REVIVAL

AND

Reformation
HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER

Andreas Dura
 Originally published in:
The Messenger and News Review
March 2001

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February 2016
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www.practicaprophetica.com
 Contents
1. Definitions............................................................................1
2. Creation is Revival..............................................................2
3. What is Reformation?........................................................6
4. Is There a Work of Reformation after Creation?..........7
5. Is There Also a Work of Reformation after
Resurrection?...................................................................9
6. Is there a Work of Reformation after Rebirth?...........10
7. A Singular and Perfect Revival.......................................10
8. Not a Perfect Human Nature.........................................12
9. Two Parallel Tasks.............................................................12
10. Revival and Reformation Belong Together..................14
11. Redemption........................................................................17
12. The Goal of Reformation.................................................19
13. A Closer Look at Spiritual Reformation.......................22
14. The Experience of the Disciples.....................................26
15. What Needs to be Done First?.......................................29
16. The Experience of John the Baptist...............................29
 Revival and Reformation
HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER
The Review and Herald, February 25, 1902:
God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation.
Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will con-
tinue to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until He will
refuse to acknowledge them as His children.
A revival and a reformation must take place, under the
ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are
two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual
life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resur-
rection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorga-
nization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.
Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteous-
ness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Re-
vival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in
doing this work they must blend.

Definitions

T he terms “revival” and “reformation” rarely appear in

the Bible. However, the underlying principles of what
the Spirit of Prophecy refers to as “revival and reformation”
can be found throughout the Bible.
Revival usually signifies a raising from the dead.
Matthew 3
9
God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these
stones.
It is a process of “making alive again.”
Romans 14
9
For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that
He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
Reformation is the growth and renewal of the new life.

Definitions 1
 Colossians 3
9
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old
man with his deeds,
10
And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowl-
edge according to the image of Him who created him.
Ephesians 4
23
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
2 Corinthians 4
16
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward
man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day
by day.
We will now study the Bible explanation of the principles
of revival and reformation and in so doing, we will learn some
important, practical lessons from them.

Creation is Revival
Genesis 1
3
Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light.
This was the first revival that took place on this earth, and
the record of creation has been preserved for us so that we
can understand just what this means.
Before God created the light,
Genesis 1
2
The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on
the face of the deep.
We may not realize what the creation of light really means,
because light is usually something that we take for granted.
Without it, there would be darkness on the earth—no light
from either natural sources (from the sun and other stars) or
from artificial ones. It would be totally dark!
Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 418:
Light is a blessing, a universal blessing, pouring forth its
treasures on a world unthankful, unholy, demoralized.
Light is one of the essential conditions for all forms of life.

2 Creation is Revival
This is why the heathen worship the sun. Instead of honoring
the Giver of light, they pray to the sun itself.
The original, dark condition of this world can be compared
with death. There was no life present. And indeed, the Bible
draws a parallel between darkness and death.
Job 10
21
Before I go to the place from which I shall not return, to
the land of darkness and the shadow of death,
22
A land as dark as darkness itself, as the shadow of death,
without any order, where even the light is like darkness.
Creation brought life, and the first step of creation was the
introduction of light. A careful study of Genesis 1 reveals the
process of creation. It was the Word of God that brought forth
light and life:
Psalms 33
9
For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it
stood fast.
Psalm 148
5
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded
and they were created.
The Word of God contains the power that brings forth life
out of death. The same process of creating life from something
that is lifeless is seen in the resurrection of the dead, as is con-
firmed in Ezekiel 37:
Ezekiel 37
1
The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in
the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the
valley; and it was full of bones.
2
Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold,
there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they
were very dry.
3
And He said to me, Son of man, can these bones live? So I
answered, O Lord God, You know.
4
Again He said to me, Prophesy to these bones, and say to
them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!

Creation is Revival 3
 5
Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Surely I will cause
breath to enter into you, and you shall live.
6
I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover
you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then
you shall know that I am the Lord.
7
So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied,
there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones
came together, bone to bone.
8
Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon
them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no
breath in them.
9
Also He said to me, Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son
of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God:
Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these
slain, that they may live.
10
So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came
into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an ex-
ceedingly great army.
When we compare these biblical records we see that in
both creation and resurrection the same procedure was fol-
lowed. In both cases God spoke and life came into existence.
Genesis 1
3
Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light.
Ezekiel 37
5
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!
10
...and breath came into them, and they lived.
The text in Ezekiel 37 reveals that there is not just a physi-
cal resurrection but that the physical resurrection is a symbol
of resurrection from spiritual death.
Ezekiel 37
11
Then He said to me, Son of man, these bones are the whole
house of Israel. They indeed say, Our bones are dry, our hope
is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!
12
Therefore prophesy and say to them, Thus says the Lord
God: Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause
you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the
land of Israel.

