In the final days of Judah’s existence prior to Babylonian Captivity, Jeremiah boldly proclaimed the message of the Lord. His message, however, fell upon hearts stained by stubborn pride and hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Yet, amid the black darkness of rebellion, the faithful prophet called the people back to true peace and spiritual prosperity. He encouraged them to “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will have rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16). But like many today, the people rejected God’s message of restoration.
The restoration plea is a message for all time and people. The restoration of New Testament Christianity may seem to some as little more than an illusion when, in fact, it ought to be the consuming passion and compelling responsibility of every faithful child of God.
According to Webster, when we restore, we “bring back to or put back into a former or original state.” When one restores an automobile, he brings it back into its original condition – like it was before the ravages of time and the harshness of the elements brought about its deterioration. Likewise, in the restoration of New Testament Christianity, one seeks to bring the church back to the original pattern of belief and practice found in the New Testament.
Unity is not the goal of restoration but a by-product when such has been properly sought and faithfully practiced. The goal of restoration is to please God and serve Him according to truth. When “unity” is achieved at the expense of truth, the goal of restoration is frustrated and the “unity” of which we boast is nothing more than slavery to sin and estrangement from God (Jn. 8:32; Isa. 59:1-2). Every faithful Christian should love and promote the unity for which our Lord prayed (Jn. 17:20-21). But, do not settle for the counterfeit unity espoused by those devoid of the truth. Seek the restoration of God’s ways as revealed in His word. Make it your resolve to stand in the “old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it…” (Jer. 6:16). Only then can true restoration be found and unity enjoyed.
— Glen Elliott —