[Biblemat] In Dept Study - A Study of Church History
GLClair at aol.com
GLClair at aol.com
Fri Aug 20 17:41:53 CDT 2010
A STUDY OF CHURCH HISTORY
{A continuing need today}
The study of church History in recent years has lost its interest among
denominational leaders and has also had some effect on churches of Christ.
Possibly the reason for this lull in teaching on church history is caused by
the softening of most religious leaders and church member attends toward
Biblical fellowship. You see; many people in current religious circles have
positioned themselves in the place of accepting differences in doctrine and
intentionally overlooking glaring doctrinal differences. This philosophy
by its very nature discourages the pursuit of church history because of the
actual historical facts that point to the emergence and dating of the many
existing religions on earth today.
Why then is a study of church history such a problem area for today’s
church leaders and members of repute? When was the last time you were involved
in a study of church history? Perhaps I am over critical about this
situation and need to reexamine my opinions but in reality the truth is obvious
whenever we began to discuss the origin of any particular religious movement
today; we expose all religions except the religion established by Jesus
Christ in Acts 2 as false religions.
The remainder of this study will examine the facts about Church History.
The First Church:
The first church on earth was the church Jesus built;
1-Jesus promised to build it – Matthew 16:13-18; In this reading the words
church and the words kingdom of Heaven are used interchangeably
2-Jesus said some that lived the same time that He was on earth would be
alive to see the church established - Luke 9:27 - But I tell you of a
truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they
see the kingdom of God. KJV
3-Jesus purchased the church with His Blood - Acts 20:28 –
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the Holy
Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath
purchased with his own blood. KJV
4-Jesus told His disciples to tarry (i.e. wait) in the upper room until
they were endued with the power of the Holy Spirit - Luke 24:46-53 - 46 And
said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer,
and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and
remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at
Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send
the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem,
until ye be endued with power from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as
to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came
to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into
heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great
joy: 53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
KJV
5-According to Acts 2:1-47 the promise of the Holy Spirit fell upon the
Apostles; the Apostles of Christ preached the first Gospel sermon; 3,000
people became obedient to the teaching and were saved from sins –
READ ACTS 2:39.
6-This event on Pentecost Day [Acts 2] marked the beginning of the church
Jesus Built {i.e. the Kingdom of God}.
7-From Acts 2:47 we find that Jesus Christ adds all the saved people to
that same church until He returns …
8-Church history shows that after the first Century AD the church
digressed into many different institutions with many new innovations not authorized
by Christ or by His apostles.
The remaining part of this study may be considered church history after
the first Century AD.
INTRODUCTION
The material contained in this edition of "Church History" has been
prepared from existing material by the editor. The editor has taught this
material many times at several different locations. The material has been revised
again for this edition; this is the seventh revision. - August, 2010
SOME OF THE REFERENCES THAT I HAVE USED
1. Fox's Christian Martyrs of the World, Moody Press
2. Restoration Roots by Lynn A. Macmillan
3. Church History by John D. Cox
4. Church History for busy people by George A. Klingman
5. Other magazine articles, unpublished papers, and
articles from a number of sources
INFORMATION:
1. Reference material referred to in this study is
available from the private library of the editor.
2. This edition has been prepared at 4840 Cemetery Road
in Hilliard, Ohio 43026
3. Read APPENDIX 1 first, there is information that is
valuable to a proper understanding of the Reformation and Restoration - If
you do not know the difference you will not fully understand the two terms.
CHURCH HISTORY
Lesson 1
Part one - the New Testament Church
INTRODUCTION:
I. Purpose:
"To trace the facts of history with reference to the church of Christ: its
establishment; its doctrine and practice in the beginning; the steps which
cumulated in a great falling away from the truth; the many attempts to
return to the New Testament Pattern, and the success of many of these
efforts."
[John D. Cox, Church History]
Benefits of such a study:
A. A greater appreciation for Christ's Church.
B. Warnings against innovations and error [no matter how small they
seem to be].