4 Creation is Revival
 Creation
Creation and
and Resurrection:
Resurrection: The
The Same
Same Process
Process

Death
Death The
The Word
Word of
of God
God Life
Life

Darkness
Darkness ““Let
Let there
there be
be light!”
light!” Light
Light

Dry
Dry Bones
Bones The
The Word
Word of
of God
God Living
Living Bones
Bones

In the parable of the prodigal son Jesus also drew a direct

comparison between physical and spiritual revival.
Luke 15
24
For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost
and is found. And they began to be merry.
When someone was baptized in the early church the Chris-
tians often sung a song from the text of Ephesians 5:
Ephesians 5
14
Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will
give you light.
And Paul wrote:
Colossians 1
13
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and con-
veyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
2 Corinthians 4
6
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of
darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
These texts show that when there is a spiritual resurrec-
tion, namely the rebirth, this involves the same procedure as
that of creation.

Creation is Revival 5
 Revival is, therefore, creation. It is a resurrection from
physical death, and it is a resurrection from spiritual death,
otherwise known as the rebirth.

The
The Bible
Bible Definition
Definition of...
of...

Revival
Revival

Creation
Creation Resurrection
Resurrection New
New Birth
Birth

What is Reformation?
The next question is: What is the meaning of “reforma-
tion"? In answering this question we again want to take the
Bible as our guideline. And once again we want to understand
the principles involved in this procedure so that we can see
how it is applied in different situations.
Colossians 3
9
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old
man with his deeds,
10
And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowl-
edge according to the image of Him who created him.
The putting off of the old man, and putting on of the new
man is the rebirth experience—the spiritual creation that
makes a person a Christian. But this text also mentions a sec-
ond work, namely the renewing of the new man. The original
Greek word for “renewed” signifies a repetitive renewal or
“growing” renewal. The same word is used in:
2 Corinthians 4
16
Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward

6 What is Reformation?
 man is being renewed day by day.
This text also shows that the work of renewal is a work of
growth. In other words, the work of revival is followed by
growth. This second work is called “reformation."

Is There a Work of Reformation after Creation?

Reformation is the continuation of revival. In the begin-
ning, the Lord did not just want to give light and life, He
wanted this life to be maintained—to develop and grow.
Genesis 1
28
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful
and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion
over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over ev-
ery living thing that moves on the earth.
29
And God said, See, I have given you every herb that yields
seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree
whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.
Genesis 2
9
And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow
that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of
life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil.
After the creation of this world the Lord declared that His
work “was very good.” Genesis 1:31. But can something which
God Himself has declared to be “very good” be improved
upon? It is evident that in this particular case reference is be-
ing made to the growth and maintenance of a very good cre-
ation, and not to the correction of a rather poor creation. This
second work involved the following elements:
1. Human beings were to multiply;
2. They were to subdue the earth;
3. They were to eat the food that the Lord had provided;
4. They were to eat from the tree of life in order to live;
5. They were to pass the test concerning the tree of knowl-
edge.
Is There a Work of Reformation after Creation? 7
 Humanity had no part to play in the work of creating the
world. In fact, man could not possibly have been involved in it
because the world was created before he even existed. Like-
wise, humanity had no part to play in its own creation.
However, in the work of reformation we must cooperate
with God. This is evident in all the five points mentioned
above. It is as if God, by creation, had given us materials to
work with, and then said, “Now go to work!”
But even in doing this work God does not leave us alone.
In fact, quite the opposite is true, for in every phase of refor-
mation God is, and always will be, the Source of all life and
growth. We are only His co-workers.
1 Corinthians 3
9
For we are God’s fellow workers.
We will now study the five aspects of reformation men-
tioned above from the perspective of our cooperation with
God.
1. It is obvious that we have to do something in order to
multiply. It requires spiritual, mental, and physical effort
to be a parent. But without the continual working of the
Life-giver nothing could be reproduced.
2. The task of cultivating the fertile earth as it came from
the hand of the Father was, and still is, a tremendous re-
sponsibility. It requires the greatest efforts of science
and technology, as well as our own mental and physical
strength.
But what is all too often overlooked is that without the
continual working of the Life-giver we could not be suc-
cessful in any line. Indeed, the destructive works of an
atheistic world are enough evidence to show how inca-
pable we are of reaching this goal when we work with-
out God. If God were to withdraw Himself completely,
then we could do nothing at all.
3. We all know that we have to eat in order to live. We

