A Call for a Spiritual Restoration

The New Testament church was established in the first century; it also began falling away (apostatizing) in the first century. By the second century it had become something entirely different from what it was in the beginning – Christ’s spiritual body was taken over and organized by men. A hierarchy replaced congregational independence and eldership oversight, and the church was ruled from above. The church became rich and powerful, political and cruel. It waged wars, demoralized and exploited people, and fell into “the dark ages” that lasted for a thousand years. But light came with the Great Reformation of the 16th century. As the church was reforming it was also fragmenting into many denominational factions. Then there came the Great Awakening of the 18th century, followed by a number of significant reformations, restorations and revivals in following years. Later yet came the restructuring and progression that gave rise to the progressive post-modern church of the 20th and 21st centuries. By the 21st century there were many who called themselves Christians but by then the church had become a political organization and the quest for holiness had been largely abandoned. Some still claimed to be the Lord’s exclusive church, while others were merging and striving for ecumenical unity and global control. The Great Reformation and the Great Awakening, along with the following reformations, restorations and revivals, ran their course and were replaced by the restructuring and progression of the post-modern church. Add to this the dullness and deadness of the fragmented groups and you will realize the need for a “spiritual restoration.” As in earlier times, there is still a remnant that is loyal to Christ and follows the Bible, but many of them left the church of their family and early life and went in search of a place to be that they could call home; they were neither able to accept the exclusive claim to the Lord’s church nor the post-modern drift of the human cause. They do not believe that the present-day confusion is the Lord’s church of the first century, but that it contrasts with the first century church instead. Nor do they believe that just doing things as the first century church did is a restoration of the first century church. The church must be restored in spirit as well as in letter, and this is scarcely being done. This essay pleads for brothers and sisters in Christ to assist in a spiritual restoration of the New Testament church.

If you have been blessed in a free church that recognizes the love and grace of God and is recognized by showing this love and grace to others, you should jump for joy! Many of us were not so blessed. We are more familiar with legalism, self-justification, arrogance and disrespect for others, while at the same time claiming to be the restored New Testament church. Seeing this some years ago, I saw also that it is a mistake for a church to equate itself with the apostolic church while is holds unscriptural views and manifests unchristian attitudes. The early church had its rotten apples to be sure, but it also had it “saints and faithful brethren,” as Paul said. These are the ones we must emulate if we are to have a spiritual restoration. Let us be very serious and see if we can’t establish some high and holy principles on which to engage in this grand adventure.

1. We must recognize the need for a spiritual restoration and ask Christ to ignite a spiritual fire within us to fit us for the task. This Spiritual Fire in Scripture is the Holy Spirit. Restoration always begins with informed, inspired individuals and spreads to others who pass it on. Lord, restore us and us in your work of spiritual restoration.

2. All who are informed and inspired to work must work in unison and in accord with the Holy Spirit in order to restore what the church has lost. Bind us together, Lord, and use us as one in your holy cause.

3. The cause must be greater than the cost. Martyrs die because they consider their cause greater than their lives. Missionaries deprive themselves of the comforts of life so that those who have never known Christ may have life. Dr. Viktor Frankl spent three years in a Nazi concentration camp, and after his release he said, “Somehow, suffering ceases to be suffering when one has a cause.” What might we suffer? What will we learn? What shall we profit by giving our lives totally to Christ and live as He directs us?

If you are with me, I welcome your prayers and input as we engage in this spiritual restoration and quest for holiness.