Halloween exhortation: semper reformanda

Every year, this author essays to contribute something meaningful to All Hallows Eve / Halloween / Reformation Day. On this memorable day, please stop and take a second not simply to celebrate Luther and scorn Rome’s traditions (though both are worthy activities), but to inspect your own traditions. A distinctive emphasis of the Reformation is the phrase semper reformanda, which means ‘always reforming’. If you think that because you attend a Protestant church, you are free from the danger of tradition that those Catholics are prey to, then you are wrong and doubly susceptible to believing and practising things for traditional reasons, not biblical reasons.

The church does not just reform once, and then go on forever in doctrinal purity. The church is like a great garden, that in the 1500s was indistinguishable from a pit of bracken and thorns. Ever since, it has been a cultivated garden bearing fruit, but the weeds and rot still occur because we live in a fallen world, and all the spiritual powers that are in league with Satan are working to stop you pleasing and enjoying God at every turn. So, we must be constantly cultivating. Regularly reforming. Frequently forgoing traditions.

You may ask, ‘doesn’t your semper reformanda mean that people could just keep changing and modernising the church? If we are formed, why must we constantly be re-formed?’ Faithful reader, this is not a call for novelty and innovation in the doctrine and practise of the church. The cry for reformation must be a cry to return to the only infallible standard God has given the church: the 66 books of God-breathed Scriptures. The foundation need not be laid again, for that was the work of the Apostles and Prophets.

So, how does a person inspect their traditions? In practical terms, here are some suggestions. But you may have better ideas of your own. Please comment if you do!

1. Run through your idea of a proper church service, and everything that should happen and who should do it and why. Then search the Scriptures and the counsel of your Christian friends to see if those things are (a) biblical and necessary, (b) perfectly acceptable but not mandatory or (c) in opposition to the teachings of Scripture.
2. Write down ten doctrines that you think form the core and basis of the Christian faith, and then write down any Scriptures you know (don’t use any aid for this, test your knowledge). Can you prove even ten basic statements of Christian orthodoxy from your memory?
3. Who is God? Can you describe God’s nature and attributes confidently, and without slipping into ancient heresies? For accountability, try showing your answer to a more mature Christian and see if they point out any gaps or mistakes in your answer.
4. Lastly, what is the gospel? By what reality or what news is it that a person can have peace with God? After all, this issue was at the centre of the Reformation. Are you prepared to carry the mantle of the gospel?

Dear Christian, we write these words not to shame you, or to fill you with a vain pride. Your lack of knowledge does not change God’s unfailing love for you, and your great knowledge gives you more temptation to pride and arrogance. We bring this exhortation to reform your mind because the gospel of free grace is precious. It is Good News that Jesus offers a free and full salvation to repentant sinners. It is worth studying our Bibles so that we are ready to extend it. So go, enjoy your chocolates and candy or pumpkins and feasting, but do not forget, semper reformanda.