What is described quite briefly above – the New Testament pattern of the church – is not new doctrine or new revelation. It continues the prevailing thrust of Christian history ever since the Reformation – a return to original, Scriptural truth.

Martin Luther broke through to the understanding that righteousness comes by faith and not by works. In this aspect, what he did was not so much reformation, as restoration.

Since then, the Holy Spirit has been leading believers into more and more of the truth given in the New Testament and originally possessed by the early church: Baptism in water by immersion, holiness, evangelism, missionary endeavor, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are major areas of truth long buried under piles of religious tradition, which have been excavated and restored.

The direction of this spiritual progression is evident and it will continue until God’s people obtain their full inheritance, until the church is formed in fullness of purity and power, according to God’s pattern.

It has not been easy. Some have given their lives to restore truth to God’s people. Cost what it may, it is a high privilege to be part of this work.