The uniqueness of the Restoration Movement among 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.
The Biblical basis for “restoration” theology:
Jeremiah preached adherence to the Mosaic covenant in a manner quite similar to that found in Deuteronomy and the Former Prophets. The book presents Jeremiah as one who knew, appreciated and proclaimed the law. But he was not appreciated much by his own people, nor by his own family (11:21; 12:6). Jeremiah’s preaching lasted about 40 years and embraced the last four kings of Judah after King Josiah.
If we are to follow in the foot-steps of the prophet Jeremiah, then let us recall God’s words to the young prophet in 1:9 – “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.” Jeremiah also had to stand against the coalition of priests and prophets who charged him with blasphemy for predicting the destruction of the temple (26:8-11). It is difficult to be opposed by preachers who are more attuned to popular whims than to God’s word (23:21-22).
What “Jerusalem” had done since the time of Moses – 2:5-8; 2:13; 2:28; 5:31. What God wanted Judah to do: 3:13, 17; 5:23; 4:4. It all has to do with one’s attitude toward the Word of God – “Behold, the word of the Lord has become a reproach to them; they have no delight in it” (6:10). In that context, God tells the remnant of Jerusalem: “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls” (6:16).
The danger of complacency in following God’s word:
The nation of Israel had suffered from complacency since the beginning of their nation’s birth. “Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets, daily rising early and sending them. Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck; they did more evil than their fathers” (7:25-26).
Every generation has had its faithful leaders who called God’s people back to God’s way. “Return to me,” thus says the Lord. In these, the last days, God has sent His Son (Heb. 1:1-2; Luke 9:35). We dare not be lackadaisical in our respect for and concern about being obedient to Jesus Christ (2:2-4).
Preparation for restoration:
Look at the character of Jeremiah:
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- He was personally honest – 8:18-9:1.
- Jeremiah was courageous in living out his convictions.
- Jeremiah was passionate about his hatred of immoral or unspiritual conduct.
- Jeremiah possessed a sensitivity to his people’s suffering and graciousness towards humanity – 14:17.
- Jeremiah also saw hope for the future.
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”? The ancient paths of Jesus Christ?
First, we must recognize the critical role the twelve apostles play in revealing the way as it is in Jesus Christ. 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; Phi. 4:9). We need to study the writings of the apostles and prophets and the things we learn and have received and heard and seen in those eight men, then we need to practice those things.
Teaching each generation:
Every generation has its own trials and challenges. 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?”
Ultimately, the book of Jeremiah is about hope. The so-called book of comfort (chs. 30-33) is in the middle of the book and the central part of that section is chapter 31: the promise of the New Covenant, which we know was established by Jesus Christ.
Will we keep the dream to restore, to continue the process of restoring New Testament Christianity, alive? Let us live it and teach it.
–Paul Holland
