Like Luther, Martin Luther King, Sr. and Jr. both led a movement to bring light where darkness was prevalent. Martin Luther King, Jr., in particular, did so through peaceful protests following the lead of Ghandi. However, as I have mentioned several times during this series, Martin Luther led a protest against the sixteenth century church that was not a direct assault, but rather began as an intent to reshape the understanding of the church and the people. Essentially, 435 years later, Martin Luther King, Jr. set about to do the same thing. As such, both men were ostracized by many, threatened by some, and had to exhibit extreme courage to withstand the pressures of their day. God knew what was needed and gifted both men to lead their respective reforms and to have a dream of seeing what is possible, not just what was.
However, what is possible is still ahead of us. Just as our country has a great deal of work to do regarding race relations, the Church still has work to do to become all that God intends. And work is a key word for us today. The work begins within us, it continues through us, and is completed by God for us. But even as we are the recipients of the work, and the work if primarily done for us, ultimately the purpose is for God.
Today, I want to do two things. I want to share from the Bible that God’s work is not done yet. And I want to close by looking at a hymn written by Martin Luther over 485 years ago.
One last time, I want to remind you of the definition of Reformation.
Reformation (Re – Form – Ation)
RE – from a Latin word; has an element of “again” or “again and again”; a backward motion (like retrace or revert); return
FORM – to construct or frame; to arrange or organize
ATION – an act of process
In prior weeks, we have looked at Scripture as the source for the reforming process of the Church to return to its roots. However, today, we will see that the process is not done. Just as the reformers cried out, “post tenebras lux” (after darkness, light) they also believed in the idea of semper reformanda – always reforming. In fact, the full expression is ecclesia reformation, semper reformanda secundum verbi Dei. That is, “the Church is reformed and always [in need of] being reformed according to the Word of God.” (1)
As we will see today, the church, that is, you and I, must be reformed, but it is God who is ultimately doing the re-forming (notice the statement is “being reformed” – as in, something or Someone else is responsible). So what evidence does Scripture provide for the idea of being reformed, yet always being reformed? Let’s look at three ideas.
Being Reformed by God as We Work. Philippians 2.12-13
Would you like to please God? The Bible says that without faith, it is impossible to please Him. But for those who seek Him and draw near to Him, there is a reward (Hebrews 11.6). Consider the following verses.
In Philippians 2.5-11, Paul wrote about the humility of Christ. Yet because of the humility of Jesus, His is the name at which every knee will bow and every tongue confess. See, Jesus had to do His part, but then God honored Him for doing so.
The same is true for us. In verse 12, we are called to work out our salvation. Paul writes that we do this by being obedient to what God wants from us. But notice the promise – as we do our part, God does something greater. As we are obedient, God works in us so that what we do brings Him pleasure. As we follow God’s desires for us, we can do more of what He wants from us. We do our part, and He does His. Related to the Reformation principles (the five solas), we can understand it like this.
- We don’t work to earn our salvation – we are justified by faith alone (sola fide).
- We don’t work to get God’s attention – rather we are saved by grace alone (sola gratia).
- We don’t work because what Christ did was insufficient – He did all that was necessary (solus Christus).
- We work because Scripture says those who call Jesus Lord will do what He alone has said (sola Scriptura).
- And we work for the glory of God (soli deo Gloria).
As we do work, God works in us. As we light our light so to speak, God removes our darkness. As individuals we can begin to claim post tenebras lux (after darkness, light). And when we, as individuals, all shine brighter, the church shines brighter as well.
Being Conformed by God Until We Are Like Christ. Romans 8.29-30
Many people believe that becoming a Christian makes life easier. In fact, many pastors, church leaders, and well-meaning people may say something similar when talking to others. But it is not true. It will certainly make our eternity better, and our perspective can bring joy through pain, peace through challenge, etc., but easier is not the right word.
Why? Because we are not like Christ, and God’s goal, per these verses is to conform us until we are in the image of Christ. Now, on the one hand, we know this is possible because we were made in the image of Christ (Genesis 1.26-27). But on the other hand, sin is a part of our lives, and thus we need to be molded, shaped, stretched, squeezed, pulled, popped, etc. – all of which sound like they would hurt – and thus we resist. But God does not give up. No, His promise is to continue until we are conformed to Christ’s image.
Thus, He begins a work. We may join Him, and He continues the work. We may resist, but He will continue the work. Over time we will be reformed, and conformed, and eventually we find ourselves fully transformed.
Being Transformed by God Until We Are Complete. Philippians 1.6
The third aspect is our complete transformation. Notice this verse says that He began the work within us. He initiated the change. He scheduled it. He is implementing the change. But that change is not complete. You may be a Christian, but you are still not in the image of Christ – not yet. But someday. When? On the day of Christ Jesus. That means when He returns. On that day, you, and all, other believers will be complete.
In fact, this promise is for the church, not the individual. As I have stated often, most of the New Testament is written to the church, not the individual. The word you in Philippians 1.6 is plural in the original Greek. Of course, individuals will be made complete, but the promise is that the Church will be made complete on that day. What a glorious promise that is!
So, the church is being reformed now, and will continue to be shaped until she has conformed to the image of the Bridegroom, and will then be transformed into a perfect state for all of eternity when Jesus returns for His bride. And then we will no longer need to be reformed. We will be complete, just at this series is now set to be finished.
CONCLUSION
This week we come to the end of this series on the Reformation. For some of you that is a very good thing because history is not your cup of tea. However, while this series has shared some historical facts and covered some historical figures that made the Reformation possible (or necessary), the truth of the Reformation is as important today as it was 500 years ago when Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany.
Some of you may recall that we began this series with a message that outlined the series title – post tenebras lux. Ultimately, it is Jesus, that is the light. Ultimately, it is He that reshaped the Church five hundred years ago, and it is He that continues to shape the true Church today. Church, we have issues to overcome, but all things are possible with God if we live as light of the world and love as Jesus commanded us. As Martin Luther King, Jr once said:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Post tenebras lux (after darkness, light) is possible, because Jesus is the light and the love the world needs. And that is why, once again, our JOURNEY letter is:
JOURNEY: J – Jesus
Because of what Jesus did, we are able to live. And that is our Next Step again this week.
NEXT STEP(S): Live because you are being reformed by God…allowing yourself to be conformed to Jesus…knowing God will complete the transformation at the proper time. How do you do this?
- By Grace Alone (sola gratia) knowing you are saved by grace and nothing you can do (Eph 2.8-9)
- By Faith Alone (sola fide) knowing we are justified by the righteousness of God, not our own (Romans 1.17)
- In Christ Alone (solus Christus) knowing Jesus paid the full price for all sin, and by Him we are saved (Acts 4.12)
- By Scripture Alone (sola Scriptura) knowing we find our truth and direction from God’s holy Word, not from the edicts of man or anywhere else
- For God’s Glory Alone (soli deo Gloria) knowing that all we do, even down to mundane tasks such as eating and drinking can be done for God’s glory (1 Cor 10.31).
If we live by these principles, we will each find ourselves closer to becoming the person God wants us to be, which will help us become the people God wants us to be.
Notes:
(1) (https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/kevindeyoung/2016/10/27/semper-reformanda/)
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