One the most wonderful, refreshing things regarding the church that belongs to Jesus is our plea to return to the New Testament. Truth seekers desire above all else to please Almighty God! The only way to please God is to obey and follow His Word in all areas. Although many have forgotten what true restoration is, those who want to please God will continue to restore pure New Testament Christianity, which is found on the pages of inspiration. By “restoration” we simply mean “the act of replacing in a former state.” The restoration plea is a plea to restore or bring back the New Testament church, void of manmade creeds, opinions, human traditions or any denominational influence. The restoration plea ought to be the plea of everyone who loves truth!
Firstly, the restoration plea is a scriptural plea. In the long ago, God, through the prophet Jeremiah, directed His people to “…Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…” (Jeremiah 6:16b). Jesus reminded the people of His day, “…blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28). What were they to hear; latter day revelations, confessions of faith, human traditions? No, but they were to simply hear and keep the pure Word of God! “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17; cf. Matthew 7:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; James 1:25; 1 John 5:3; et al.).
Secondly, the restoration plea is a sound plea. What logical person could justify holding man’s words equal or above God’s Word? Manmade denominations have all but completely forsaken the Bible. For example, where in the Bible could one possibly read of someone becoming a Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist or any other manmade entity? To go back to the Bible is to forsake all forms of manmade religion including manmade names. Doesn’t that make absolute sense? Since Christ died for us, should we not call ourselves after Him alone? Surely that is the sound plea that Paul made to a divided church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:10ff). Although such is not preached in the religious world today, we should not wear the name of man but of Christ and Christ alone (Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17, et al). We should never practice religiously that which came from man but of Christ and Christ alone (John 14:6)!
Lastly, the restoration plea is a successful plea. By adhering to and applying the teaching of Jesus one restores the simple New Testament church for which Jesus died (Acts 20:28). When the seed of God’s Word (Luke 8:11) is planted in honest and good hearts (Matthew 13:8), that seed brings forth Christians, nothing more and nothing less! Does the church of the first century exist today? It certainly does! We can successfully restore the New Testament church today, void of any manmade traditions, opinions or ideas. The divine formula is rather simple. We need divine seed, dedicated soil and diligent sowers. With a combination like that, the restoration plea will be a success.
Our plea is scriptural, sound and successful! We plead with all to leave the doctrines and commandments of men (Matthew 15:7ff), and cling to the pure, unadulterated Word of God. Are you a truth seeker? Do you want to please God? Then, help us as we preach and live the restoration plea! If what we have written is correct, accept it; if not, please tell us why.
