RESTORATION PRINCIPLES - THEIR BIBLICAL BASIS (4)
RESTORATION PRINCIPLES - THEIR BIBLICAL BASIS (4)
by Yeow Chin Kiong
If there is one non-Biblical slogan which Christians identify themselves by, it would be, "We call Bible things by Bible names and we do Bible things the Bible way." Put another way, "We speak where the Bible speaks; we are silent where the Bible is silent." In truth, we strive to practise 1 Peter 4:11, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God." And if there is no "book, chapter and verse" of the Bible for a belief or practice, we have nothing to do with it. Following the example of the apostles and earliest disciples of Jesus Christ, we do not "think beyond what ìs written" to avoid differences amongst ourselves (1 Corinthians 4:6-7).
In the footsteps of the first disciples, Christians today "search the scriptures daily to find out whether (the things they were taught) were so" (Acts 17:11). When the scriptures verified the truth of what they were taught, they taught the same to others who would faithfully teach ÿet others exactly what they were taught (2 Timothy 2:2) and thus enable the propagation of the truth, the unadulterated word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
When we wish to "restore" a dilapidated building to its former glory, we begin by searching for the structure's original architectural plan,- the definitive pattern of the building when it was first erected. Whether by trustworthy word of mouth or through the written word and photographs, we aspire to reconstruct the original. The restoration of the one church which Jesus identified as His church (Matthew 16:18) or loal congregations of it (Romans 16:16) requires us to locate and follow in detail a pattern,- or "form",- of the New Testament church of our Lord. Needless to say, coming up with our own form or pattern of what we desire tbe church to be in its new form would result in a "reformed" church and not a "restored" one!
The "pattern principle" is found throughout God's word. Sinners become slaves of righteousness by obeying "from the heart that form [or 'pattern'] of doctrine to which you were delivered" (Romans 6:17-18). This verse reminds us of *the faith once for all delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3) which we are to contend for. Paul commanded Timothy (and, by implication, all Christians) to "Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:13)
The importance of the scriptures as foundational to the work of restoring the New Testament church lies in the fact that God's word is necessary for salvation of sinners and preserving Christians in the faith. Properly handled (2 Timothy 2:15), that word contains Divinely-inspired doctrine [or 'teaching'] which "makes us wise unto salvation" and equips us "for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:14-17). The word conveys doctrine concerning which Paul encouraged Timothy. "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and tbose who hear you" (1 Timothy 4:16). Indeed the inspired words in written form brings eternal life to those who receive and obey them (John 20:30-31). Judgment at world's end will also be based upon God's word communicated throuvh Jesus (John 5:24; 12:48).
The restoration plea is one that calls sinners back to God's word and to allow that word,- all of which is truth (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160),- to speak to us for our instruction and obedience so that our faith will result in its intended end,- the salvation of our soul (1 Peter 1:9).