Does the Church need another Reformation?

Does the Church need another Reformation?

I believe there are two principles we need to consider before attempting to answer this question. The two principles are essence and form.

Essence and Form

Essence does not change whereas form does. For example, the word "human being" describes essence but the words "male" or "female" describe form. Essence is therefore not the same as form. A kitchen (essence) can look different (form) in every household but is still a kitchen - essence stays the same but form varies.

The distinction between essence and form helps us greatly to accept one another as believers. For example, the believer is called to worship (essence) but how he worships will differ in manner (form). If I focus on essence rather than on form I can worship amongst any gathering of believers. The essence of worship is that we respond to God - that I worship (essence) is important and not how I worship (form). Most schisms in the Church are due to criticism of one another with regard to form. Focusing on the form is the same as looking at the outward appearance and gives rise to a critical and judgmental spirit (see 1 Sam. 16:7).

Form in the world and in the Church

The world is attracted to form. As soon as a new form appears, the world copies what they see. This is predominant in fashion, of course - one celebrity has a new look and soon all the teens have the same look. We see this principle in the Church as well. A church develops an attractive form and has significant growth - it looks good. Other churches see the form and try to copy it in order to hopefully have the same result. Sadly the form or "movement" fizzles out because it was based on form and not essence. Essence lasts but form does not.

Lasting Transformation

I believe God wants His people to come back to the essence so that He can bring about a lasting transformation - a change in form. Romans 12:2 says that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation comes about as God replaces our thoughts with His thoughts (essence) so that we are truly God's people and not just an appearance or "a form of godliness" (2 Tim . 3:5).

Revival of the Truth

When I consider how the previous Reformation came about, it was a revival of the truth that brought about a change in form. In a sense the Church is continuously being reformed as we are transformed into the likeness of Christ. However this transformation will only take place as we take hold of the truth (essence) and realise it by faith.

Applying the Truth

Once we have revelation of the Truth we will pray differently. For example, many Christians pray for unity in the Church. However, Christ has already paid the price for the Body of Christ to be one in Him (see Eph. 2:14-22)! We don't need to pray for unity but we should repent of bringing division and dividing that which Christ has joined! Once the Church recognises that all believers are one in Christ, then we will be much quicker to repent of judging one another and criticising one another!

So, does the Church need another Reformation? No, not one, but an ongoing reforming as we take hold of the essence and are united in Spirit and in Truth!

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Eph. 4.3-6

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