Lesson 9 for August 31, 2013

A revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend. Ellen G. White (The Review and Herald, February 25, 1902)

“…Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper” (2 Chronicles 20:20) The people of God repeatedly moved away from God and disobeyed His Law in the Old Testament. In response to that negative attitude, God sent prophets to urge them to stop their evil works and to reform their lives (Jeremiah 35:15) When reformation occurred, God acted with great power to liberate Israel. The story of King Jehoshaphat is a good example (2 Chronicles 1-20) Jehoshaphat’s experience illustrates the essence of revival and reformation. He led Israel into a united time of fasting, praying, trusting, and obeying God. The people of God repeatedly moved away from God and disobeyed His Law in the Old Testament. In response to that negative attitude, God sent prophets to urge them to stop their evil works and to reform their lives (Jeremiah 35:15) When reformation occurred, God acted with great power to liberate Israel. The story of King Jehoshaphat is a good example (2 Chronicles 1-20) Jehoshaphat’s experience illustrates the essence of revival and reformation. He led Israel into a united time of fasting, praying, trusting, and obeying God.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul reprimanded them because of the serious sins they allowed in that church (immorality, division, misuse of spiritual gifts…). He taught them the guidelines to reform their lives. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul congratulated them on the reformation that took place there. They experienced a new relationship with God.

What guidelines did Paul set for the Corinthians’ reformation? Honoring our body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Co. 6:19-20) Abstaining from evil, turning our eyes upon the prize (1Co. 9:24-27) Fomenting faith, hope and love (1Co. 13:13) Persevering in Bible study (1Co. 15:1-2) Controlling our words (1Co. 15:33) Trusting Jesus’ power (1Co. 15:57)

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent” (Revelation 2:5) According to Jesus’ letter to Ephesus (Rev. 2:1- 11), which was the problem of the early Church? It was a hard-working Church. They were worried about the doctrinal purity of the Church. They passionately defended the faith. But they had left their first love. They replaced devotion with duty. They lifted the work of Christ higher than Christ. They were called to remember, to repent and to come back. Christ is asking us to repent from our prayerless life, our inadequate Bible study and our lack of spiritual focus.

“Let each member of the church study this important warning and reproof. Let each one see if in contending for the truth, if in debating on the theory, he has not lost the tender love of Christ. Has not Christ been left out of the sermons, and out of the heart? Is there not danger that many are going forward with a profession of the truth, doing missionary work, while the love of Christ has not been woven into the labor? This solemn warning from the True Witness means much; it demands that you shall remember from whence you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; “or else,” says the True Witness, “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). O that the church might realize its need of its first ardor of love! When this is wanting, all other excellences are insufficient. The call to repentance is one that cannot be disregarded without peril… The light that gladdened your heart when you first understood the message for this time, is an essential element in your experience and labors” E.G.W. (Selected Messages, vol. 1, cp. 58, pg. 370)

The revival in Martin Luther’s heart and mind began with the study of the letter to the Romans. The Holy Spirit transformed him and that transformation led to a reformation, the Reformation.

What did Luther find in Romans that changed his life? 1.Man is saved by faith (Rom. 1:16-17) 2.Salvation is free (Rom. 3:21-25) 3.Jesus paid for us by dying at the cross (Rom. 5:6-11) 4.God does not condemn us. He sent his Son to free us from sin (Rom. 8:1-4) Understanding God’s grace transforms our lives. It is the heart of Christianism. God’s undeserved grace is the cornerstone of our faith. The gift of eternal life is given to us thanks to the life, death, resurrection and ministry of Jesus. We receive it by faith; our faith is our blessed assurance.

Those messages are found in the definition of the Church in the End Time: “those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12) 1.Obeying God’s will in the light of the Judgment. 2.Worshipping the Creator on the true biblical Sabbath. 1.Obeying God’s will in the light of the Judgment. 2.Worshipping the Creator on the true biblical Sabbath.