The Unbroken Chain of Faith: A Biblical Response to the Mormon Belief in Church Restoration
> The concept of the “restoration” of the original church is a cornerstone of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which asserts that a Great Apostasy occurred, necessitating the restoration of true Christianity through the prophet Joseph Smith. In contrast, evangelical Christians hold to the historical continuity of the church, believing that the body of Christ has persisted since the time of the apostles. When a Mormon asks a Christian whether they believe in the necessity of a “restoration,” it opens the door to a discussion about the nature of the church, its history, and its endurance according to the Bible. This article will explore the proper biblical response to this inquiry, emphasizing the evangelical perspective on the church’s continuity.
The Evangelical Christian Perspective on Church Continuity:
– The Promise of Perpetuity:
Evangelical Christians point to Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18, where He declares, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” This verse is often cited to support the belief that the church has never been completely overcome or lost, as it is under the sovereign protection of Christ Himself.
– The Presence of the Holy Spirit:
The New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit was sent to guide and empower the church (John 14:26; Acts 1:8). Evangelicals believe that the Holy Spirit has been actively working within the church since Pentecost, preserving the truth and empowering believers throughout history.
– The Lineage of Faithful Believers:
Throughout church history, evangelicals see a lineage of faithful believers who have upheld apostolic teaching, even in times of widespread error or heresy. They argue that while there have been periods of moral decline and doctrinal confusion, a remnant has always remained true to the core tenets of the faith.
– The Authority of Scripture:
Evangelicals affirm the authority and sufficiency of Scripture, which they believe has been preserved by God. They contend that the Bible provides all that is necessary for faith and practice, negating the need for a “restoration” of lost doctrines or authority.
Responding to the LDS Belief in the Great Apostasy and Restoration:
- The Great Apostasy:
Mormons believe that after the death of the apostles, a Great Apostasy occurred, leading to a loss of priesthood authority and corruption of essential doctrines. This apostasy is said to have necessitated the restoration of the church through Joseph Smith in the 19th century. - The Restoration:
The LDS Church claims that through Joseph Smith, God restored the priesthood authority, established new scripture, and brought back the true church. This restoration is seen as fulfilling biblical prophecy and restoring the fullness of the gospel.
The Biblical Response:
- Historical Examination:
Evangelicals can engage with Mormons by examining historical and biblical evidence for the continuous presence of the church. They can discuss how the early church fathers, councils, and creeds have contributed to preserving essential Christian doctrine over the centuries. - Scriptural Interpretation:
Christians can respectfully challenge the interpretation of scriptures that Mormons use to support the Great Apostasy, such as Amos 8:11-12 and Acts 3:19-21. They can offer alternative understandings that align with the view of historical continuity. - The Testimony of the Early Church:
By exploring the writings of early Christians, evangelicals can demonstrate the transmission of apostolic teaching and the presence of vibrant Christian communities throughout history, even during times of great adversity. - The Role of Reform:
Evangelicals can acknowledge the need for reform within the church, as seen in movements like the Protestant Reformation. However, they can clarify that reform is distinct from restoration, as it seeks to return to biblical foundations rather than establish a new church.
Conclusion:
The evangelical Christian response to the LDS belief in the necessity of a “restoration” of the original church is rooted in the conviction of the church’s historical continuity. Evangelicals affirm that Christ’s promise to build and sustain His church has been fulfilled throughout the ages, despite challenges and imperfections. They hold to the authority of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the means by which the truth of the gospel has been preserved and proclaimed. By engaging in thoughtful and respectful dialogue, evangelicals can share their perspective on the enduring nature of the church and the unbroken chain of faith that connects contemporary believers to the apostolic foundation laid nearly two thousand years ago. Through such conversations, Christians can bear witness to their faith in the enduring and transformative power of the gospel, which continues to be lived out in the global community of believers known as the church.
