Slogans of the Restoration

Introduction: 

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”        

 (Proverbs 25:11)  Many of the Restoration leaders of the 19^th century came up with the statements easily remembered that summarized their beliefs.

Body: 

I.   “Where the Bible speaks, we speak; and where the Bible is silent, we are silent.” 

This statement was made by Thomas Campbell at the home of Abraham Altars on August 17, 1809.  This statement describes the chief difference between the Lord’s church and the denominations.  Our authority must come from what the Bible says and not from what it doesn’t say.             (I Corinthians 4:6)  It must respect the silence of the Scripture.           (Leviticus 10:1-2, II Samuel 6:6-7)

II.   “Do Bible things in Bible ways; call Bible things by Bible names.” 

Both Protestantism and Catholicism had corrupted the practices of the New Testament.  (Nehemiah 13:23-24, Zephaniah 3:9)  The restorers used the name Christian, not Baptists, Methodists. . .  (Acts 11:26)             They put aside the terms ”mass” and “Eucharist”, and used the Bible wording which refers to the “Lord’s Supper.”  (I Corinthians 11:20)  Preachers were not called “pastor” or “reverend”, but “ministers” or “evangelist.”  (II Timothy 4:5)  Baptism is only administered to believers, not infants.  (Acts 2:38, Acts8:34-38) 

III.   “In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty; in all things, charity.” 

These words were put in the Declaration and Address by Thomas Campbell.  For unity to occur, all men must accept God’s Word.  Otherwise, unity is impossible.  If works of men and traditions are considered as important as the Bible, unity will never happen.      (Matthew 15:1-9)  Also, in matters of opinion, they stressed freedom must be practiced.  Must one be baptized in a river or can a baptistry be used?  Does the fruit of the vine have to be dispersed in one cup; or may we use multiple containers?  (Romans 14:1-3)  At times the church has failed miserably at this!

 IV.   “Truth first, union afterward; and union only in truth.” 

This statement by David Lipscomb was given when many brethren began embracing missionary societies, instrumental music, the preacher-as- pastor system, and other departures.  Real unity can not be based upon error.  (II John 9-11, Romans 16:17) 

Conclusion: 

Unity can be attained today by everyone going back to the Bible and the Bible alone for all matters of faith and practice. 

Bobby Stafford

October 22, 2012