Difference between revisions of "Reformation"

<p> (διόρθωσις) </p> <p> This word-fraught with so much significance in the history of Christendom-occurs only once in the English Bible. The passage is &nbsp;Hebrews 9:10, in which the writer, speaking of the ordinances of the First Covenant, says that they are ‘carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation’ (Revised Version). The time of reformation referred to is the period of the New Covenant, described in &nbsp;Hebrews 8:8 ff. by a quotation from &nbsp;Jeremiah 31:31-34. The inauguration of it by the offering of Christ is set forth in &nbsp;Hebrews 9:11 ff., where His perfect sacrifice of Himself is contrasted with the annual sacrifices of the older dispensation. </p> <p> It is from an Old Testament point of view that this title is bestowed on the Christian era. Other aspects of that era, from the same point of view, are indicated by the words ‘regeneration’ (παλινγενεσία, &nbsp;Matthew 19:28) and ‘restoration’ (ἀποκατάστασις, &nbsp;Acts 3:21). The aspect of ‘reformation’ is complementary to these, and involves a necessary element. It was when Christ, the ‘High [[Priest]] of the good things to come,’ appeared that all defects inherent in the ancient system were remedied. The numerous ineffectual sacrifices were replaced by the one perfect Sacrifice; the veil was taken away. [[Religion]] became less a matter of mechanical routine, and more a matter of rational spiritual service. </p> <p> The corresponding Greek word διόρθωσις is equally unique in biblical usage. Except in &nbsp;Hebrews 9:10 it does not occur in the Greek Bible. It is fairly common in later Greek in the general sense of ‘amendment’ or ‘correction.’ [[Aristotle]] so uses it with reference to laws and constitutions (Pol. III. i. 5, VII. i. 9). [[Polybius]] employs it of the rectification of things that have mischanced or gone amiss (V. lxxxviii. 2, VI. xxxviii. 4). The corresponding verb διορθοῦν is used in the Septuagintof amending one’s ways (cf. &nbsp;Jeremiah 7:3; &nbsp;Jeremiah 7:5, &nbsp;Wisdom of [[Solomon]] 9:18). </p> <p> Literature.-J. F. Schleusner, Novum Lex. Gr.-Lat. in Nov. Test., Leipzig, 1819, s.v., and the [[Commentaries]] on Hebrews, in loc., esp. B. F. Westcott (London, 1889, p. 254); A. B. [[Bruce]] (Edinburgh, 1899, p. 324 f.). </p> <p> Dawson Walker. </p>

<p> The word is διόρθωσις, from 'to amend, make right.' Hence the 'time of reformation,' or 'setting things right.' The thought is taken up from the prophets and will be fulfilled in the kingdom, and implies the setting in order of things on earth according to the mind of God. Christianity is in view and anticipation of this. &nbsp;Hebrews 9:10 . The Greek verb occurs in the LXX in &nbsp;Isaiah 16:5; &nbsp;Isaiah 62:7; &nbsp;Jeremiah 7:3,5 . </p>

<p> REF'ORMATION, n. </p> 1. The act of reforming correction or amendment of life, manners, or of any thing vicious or corrupt as the reformation of manners reformation of the age reformation of abuses. <p> [[Satire]] lashes vice into reformation. </p> 2. By way of eminence, the change of religion from the corruptions of popery to its primitive purity, begun by Luther, A.D. 1517.