Un-denominating Christianity Roadblocks to Restoration

Why Worry About Restoration? Some challenge whether it is even possible for reunification to take place in the church. Some challenge the need for unity. They’re okay with the “I’m okay, you’re okay” approach.

Some challenge the authority of Scripture. Is it, and only it, inspired? Doesn’t God speak to modern day prophets as well? How do we know what they say is or is not from God? What can be done about these and other roadblocks to restoration?

Opposing Doctrinal Presuppositions William Hawley, “Redigging The Wells” – “Every system of thought is based on presuppositions.” Example: Is the Bible the word of God? What is at least one presupposition? Example: Infant baptism. What is the presupposition?

Do We Have Presuppositions about Unity? Is all unity good unity? Some suggest unity is necessary at whatever cost. Is Christian unity despite doctrinal conflict really unity? Some suggest unity can exist even in conflict.

Is unity in error an acceptable unity? Some say that we must agree to disagree and therefore unity can exist even in disunity. Is that possible?

A Biblical View of Unity What does the New Testament call unity? Ephesians 4:11-13 --And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Is Restoration A Valid Concept? It certainly was in the Old Covenant times 2 Kings 18:1-6 Hezekiah becomes king of Judah. “He removed the high places and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the Asherah….For he clung to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses.

2 Kings 23:3-24:5 Josiah sought restoration “The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and with all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.”

Jesus Implied Restoration Matthew 19:3-9 “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all.” (Error) Jesus: “Have you not read….? (Points to the standard) “Because of the hardness of your heart (source of error)

So why These Roadblocks? Many view restoration as unbiblical. They doubt the inspiration of Scripture They suggest there is little or no unity between the Bible writers, with each writer interpreting things his own way. 2 Peter 1:21 – “…for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” We MUST presuppose Biblical inerrancy in the originals for restoration to take place.

Is There Really A N.T. Pattern? Phil. 3:17 -- Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. The word TUPOS is used – a pattern to be followed.

Romans 6:17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed….” A single form of doctrine

1 Timothy 1:3, 4:6, 6:3-4 “…so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines….” “constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.” “If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ…he is conceited and understands nothing….” All these presuppose single, attainable doctrine.