Does the existence of the Lord’s church depend upon Reformation, Restoration or New Revelation?

Reformation “The sixteenth century religious movement that aimed at reforming the Roman Catholic Church and resulted in establishing the Protestant churches” (Webster)

Restoration “A putting or bringing back into a former, normal, or unimpaired state or condition” (Webster). John D. Rockefeller, Jr. – 1926 gave millions to restore Williamsburg, Va. – More than 80 buildings have been rebuilt, over 50 on original sites --- they had to exist and a pattern/blueprint had to exist!

Revelation Muslims accuse the Bible of being corrupted by the Jews therefore they need another book – the Koran. Mormons accuse the Bible of being corrupted (18 missing books, plus errors) – therefore they need “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” (the Book of Mormon).

The Bible is Complete The Old Testament Predicted the coming of Christ, Dt. 18:18,19; Is. 7:14; 9:6 Predicted the coming of the New Covenant, Jer. 31:31-34 Dedicated with blood of animals, Ex. 24:7,8

The Bible Is Complete The New Testament Shows fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, Acts 3:22-26; Lk. 1:26-32 Shows fulfillment of New Covenant, Heb. 8:7-13; 9:15; 13:20,21 It was dedicated with the blood of Christ, Heb. 9:16-18; Mt. 26:28

No New Revelation The New Testament does not predict the coming of another Prophet or Testament. What blood dedicated the Koran or The Book of Mormon? (Was it superior to the blood of Christ?) The New Testament says all truth has been revealed, Jn. 16:13; Jude 3 If it is New, it is not true; If it is True, it is not new!

Restoration of the Church Not the universal church – saved individuals - It never ceased and cannot be restored Local churches – may lose identity (Rev. 2:5; 3:16) Which church (Ephesus, Laodicea)? Use the same pattern they used!

Restoration Principle in O.T. Ahaz departed from God’s way, 2 Chron. 28:1-3,22-25 Hezekiah restored it, 2 Chron. 29:3-7,15-25,35,36 Did he restore “the spirit of the law,” or did he go back to the pattern?

Restoration in the N.T. The principle of seed – produces after its kind, Lk. 8:11,15 If the word of God is not consistent – it may produce a child of the devil! Whatever seed produces in one generation, it will produce in another!

N.T. Restoration Apostasy was foretold, 1 Tim. 4:1-3 No pattern – no apostasy! No true Christ – no false Christ, Mt. 24:24 Calling people back to the true Christ, does not originate Him.

Restoration of Church Building a church according to the N.T. pattern does not create a new church. Josiah restored the law, 2 Kgs. 23:1-3; he did not create a new law! We have a pattern – by which Christians and churches may be produced – “If any-one speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God…” (1 Pet. 4:11).