this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel...” Repeatedly, the apostle referred to the prophecies of the Old Testament. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he also predicted of what was to take place before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, “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” (Acts 3:21). Upon the authority of this prophecy, all things have to be restored to the true Bible teachings and practices of the original church, before Jesus Christ returns.

The Lord Himself spoke of the restoration and told us how this was to take place, “Elijah truly shall first come, and restore all things” (Mt.17: 11). This promise was given in the future tense after the ministry of John the Baptist had been completed and he had gone on to be in Glory. Please note, this utterance of Jesus coincides with Mal.4: 5, “Behold, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord...” That is the promise for our day. “I will restore to you the years...” (Joel 2:25). The message of this hour is the message of complete restoration.