The Restoration of All Things: How the Promise of Christ's Return Brings Us Comfort Today

by Benjamin Vrbicek

Genres: Christian

176 pages, Paperback

Published June 23, 2026

About the author

Benjamin and his wife Brooke have six children. Benjamin enjoys reading, wrestling with his children, dating his wife, eating at Chipotle, and riding his bicycle in the early hours of the morning.

He has written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, and For The Church, and is the author several books, including "Don't Just Send a Resume," "More People to Love," and "Struggle Against Porn" (forthcoming with Rainer Publishing in 2019).

He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri and a Masters in Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary. He is a teaching pastor at Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, PA.

Reviews

[Noah Gwinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biased, but you should read this book.

[Troy Mouer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not a sensational theological deep dive into the who/what/when/where/why of the end times. Nor is it a "Get Your House in Order for the Lord is coming soon" book. Rather, it presents a very practical and Biblical look at the promises God has made concerning the return of Christ for folks like you and me (and our friends and family) who struggle with various earthly ailments (from food allergies to cancer to exhaustion to stubborn sin to broken or no families to injustice on small and large scales) and the hope/comfort His return gives us for both today and "tomorrow." And, more than everything else good about this book, its final pages remind us of Christ's glory during his appearing — that the very best part is being in His presence and the way that will change everything.

Written by a pastor who humbly shepherd's a local church, Vrbicek gives us a quick read that avoids the chaff and gets to the point! In doing so, he offers meaningful personal and pastoral stories and applications. It’s ultimately a call to raise our eyes to Jesus (and away from ourselves and our situations). My favorite chapters are 'Glorification for Strugglers' and 'Conclusion (Loving His Appearing)'. I highly recommend this book and pray it brings comfort for today and healing to those scarred by modern and largely unbiblical End Times prophecy. 

[Ellie (elliehojreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraged by this book!

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rich in biblical encouragement that is much needed today. Looking at the doctrine of "the last things" is not just about bringing a debate nor receiving the good stuff that this world failed to offer. Knowing that Christ is coming should develop a deep affection of Christ Himself. I like how the author connects our present sufferings, physical shortcomings, sin struggles, injustice and worries to the blessed appearance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In this book he points out that thinking about the new heaven and the new earth, is not a form of escapism or we should consider them as "consolation prizes" of the painful ordeals. But rather full surrender to that promise of God that Christ's return. Vrbicek clearly and with pastoral love with the church, unpacks those truths and fresh insights that will strengthen your faith and kindle the flames of eagerness to see the appearance of Jesus Christ.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the suffering saint, I believe having a grasp on end times theology is essential. Benjamin Vrbicek points us to the comfort and hope of Christ’s return. He is a pastor that takes the Amillennial perspective when teaching us and does so with great sensitivity and clarity. There are discussion questions for each chapter at the end of the book which would make this a good resource for a book club or Bible study.

Received an advanced copy through #Netgalley

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep

[Cheryl Balcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up, wondering if it would be an unpacking of the book of Revelation. Instead, I found six simple chapters that left me longing for home — feasting for the famished, rest for the weary, bodies for the broken, family for the forsaken, justice for the wronged, and glorification for strugglers. The first five speak to pain points so many of us carry today, but chapter six, "Glorification for Strugglers," is the one that stayed with me most. It beautifully illuminates the root of all our hope: we will be without sin and in the presence of the Lord.

Vrbicek writes about the complete healing awaiting believers at Christ's return in a way that left me with a fresh, joyful perspective on eternity. I especially loved how he wove in classic hymns throughout — both direct lines he quoted and sentences that echoed their language.

[Cara Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about what it looks like to be encouraged with our hope in a fresh way reading this book. Through the years I have read 1 Thess saying that is a promise to promote joy with, but had not really ever been excited myself of what it really means. This is an amillenial viewpoint, but is not suffocating if you do not adhere to that particular stance on such a debated topic. Easy read with much of the scripture references quoted, so it would be a really easy listen. Worth the money.

[Luke Meads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a super deep theological book, but rather a book of encouragement for Christians facing certain hardships in this life and the promise of the restoration with the return of Jesus, of a new heaven and earth where these afflictions no longer exist.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated Benjamin’s take on the end times. It was personal and full of hope, written with the warmth of a pastor who knows how we all need this kind of encouragement.