C. To learn from the mistakes that past disciples have made.
D. To know how and when various denominations came into existence.
E. An excellent faith building exercise.
DISCUSSION:
I. Marks of the New Testament Church
[i.e., how we may identify it]"
[To wear humanly devised names is sinful,
1 Pet.4:11;1 Cor 1:10-13; 3:3-4]
A. Jesus Christ is its builder, Matt 16:18
1. Of Divine origin and pattern.
2. Any other, unacceptable -
Psalms 127:1,
Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except
the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Matt 15:13,
But he answered and said, every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not
planted, shall be rooted up. KJV
B. Christ is the foundation, Matt 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11
C. Christ's Word is authoritative, Matt. 28:18; Rom 1:16; Heb. 5:8,
9.
D. Only God-given names acceptable:
EXAMPLE:
Individuals Collectively
Christians, Acts 11:26
Saints, Rom 1:7 Churches of
Christ, Rom 16:16
Brethren, Gal 6:1 the church,
Matt 16:18
Children, Gal 3:26 body of Christ,
Col 1:24
Disciples, John 15:8 church of the
firstborn, Heb 12:23
Priests, 1 Peter 2:5 kingdom, Col
1:13
E. God-appointed worship:
In spirit and in truth, John 4:24
On the first day of the week, Acts 20:7
Activities:
Study/preach word, Acts 20:7
Lord's Supper, Acts 20:7
Prayer, Acts 2:42
Giving, 1 Cor 16:1, 2
Singing, Eph 5:19
F. Organization on a local level only:
Phil 1:1; Acts 14:23
G. Terms of membership:
Hear the gospel Romans 10:17
Believe the gospel Mark 16:15-16
Repent of sins Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38
Confess Christ Romans 10:9-10
Be Baptized Acts 2:38
a) For ""remission of sin" Acts 2:38
b) A burial in water Romans 6:3-5
c) The concluding action in God's plan, 1 Peter 3:21
H. Character: "Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" - Ephesians
4:1-6,
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of
the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be
patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the
unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one
Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- 5 one
Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and
through all and in all.
II. The church at the close of the New Testament period:
A. Characterized by: "unity of doctrine, worship, name, organization
and work."
B. Warnings of an apostasy to come,
[Acts 20:29-30; 1 Tim 4:1-3; 2 Tim 4:2-4]
CONCLUSION:
This study gives us picture of the church as God established it in the
beginning. From these facts we are capable of observing just how far mankind
has gone away from the Divine Pattern
CHURCH HISTORY
Lesson 2
Part two - The church during the Anti-Nicene period:
INTRODUCTION:
I. By "Anti-Nicene Period" is meant the period between the close of
the New Testament and the Council of Nicene (i.e., 325 AD) at which the
Nicene Creed was adopted.
DISCUSSION:
I. The Conditions of the Roman World in the First Century:
A. Three social classes:
[The wealthy, the slaves, Middle-class of free citizens]
B. Most emperors were cruel, wicked, and extravagant.
Persecutions Against the Early Church:
Jews, Acts 8 …
Romans, Acts 19 …
Nero, [AD 65-68] Paul's death was during his reign
Domitian, [AD 89-96]
Persecutions after the First Century:
Trajan [98-117]
Marcius Aurelius [161-180]
Gallineus [260-268]
Diocletin [284-316]
Reasons for Persecutions:
A. Heathenism welcomed many God's - Christians-only one.
B. Idol worship interwoven with all lifestyles.
C. All were required to worship Caesar.
D. Secret meetings of Christians aroused wild speculations.
E. Jewish fanaticism.
F. Christianity lessened distinctions between master and slave.
G. Business interest, superstition, pagan philosophies have always
been enemies of Christianity.
Behavior of Christians under persecution:
A. Many hastened to deny the faith.
B. Thousands stood firm in the faith.
C. Some were faithful up to a point.
Changes and Departures that Occurred In the Church:
In Organization:
"Bishop" - presiding elder over meetings as president.
"Diocese" - territory ruled over by "city" bishop.
"Country Bishop" - aided bishop over large diocese.
"Synods-Councils" - religious conventions of bishops and elders.
"Metropolitans" - Bishops presiding over Synods.
"Patriarchs" - Rulers of large districts; five in all:
[Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Constantinople]
Distinction between clergy and laity.