8 Is There a Work of Reformation after Creation?

 have to work for our food and we also have to consider
carefully what kind of food is good for us. And yet we
cannot live from food alone. “Man shall not live by
bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the
mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4.
4. The tree of life offered a special kind of food. In this ex-
ample it is easy for us to see how dependent we are on
the Life-giver. Only God can give life, and He revealed
this truth in giving the tree of life. But man had a work
to do as well—he had to eat of it.
5. The tree of knowledge of good and evil was given to hu-
manity, as was the tree of life, for the growth of charac-
ter. Only the Lord could keep Adam from temptation,
but Adam had to do his part as well. He had to avoid the
tree of knowledge. If our first parents had withstood
this temptation and passed the test, they would have
grown mightily in character.

Is There Also a Work of Reformation after Resurrection?

We have seen that in all the five points mentioned above
there was a work of reformation which followed creation, and
in which humanity needed to cooperate with God. Now we
want to see if there is also a work of reformation after physi-
cal resurrection. And we are especially interested in finding
out if the same is true of spiritual resurrection.
Since we are dealing with the same procedure in all the
cases of revival mentioned, we can expect that the Bible will
also describe the work of reformation in each situation.
In the case of the resurrection of the faithful from physical
death, the answer is plain. As we read in the Scriptures, this
revival is followed by a life similar to what was originally pos-
sible for humanity after creation. For example, we read that
those who are resurrected will have access to the tree of life
and eat the fruit of it.

Is There Also a Work of Reformation after Resurrection? 9

 Revelation 2
7
To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life,
which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.
Revelation 22
1
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as
crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2
In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river,
was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yield-
ing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the
healing of the nations.
Revelation 22
14
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they
may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through
the gates into the city.
The description of these conditions, so similar to those of
paradise, indicates that there will be growth after the resur-
rection just as there was after creation. This growth likewise
relates to the spiritual, mental, and physical areas of life.
The Great Controversy, p, 644:
Restored to the tree of life in the long-lost Eden, the re-
deemed will “grow up” (Malachi 4:2) to the full stature of the
race in its primeval glory.

Is there a Work of Reformation after Rebirth?

In Colossians 3:9-10 and 2 Corinthians 4:16 Paul describes
the spiritual reformation that takes place after rebirth. It is
therefore obvious that such a work exists, and that it is indis-
pensable. Every serious Bible student will understand that a
spiritual reformation must inevitably follow the revival from
spiritual death. The Bible clearly teaches this.

A Singular and Perfect Revival

Before studying any further texts we want to emphasize
the thought that the Lord created this earth only once. A sec-
ond creation was not necessary because the first was “very
good.” After this it was only necessary for the new creation to

10 A Singular and Perfect Revival

grow.
The restoration of the earth after the thousand years’ rest is
not a second creation in the sense that the first creation was
incomplete. It is rather a new creation, which is only neces-
sary because the first heaven and earth have passed away.
Revelation 21
1
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first
heaven and the first earth had passed away.
The same is true of the resurrection from physical death,
which is actually a re-creation.
1 Corinthians 15
50
Nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
2 Corinthians 5
17
Old things have passed away; behold, all things have be-
come new.
After this, there is only growth.1 The pattern is always the
same: there is a single, perfect revival that is followed by
growth. There are many Bible texts which confirm that this
revival is perfect.
Philippians 3
15
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded.
Colossians 1
28
That we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3
17
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished
unto all good works.
1 John 3
9
Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed
remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born
1
An exception to this rule is people like Lazarus who were resurrected to a
mortal condition. In these cases, theirs was not the resurrection that is
promised at the second coming, but only an illustration of it. Of those who
have been resurrected to the promised immortality, like Moses for
example, we read that “the second death has no power” over them.
Revelation 20:6.

A Singular and Perfect Revival 11

 of God.
The revival from spiritual death is a work that the Lord
says is “very good” or perfect. And because it is perfect it does
not need to be repeated. What does need to take place after
revival is reformation.

Not a Perfect Human Nature

There is another aspect which needs to be clarified before
we can really understand the reformation that follows spiri-
tual resurrection.
The revival we are discussing here is a spiritual resurrec-
tion, not a physical resurrection of the body, or of human na-
ture. Our spiritual rebirth does not change our mortal, sinful
flesh because God sent “His own Son in the likeness of sinful
flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh.” Ro-
mans 8:3.
This of course means that the condition of a person after
their spiritual revival is different from that of man before the
fall. It is because of our sinful, human nature that we cannot
be said to be sinless.
1 John 1
8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us.
The perfect work of revival in this context refers to the
spiritual nature, not to human nature.

