The Latin phrase “semper reformanda” means “always reforming.” It refers to the concept that the church must continually examine itself and reform its beliefs and practices in order to conform to Scripture. This phrase originated during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century as Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin sought to reform the Catholic Church according to biblical standards.
The Reformers believed that the church should always be examining itself in light of Scripture, and willing to change any doctrines or practices that were not biblical. They rejected the idea that tradition or church leadership alone could determine truth. Instead, they promoted Scripture as the sole authority for faith and practice. The principle of “semper reformanda” was an invitation to critically analyze church tradition in the light of biblical teaching (sola scriptura).
This continual need for reformation applies not just to the universal church, but to individual congregations and believers as well. Even churches and Christians that affirm biblical doctrine are prone to gradually drift away from biblical fidelity and fall into comfortable traditions and man-made rules. Believers must constantly examine their own lives by Scripture, willing to change anything not aligned with God’s Word.
The concept of “semper reformanda” does not mean that doctrine itself should be changing or insecure. Biblical truth remains fixed and unchangeable. However, believers’ understanding and application of that truth must continually be reformed according to Scripture. Additionally, contextual changes in culture necessitate new applications of unchanging truth. “Semper reformanda” means holding firmly to sound doctrine, while critically examining our lives and ministry by Scripture.
Some key implications of “semper reformanda” include:
- No church or Christian perfectly understands or lives out Scripture. We all have more reforming to do.
- We must remain open to correction from God’s Word and be willing to change when shown wrong biblically.
- Traditions and man-made rules can hinder the application of God’s Word. We should frequently re-assess them.
- New cultural challenges require thoughtful application of unchanging truth. We must avoid simplistic proof-texting.
- Reforming is a continual process, not a one-time event. Churches must have built-in mechanisms for self-reflection and correction by Scripture.
- Reform looks different in each generation and context. Methods must adapt strategically for effective ministry.
- Change for its own sake is unstable. Reform is purposeful and anchored in God’s Word.
In summary, “semper reformanda” means a church or individual Christian evaluating their beliefs and practices in light of Scripture, willing to change whatever is out of alignment with God’s Word. It’s an attitude of openness and humility, acknowledging that we don’t have full knowledge or understanding. Our reforming is never complete in this life. We all must keep returning to the unchanging Bible as our trustworthy guide for what we should believe, how we should live, and how we should do ministry.
Origins of Semper Reformanda
The exact phrase “semper reformanda” was not used during the Reformation era itself. However, the concept was central to the reformers’ purpose and theology. The key Reformers expressed this idea in various ways:
- Martin Luther spoke of the church as “reformed and always [to] be reformed.”
- John Calvin wrote that “the church is wherever God wants it reformed.”
- Ulrich Zwingli declared that “the church is never reformed enough.”
These Reformers were united in emphasizing the church’s continual need to examine itself by Scripture. They rejected the idea that the Roman Catholic Church’s tradition and Papal declarations were equivalent to God’s Word in authority. Only the Bible can bind the conscience of believers in matters of faith and morals.
In the generations after the Reformation, Protestant scholastics began systematizing Reformation theology into doctrinal formulas. Some argue this led to a stagnation of continual reform. In response, Puritan writers like William Perkins picked up the Reformers’ emphasis on semper reformanda. The Puritans sought biblical reformation not just of doctrine but also heart attitudes and practical living.
In more recent centuries, Karl Barth in the 20th century helped re-popularize semper reformanda as a key Protestant concept. It continues to be a relevant principle for the church today.
Biblical Basis for Semper Reformanda
Though the specific phrase does not appear in Scripture, the concept of “always reforming” is rooted in a number of biblical passages that emphasize self-examination, correction, and discipleship in the Word:
- “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
- “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
- “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5a)
- “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
- “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)
- “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- “And we all…are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” (2 Corinthians 3:18a)
These verses demonstrate biblical principles such as believers’ continual growth in sanctification, our constant need for self-reflection and correction from God’s Word, and Scripture as the sole authority that guides our reforming. Semper reformanda derives from these kinds of passages.
Controversies Related to Semper Reformanda
While most Protestants affirm semper reformanda in concept, disagreements exist on its application. Some key controversies include:
- How much change is possible or permissible? All agree core doctrines cannot change. But some argue that even secondary doctrines, methods, and practices should remain fixed while others want more flexibility.
- Who has authority to determine reform? Some emphasize the role of church leadership and institutional authority structures. Others promote the priesthood of all believers.
- What standard determines reform? Most agree Scripture alone has supreme authority. Disagreements come when interpreting how to apply biblical principles in each context.
