Malachi 4: 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
There are times in the experience of God’s people when revival and reformation become necessary. There are times when a spiritual drought has all but dried up those living springs of water Christ spoke of, and in their place, a dry formality, without heart and without spirit, settles in like a dark cloud upon persons who were once on fire for God.
There are times when a person goes to church, just because it is the right thing to do, but really and truly, their hearts and minds are not enthused nor animated by the presence of God and fellowship of other believers.
Now, it is true that we should always encourage persons to come to church, but if one is doing so, just because it is the right thing to do, then there is something vital that is missing.
The rich, young ruler in Christ’s day was doing the right thing. He was attending church regularly, he was singing in the choir, he could argue the twenty- seven doctrines with anyone who dared to question him, and for all intents and purposes he was one of those members in good and regular standing.
In other words, there was nothing external that one could point to in his life, to conclude that there was a missing link, for all the I’s were dotted, and every T was crossed, as far as external format goes.
But there was only one problem; his heart and soul were not in it, and because of this the external form of religion was being held near and dear to his heart while the kernel of love, and joyful, eager service to God and to his fellowmen, were lacking greatly.
God wants us to be joyful and happy, serving and worshipping Him, and if this is not the case then we must of necessity take a serious, introspect look at ourselves, to see what might be the missing link, if indeed we are in need of a spiritual revival.
God desires that we worship and serve Him in spirit and in truth, as Christ once declared to the woman at the well. In other words, the relationship with the God of heaven shouldn’t be a dry bones experience. It should be a living, breathing experience, in which we not merely do the right thing, but are eager and excited to do so.
When there is no joy in serving and obeying God at a time when there is no reason for any sadness and gloom, then, it may be that a spiritual revival might be due, because God is a Spirit, and the attitude we serve Him with, might actually be more important in some cases than the many good and right things we may do. Let’s read:
John 4: 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Some worship God in spirit but with very little or no truth, while others may be worshiping with a whole lot of truth, but without any spirit. Both elements are necessary in serving God, and doing so ought to be our highest pleasure. Anything short of this will mean that there are some idols somewhere, lurking in the shadows. Let’s read:
Psalms 100: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.
Malachi 3: 13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet you say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?
16 Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.
Then again, there are times in our experience when a reformation is needed. Times, when there must be a change of ideas and perspectives, where there must be some house cleaning as it were for where ever the revival occurs, a reformation must of necessity soon follow.
A revival is more like a resuscitation from spiritual death, as when a paramedic does CPR on a patient who is close to death. But a reformation has to do with concrete steps that are taken to reform certain malpractices which need to be addressed and which if left unattended can cause revival to go in reverse.
As the long 2300-day prophecy of Daniel was now drawing to a close, there was a spiritual revival in those whom The Spirit of God stirred up, and then it was that the great Reformation movement gained a whole lot of steam. As Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, very great changes and reforms were about to take place.
Similarly, in our own experience, when a revival is due, and God performs CPR on His people, through the infusion of new life by His Spirit, great changes are to be made where warranted, especially as we are heading into unchartered territory in the history of this world. Let’s read:
Revelation 3: 14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot.
[R.H. February 1902] 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 the mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death.
Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness 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.
A good example of what is being referred to, took place in the days of Elijah, when the nation of Israel had become withered spiritually, under the reign of Ahab and Jezebel. In those days, God’s people had become blinded by the worship of false gods, and, before a reformation could be instituted a revival in the hearts and minds of the people was needed.
At this point we must reiterate that this is one of the side effects of bowing to idols, for doing so is inevitably going to produce spiritual blindness, by which persons lose the ability to discern between right and wrong, good and evil.
In those days of Elijah, the worship of Baal had now supplanted the worship of the true God, and Baal was being credited with sending the rain in its due season. This is how far and how low, the bowing to idols can take persons.
Thus, the reasons for the needed revival must now be clearly demonstrated by God, as He would point out the root cause of the problem, and by doing so, the follies of idol worship would be exposed.
As the mega-drought in Israel has been taking its toll on man, and beast, Baal was entreated, but for some strange reason, he seemed to be missing in action, refusing to come to the help of worshipers, as does every other idol that is worshipped. Let’s read:
1st Kings 18: 21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
25 And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under.
26 And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made.
29 And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.
[Prophets & Kings pp 150] At last, their voices hoarse with shouting, their garments stained with blood from self-inflicted wounds, the priests become desperate.
With unabated frenzy they now mingle with their pleading terrible cursing of their sun-god, and Elijah continues to watch intently; for he knows that if by any device the priests should succeed in kindling their altar fire, he would instantly be torn in pieces.
Evening draws on. The prophets of Baal are weary, faint, confused. One suggests one thing and another something else, until finally they cease their efforts. Their shrieks and curses no longer resound over Carmel. In despair they retire from the contest.
All day long the people have witnessed the demonstrations of the baffled priests. They have beheld their wild leaping round the altar, as if they would grasp the burning rays of the sun to serve their purpose.
They have looked with horror on the frightful, self-inflicted mutilations of the priests, and have had opportunity to reflect on the follies of idol worship. Many in the throng are weary of the exhibitions of demonism, and they now await, with the deepest interest the movements of Elijah.
Now, that the root cause of the problem has been confirmed and made manifest, it is time for some CPR, by which God is going to infuse new life into His people; a spiritual revival as it were, and when God does this, there will follow a dramatic change in perspectives and practice, and the way would be cleared for reformation to take place. Let’s read:
1st Kings 18: 36 And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.
37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.
38 Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.
