Rev. 3:2
"Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die..."

Rev. 3:4
"Yet you have a few people...who have not soiled their clothing."

Chapter I

THE NEED OF REFORMATION TODAY

   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 do you make me see wrongs and look on trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is slackened and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous, so justice goes forth perverted." There was great need of reformation of the people of God; thus we have that wonderful little prayer for reformation in Habakkuk 3:2--"0 Lord, I have heard your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy" (NKJ). 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. "Restore us again, O God of our salvation" Psa. 85:4. Three times in Psalm 80 he cries, "Restore us 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 liffle spiritual influence in the world? No doctrinal foundation. No fixed objective standard of righteousness because the Ten Commandments are missing inmost churches. The doctrinal foundations have been removed, or buried, in powerless ritualism. When the moral and doctrinal standards are removed that 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." 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 Rev. 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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