We have pages here on Bright Beams covering the subjects of both personal and corporate revival. But revival cannot stand alone, else it will not be genuine and lead to a false experience without God. Hence, we introduce this page on the equally critical subject of reformation. In fact, it is mentioned about four times more than revival in the writings of Sister White. But it requires us to bear a cross. We pray that you will review this information with prayer, soul-searching, and maybe even fasting. Please make a determination now to bear the cross for your Saviour.
Reforms for Our People (Contents)
1. Reverence – Page 2
2. Dress Reform – Page 3
3. Escaping Entertainment – Page 4
4. Health Reform – Page 5
5. Gospel Order – Page 6
Introductory Inspired Statements on Reformation
Reformation Must Blend with Revival
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 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.
— E.G. White, Review and Herald, 2/25/1902
We Must Focus on Reformation Individually
By heart-searching and many prayers we may be more than conquerors through Him who has loved us. Self-reformation is all-essential. Step by step we must advance heavenward, leading others in safe paths. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift.
— E.G. White, Gospel Herald, 1/1/1901
There Will Be Shaking
A great reformation is needed among the people of God. Many sapless and unfruitful branches are to be removed from the parent vine. Everything will be shaken that can be shaken, that that which can not be shaken may remain.
— E.G. White, Bible Training School, 3/1/1915
Ministers, It Begins with You
A reformation is needed among the people, but it should first begin its purifying work with the ministers. They are watchmen upon the walls of Zion, to sound the note of warning to the careless, the unsuspecting; also to portray the fate of the hypocrite in Zion. . . .
One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform as it stands connected with the third angel’s message as part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth.
— E.G. White, 1 Testimonies, pp. 469-470
Our studies over the years include several reforms, both old and new. In our pioneer days, we practiced many of these. Some, though, we never studied as a people at all. Ultimately, our goal is to completely restore the spirit, the power, and the practices of the Apostolic church. We pray that these pages and documents that we share below will bless, encourage, and challenge you.
Please remember, dear reader, that this is not about you. It is all about God and pleasing Him, because we love Him. This must always be our focus and motivate everything we do, otherwise we will slip into either legalism, by using various rules as a means of attaining, or Pharisaical pride, by showing how much better we are than others for reforming.