The Italian Memorandum

“I have not come to bring peace, but a sword”

(Matthew 10:34)

“… I have come to do your will, O God…’ “

(Hebrews 10:7)

Matthew 10:34-39

We often assume that once a person receives the truth of the gospel, without added church creeds; catechisms; or extra-biblical non-sense, he or she will obey the gospel, become a New Testament Christian, and continue to live faithfully for the Lord and his church (Eph. 3:21).

But, this is not always the case. Therefore, when we speak of the need to go Back to the Bible (a restoration theology) which respects the word of God and reveres the person of God, we must teach personal discipleship (Matt. 10:34-39; 28:19).

1 Timothy 4:1ff./2 Timothy 4:1ff.

The primary reason for the need of a Restoration Movement is the Great Apostasy, spoken of in First and Second Timothy. Most modern churches and individuals just gloss over this fundamental New Testament doctrine.

2 Kings 18:1-7 (2 Chron. 29:1-6)

The reforms of Hezekiah point out the restoration principle as valid and the Lord’s chosen method for returning after a religious apostasy. Here, we learn, that you can’t do right without tearing down the wrong.

2 Kings 22:1-8

By the reforms of Josiah, we are reminded of the great role that the Bible must play, if there would be a restoration movement.

– Robert M. Housby

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned…

knowing from whom you have learned it”

(2 Timothy 3:14)

The letters of Paul to Timothy (1 and 2 Timothy) contain the rationale for why churches and individuals today should discover, re-discover, and/or maintain the Christian faith.

1. Paul’s documents are backed up by his apostleship (1 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1); and his apostleship is based upon the “will of God” (2 Tim. 1:11-12). Paul’s writings are inspired scripture (2 Tim. 3:16,17).

2. Different doctrines are discouraged (1 Tim. 1:3); and are contrary to “sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:10). The positive command, here, is to “Follow the pattern of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13).

3. Doctrinal deviations were predicted (1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 4:3-4).

While many modern Christian churches (and individuals) teach that there is no need to insist upon sound doctrine, conversely, the restoration movement takes seriously Paul’s concluding directives to avoid doctrinal contradictions and false knowledge which results in a swerving from the faith (1 Tim. 6:20-21).

-Robert M. Housby

Years ago, brother Walter Scott, wrote in his periodical, The Evangelist (1840) [reprinted by College Press, Joplin, Missouri] a series entitled, Cleansing of the Sanctuary. In this series, Scott enumerates the great points of the Plea for Restoration:

1. The Bible Alone.
2. The True Gospel.
3. The Name Christian.
4. The Apostolic Order of the Church
5. The Perfection of Individual Character.

Walter Scott would eventually qualify these main points of restoration (Vol. VIII. Cincinnati, Ohio, December 1, 1840. No. 12) by saying: “It is important in all our attempts at reformation that ends and means be carefully distinguished from each other. In the following schedule of reform the first four elements are means; the last is an end.

1. The Bible
2. The Gospel
3. The Name
4. The Order, and
5. The Perfection of Character

The Bible is our sole authority—neither human creed; church catechism; nor, extra-biblical revelation is above it. The gospel, as revealed in the Bible, is our only plan of salvation. The name, Christian, is the desirable name of all followers of Christ. The New Testament order of worship and procedure in faith and practice (sometimes called the ancient order) is, in fact, the only authorized and approved method of pleasing God today. And, one’s personal and spiritual devotion is required holiness (Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 12:14). -Robert M. Housby