Always Reforming
In Webster’s 1832 American Dictionary of the English language, “reform” is defined as follows: 1. To change from worse to better; to amend; to correct; to restore to a former good state, or to bring from a bad to a good state; 2. To change from bad to good; to remove that which is bad or corrupt; as, to reform abuses; to reform the vices of the age. To abandon that which is evil or corrupt, and return to a good state; to be amended or corrected.
In 1517, the “95 Theses” were written by a priest and professor of theology named Martin Luther. His document expressed his growing concern with the corruption within the church. In essence, his Theses called for a full reform of the Catholic Church and challenged other scholars to debate with him on matters of church policy. His revolutionary ideas served as the catalyst for the eventual breaking away from the Catholic Church and were later instrumental in forming the movement known as the Protestant Reformation. (To read more about the 95 Theses go here.)
When Luther observed the condition of the church of his day, it became obvious to him that change was needed – from worse to better; from a bad to a good state. He recognized that amendment and correction, as well as the abandonment of that which was evil and corrupt, was essential.
How did he know? How did Martin Luther know that the practices of the church were inconsistent with the word of God? How was he able to recognize the corruption within the church? Martin Luther was able to distinguish right from wrong because he knew the truth – the exact truth.
This past Sunday (September 19, 2010) Pastor Dan Hendley of North Park Church shared a message sub-titled “It’s About Truth”. The first passage of scripture referenced was Luke 1:1-4 –
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word have handed them down to us, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write {it} out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. (NAS)
Because Martin Luther knew the exact truth, he recognized the heresy of the church of his day. He challenged every practice and teaching of the church that was not consistent with the exact truth, and called for reformation.
It occurs to me that there is still tremendous need for knowledge of the exact truth, as well as reformation almost 1500 years after Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the Castle Church door at Wittenberg, Germany. This is true of the body of Christ in general, and true for each individual believer.
I can’t speak for you, but I know that I have a tendency to get a bit lazy in some of the disciplines of my Christian walk. There are times when prayer is a struggle, and my time in the word – when I re-acquaint myself with the exact truth – is practically non-existent. It is during these times when I am most vulnerable to the false truth claims of the culture. Many of the messages of the world are blatantly wrong and wildly inconsistent with the truth of the Bible, and are easily recognized. Other messages are more subtle, and without knowledge of God’s exact truth, I am more easily taken captive.
Just as Luther’s observation of the church of his day led to the conclusion that reform was needed, my observation of my own life leads me to the same conclusion – my life is in need of reformation. Perhaps you find this to be true as well.
It is important to remember that reformation is not a “one and done” event. The church is still reforming, just as you and I are still, or at least should be, reforming. I know that I have to reform every day from the effects of the lies and illusions of the culture. Toward the end of his message on Sunday, Pastor Hendley said “A reformed Christian is to be always reforming.” How true. Reformation is a process, not a project.
Semper Reformanda (always reforming).
May it be so…
In Christ –
John
Soli Deo Gloria
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