Such stories multiply across the globe. These three happened to connect with heirs of a restoration movement that began in Great Britain, moved to North America, then bounced back to Europe and its colonies. A survey of this movement helps to illustrate the meaning of restoration, along with its challenges. It is not an invitation to fall in line with British or American leaders. As fallible people, their movements had their share of challenges. But they pointed toward the answer to our question, “Is there no king in Israel?” Yes, the King lives! He still reigns with “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). If He has “all authority,” how much authority is left over for me to make changes to His will, or to accept changes by others? He still demands complete surrender.
If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)
To this truth, Paul responds,
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 2:20; 6:14)
Die to our own wills! Die to the influences of this world! Turn from human opinions! Let Christ control every thought and every action!
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)