REFORMATION

The Greek word for "reformation" is diorthosis, which indicates the idea of making something "straight." A kindred form of the term is used in Acts 24:2, where the flattering orator Tertullus described the political activity of Felix. Supposedly, the governor "corrected" evils that had been perpetrated against the Jews. Consider the following uses in both biblical and ecclesiastical history: (a) In the O.T. period, both Hezekiah and Josiah initiated reforms, after the Hebrew people had dredged themselves deeply into sin (2 Kgs. 18:1-8; 23:4-20). (b) More significantly, the term "reformation" is employed to depict the Christian regime (Heb. 9:10; cf. v. 9, "time present"), in contrast to the Mosaic economy. It describes the new order, Christianity, which was intended by God to replace the carnal system of Judaism. (c) In a more modern sense, "reformation" has reference to a religious effort that sought to correct the corruption that gradually had afflicted the "Christian" movement over the centuries (2 Thes. 2:1ff; 1 Tim. 4:1ff; 2 Tim. 4:1ff), resulting ultimately in the development of the Roman Catholic Church. Though there were others who preceded him (e.g., Wyclif, Huss, and Savonarola), the Protestant Reformation Movement is generally dated from the time of Martin Luther. Luther, a Catholic monk, challenged the Roman Church (especially the papacy) when he nailed his ninety-five theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517. Luther, and others who came later (e.g., Calvin, Knox, Smyth), had no passionate desire to leave the church of their day; they merely wished to "reform" it of its abuses. As noble as their motives were, they succeeded only in creating many new denominations -- bringing the "baggage" of Romanism with them as they formed movements. It would not be until a later time that men would have a clearer vision, abandoning the digressions of both Catholicism and Protestantism, with a call for the genuine "restoration" of primitive Christianity.