Reformation

1 Peter 1:13-19; 22-25 NASB95  Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. [14] As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, [15] but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; [16] because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” [17] If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; [18] knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, [19] but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. [22] Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, [23] for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For, “ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, [25] BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.” And this is the word which was preached to you.

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        When someone mentions the word “reformation,” most people, with any kind of church background, are immediately going to think of the protestant challenge to some of the Roman Catholic doctrines and practices.  The first name that comes to mind is Martin Luther (an Augustinian monk from Germany) who nailed his “95 Theses” to the door of “All Saints’ Church” in Wittenberg, Germany on October the 31st, 1517.
       The reformation came to be known as the protestant movement as new churches and denominations were formed in protest against the perceived corruption found in Catholicism at that time.  There was a Latin slogan that served as the rallying cry of the reformers. Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum, which translates as “the Word of the Lord remains forever."
       This Latin slogan still rings true today.  According to the Apostle Peter, "You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring Word of God."  Peter goes on to declare that "the Word of the Lord endures forever!"
       Reformation is not so much a new work as it is a return to that which endures forever.  It is standing on and in the established truths of God and refusing to bend and bow to the whims of man.  It is not so concerned with being relevant as it is being right.  So, where does reformation begin for Believers?  It starts with a renewed effort to be Bible-centric people who know what they believe and why.     

Questions to Consider:

1. Why is the "truth" important when it comes to salvation?  (What did Jesus say about the truth?)
2. Why is it dangerous to drift away from Biblical truth?  
3. How is the Word of God (for you personally) a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path?