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Reformation Day

Jeremiah 31:23-40; John 8:31-47 / Psalm 46:1-11

I. Reformation Highlights Redemptive History

A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.; therefore life is always difficult for people. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23) “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1 John 3:4)

B. Over time church and society tarnish as silver dulls. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10)

C. Eventually God’s prophets summon His people back to Him. “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16)

D. Truth has a staying power uncommon to human institutions which causes it to prevail and consequently calls for renewal must always begin in Scripture. “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

II. The Reformation Message Is Clear

A. The Sovereign Lord of Providence made and manages all things above the poor sinner’s capacity to understand; rely on Him rather than on yourself. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.”(Proverbs 3:5-8)

B. “It looked like a good idea at the time” is the subtitle of incalculable numbers of disasters. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

C. People, cultures, and even civilizations can change because all things are possible with God. “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)

D. Because the Sovereign God is gracious, rest is possible even in a world of sin. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

E. Rest in Jesus is more wonderful than unbelievers can dream. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

III. God Issues the Call to Reformation

A. It is not necessary to die. “Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 18:31)

B. No sin is so great that a repentant believer will find God unwilling to keep His word. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

C. Christ endured the cross and despised the shame that sinners might be saved, even the worst sinners. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

D. Do not miss the time of reform. “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:6-11)

+ Dr. Edwin P. Elliott