How are Old Testament themes of exile and restoration fulfilled now in the continuation of God’s kingdom?
Answer:
The themes of exile and restoration are fulfilled now in the continuation of God’s kingdom in various ways. First, the theme of exile is fulfilled now through the ministry of the church. The “seed of David according to the flesh” — humanity — is still in bondage to sin. There are still sinners and wicked people who resist submitting to the Lord and obeying him. They live in a state of spiritual exile because of the bondage of sin and the power of sin over them. Also, those who are within the covenant in the church sometimes fall under chastisement or church discipline. This is a form of exile in which a person is deprived of the Lord’s blessings and fellowship with believers because of a certain sin. We still see and experience exile in our lives today in the continuation of God’s kingdom. The theme of restoration is fulfilled in us today because the Holy Spirit is still the guarantor of our inheritance, dwelling in us, leading and guiding us. We still experience God’s blessings in Christ on a daily basis. We still experience the Lord’s protection, care, and victory over our enemies. We walk in the victory which Christ inaugurated on the cross. We still experience this victory on a daily basis by the help of the Holy Spirit in us. Thus, we see the themes of exile and restoration are continuing with us in the continuation of God’s kingdom.
Arabish Biblical Theology 