- Is the principle abused to justify innovation apart from Scripture? Some charge that continual change is elevated as a virtue in itself without biblical grounding.
- Does semper reformanda undermine doctrinal certainty? Critics say it promotes constant questioning and theological instability. Proponents argue it strengthening biblical fidelity amidst human limitation.
- How can reform maintain unity amidst diversity? Adapting methods for new cultural contexts raises questions on how to maintain a unified church across generations and locations.
These debates remind us that semper reformanda should be held in balance with other biblical principles such as sound doctrine, wisdom, and unity. Change without continuity in core truths can become instability. Reform is not beneficial if not done in the right spirit and grounded in Scripture.
Semper Reformanda and Sola Scriptura
“Semper reformanda” is closely related to the Reformation principle of “sola Scriptura” which means Scripture alone. While the Bible does not specify every detail of faith and practice, it contains everything needed for salvation and growth in godliness:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The complete sufficiency of Scripture rules out any competitors with the Bible as an authority for the church. Tradition, pragmatic reasons, or personal experiences must not be placed above God’s inspired Word.
This does not nullify the legitimate role of things like wisdom, reason, counsel, and experience in applying biblical truth. But sola Scriptura maintains that Scripture alone is the perfect standard measuring all other authorities. Every thought and practice must be subject to the light of God’s Word.
Semper reformanda puts sola Scriptura into continual practice. It means letting the unchanging Bible reform our faulty understandings, sinful habits, unwise methods, and unbiblical traditions. We must humbly submit all of life perpetually to the penetrating light of God’s perfect revelation for His glory.
The Holy Spirit and Semper Reformanda
In addition to the authority of Scripture, semper reformanda relies on the illumination of the Holy Spirit. Human reason and effort alone cannot achieve reform that pleases God. The Spirit of truth works in tandem with God’s Word to convict, enlighten, guide, and empower:
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:13-14)
The Holy Spirit inspired the Scripture and leads believers into properly understanding and applying it. Thus, reformation guided by the Word should be bathed in prayer for spiritual wisdom and dependent on the Spirit’s power working in human hearts.
Additionally, the spiritual gift of discernment aids biblical reformation. Leaders and church bodies should seek believers who have discernment to help assess and implement reform. Without the Spirit’s illumination even biblically-grounded reform will lack life-transformation.
Semper Reformanda in Church History
While some key examples were highlighted earlier, examining patterns of semper reformanda throughout church history provides helpful models of its benefits and pitfalls:
- The early ecumenical councils debated and defined orthodox Christology in response to heresies but aligned with Scripture.
- Monastic reforms sought spiritual renewal yet sometimes promoted works righteousness.
- The Cluniac reforms purified clerical discipline according to biblical principles.
- Medieval renewal movements preached the biblical gospel amidst corruption.
- The Reformers made formal public worship more Scripture based and congregationally oriented.
- Anabaptists took some reforms to unbiblical extremes leading to instability.
- The Puritans continued reforming Christian living and church practice according to the Bible.
- Pietists fostered personal Bible study and godliness though minimized doctrine.
- 18th c. revivals preached repentance and new birth but downplayed the church.
- 19th c. restorations sought NT church models yet produced legalism.
- Early 20th c. renewals focused on the Spirit but departed from Scripture.
- Reformed resurgences reasserted biblical doctrine against liberalism.
- Contextualization translated unchanging truth for new audiences.
- Church growth reforms adapted methods yet sometimes drifted pragmatically.
- Recent responses to secularism risk compromise yet engage culture.
This selective survey reminds us that biblical reformation is often mixed with human errors. Approaching change with humility and wisdom is essential. Semper reformanda is an ongoing challenge throughout church history.
Applying Semper Reformanda Today
In every age, believers must assess both doctrine and practice according to Scripture. Some suggested applications for semper reformanda today include:
- Regularly evaluate church health using biblical criteria in worship, discipleship, leadership, and mission.
- Critically examine traditions passed on from previous generations using the Bible.
- Listen to constructive critiques from outsiders who can identify unbiblical cultural baggage.
- Formally train emerging generations in Scripture before they assume church leadership roles.
- Study applicable biblical models for our changing cultural circumstances.
- Emphasize expository preaching that exegetes Scripture texts in context.
- Develop member involvement and study programs to grow lay biblical literacy.
- Allow flexibility in non-essential practices that are subject to prudential wisdom.
- Maintain proper biblical emphasis when adapting methods and styles.
- Major on the gospel while seeking unity in diversity on secondary issues.
These examples encourage ongoing reformation guided by God’s Word for today’s church. Semper reformanda!