Reclaiming the Phrase “Reformed and Always Reforming”

I’d like to point out an interesting article by Dr. Michael Horton in the recent issue of Tabletalk Magazine. 

It’s common in the RCA to hear the phrase "reformed and always reforming" used as a call to embrace or begin a trajectory of change.  The phrase is quoted as a tip of the hat to the “R” in RCA, but then inevitably followed by comments and suggestion that are anything but historic/orthodox Reformed ideas.  For example: rejecting infant baptism, re-baptism, human sexuality, universalism, seeker sensitive methodology, re-framing Calvinism, etc.  With that said, conservatives can also abuse the quote in an effort to drive a legalistic agenda.

Dr. Michael Horton, professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary California, provides a historical examination of the phrase “reformed and always reforming” (Yes, it has Dutch roots) in the recent issue of Tabletalk Magazine.  Dr. Horton provides the historical context and a helpful critique to common liberal and conservative abuses of this slogan.

In light of this article, I’m interested to see what you think about your future use of and response to this classic phrase.

Article: http://www.ligonier.org/blog/2009/10/semper-reformanda.html
 
A fellow servant,
Jeremy Visser
Hudsonville, MI
Jeremy.rts@gmail.com
(616) 340-2881