Why I am post-Reformed 6: semper reformanda
This will be the last installment in this series, and probably the most concise.
Among the many mottos of the Reformation, one stands out as particularly poignant.
Semper reformanda: always reforming.
While no doubt liberal theologians and even atheists have hijacked this phrase to denote some kind of general cultural progress, the meaning of it stands at the very heart of being a post-Reformed, biblical Christian. To be post-Reformed is to recognize that no systematic-theological approach has arrived at a perfect interpretation of the Scriptures and a closed, impenetrable body of doctrine. Instead, the church is always reforming according to new light that the Spirit brings through the Word.
And so again, this is why I am post-Reformed: because I believe heartily that the Spirit is speaking through the Scriptures even today, and I have heard him speak time and time again and have been reformed and transformed by his speaking. Let us all be open, not to divisive novel teachings that disrupt the church, but to new light and understanding that brings into greater focus the glory and supremacy of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Let us be open to the truth that makes us one, even as Jesus and the Father are one.
That’s it, that’s all.
Amen Bro. Loved all of these installments and the last two really rang true for me. There’s so much more to this walk with Jesus than debating this topic. Taking the good from the reformed side (as your fifth post did quite well) and then letting that simply enhance your walk with the Lord rather than become your ENTIRE focus is the right place for it to be. Keep preachin’ it bro, keep preachin’ it.
thanks man. i really feel like i’m going in the right direction here, although it is a departure of sorts. sometimes the internal reformed traffic cop starts freaking out on me telling me i’m running some red lights. but i think that’s just old habits dying hard. the encouragement is really helpful.
hey, as an aside you can add an avatar to your comments by going to gravatar.com and creating an account. it will associate your image with your email address, so when you add your email in the comment field your image will automatically appear.