Two Parallel Tasks

Consequently, the reformation that follows spiritual resur-
rection covers two areas:
1. The spiritual life that is “very good” and “perfect” must
grow. It can develop, and it must be repeatedly renewed,
as we have already seen.
2. A work must be done on our human nature. It has to be

12 Two Parallel Tasks

 cleansed from sin and undergo a change in its thinking
patterns and habits.
Both of these tasks must be carried out concurrently. The
success of the work of reformation depends on this. The one
task cannot be done without the other.
Romans 13
12
Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us
put on the armor of light.
The new, spiritual life can grow only when the work of
cleansing in the human nature progresses, because “new wine
must be put into new wine-skins.” Luke 5:38. It is only when
we escape the corruption in the world that the seed of Christ
can grow within us.
2 Peter 1
4
That through these you may be partakers of the divine na-
ture, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust.
The work of cleansing the human nature however, can
make progress only when it is founded on a strong and grow-
ing spiritual nature.
1 John 5
4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.
To whatever extent our human nature is not cleansed, our
spiritual nature cannot grow. And to whatever extent our
spiritual nature does not grow, we lack the power to cleanse
our human nature. The two must proceed together, for they
are inseparably related.
The work of spiritual reformation is described in many
places in the Bible. The following texts are some examples of
them. Concerning growth we read:
Ephesians 4 [NIV]
15
...speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up
into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Two Parallel Tasks 13

 Peter also clearly describes this growth as a series of steps:
2 Peter 1
5
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to
your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
6
To knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to
perseverance godliness.
The goal of this growth is character perfection:
Ephesians 4
13
Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowl-
edge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of
the stature of the fullness of Christ.
Concerning the cleansing of our human nature we read:
2 Corinthians 7
1
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God.

The
The Bible
Bible Definition
Definition of...
of...

Reformation
Reformation

Growth
Growth after
after Growth
Growth after
after Growth
Growth after
after
the
the Creation
Creation the
the Resurrection
Resurrection The
The Rebirth
Rebirth
Cleansing
Cleansing of
of the
the
Human Nature
Human Nature

As we will be dealing with the work of spiritual reforma-

tion in more detail later in this article, these Scriptures should
suffice for the moment.

14 Two Parallel Tasks

Revival and Reformation Belong Together
Revival and reformation have to work hand in hand, other-
wise the work will not be complete.
It is impossible for reformation to take place without a re-
vival first. Without the creation described in Genesis, there
could be no growth or reproduction, nor would it be possible
to subdue the earth etc. Similarly, it is easy to see that there
can be no reformation without a physical resurrection. A dead
person cannot eat from the tree of life or grow.
Both of these examples are so obvious that nobody would
even try to do the second work without the first. But when it
comes to the spiritual application of this principle, people re-
peatedly try to take the second step without taking the first.
In Romans 7 Paul describes the utter futility of attempting to
carry out reformation without a revival:
Romans 7
15
For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will
to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.
18
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good
dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform
what is good I do not find.
19
For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will
not to do, that I practice.
Finally, he is forced to cry out,
24
O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this
body of death?
It is therefore obvious that a reformation cannot occur un-
less there is first a revival. But the opposite is also true,
namely that revival alone cannot fulfill God’s plan.
Let us first consider this in the example of creation. The
creation was complete in itself, and even “very good,” so that
there was no need of a second creation. But God wanted a ref-
ormation to take place as well so that the earth would be filled
with sinless, happy people.
Revival and Reformation Belong Together 15
 Unfortunately, this reformation did not take place. The first
couple did not stand the test in regard to the tree of knowl-
edge and this rendered the work of creation null and void. Ev-
erything on this earth will finally die and it will return to its
original darkness. This fact reveals how important it is that
the work of reformation follows revival.
In the case of the physical resurrection of the wicked we
see that the same principle applies here as well. A resurrec-
tion without an ensuing reformation, which would mean eat-
ing from the tree of life in this instance, is of no value. The
wicked will have to die again because, although they have
been resurrected, they will not eat from the tree of life.
Revelation 20
5
But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thou-
sand years were finished.
Revelation 21
8
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sex-
ually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have
their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone,
which is the second death.
As we would expect, the same principle also applies to the
spiritual resurrection. Although the rebirth is a mighty work,
it will prove to be worthless unless the spiritual reformation
follows. Jesus referred to this truth when He gave the follow-
ing parable.
Matthew 12
43
When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through
dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.
44
Then he says, I will return to my house from which I came.
And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in or-
der.
45
Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more
wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the
last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also
be with this wicked generation.

