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8466 reformation

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8400 The tasks of the believer » 8466 reformation

The process of bringing religious practices and beliefs back into line with the word of God. The OT portrays Israel as requiring reformation at several points in her history. God's people continue to need to review their beliefs and practices in the light of God's word.

The continual need to turn from idolatry

1 Samuel 7:3Idolatry was the besetting sin of Israel and the point at which all reforms had to begin.See alsoGenesis 35:2;Joshua 24:14-24;Judges 6:25-27;2 Kings 10:18-27;Kings 11:17-18 pp2 Chronicles 23:16-17;2 Chronicles 19:3; 2 C 15;1 Corinthians 10:14;1 John 5:21

The reform of Asa

He removed idols

1 Kings 15:12-13

He repaired the altar of the temple

2 Chronicles 15:8,18

As a result the people sought and found God

2 Chronicles 15:9-15

The reform of Hezekiah

He removed idols and even local shrines dedicated to God

2 Kings 18:4 pp2 Chronicles 31:1

He established worship in the renovated and consecrated temple

2 Chronicles 29:3-7,15-28

The covenant between God and his people was renewed

2 Chronicles 29:10-11,29-31; 2 C 1-27; 2 C 2-19

The reform of Josiah

He repaired the temple

2 Kings 22:3-7 pp2 Chronicles 34:8-13

He ended false worship

2 Kings 23:4-24 pp2 Chronicles 34:3-7;2 Chronicles 34:33

The results of Josiah's reform

2 Kings 22:11-20 pp2 Chronicles 34:19-28The prevailing attitude was that God would ensure that no disaster would befall his chosen people. Now the need to turn from sin and complacency was reiterated and repentance ensued;2 Kings 23:1-3 pp2 Chronicles 34:29-32;2 Kings 23:3 pp2 Chronicles 34:31-32;2 Kings 23:21-23 pp2 Chronicles 35:1-19

The reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah

The problem of intermarriage was dealt with

Ezra 10:2-3The objection to intermarriage was based on religious not racial grounds. It led to a corruption of the faith.See alsoEzra 9:1-15;Ezra 10:5-17;Nehemiah 13:23-27

The temple was purified

Nehemiah 13:4-13

The Sabbath-rest was reaffirmed

Nehemiah 13:15See alsoNehemiah 13:16-22

Incomplete reforms

2 Kings 10:28-29See also1 Kings 15:14 pp2 Chronicles 15:17;2 Kings 3:2-3;Kings 12:2-3

The call to reform

To Israel

To the church

Revelation 3:2-3See also1 Corinthians 5:1-13;Revelation 2:5;Revelation 3:15-20

To individuals