The American Revolution had a disastrous impact on traditional forms of religious practice. Anglicans suffered for their British sympathies and Quakers for their pacifism. The ideals of personal liberty and reason wrecked havoc on the established churches in America.
Personal liberty had two profound impacts on late 18th century Americans which contributed to the rise of the Restoration Movement. On one hand, people felt a freedom to live morally any way they liked. When they became detached from their religious moorings, they drifted into various vices which disturbed the sensibilities of biblically-minded peoples. That led to the second Great Awakening.
But also, this new sense of liberty and freedom helped motivate many people to think – “You know what, I don’t have to be a member of this particular denomination. I can think and reason for myself.” That led to the rise of a number of religious movements.
The uniqueness of the Restoration Movement among those efforts of the Second Great Awakening was that it did not center on any one man or group of men. It centered on the Bible and the “Old Jerusalem Gospel” – the search for the Ancient Order of Things.
On this side of the cross, how do we “stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and find rest for our souls” (Jeremiah 6:16)? – The ancient paths of Jesus Christ.
First, we must recognize the critical role the twelve apostles – and Paul – plays in revealing the way as it is in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:20). We need to recognize that the purpose of their inspiration was to guide us – all Christians in subsequent generations – into all the truth (John 16:13).
Every generation has its own trials and challenges. Within the timeframe of what we know as the Restoration Movement, growing out of the Second Great Awakening, the great challenge was coming out of the darkness of denominationalism. That challenge is still with us.
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Higher criticism and evolution – both challenges are still with us – but they faced a new generation and that generation again had to decide if it would pursue the ancient paths or if it would sacrifice its children on the altar of Molech.
Skepticism is still a challenge – Pentecostalism and ecumenicism have come along and even now, post-modernism – have all reared their ugly heads and frightened many once-faithful men and women to compromise and veer off the ancient path.
The danger of leaving God’s way is always present among us because our adversary the Devil continues prowling like a roaring lion. Every family has to make its own choices on a weekly or daily or monthly basis if it will serve God first. Every individual as he or she matures has to answer the question for himself or herself – “Ultimately, whom am I going to serve?”
On July 4, 1826, the young United States of America celebrated her 50th anniversary. On that day, Thomas Jefferson died and his parting words were reported to be – “Is it the fourth yet?” Unbeknownst to him, that same day, his friend but one-time rival, John Adams also passed away. But on the anniversary of the United States, it was reported that his parting words were – “Thomas Jefferson is still alive!” The hope to restore New Testament Christianity in this land and around the world is still alive. Will it be for the next generation?
Brethren, we have work to do. I suggest we boil our response down to two: live the truth in our lives, setting the proper example; and teach, teach, and teach.
–Paul Holland