16 Revival and Reformation Belong Together

 The opening quotation of this article also makes us realize
the necessity of revival and reformation blending together.
The Review and Herald, February 25, 1902:
God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation.
Unless this takes place, those who are lukewarm will con-
tinue to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until He will
refuse to acknowledge them as His children.
A revival and a reformation must take place, under the
ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are
two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual
life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resur-
rection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorga-
nization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.
Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of right-
eousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit.
Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and
in doing this work they must blend.

Revival
Revival and
and Reformation
Reformation
are
are to
to do
do their
their appointed
appointed work,
work,
and
and in
in doing
doing this
this work
work they
they must
must blend
blend

Reformation
Reformation
AA reorganization
reorganization
AA change
change of
of concepts
concepts and
and theories
theories
AA change
change of habits and behavior
of habits and behavior

Revival
Revival
AA renewal
renewal ofof spiritual
spiritual life
life
AA renewing
renewing of of the
the powers
powers ofof mind
mind and and heart
heart
AA resurrection
resurrection from
from spiritual
spiritual death
death

Revival and Reformation Belong Together 17

Redemption
The work of redemption includes both revival and reforma-
tion. It cannot begin without revival, and without reformation
it is incomplete and therefore of no value. It is the spiritual
resurrection, the deliverance from the bondage of sin, which
is primarily of the greatest interest to us, and therefore de-
mands our greatest attention.
The creation of this world and the physical resurrection of
the dead are valuable examples that help us to understand the
work of redemption better. Through studying the Bible
records of these two events, the work of revival and reforma-
tion becomes much clearer.
Spiritual revival is a new creation, a resurrection from
death. It has nothing to do with waking up a sleeping person.
It is true that the Bible does speak of death as a sleep (see
John 11:11-13), in order to help us understand how easy it is
for God to wake us up. But sleep is different from death, be-
cause it does not require creative power to wake up a person
from their normal sleep. In contrast to this, it is impossible to
raise up a dead person without creative power.
Ephesians 2
1
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and
sins.
Jesus describes the spiritual resurrection as being born
again:
John 3
3
Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God.
Through this process God creates a new spiritual nature in
us:
John 3
6
That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

18 Redemption
 2 Corinthians 5
17
He is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold,
all things have become new.
With the new birth the Christian life begins that then
needs to grow.
As we have already seen, it is impossible for the spiritual
life to grow unless the human nature is cleansed at the same
time, and this cleansing is a painful process. Let us take a
closer look at this work.

Revival
Revival and
and Reformation
Reformation
are
are to
to do
do their
their appointed
appointed work,
work,
and
and in
in doing
doing this
this work
work they
they must
must blend
blend

Reformation
Reformation
Is
Is aa work
work where
where humanity
humanity and
and God
God work
work together
together
Is the work of a lifetime
Is the work of a lifetime
Faith
Faith and
and works
works are
are both
both necessary
necessary

Revival
Revival
Is
Is only
only God’s
God’s work;
work; we
we have
have no no part
part in
in itit
Is
Is the
the beginning
beginning of
of aa life
life in
in Christ
Christ
Occurs
Occurs only
only byby faith
faith

The Goal of Reformation

What is the goal of reformation? Where does it lead us?
The goal is the restoration of the image of God in humanity.
Romans 8
29
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be con-
formed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-

The Goal of Reformation 19

 born among many brethren.
Jesus confirms this goal with the words,
Matthew 5
48
Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in
heaven is perfect.
To be perfect means to be without sin. John also confirms
that the goal of reformation is sinlessness:
1 John 3
8
He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the
beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,
that He might destroy the works of the devil.
The freedom from sin that is promised here does not mean
freedom from our sinful flesh. Before we can be freed from
our sinful flesh every sin within us has to be destroyed, as it is
written,
Romans 8
3
For what the law could not do in that it was weak through
the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of
sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the
flesh.
In every age the work of reformation has prepared individ-
ual believers for eternity. But this work must achieve the goal
of perfection for the church of God as a whole. When it can
be said of the church of Christ that “in their mouth was found
no deceit,” and that “they are without fault” (Revelation 14:5),
then they will be ready for the sealing described in Revelation
7:
Revelation 7
1
After these things I saw four angels standing at the four
corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth,
that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on
any tree.
2
Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having
the seal of the living God.
3
And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom
20 The Goal of Reformation
 it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, Do not
harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the
servants of our God on their foreheads.
4
And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One
hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the chil-
dren of Israel were sealed.
There will be a special phase of reformation for the church
of God in the last days before Christ can come again.
Malachi 3
2
But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can
stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and
like launderer’s soap.
3
He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify
the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver.
The Great Controversy, p. 621:
God’s love for His children during the period of their

