Restoration is the process of returning to the original teachings and practices established by Christ and the apostles in the first century. Over time, interpretations and practices have deviated, causing confusion and loss of true understanding. By using biblical hermeneutics, history, and logic, restoration seeks to heal and restore the Church and its teachings to their original glory, ensuring the gospel is preached as originally intended.
Welcome to the Restoration Podcast with the Elders. In this inaugural episode from our new studio, Elder Al, Elder Ivory, and Elder Nate discuss the concept of restoration, particularly in the context of biblical teachings and the Church. Restoration, in general, means returning something to its original state, whether it be a car, a house, or an institution like the Church of God.
Restoration is necessary because over time, things fall into a state of disrepair or deviation from their original design. When applied to the Church and biblical teachings, restoration means returning to the original doctrines and practices taught by Christ and His apostles in the first century.
Elder Nate explains that the Church or the family of God had entered a fallen state, where people were doing things their own way rather than following God's design. John the Baptist and Christ came to restore all things, bringing people back into a right relationship with God by restoring the original interpretations given to Moses and the prophets.
Some may wonder why restoration is such a big deal. After all, restoring a car or a house is a personal choice. However, when it comes to spiritual matters and the Church, restoration is crucial because:
Elder Ivory emphasizes that restoration is about healing and fixing what has fallen into disrepair, bringing it back to its original glory.
To properly restore the original teachings, the elders highlight the importance of three key tools:
Using logic without biblical hermeneutics or primary sources can lead to "man's logic," which may deviate from the true message.
Everyone who believes in the New Testament acknowledges the Great Commission, where Christ commanded the apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel. The challenge lies in determining the standard of what the gospel is and what the apostles taught.
Elder Nate points out that the standard is not based on personal feelings or modern interpretations but on what Christ taught the apostles during the first century. Restoration seeks to recover this standard so that the gospel is preached as originally intended.
The elders briefly touch on the difference between absolute truth and relative truth, noting that disagreements often arise because people interpret scriptures through their own perspectives. Restoration aims to clarify these truths by returning to the original teachings.
Restoration is vital for the Church and believers to return to the authentic teachings of Christ and the apostles. By employing biblical hermeneutics, historical context, and logic, restoration helps heal the fallen state of the Church and ensures that the gospel is preached according to its original design. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity and clarity of the Christian faith throughout time.