NOTE:
By the close of the 2nd Century the idea of the priesthood had developed.
Council of Nicene:
Constantine's edict of Toleration - 313 AD
NOTE:
This document brought to an end the persecution of Christians.
Controversy over Doctrinal Issues Arise:
Arian Controversy - the relation of the Father to the Son - Trinity.
Appolinarian - The nature of Jesus Christ.
Pelagian - Questions relating to sin and salvation.
Council of Nicene in Bithynia Called - 325 AD:
1. To settle Arian Controversy.
2. 318 Bishops attended.
3. Emperor Constantine presides.
4. "The "Nicene Creed" is adopted - formal statement of faith.
5. Civil and ecclesiastical governments were joining hands.
CHURCH HISTORY
Lesson 3
Part three: The Church during the Dark Ages [400-1400 AD]
Union of Church and State
I. The Union of Church and State:
A. Bible teaches against this philosophy - Matt 22:21.
1. Christians to be subject to government, Rom 13:1;
1 Tim 2:1, 2
2. Obey God rather than man, Acts 5:29.
B. Constantine - The First so-called "Christian" emperor:
1. Church enters into alliance with the state.
C. Imperial persecutions ceased.
D. Effects of Constantine's Reign:
Good:
a. Church buildings were rebuilt.
b. Heathenism discouraged.
c. Better social conditions; less cruelty.
Evil:
Many were Christian in name only.
a. Pagan forms and ceremonies entered in.
b. Worship of images (crosses and statuettes).
c. Meaning of the Lord's Supper changed from a memorial to a
sacrifice.
d. The world dominating the church.
II. The rise of Monasticism (i.e., living in seclusion):
A. Caused by worldliness in the church.
B. Anthony of Thebes [320 AD].
1. He retired to a cave; pious contemplation and struggle to overcome
personal evils
C. The numbers grew, monasteries followed.
1. Men and women - became "monks and nuns"
D. The Bible is opposed to solitary living,
Matt 5:13-16,
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be
cast out and trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15
Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the
stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. 16 even so let your
light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father who is in heaven. ASV
III. Development of Papal Power:
FIRST - Review previous study for changes in church organization.
A. Five Bishops or Patriarchs:
Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, Rome.
The Bishop at Rome was called "Papa" or "Pope"
B. A power struggle among the five left only the Bishops of Rome and
Constantinople.
1. John Faster of Constantinople assumed the title of "Universal
Bishop of the Church" [588 AD].
2. The Emperor of Rome took away the title and bestowed it upon
Boniface III [606 AD].
C. Boniface III therefore became the first Universal Head of the
Church at Rome in 606 AD. This event was essentially the beginning of the
Roman Catholic Church.
IV. Roman Catholic Claims:
A. Peter was the first Pope (i.e. no evidence in all the
contemporary writings), supreme ruler, Vicar of Christ.
B. Popes are Christ's successors (i.e. No scriptural references
for this concept).
C. Bible teaching:
1. Jesus Christ is the rock not Peter, Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 3:11; 1
Peter 2:5-7.
2. Peter was a fallible man, Acts 10:25, 26; Gal 2:11-14.
V. Other False Doctrines emanating from the Roman Catholic
Church:
A. Holy Water proclaimed
120 AD
B. Latin Mass established
349 AD
C. Worship of Mary, mother of Jesus
431 AD
D. Extreme Unction proclaimed
588 AD
E. Purgatory established
593 AD
F. The Papacy instituted {Universal Authority Assumed by the Pope}
610 AD
G. Kissing the Popes' feet
709 AD
H. transubstantiation claimed
1000 AD
I. celibacy established
1015 AD
J. Sprinkling proclaimed
1311 AD
K. Purgatory proclaimed
1438 AD
L. Apocryphal books added to the Bible
1546 AD
M. Immaculate Conception of Mary proclaimed 1845 AD
N. Infallibility of the Pope 1870 AD
CHURCH HISTORY
Lesson 4
Part four: The Reformation
{See APPENDIX 1 ...
