What is the Restoration Movement?

Answer

The Restoration Movement, which is part of the broader restorationism movement within the Second Great Awakening, commenced in the early 19th century. It originated when members from various Christian groups and denominations realized they had strayed from the fundamental teachings of Christianity. Some Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, and others chose to leave their respective denominations in the hope of establishing a church solely based on the principles taught in the New Testament. With their belief in Jesus as the ultimate example and the Bible as the sole sacred text, they aimed to “restore” the church to its original focus during the time of the apostles. The Restoration Movement opposed regulations and customs that were not explicitly derived from the Bible, as they believed these led to unnecessary divisions within the church. The objective was for all Christians to eliminate denominational barriers and unite as one church under the sole authority of God.

Three ministers played significant roles in the Restoration Movement: Thomas Campbell, his son Alexander Campbell, and Barton W. Stone. At times, their efforts for reform are referred to as the Stone-Campbell Movement. Followers of Campbell and Stone identified themselves simply as “Christians” or “Disciples.” Despite the aim of achieving Christian unity, several divisions emerged over time. Presently, there are three main groups, known as “streams,” that can be traced back to the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement: the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Churches of Christ, and the Independent Christian Churches.

Some of the fundamental principles of the Restoration Movement include:

– Acknowledgment of the New Testament model of the church. In general, adherents of the Restoration Movement strive to align their practices closely with those outlined in the New Testament. Of particular significance is the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper, which they believe should be open to all.

Some churches within the movement disallow musical instruments in their services because the New Testament does not provide an example of a church using an instrument.

Names, creeds, and ecclesiastical traditions create divisions among believers, and denominational exclusivity is rejected. Creeds and doctrinal statements are viewed as unnecessary and divisive, and individual congregations take on the responsibility of studying and interpreting the Bible independently. External authority over the local church is opposed.

Names of human origin create divisions. Those in the Restoration Movement oppose the use of denominational names and assert to be “Christians only.”

When examining the Restoration Movement, a particular concern is the doctrine of salvation. Some churches in the Restoration Movement teach that water baptism is necessary for salvation. This directly contradicts the biblical doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone, without the added condition of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Scripture presents baptism not as a requirement for salvation but as evidence of it.

Other issues that require discernment include the prohibition of musical instruments (in some churches), the emphasis on ecumenism, the rejection of the biblical doctrine of election, and the lack of a clear doctrinal stance.

Aspiring to return to the fundamentals of Christianity is commendable, as is a desire for unity among believers. However, the Restoration Movement has not achieved the unity it initially pursued, experiencing division and fragmentation itself. Disregarding creeds and doctrinal statements hinders the understanding and application of truth (see Titus 1:9;see Titus 2:1).