As suggested by the title, there was in the past some things that had gone wrong in the Lord's church. Although this did happen, keep in mind that what the Lord has established and built, nothing could destroy. But, since the part that makes up the body of Christ on earth is human and physical, problems did and do arise. Some problems that even the apostles knew would arise and cause some of God's people to fall away are clearly seen. Paul spoke of these things many centuries before they actually took place. "Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord that he purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). "But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth" (1 Timothy 4:1-3).
GOD IS CALLING US BACK
Even in the Old Testament, it can be seen that God would have His people
walk in the "old paths" and live by them. This had reference to abiding
in and by God's Law. Jeremiah the prophet told the people, "Thus
saith Jehovah, 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: but they said, We will not walk therein" (Jer. 6:16).
So it is in the New Testament. "Brethren, I speak after the manner
of men: Though it be but a man's covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed,
no one maketh it void, or addeth thereto" (Galatians 3:15). Paul
says that two things cannot be done to a covenant of men. (How much
less one that God has made). These two things which men cannot do
to a covenant are: make it void and add to it. Thus, if this is the
way of a covenant and God has established with man an "eternal covenant"
(Hebrews 13:20), then there is nothing men can do to God's word and still
be acceptable with Him. This is why God calls us back to His word
through His Son Jesus.
WHAT IS RESTORATION?
The restoration of the New Testament church is not a new church or
denomination for Jesus built only one (Matthew 16:18). It is not
a plea for people to return to the first century customs but to the original
pattern set out for men to follow if they wish to be God's saved ones.
In this, we are bound to come unto God through His Son Jesus and have the
attitude the apostles had. We read in John 6:68, "Simon Peter
answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal
life."
WHAT IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST?
It is that called out group of people from sin into a new and living
way in Christ. The writer of the book of Hebrews said, "by the
way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil,
that is to say, his flesh" (Hebrews 10:20). It is that kingdom
established on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus from
the dead (Acts chapter two). It is that kingdom that came with the
power of the Holy Spirit as was prophesied (Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8).
Any group claiming to be "a church" or "the church" which had its beginning
after this time as shown in the Bible is not the Lord's church nor a part
of it. It will not help men and women serve God and indeed will cause
them to be lost. Please do not involve yourself in the doctrines,
groups, and religions of men. Study and make sure of all things from
the Bible before you accept, follow, and practice them.
RESTORED WORSHIP
As we have studied in other lessons, the worship of the church is very
important. One cannot please God and be saved if he or she will not
worship God "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). We have
outlined and studied these things but as a reminder let us list them again:
Finally, all these things are restored not by man's wisdom but by the plain statements of the Scriptures. When we learn what God expects of us, we do it. The church of our Lord will never be destroyed but men and women forsake it. When we speak of restoration, we speak of restoring men and women back to what God has established in His Son—the church which He will save when He comes again.
Now that you are a Christian, thank God that you have been restored to that which will last forever.
Now, study the lesson sheets and answer the questions. God bless you as you continue to study and do His will!