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The Need of Reformation Today, by Ernest C. Reisinger (1919-2004) from "Reforming a Local Church"
Both the Bible and history record how the people of God are continually in need of self-examination and reformation. But in every case of reformation there first had to be a recognition of the need for reformation. Nehemiah had to be informed by Hanani that the walls of salvation were broken down and the gates of praise were burned with fire—a great need, and what a beautiful example of reformation. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Hosea were all reformers. Habakkuk saw the sad condition. He asked God, “Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth” (Hab 1:3-4). There was great need of reformation of the people of God; thus we have that wonderful little prayer for reformation in Habakkuk 3:2—“O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” He saw the great need of reformation. This little verse shows us his fear, he was afraid, he heard an alarming voice that produced an appropriate prayer and a serious plea. This verse also has a potent argument for reformation—“in wrath remember mercy.” The psalmist saw the need for reformation, and many of his prayers for reformation are recorded. “Turn us [restore us], O God of our salvation” (85:4). Three times in Psalm 80 he cries, “Turn us again,” O God of hosts.We could multiply texts and examples in almost every prophet in the Old Testament. In every case there had to be a recognition of the need. Too many people in the church do not know the marks of a true church, and therefore, see no need of reformation. However, every discerning minister and Christian would not question the need. Would not every discerning Christian agree that the church is having little spiritual influence in the world? No doctrinal foundation. No fixed objective standard of righteousness because the Ten Commandments are missing in most churches. The doctrinal foundations have been removed, or buried, in powerless ritualism. When the moral and doctrinal standards are removed, it leaves the church in a sea of confusion without a compass. The Bible asks the question, What can the righteous do if the foundations be removed? There is a desperate need for reformation of the church.
When men forsake the “old paths” it is needful to enquire for what reasons they are forsaken, and whether it is that they may have left the “good way” wherein alone they can find “rest unto their souls” (Jer 6:16). The question of mere majorities in religious matters is of relatively little value or importance. It was by a majority that the death of the Lord Jesus was achieved. It was by a majority that the early Church was forced to pass through its “baptisms of blood.” It was a majority which screamed itself hoarse with the cry “the Christians to the lions.”
Our Lord’s last words to the churches that needed to be reformed are found in His messages to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. These final messages reflect His deep love and concern for His Church. These messages are rich in instruction, warning, and comfort. These messages contain much that is very relevant for reforming churches on the contemporary scene. Many churches are sleeping the sleep of death. Some are more sound asleep than others. Some are like Laodicea—they think they have need of nothing, but in truth they are pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. In spite of the sad condition, there are always some children of light living among the dead. When Jesus said to strengthen the things that remain, He knew that there were some that could be strengthened.
The Bible and history record many accounts of reformation. Sometimes whole communities, and in a few cases, whole nations have been affected by reformation.
How does reformation come about? First, the cause is always from above. That is the divine side. But it is just as true that there is always, always, always human instruments on earth involved. That is the human side, or the means God uses. The cause is God; the means is man.
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How is a church reformed—revived? How do churches come alive? Always with human instruments who are dead serious about the work of God and the Word of God. Men who are bent on success. Men who plow and sow in faith, hope, and love. Men who labour and bear the burden and the heat of the day. Men who have much patience—who wait for the precious fruit of the earth and have long patience. Men who lay solid foundations for future generations with an eye fixed on eternity. Men with some Holy Ghost boldness and determination. Men of prayer. Prayer is work—fervent prayer. Men of solemn deportment—no frivolity, no gaiety—sober-minded men.
Do you want to know what it looks like in the making? You will see a faithful minister of Christ, surrounded by a small band of praying ones, leading in the battle against the power of darkness. You will see not a lot of pomp, no display, no carnal attractions. You will see not a platform artist, a master gimmick maker, or a manipulator of crowds. These things sure make a show but they will not bring a church alive.
Oh, for some men with a deep yearning for God and for souls.
John Knox, in his old age, was helped into the pulpit by friends, but when he arose to preach, the Spirit of God’s love burned in his heart in such a fashion that an attendant said, “So mighty was he in his yearning that I thought he would break the pulpit in bits.”
One of the purposes of this pamphlet is to encourage the reformation of churches. Encourage preachers to lay biblical foundations, to encourage them to count the cost. It is the duty of all true men to labor and pray for reformation, and the privilege to hope for and expect reformation. It has already begun. It is going on right now.
If men in every reformation were abused, misunderstood, misrepresented, reviled, persecuted, ostracized, and excommunicated from organized religion, suffered mental and physical agony, and many times death, how can we expect to see reformation without cost (Luke, chapters 9 and 14)?
What will it cost young Pastors?
1. Denominational popularity and public approval. The work of reformation is not the way to climb the denominational ladder.
2. They will, at times, be in that awful task of tearing down some false super-structure that has been built without a doctrinal foundation. This super-structure was built by cheap, shallow, man-centered evangelism.
3. They may have to suffer at the hands of a large, unregenerate church membership, and especially from unregenerate and religiously ignorant deacons and leaders.
4. They may also have to suffer the pain of being misunderstood by the church leaders, fellow ministers, and, more painful still, sometimes by their own loved ones (wives who do not understand their husband’s position).
5. Sacrifice financially, especially in some cases where carnal and ignorant church leaders will use money as a threat to drive preachers from the pulpit.
But along with these and other costs there comes the joy of a conscience void of offence before God and man. What is that worth?