The
The Various
Various Stages
Stages of
of Reformation
Reformation
Translation
Sealing
Rebirth

Reformation
Reformation
==Growth
Growth
Reformation
Reformation (an
(aneternal
eternalwork)
work)
(a
(awork
workthat
thatisis
Reformation
Reformation limited
limitedinintime)
time) Goal
(the
(the lifework
lifework A ceaseless
until
untilthe
the sealing)
sealing) Goal approaching to
Deliverance from God through
Goal earthliness; Ready Christ.
Ready for the for the final battle;
final sealing; Ready for
Sinlessness in translation;
sinful flesh. Sinlessness in
mortal flesh.

The Goal of Reformation 21

 severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their
sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in
the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that
the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected.
By permitting this cleansing work to be done in them, the
believers prepare the way for the instantaneous resurrection
and translation of God’s people from all ages. See 1 Corinthi-
ans 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4. When the dead are raised incor-
ruptible, and the living have been given an immortal body,
then the final phase of reformation can take place, for there is
still room for growth after that.
2 Corinthians 3
18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the
glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image
from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The Desire of Ages, p. 331:
Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ.

A Closer Look at Spiritual Reformation

Nature testifies to the fact that it has been fashioned ac-
cording to a uniform pattern. Whatever happens in the
macrocosm can also be observed in the microcosm. There are
similar processes and systems in both. This fact is apparent in
the science of biology as well as in physics.
We might compare the rebirth with the macrocosm and
reformation with the microcosm. Although there is a differ-
ence between the two, there are also fundamental similarities.
The same spiritual laws apply, as the following verse con-
firms:
Colossians 2
6
As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so
walk in Him.
To “receive Christ” is to experience the new birth. To “walk
in Him” refers to the work that follows—the reformation. The
word “as” connects the two works. “As” means “in the same

22 A Closer Look at Spiritual Reformation

way” or “according to the same principles.”
Just as creative power is necessary for the rebirth, so it is
also necessary for the reformation. Creation means revival.
And the works of revival and reformation are actually re-
peated at every step in the cleansing of the human nature.
This is not a repetition of the rebirth, because that work
has been fully done, but it is exactly the same creative process
that occurs at rebirth. The following diagram should help us
to understand this point more clearly.

““As
As you
you have
have therefore
therefore received
received Christ
Christ
Jesus
Jesus the
the Lord,
Lord, so
so walk
walk in
in Him.”
Him.”

The Reformation

Walk in Christ Jesus

The Rebirth

1. Growth of the spiritual

nature.
2. Many revivals and
reformations in the
human nature.

For this study it is important for us to understand that the

work of reformation includes many phases of revival and ref-
ormation, or growth. This is the only way our human nature
can be cleansed. This aspect has not always been seen so
clearly in the past. And yet we make a disastrous mistake
when we ascribe something to the work of the rebirth when it
actually belongs to the work of reformation, or vice-versa. In
the past, this lack of understanding has led some to interpret
their experience wrongly.
A Closer Look at Spiritual Reformation 23
 Is it not quite natural to assume that the desire to do right
will automatically spring from the inner soul once a person
has the new heart? Why is it then, that we are forced to admit
that this is not always the case? Why are we not perfectly
united as the people of God, when we all believe the same
truth? Why is there often still a secret desire for the highest
position?
We could say that these unfortunate circumstances exist
because there are people like Judas in the church, tares among
the wheat, the foolish among the wise virgins. But we should
not look for the answer in these things alone. Apart from the
fact that we cannot pluck out the tares ourselves, there is also
no point in searching out the mistakes of others. If it is true
that there is a Judas among the disciples, then the disciples
will still have to answer as to why they so easily fall for his
evil suggestions.
The reason for our lack of growth must lie elsewhere. We
have indeed made honest efforts in the area of reformation,
but we cannot make any progress without the work of revival
that needs to accompany it.
The Review and Herald, February 25, 1902:
Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of right-
eousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit.
Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and
in doing this work they must blend.
In the life of a Christian there must be several revivals and
reformations (corresponding to the various areas of our lives)
within the extensive work of reformation that follows the re-
birth experience.
What often happens is this: the word of God is preached
with clarity and power. Under the searching ministry of the
Holy Spirit we clearly see our wrong thoughts and bad habits.
We desire a real change, and even make a straight confession
where we condemn our sin and express our consecration to

