Reformed vs. Reformer

Samuel Rutherford. John Knox. Patrick Hamilton. James Guthrie.

Each of these covenanters lived radically for Christ. Any tendency toward apathy in their lives was consumed by passion for the Truth. In the world's eyes, the Scottish reformers would hardly count as successful. Rather than attaining wealth and status, Rutherford devoted himself to a small congregation. Knox spent over a year as a galley slave. Faced with burning at the stake, Hamilton chose to die for Christ instead of deny Him and live. Steadfast Guthrie held to the Word of God, not the promises of man.

Successful at first glance? Not very.

Yet every one of these men were reformers who transformed lives, influenced communities, and changed culture. Today, many Christians are content to be "reformed"--that is, holding beliefs that are in accord with reformed theology. While the set of beliefs you adhere to is critical, being "reformed" is often viewed as an endpoint that marks a past-tense completion of a goal. Contrast that idea with the reformers, whose vision never let them stop growing and reaching out.

When reformation is viewed as a collection of individuals that hold a specific set of beliefs, a standstill is unavoidable.

However, if reformation takes place as it did with the covenanters, every area of life is effected. We have a "reformed" mindset. If Christians just hold to a reformed theology, we think, then the church has accomplished its mission. Centuries ago, reformers actively applied their faith, realizing that faith that does not make an impact isn't true faith.

Today, we call Christians "reformed." Scottish covenanters were reformers.

To make my faith active, I need heaps of God's grace. Praise Him that He is willing to give it.