Additional help with the concept}
I. Cause of the Reformation - The Corrupt Church in Rome.
The Pope's Authority was complete and oppressive in everything
[Secular and religious affairs]
Religion and politics
Used carnal warfare to increase power
No method too low [i.e., the end justifies the means
Philosophy]
The masses were very ignorant of the Bible's teaching.
Simony [the selling of church offices to the highest bidder]
Many money making schemes made the church wealthy -
The selling of indulgences
The confession
Purgatory
Some Reformers before the Reformation:
Albigenses in Southern France [1170 AD] Characteristics of:
Opposed human tradition
Image-worship
Doctrine of Purgatory
Recognized the authority of the New Testament
Were destroyed by the "great slaughter" in crusade (i.e., war) by Pope
Innocent III.
Waldensians in France and Italy [1170 AD]
Founded by merchant of Lyons, Peter Waldo.
Characteristics of:
Opposed Roman Catholic practices
Zeal and purity of life
Under severe persecution they left France to find hiding places in the
valleys of Northern Italy
Other Individuals:
John Wycliffe [1324-1384]
[Translated the Bible into English]
John Huss [1369-1415]
[Roman Catholic Priest, a disciple of Wycliffe]
[Was burned at the stake]
John Wessel [1420-1498]
[Teachings were similar to Luther's]
[More information about Martin Luther and his teaching in Point IV of this
lesson]
Jerome Savonarola [1452-1498]
[Priest in Florence, denounced Papal authority, and the immorality of the
clergy]
[Burned to death in Florence]
Forces that prepared the way for the Reformation:
The "Great Awakening" in literature, art, science, religion
The invention of the printing press, availability of the Bible
Growing nationalism, patriotism, and opposition to foreign influence in
national and religious affairs.
The Reformation Begins:
A. Martin Luther [1483-1546]
1. "Hero of the Reformation"
2. Monk, preacher, and teacher at Wittenberg [1508].
3. Sale of indulgences by John Tetzel to complete St Peter's
Cathedral in Rome.
[Luther objected and nailed 95 theses to Wittenberg church door condemning
indulgences and challenged anyone to debate him]
4. Pope Leo X's papal bull ordered Luther to change his course.
[Luther publicly burned the orders from Pope Leo X thereby rejecting Papal
authority].
5. Published pamphlets [1520]
[Opposed priesthood, pope, and sacramental system]
[Called on nobles to take over lands and wealth of the Roman Catholic
Church] [Published his personal views on salvation]
6. Diet of Worms [1521].
5. [Luther's trial,
Makes appeal to the Scriptures,
Hidden for a year at Wartburg Castle by friends]
6. Died in Eislenhen, Germany - February 18, 1546.
B. William Tyndale [1484-1536]
Born in Worcester, England
Chief desire was to give the Bible to the common man
Many struggles and persecutions in completing his
mission
Was strangled to death at the stake, then his body was
burned on October 6, 1536
C. Ulrich Zwingli [1484-1564]
Noted reformer [See any good encyclopedia]
Difference between Luther and Zwingli:
a. Luther would retain in religion all not expressly forbidden by
Scripture.
b. Zwingli would abolish all that could not be proven by
Scripture.
D. John Calvin [1509-1564].
1. Succeeded Zwingli as reformer in Switzerland.
2. Teachings of Calvin:
a. Total depravity
b. Unconditional election
c. Limited atonement
d. Irresistible grace
e. Perseverance of the Saints
The Rise of Denominationalism:
NOTE: For a list of denominations and religious movements that have had
their beginning after Acts 2, the beginning of the church contact the editor
at glclair at aol.com or considermagazine.com
A. The Lutheran Church [1521]
Founder was Martin Luther.
Doctrine:
Faith only
Denominations are branches in the true vine.
Ten Commandments binding
Various "modes" of baptism
Baptism in room of Old Testament Circumcision
A. The Presbyterian Church [1560]
Outgrowth of Calvinism under the leadership of John
Knox.
Became the established religion of Scotland in 1592
Doctrine:
Predestination
Direct operation of the Holy Spirit
Infant baptism
Westminster Confession of Faith - London, July 1643.
Became the Dutch Reform Church in Holland
B. Church of England:
King Henry VIII
Political controversy with the Roman Catholic&
Church in Rome
Refused to divorce Catherine to marry Ann Boleyn
Henry separated the English congregations from Rome.
