The word ‘Reformation’ has a negative connotation in many Christian circles. To some it brings to mind thoughts of hyper-calvanism, elitism, dry intellect-only study of scripture, the denial of certain spiritual gifts, etc…

And while I am not claiming to subscribe entirely to Reformed Theology or vice-versa I think there are some lessons and practices of it that every Christian should consider. Ponder its definition:

“Reformed: ri-farmed’, a, to be corrected; Restored to a good or proper state; having turned from unlawful ways to obey the law; as a reformed criminal; to restore from a bad state, to a previous good state; a rearrangement which brings about a better order of things; (cap) restoring biblical precepts…”

The heart of the Reformation movement began in the 1500’s when several men began to question the man-made traditions of the prevailing Catholic church.  The church persecuted men who sought the  translation of the bible into the common language fearing contradictions in church doctrine would be found as a result. It was the beginning of the process of departing from false belief and traditions and conforming doctrine, practice and understanding of God to the Biblical teachings and principles of scripture.

If this was and is the reformation… Did it end? Should it have ended? Do we still practice un-biblical traditions in the modern church today?

Should we maintain the heart of the reformation and continually check ourselves and our beliefs and practices against what scripture says? What does 2 Tim 3:16-17 say about it? Why would Paul say that if he didn’t expect (from the scriptures) re-proof, correction and profit for doctrine?