Reformation Starts With Scripture

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther delivered his “95 Theses”, which outlined grievances against the Roman Catholic Church. Convicted by scripture, Luther challenged the Church’s stance on indulges, proposing that salvation was from faith in Christ alone by God’s grace alone. One could not buy his way to heaven or earn his forgiveness. This marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, driven by the belief that authority came from scripture alone. However, this was not the first time God’s people were reformed by the conviction of scripture, and it will not be the last.

Josiah’s Reformation

2 Kings 22 & 23 detail King Josiah’s reign over Judah. Although Josiah was just 8 years old when he became king, unlike many kings before him, he was led by God. Josiah commissioned Hilkiah, the High Priest, to repair the temple. In doing so, Hilkiah found a lost Book of the Law, which scholars believe to be Dueteronomy. Shaphan, the Secretary, read God’s word to the king:

“When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying, “Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.” (2 Kings 22:11–13 ESV)

Like Luther, Josiah was grieved through the conviction of scripture. But if both men had simply sat in tears, then many would have continued in sin. Instead, in chapter 23, Josiah removed all idols throughout Judah and reinstated the Passover. The disobedience of Judah was made known, so Josiah repented by returning the nation to the ways of the Lord. When I broke my elbow the doctor used an X-ray to show the fracture. The law is akin to an X-ray; it does not fix the brokenness but reveals it (Romans 3:20, 7:7). The only one who can fix the brokenness within us is the Lord Jesus, the greatest surgeon (Luke 5:31-32). 
 
Reformation Today

Many people (including myself) have considered themselves reformed, because they subscribed to the teachings of Calvin, Chandler, Keller, Piper, Spurgeon, etc. Yet, the word “reformed” literally means to change or improve something. All Christians, regardless of their theological inclination, should be reforming themselves each day. The conviction of scripture empowered by the Holy Spirit is the only way to accomplish this (John 16:8, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12). Allow God’s word to prompt you to get rid of idols and live a righteous life for the one true King. For we cannot reform our church, country, or world unless we reform ourselves daily through God’s word (Psalm 1:2).