Henry declared himself head of the English church
Doctrine:
Leadership functions similar to Roman Catholic Church.
39 articles of faith; Book of Common Prayer
Ruled by Bishops, rather than local rule
C. The Baptist Church:
16th Century controversy over baptism
"Anabaptists" - rebaptism; renouncing of Roman
Catholic baptism
These became known as "Baptists".
John Smyth was one of the early, prominent leaders Founded the Baptist
church in Holland [1608]
Smyth's disciples founded the General Baptist Church in England [1611].
Many different divisions and doctrines today
D. The Methodist Church [1739 & In America in 1766]:
Founder, John Wesley
Priest in the Church of England
"The Holy Club" - [1729]
a. Desire for holiness and methodical life
Desired only to reform the Anglican Church
The Church of England looked upon their efforts as divisive
First Methodist Society formed at Kingswood, England [1739]
Methodist first planted in America [1766]
Methodist Discipline as their creed book
a. Many changes have occurred since their beginning.
CHURCH HISTORY
Lesson 5
Part five: The Restoration Movement:
See Appendix 1
INTRODUCTION:
1. The primary effort of the Reformation was to reform the existing
church.
2. The primary effort of the Restoration is to restore the New
Testament Church.
3. Refer to article by the editor (i.e. Reformation or Restoration)
DISCUSSION:
I. Causes of the Restoration Movement:
A. Increased circulation and knowledge of God's Word (i.e., the
Bible).
The Reformation was not restoring New Testament Christianity.
A recognition of the sin of division
Ignorance and arrogance of the professional clergy
Calvinistic doctrine of inherited sin
The general dissatisfaction with all existing religious movement in Europe
and Asia
The possibility hope of religious freedom in America.
II. Principles of the Restoration Movement:
Christ as supreme authority; The New Testament as the only rule of faith
and practice.
A proper distinction between the Old and the New Testaments
Recognition of the New Testament pattern for the church
Autonomy of each local congregation
The unity of all Christians
III. Some leaders of the Restoration:
A. James O'Kelly [1794] Methodist, North Carolina and Virginia.
1. Opposed Episcopal form of Methodist government.
2. Insisted upon local autonomy.
3. Withdrew from the Methodist at Surry County, Virginia [1794].
4. He and associates adopted the following points:
Call themselves Christians only
Christ as the only head of the Church
Bible, the only creed
Right of private judgment
B. Dr. Abner Jones [1800] Baptist, Vermont.
1. Distressed over sectarianism
2. Broke away from Baptist [1800]
3. Established a new church patterned after the New Testament
pattern:
a. Name "Christian"
b. Bible as the only rule of faith
4. Abner Jones had not heard of James O'Kelly
C. Barton W. Stone [1801] Presbyterian - Kentucky.
1. Failed to obtain "religious experience" as "elect".
2. Urged to preach though he had received no Divine "call" and
would not wholly accept Westminster Confession of Faith.
3. Preached God's love for all men and the Great Commission.
4. Withdrew from the Presbyterian Church [1803]
5. He and associates formed short-lived Springfield Presbytery.
6. "Last will and testament of Springfield Presbytery"
[June 28, 1804]. A QUOTE:
"We will that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the
body of Christ at large; for there is but one body and one Spirit, even as we
are called in one hope of our calling." [article 1].
7. Barton Stone's group later merged with Campbell and his
associates.
D. Thomas Campbell [1763-1854] Presbyterian, Ireland, Virginia.
1. Highly educated.
2. Loved peace and hated religious division.
3. Came to America [1807] because of ill health.
4. Communed with Presbyterians outside own group and was
censured.
5. Washington association formed and the writing of the
"Declaration and Address".
a. Unity of the church.
b. Christian fellowship.
c. Terms of communion (only what the Bible teaches).
d. New Testament as supreme authority.
E. These great and honorable men were all striving in the
same direction, yet often unaware of the efforts of one another.
1. They had forsaken the creeds and false doctrines of the
existing religious movements.
