The Threefold Restoration of Man

Spirit → Soul → Dominion

When God created man, three dimensions were evident:

Original Design	Human Dimension	Function
Image	Spirit	Relationship with God
Likeness	Soul	Character and thinking
Dominion	Body / Authority	Stewardship over earth

When sin entered in Genesis 3, all three areas were damaged.

Christ’s redemptive work restores them in sequence.

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1. Restoration of the Spirit

(Regeneration – The New Birth)

The first restoration happens in the human spirit.

Jesus explained this clearly:

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
— Gospel of John 3:6

When a person believes in Christ:

• the spirit is regenerated

• spiritual life begins

• communion with God is restored

Paul describes this transformation:

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
— Second Epistle to the Corinthians 5:17

What is Restored?

The Image of God begins to be restored.

The believer becomes:

• spiritually alive

• reconciled to God

• indwelt by the Holy Spirit

Principle

Salvation restores man's relationship with God.

But this is only the beginning of Kingdom life.

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2. Restoration of the Soul

(Transformation of the Mind)

The second stage is the renewal of the soul—particularly the mind.

Paul writes:

“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Epistle to the Romans 12:2

The soul includes:

• mind

• will

• emotions

Even though the spirit is regenerated, the mind still carries old patterns of thinking.

Thus discipleship focuses on:

• renewing beliefs

• developing Christlike character

• learning Kingdom values

Paul also says:

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
— Epistle to the Philippians 2:5

What is Restored?

The Likeness of God.

Believers begin to reflect:

• righteousness

• humility

• love

• obedience

Principle

Discipleship restores the character of God in man.

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3. Restoration of Dominion

(Kingdom Authority)

The final stage is the restoration of Kingdom authority.

Jesus declared after His resurrection:

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
— Gospel of Matthew 28:18

Then He delegated authority to His followers.

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.”
— Gospel of Luke 10:19

This reflects the original mandate of Genesis 1:26:

“Let them have dominion.”

Believers begin exercising Kingdom authority through:

• prayer

• spiritual warfare

• healing and deliverance

• righteous influence in society

What is Restored?

The Dominion mandate.

Man again becomes God’s representative steward on earth.

Principle

Kingdom maturity restores man’s authority under Christ.

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The Complete Restoration Process

The three stages work together:

Stage	Experience	Restoration
Regeneration	Salvation	Spirit restored
Transformation	Discipleship	Soul renewed
Authority	Kingdom mission	Dominion restored

This mirrors the structure of the ministry of Jesus Christ.

1. He saved people

2. He discipled followers

3. He sent them with authority

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The Apostolic Pattern

The apostles followed the same sequence.

1. Salvation

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”
— Acts of the Apostles 2:38

2. Growth

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”
— First Epistle of Peter 2:2

3. Kingdom Mission

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.”
— Second Epistle to the Corinthians 5:20

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The Restoration Goal

God’s ultimate goal is to produce believers who are:

• spiritually alive

• Christlike in character

• functioning in Kingdom authority

Paul describes this destiny:

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
— Epistle to the Romans 8:29

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The Kingdom Disciple

A mature Kingdom disciple therefore reflects:

1. Identity in Christ

2. Character of Christ

3. Authority of Christ

This restores the original design of Image → Likeness → Dominion.