[Prophets & Kings pp 153] The people on the mount prostrate themselves in awe before the unseen God. At last, the people see how greatly they have dishonored God. The character of Baal worship, in contrast with the reasonable service required by the true God, stands fully revealed.
It is worthy of note, that what follows next on Mt. Carmel, is what must take place whenever revival occurs, through the power of The Holy Spirit. Those idols that were formerly worshiped, must now be resolutely put away, for this is the first work that is to take place when reformation follows revival.
Now, we are not by any means, advising anyone to slay any of the modern idols in our day; however, the work of reformation must include relinquishing the former worship, adoration and following of the various Baals, that have led us into false paths and concepts.
Whereas before, we would follow the multitude to do that which is contrary to the scriptures, now we must stand up for right, and take concrete steps in an opposite direction, as the word of God directs us to. Thus, reformation will produce results that will be seen in those changes that are made manifest by the work of God’s Spirit in our hearts.
Those idolatrous philosophies and practices which have previously invaded our minds imperceptibly, must now be all ratted out by the word of God, and put away in the most resolute manner. This work is not only necessary for reformation, it is a must if we are to stand in our lot, like Daniel, at the end of the days.
This is what is meant by the following passages, as deep reformation and changes were to follow that revival upon Mt Carmel, by which the energies of the people were presently aroused.
In other words, reformation must begin by persons identifying the cause of spiritual declension, and the cause must then be put away in no uncertain terms. If this is not done, then the CPR God gave will wane over time, and before you know it we will retrogress even more than before. Let’s read:
1st Kings 18: 40 And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.
Those words uttered by the prophet Elijah are also pertinent to those of us who realize the need for a reformation, for as we take an introspect look at the things we have been doing in former years, or might be doing right now, that are contrary to the word of God we must “Let None of Them Escape.” Let’s read:
Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
[Last Day Events pp 87] Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school of morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments.
Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions and attitudes deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle.
There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use.
[Prophets & Kings pp 153] The anger of the people has already been aroused against the leaders in transgression; and when Elijah gives the command, “Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape,” they are ready to obey.
[Prophets & Kings pp 155] With the slaying of the prophets of Baal, the way was opened for carrying forward a mighty spiritual reformation among the ten tribes of the northern kingdom.
[Prophets & Kings pp 169] There was stern work to be done, that all might be given opportunity to take their position on the side of the true God. Elijah himself was to return to Israel, and share with others the burden of bringing about a reformation.
In our own experience there might be a dire need of revival and reformation in several areas of our lives, for the assessments of The True Witness, given in Revelation chapter 3, are pertinent to the remnant church in Laodicea in our day.
Where in some cases folks may have inadvertently adopted practices, methods, and principles of the world, or may have followed some human idol into never land, folks must now put all such things into reverse gear, and try by the grace of God, never to touch the unclean thing again, ever!
Where some have adopted philosophies that are contrary to sound doctrine, or may have allowed the X-perts to muddy the waters as it pertains to what is acceptable and what is not, the pure word of God must replace those concepts and modes of thought, and in their place, “It is written” must reign supreme.
In other words, whenever some new thing arises, or some question on an issue is posed to us, the first thing we should do is to ask ourselves: What does the word of God have to say on the matter. Then, if the word says it, we believe it, and that settles it. But if not, then we should have no problem with putting it in the garbage, for this is what living by the word of God translates into, in the most literal sense.
To be swayed by the X-perts, just because they are X-perts, will set up a system of belief that is not in harmony with the word of God and any such modes of thought will no doubt lead us into false paths. In the scriptures, we are told of a man of God, to whom very specific instructions were given as he was sent to a certain king with a message from God.
But as he went on his way to do God’s will, he met an X-pert, one who was supposed to be much more knowledgeable and experienced than he was, who then counselled him to do the exact opposite thing of what God had said.
The reasons given in the scripture are worthy of our utmost consideration, for in our day, the same sort of enticements and diabolical reasonings are often put forward as to why we should deviate from that which is written. Let’s read:
1st Kings 13:7 And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.
8 And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place:
9 For so was it charged me by the word of the Lord, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou came.
11 Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father.
14 And he went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that came from Judah? And he said, I am.
15 Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread.
16 And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place:
18 He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spoke unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.
19 So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.
20 And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him back:
21 And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee,
22 But came back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcass shall not come unto the sepulcher of thy fathers.
In our day as we consider the need for reformation, God would have us to understand that there is a plethora of “Old Prophets”, some televangelists and preachers, who claim to have more experience and knowledge in the things of God than some of us do.
And they may be right, for all you know, but if what they are saying is contradictory to the word of God, then reformation would lead us to refuse such even if an angel spoke to them. Many of the current faith healers in our day, claim to have special revelations and connections to God, just like the “Old prophet” we read of.
While they are not to be condemned, we have to be very careful that we do not drink from perverted springs, lest we end up believing and obeying that which is nowhere to be found in God’s word. Let’s read:
[The Great Controversy pp 595] God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines, and the basis of all reforms.
The opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which they represent, the voice of the majority,—not one or all of these should be regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord” in its support.
Thus, as revival and reformation come due, let it be our steadfast purpose to resolutely put away, any and everything that will impede the work God is willing and able to do.
It will call for some soul-searching, some prayer and fasting, some acknowledging and confession of sins, and yes, some turning away from things which the Baals of the day have induced us to engage in. God would help us if we cooperate with Him, so that the work of salvation can continue uninterrupted in our hearts.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that will enable us to reach for the kernels, not merely the husks of religion, for God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth. Let’s read:
2nd Peter 1: 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God Bless!