2. They were appealing to their Bible's only.
3. They were seeking the truth.
IV. Alexander Campbell [1788-1866], Presbyterian, Ireland, Virginia.
A. The most influential leader of the Restoration Movement.
B. Campbell was not the founder of the church of Christ.
1. Campbell was still a schoolboy when the above named restorers
were diligently at work.
C. Campbell family joined their father in America after two years
[1809}.
D. His father showed the "Declaration and Address" to son.
E. Brush Run Church was began [1811], membership 30.
1. Many requested immersion.
2. Alexander's study and conclusion favors immersion.
3. The entire group was soon immersed.
F. Associated with Baptist [1813].
1. On condition that they be allowed to teach only the
Scriptures.
2. Later severed all connections.
G. Merged with Barton Stone's association [1831-1835].
V. The American Christian Missionary Society:
A. Convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 1849.
B. Missionary society formed - "A general church organization for
the Furtherance of the work of the church collectively."
Campbell instrumental; appointed first president
C. Bitter opposition.
D. A departure from the original intent of the restorers of New
Testament Christianity.
VI. Instrumental Music Controversy:
A. First used in a church at Midway, Kentucky [1858 or 1859].
B. Division began to spread over these two [i.e., the missionary
society and the musical instrument] innovations.
C. The movement split into three groups:
1. Churches of Christ
2. Christian Churches
3. Disciples of Christ
D. In the census of 1908, the three groups were listed
separately.
E. Many differences exist between these three groups today.
F. Difference in attitude toward Scriptural authority the real
issue.
NOTE:
The primary difference between the three groups that broke apart over the
Missionary Society and Instrumental music was:
The churches of Christ continued to insist on the "we speak where the
Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible Is silent" The other two
groups abandoned the restoration slogan and insisted upon doing
anything that the Bible did not expressly forbid. These differences were
the cause of the division during the last half of the eighteen century
and
the early part of the nineteenth.
CONCLUSION:
I. A word of warning today, and for the future:
1. The purity of the church depends upon our attitude toward the
Bible.
2. There is never any justification for man-made schemes.
3. The church must be kept free from any corruption in work,
worship, or organizational structure.
4. The cause of division in the late eighteenth century has again
been the cause of a major division in churches of Christ that began about
1938.
5. The division that began about 1938 was over the Herald of Truth
radio and TV ministry of the Highland Avenue Church of Christ in Abilene,
Texas and the institutional orphan homes.
6. The first major debate over these issues took place in
Indianapolis, IN. in 1954
7. Later, the churches that quarantined those that they called
anti's began to support other institutions to do the work that God has
assigned each autonomous congregation to do {i.e., homes for unwed mothers,
sponsoring churches, church kitchens, etc.}.
8. These attitudes continued to dominate a large portion of the
brotherhood until a division became evident nation wide in the work and
organizational structure of the church -- the division was complete by 1965.
9. Many large churches used the congregations treasure to support
human institutions and humanly devised schemes until many brethren could no
longer work together with them -- many went out from them and
established new congregations with the old slogan, "we speak where the Bible speaks
and are silent where the Bible is silent."
10. Today, there is complete division existing between these two
philosophies -- the same attitude toward the authority of the Scriptures that
divided the church over the mechanical instrument and the American
Missionary Society has divided the church again.
11. Let us take heed, lest we again see this ugly philosophy rise
up.
"Let it be overshadowed by nothing; let nothing be tied to it, nor suffer
it to be tied to man-made organizations of any kind for any purpose. In
short, let us keep our eyes on the New Testament Patter
--- APPENDIX 1 ---
REFORMATION VERSUS RESTORATION DEFINED
There is a distinction in reformation and restoration concepts. There are
some who would use the two terms to describe the same idea; it is my
understanding that this is error in defining terms. For unity of thought we must
understand the differences in terms used in any approach to church
history. In the following few lines, I will give my understanding of the two terms
at the top of this study. First, let us examine the thoughts of
Dictionaries and Scholars as to their meaning of the two terms.