24 A Closer Look at Spiritual Reformation

righteousness. We understand our past sins and can show
where we went wrong. We understand that we were blind.
But despite our plain confession we see the old problems com-
ing up again and again.
It is simply not enough for us to be converted in our un-
derstanding. What is needed is a conversion of heart in regard
to this particular sin. The change of heart and change of mind
must occur simultaneously. Only when this is done have we
really taken a step forward in the work of reformation. Then
we will soon be able to learn more, which of course will lead
to further cleansings.
The co-working of revival and reformation in the human
nature is necessary for every sin which has to be removed
from us before we can be ready for the final sealing. David
had a right conception of this work when he prayed,
Psalm 51
2
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me
from my sin.
10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit
within me.
David had already experienced the rebirth. Like the disci-
ples in the upper chamber, he was “clean” (see John 13:10) in
regard to his spiritual nature. But he needed a new heart in
regard to the work of cleansing from sin in his human nature.
He knew very well that a mere acknowledgment of his wrong
behavior was not enough in order to be cleansed.
It was not enough for him to see the far-reaching conse-
quences of his sin, or to be sincerely sorry for it. In order for
David to obtain a lasting forgiveness, he needed a deeper
cleansing—a change of heart.
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 114:
But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many sup-
pose. When God gives the promise that He “will abundantly
pardon,” He adds, as if the meaning of that promise exceeded

A Closer Look at Spiritual Reformation 25

 all that we could comprehend:
“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.” Isaiah 55:7-9.
God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He
sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for
sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming
love that transforms the heart. David had the true concep-
tion of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean
heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalms
51:10

Revival
Revival and
and Reformation
Reformation
are
are to
to do
do their
their appointed
appointed work,
work,
and
and in
in doing
doing this
this work
work they
they must
must blend
blend

Reformation
Reformation
Instruction
Instruction
Cleansing
Cleansing of
of ideas
ideas and
and habits
habits
Convalescence
Convalescence

Revival
Revival
Conversion
Conversion
Cleansing
Cleansing of
of the
the heart
heart
Healing
Healing

The Experience of the Disciples

How closely revival (or cleansing of the heart) and refor-
mation (or cleansing of wrong concepts and habits) need to
work together can be seen in the example of the disciples.
From the outset they had wrong concepts, and this led to their

26 The Experience of the Disciples

hearts being contaminated.
The Desire of Ages, p. 409:
Those who classed themselves with the followers of Jesus,
but who had not left all in order to become His disciples,
were influenced in a great degree by the reasoning of the
Pharisees. They were often vacillating between faith and un-
belief, and they did not discern the treasures of wisdom hid-
den in Christ. Even the disciples, though outwardly they had
left all for Jesus’ sake, had not in heart ceased to seek great
things for themselves. It was this spirit that prompted the
strife as to who should be greatest.
First of all, the disciples were influenced by the reasoning
of the Pharisees. Then, these wrong concepts led them into
unbelief, and each became ambitious to be the greatest. Fi-
nally, this sorry state of heart led to strife.
The extent to which their wrong concepts of the kingdom
of God repeatedly led them into disputes can be clearly seen
in the following statement:
The Desire of Ages, p. 643:
There was “a strife among them, which of them should be
accounted the greatest.” This contention, carried on in the
presence of Christ, grieved and wounded Him. The disciples
clung to their favorite idea that Christ would assert His
power, and take His position on the throne of David. And in
heart each still longed for the highest place in the kingdom.
On the one hand, their wrong concepts led to strife, and on
the other hand, it was not possible for them to grasp Jesus’
messages because their hearts were unclean.
The Desire of Ages, p. 432:
On the journey through Galilee, Christ had again tried to
prepare the minds of His disciples for the scenes before Him.
He told them that He was to go up to Jerusalem to be put to
death and to rise again. And He added the strange and
solemn announcement that He was to be betrayed into the
hands of His enemies.
The disciples did not even now comprehend His words. Al-

The Experience of the Disciples 27

 though the shadow of a great sorrow fell upon them, a spirit
of rivalry found a place in their hearts. They disputed among
themselves which should be accounted greatest in the king-
dom.
The Desire of Ages, p. 643:
On this last evening with His disciples, Jesus had much to
tell them. If they had been prepared to receive what He
longed to impart, they would have been saved from heart-
breaking anguish, from disappointment and unbelief. But Je-
sus saw that they could not bear what He had to say. As He
looked into their faces, the words of warning and comfort
were stayed upon His lips. Moments passed in silence.
In the example of the disciples we can clearly see that it is
not enough to have just our wrong concepts corrected.
The Desire of Ages, p. 437:
It was not enough for the disciples of Jesus to be in-
structed as to the nature of His kingdom. What they needed
was a change of heart that would bring them into harmony
with its principles. Calling a little child to Him, Jesus set him

AA false
false conception
conception hinders
hinders AA cherished
cherished sin
sin hinders
hinders
the
the cleansing
cleansing of
of deliverance
deliverance from
from aa
the
the heart
heart false
false conception
conception

False Conception Impure heart

Impure
Impure False
False
heart
heart Conception
Conception

A false conception and an impure heart are obstacles to each other.

