What It Means to Be Reformed (13): Reformed, yet “Always Reforming”?
Barry Gritters examines the Reformed principle of semper reformanda ("always reforming") and reconciles it with the Reformed commitment to confessional standards, arguing that true reform means constantly examining the church's practices and doctrines by the standard of Scripture rather than blindly following tradition. The article traces the historical origins of this important Reformed motto and clarifies that it does not render confessions infallible but rather establishes Scripture as the ultimate standard by which both the church and its confessions must be measured.
Previous article in this series: February 15, 2016, p. 221. If being "confessional" means holding the traditions, maintaining the old paths, and not removing the ancient landmarks, how can a Reformed church be "always reforming"? If being Reformed is embracing the confessions -- both ancient and Reformational -- what use is the motto "always reforming"? Can the church truly be always reforming? The confessions are the tried and tested expressions of our faith. Without changing the confessions,...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org