Back to Restoration Movements Overview Scripture

The Bible alone, the restoration of primitive Christianity, and the authority of Scripture.

The Restoration Movement was built on the conviction that the Bible is the only rule of faith and practice. Thomas Campbell's Declaration and Address made that principle the foundation of the plea for unity; Alexander Campbell gave it a rational, common-sense method; and Stone's Christian movement added an equal insistence on the heart's response to the Word. To the reformers, restoring primitive Christianity meant finding the New Testament pattern of faith, worship, and church order and following it without adding human invention. Scripture was not merely a source of doctrine; it was the constitution of the church.

Scripture ClaimThe Bible is the only rule of faith and practice; every creed, name, and practice that Scripture does not authorize divides Christians and must yield to the New Testament pattern.

Main ReceiptsThomomas Campbell, Declaration and Address (1809); Alexander Campbell, The Christian System (1835); Stone, The Christian Messenger; The Last Will and Testament (1804).

Live DisputeThe movement's members later divided over how to apply the silence of Scripture: some forbid whatever is not commanded, others permit whatever is not forbidden.

Component Map

6 pieces that have to be kept distinct.

Bible AloneThomas Campbell's Declaration and Address made Scripture the only rule of faith and practice; the movement consistently refused every other standard.

Restoration of Primitive ChristianityThe reformers believed the New Testament pattern of faith, worship, and church order could be restored and that the early church was the model for all generations.

The Protestant Principle AppliedThe movement radicalized the Reformation principle of sola scriptura by requiring that every practice, name, and institution be found in Scripture.

The Ancient OrderThe ancient order included the weekly Lord's Supper, congregational autonomy, the pattern of elders and deacons, and baptism by immersion of believers.

Scripture and ReasonCampbell championed a rational, common-sense reading of the Bible, using facts, testimony, and an inductive method to draw out the ancient gospel.

Scripture and the Holy SpiritStone's stream emphasized the Spirit's work in conversion and the Christian's heart, while Campbell's stream stressed the testimony of God's word; both insisted the Bible was sufficient.

Receipt Trail

Start here before drawing conclusions.

Declaration and Address (1809)The founding statement of Scripture as the only rule of faith and practice.

The Christian System (1835)Campbell's systematic theology of the Holy Scriptures and the Christian religion.

The Last Will and Testament (1804)Stone's manifesto taking the Bible alone as the standard of the Christian movement.