REFORMATION DEFINED:
"Religious revolution and renewal, from the fourteenth to the seventeenth
centuries, affecting all Christendom. Beginning with the Lollards and such
men as John Huss and John Wycliff, the Reformation is most clearly
identified with the revolt of Martin Luther in Germany but was also brought about
by John Calvin and Ulrich Swingli in Switzerland, John Knox in Scotland, the
Puritans in England, the Huguenots in France and many others…"
{Dictionary of Religious Terms by Donald T. Kauffman, p. 370}.
The concept of Reformation is clearly defined by Kenneth Scott Latourette
in a History of Christianity, pp. 689-899 in one volume published by Harper
and Row, 1953.
Again in History of the Christian Church by Philip Schaff in eight volumes
particularly Volume 6, pp. 302-391 and all of Volume 7 can be found the
nature of Reformation as used in Religion.
DEFINITION:
Reformation, (Webster's Third New International Dictionary - unabridged).
1) The act of reforming or being reformed:
a. Not: restoration, reestablishment
b. Use: improvement in form or condition,
c. amendment of moral behavior,
d. correction or improvement of what is faulty, defective, inefficient, or
objectionable,
2) A 16th century religious movement aimed at correcting real or assumed
abuses in the Roman Catholic Church and marked ultimately by the rejection
of the supremacy of the Pope, rejection or modification of much of Roman
Catholic doctrine, and establishment of the Protestant churches," p. 1902
Reformation then, is the concept of reforming, making better, changing
abuses, and remaining a part of that which one seeks to reform. This concept
is consistent with all reliable church history documents and the individuals
who took leading roles in trying to reform existing religious institutions
as well. We may correctly refer to Martin Luther, John Knox, John Calvin
and others of that period as true reformers, they set about to reform an
existing religious institution; the Roman Catholic church. From documents of
that period it is clear that the leaders of that movement did not seek to
restore the Roman Catholic church to the New Testament pattern but simply
sought reform of some abuses that were truly unbearable to the common
religious people of the day {Luther's Ninety-five Theses, Concordia Publishing
House, St Louis, MO.}. Yet, regardless of their objective, they failed and as
a result of their efforts new religions were born into the world. The new
religions were not based upon a return to the New Testament pattern but were
based upon the concept of the leading men and their theology. Since the
days of Luther and Calvin men have attempted to reform existing institutions
but have been unwilling to use the Divine pattern in their attempts. If the
leaders of the Reformation had been willing to return to the New Testament
in their attempts at reformation the entire structure of the Roman
Catholic church would have been unacceptable to them, they would have been known
as attempted restorers of the New Testament church not reformers of the
existing Roman Catholic church. Consequently, the proper usage of the term
"Reformation" is evident; it is an attempt to reform an existing entity.
RESTORATION DEFINED (i.e., the concept):
… Restoration is in no way synonymous with the term reformation. The
concepts are as different as night is from day; in the first part of this
appendix we have defined the term "reformation" in some detail. In the remaining
portion of this study I want to show that "restoration" is an attempt to
restore that, which has been lost. With the reformers the concept was to
reform the existing religious institutions, with the restorers the concept was
to restore the original institution using the Scriptures (i.e., God's
Written Word) as the only pattern for the restoration. Following are some
prominent restoration advocates and their plea:
Thomas Campbell, a Presbyterian minister who came to the U.S. in 1807 from
Ireland, stated a year later, "Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; and
where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent."
Alexander Campbell, that same year broke with the Secedes Presbyterian
Church in Glasgow and came to America. He endorsed the same principles of his
father's address and began to advocate them publicly in 1811.
Walter Scott, his "plan of salvation" was put into the simple form of
five-finger exercise"
(A) Faith, upon proof;
(B) Repentance, motivated by promise;
(C) Baptism, in obedience to command;
(D) Remission of sins; and
(E) The gift of the Holy Spirit.
While Campbell, Scott and others worked in the East to restore the New
Testament church, Barton Stone and others taught in Kentucky and in states
South and West of Kentucky, "Instead of reforming, let's restore the church
and its faith and practice exactly as they were in the days of the
Apostles."
In 1832, these two groups united in what is called the "Restoration
Movement." For approximately 55 years, tremendous progress was made through their
united efforts to restore an apostolic form of Biblical Christianity.
--- End of study …
_glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com)
considermagazine.com
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