The Restoration Concept is Valid
Is the restoration plea valid? First, let us define “restoration” – “the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition.” In the summer of 2012, our family took a vacation into Virginia. Among the places we visited were three homes of presidents: Monticello (Jefferson), Ash-Lawn Highland (Monroe), and Monpelier (Madison). Montpelier, the home of James Madison, was under restoration. The other two had largely been restored.
So, when we talk about the restoration plea, we are talking about taking the church back to its original form, its original pattern that has been revealed in the New Testament. So, is there a pattern in the New Testament for Christ’s church and should we be concerned about following that pattern?
THERE WAS A PATTERN GIVEN BY THE GOD OF HEAVEN:
First, let us emphasize that the apostles were men guided by the Holy Spirit of God: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).
Then, Paul writes in Romans 6:17 – “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed.” Observe that word “standard (ESV).” The NASV/NKJV has “form” while the NIV has “pattern of teaching.” The Greek word tupos means a “form, pattern, or figure.” So, Paul is telling the Christians in Rome that they followed a “pattern of teaching,” when they obeyed – that pattern having been revealed to the apostles by the Holy Spirit of God.
Now let us give one example…
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There was some problem with women exercising some type of leadership role in worship in Corinth – it was a “progressive” city – and Paul rebukes them for this in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. If you notice Paul says this is “in all the churches of the saints (vs 33).” It was a universal pattern. If you look at verse 36, you will observe that this was a pattern they were to follow: “Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached?”
Paul is clearly teaching that the “Word of God” came through the apostles as they were teaching and preaching. That “Word of God” was a pattern and that pattern needed to be followed and some in Corinth were not following that pattern. Verse 37 says this was a “commandment of the Lord.” Again, in verse 38, we read God does not recognize people as Christians, as disciples, who are not following the pattern that God Himself revealed through the apostles and prophets.
Women are not allowed to be in leadership positions. They are not allowed to teach or exercise authority over the man (1 Timothy 2:11-15). They cannot serve as song leaders, which, incidentally, means that they cannot be part of a “praise team” in worship. There are other problems with a praise team but if it includes women, then it clearly violates the limitations God has set on women in worship. Quite honestly, people who have a problem with that have a greater problem with humility and submission to the authority of God.
The restoration plea is valid. It is biblical. Let us follow it in order to be pleasing to our Savior.
–Paul Holland
