Reformation means: to right the wrong; to remedy error; to be returning to a rightful course; to rescue from erroneousness. The Greek word rendered reformation (diorphosis) means emendation, improvement, reform. It refers to putting a thing back in correct or upright condition; making it better; or raising up and restoring that which is fallen down. A “hapax legomenon”, this word is mentioned only once in the N.T. found in Hebrews 9:10 which says, “but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.” This is unmistakably refering to the gospel setting all things right in Christ Jesus–our once for all sacrifice for sins compared to the old covenant (cp, Acts 3:21; Hebrews 8:8-12; 9:23).
There are a few things that historically and biblically mark or accompany true reformation and revival:
Conviction, contrition, and confession of sin
Repentance that is more notorious than ones transgressions
Prayer that is urgent and unceasing
Renewed loving of, long for, obedience to, and craving of God’s Word
Uncompromised preaching and teaching of God’s Word
Recovery of boldness in proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
Refutation and correcting of aberrant teaching, skewed doctrine, and theological error
Worship that is unfeigned in spirit and truth
And finally, authentic evangelism - lasting regeneration, a heavenly work by the Spirit of God
Unfortunately, many today that the Scriptures heralded, obeyed, and lived in the power of the Holy Spirit are not enough. They are deficient and inadequate to meet the needs of our comple, postmodern times. Thus, new movements like the emerging/emergent church spring up to try and address the needs of our time; but ultimately find themselves falling woefully short for their emphasis is more on the pragmatic than the eternal.Read more……
There are a few things that historically and biblically mark or accompany true reformation and revival:
Conviction, contrition, and confession of sin
Repentance that is more notorious than ones transgressions
Prayer that is urgent and unceasing
Renewed loving of, long for, obedience to, and craving of God’s Word
Uncompromised preaching and teaching of God’s Word
Recovery of boldness in proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ
Refutation and correcting of aberrant teaching, skewed doctrine, and theological error
Worship that is unfeigned in spirit and truth
And finally, authentic evangelism - lasting regeneration, a heavenly work by the Spirit of God
Unfortunately, many today that the Scriptures heralded, obeyed, and lived in the power of the Holy Spirit are not enough. They are deficient and inadequate to meet the needs of our comple, postmodern times. Thus, new movements like the emerging/emergent church spring up to try and address the needs of our time; but ultimately find themselves falling woefully short for their emphasis is more on the pragmatic than the eternal.Read more……
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