Every day in a believer’s life is to be a reformation—a day for repentance.

I did a search on the word reform in the Bible. I was surprised that four of only five references appeared in the book of Jeremiah. In all four, the Lord used Jeremiah to call his people to reform their disobedient ways and actions. “This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place” (Jeremiah 7:3).

As we reflect on the Reformation this month, we note how Martin Luther also attempted to lead straying people from their wicked ways that were contrary to God and his will. To the best of our knowledge, Luther had not intended to start a new church body. However, when a reform takes place, a change happens. If some are not willing to accept or make that change, there will be a division.

If we know people are acting contrary to God’s Word, we lovingly seek to lead them to reform. We urge them to turn away from their error. But if they repeatedly refuse to reform, the only thing left is to separate from them and follow the Lord.

Like Jeremiah, Joshua had called for the Israelites to reform: “If serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

The heart of the Reformation is about a change of heart. It is about recognizing our sinful ways and actions, turning away from them, and following God’s Word. There needs to be a reformation in our hearts every time we choose to follow a self-designed god.

Every day in a believer’s life is to be a reformation—a day for repentance. We sin. We recognize that sin. We confess it. We ask for forgiveness from our God and the person we sinned against. Then we rejoice that through the work of the Holy Spirit, we believe and trust in the forgiveness that Jesus won for us by his perfect ways, life, and actions; his death; and his resurrection.

What a reformation Jesus has made of us and for us!

Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place” (Jeremiah 7:3).

Author: Snowden Sims
Volume 111, Number 10
Issue: October 2024