Question: Why is a new Reformation needed at the present day?
Answer: Because in our day the doctrine of justification by free grace is all but forgotten. The majority of the large denominations, although they may have it set forth in their official creeds, as a matter of fact no longer believe or preach it in any pointed or consistent way. In many cases the Protestant churches which claim to hold it yet show but little zeal or enthusiasm for preaching it. It is not an exaggeration to say that the average protestant church member knows little or nothing of it. Meantime the Roman Catholic Church, which strongly opposes this doctrine, is gaining ground daily. [Johannes G. Vos commentary on the Larger Catechism]
From the Solemn League and Covenant
I. That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the grace of GOD, endeavour, in our several places and callings, the preservation of the reformed religion in the Church of Scotland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, against our common enemies; the reformation of religion in the kingdoms of England and Ireland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, according to the Word of GOD, and the example of the best reformed Churches; and shall endeavour to bring the Churches of GOD in the three kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion, Confession of Faith, Form of Church Government, Directory for Worship and Catechising; that we, and our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live in faith and love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us.
II. That we shall, in like manner, without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy (that is, Church government by archbishops, bishops, their chancellors and commissioners, deans, deans and chapters, archdeacons, and all other ecclesiastical officers depending on that hierarchy), superstition, heresy, schism, profaneness, and whatsoever shall be found contrary to sound doctrine and the power of Godliness; lest we partake in other men’s sins, and thereby be in danger to receive of their plagues; and that the Lord may be one, and his mane one, in the three kingdoms.
As James Guthrie said as he ascended the scaffold, about to be martyred, “The covenants, the covenants, they shall yet be Scotland’s reviving”
Whether in Scotland or anywhere in the world where there are parts of the scattered remnant, revival and reformation is needed, and those who claim Protestantism, yet practice prelacy and popery and refuse to boldly set forth the doctrines of grace, should either enter the covenant fully and wholly, or get out of the race rather than doing Christ’s cause and His Kingdom harm and instead of giving Him glory.