Therefore, both the following are necessary:
1. A change of heart.
2. A correction of wrong concepts and habits associated with
them (Reformation).

28 The Experience of the Disciples

 in the midst of them; then tenderly folding the little one in
His arms He said, “Except ye be converted, and become as
little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness, and the confiding love
of a little child are the attributes that Heaven values. These
are the characteristics of real greatness.

What Needs to be Done First?

It is indeed a vicious circle. A wrong concept stains the
heart; and an impure heart clouds the understanding so that
we cannot grasp the words of Jesus—which are designed to
correct our understanding. How can we break this cycle?
Where do we have to start so that we can make real progress
in the work of reformation?
Despite our spiritual blindness, the Holy Spirit is some-
times successful in convicting us of sin and showing us our
wrong concepts. But this is not the entire work. Conviction of
sin is only the first step.
The most important work must follow—the cleansing of
the heart. Once the sin has been seen, we can cooperate with
God. Like David, we can humble ourselves before God and ask
him for a clean heart and a right spirit. When this work has
been done, our minds will be more perceptive so that we can
recognize the sinfulness of sin in ever clearer lines.

The Experience of John the Baptist

There is however another way for our hearts to be cleansed
of sin, and it is much better. Like John the Baptist, we can gain
clearer and clearer conceptions of the character of Jesus, and
by beholding we become changed. Through this process, the
heart is cleansed by the working of the Holy Spirit. Conse-
quently our minds are prepared to understand the words of
Christ, and even welcome His rebukes.
John the Baptist is an excellent example of the success of
this way. He too had false concepts about the kingdom of

The Experience of John the Baptist 29

God, but he buried himself in meditating upon the Messiah,
and as he studied His character he forgot himself.
The Desire of Ages, p. 103:
He looked upon the King in His beauty, and self was for-
gotten. He beheld the majesty of holiness, and felt himself to
be inefficient and unworthy. He was ready to go forth as
Heaven’s messenger, unawed by the human, because he had
looked upon the Divine.
In this way John experienced a change of heart, even
though he still lacked a right understanding. Jesus said of him,
Matthew 11
11
...he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than
he.
The Desire of Ages, p. 103:
John did not fully understand the nature of the Messiah’s
kingdom.
What did John need now—a change of heart or to have his
understanding corrected? By beholding the character of
Christ, John’s heart had been purified, and so it was mainly
his understanding that needed to be corrected. A simple re-
buke from the mouth of the Saviour was enough, and John
understood immediately.
Matthew 11
6
Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.
The Desire of Ages, p. 217:
The disciples bore the message, and it was enough.
The Desire of Ages, p. 218:
The principle of the Baptist’s own life of self-abnegation
was the principle of the Messiah’s kingdom.
The hearts of John and Jesus were in full harmony, and that
is why John did not find it difficult to give up his wrong con-
cepts. Once we have achieved the maturity of John the Bap-
tist, we will be able to learn very fast indeed. There will be no
more strife among us because we will all be sitting at the feet

30 The Experience of John the Baptist

of Jesus.
The disciples of Christ were not as advanced as John, even
though they were born again and had testified to their experi-
ence by baptism. The cause of the problem was not to be
found in their spiritual nature. They did not need to be bap-
tized again. What they did need was a cleansing of their
hearts that had been stained by sin; a cleansing of the evil
spirit of jealousy, envy, and pride. This cleansing is illustrated
in the foot-washing.
At the Passover meal the Saviour did more for His disciples
than just cleanse them of their wrong concepts. He also
cleansed their hearts so that each was willing to give the
other the highest place. Judas of course had no part in this
victory. He retained his evil spirit and went out into the dark-
ness to fulfill the desires of his impure heart.
Whichever way the Lord chooses to reveal our problems to
us, we should be willing to accept the revelation and ensure
that we do not experience only a reformation, nor just a re-
vival, but both together. All the power of the Creator is avail-
able to us, so that both heart and spirit can be made pure.
At the same time we should make an effort to apply the
principle that “by beholding we become changed.” In this way
the spiritual life within us will grow so that we can be trans-
formed into the image of Christ. Only thus will we be able to
grasp the greater depths of present truth—the truth that is to
prepare us for the final sealing and the final battle.

The Experience of John the Baptist 31