Synopsis "The Difficulties of and the Encouragements to a Reformation (in English)"
How hard is it to reform the Christian church? It is very hard, and there are great difficulties to overcoming in seeing God bless such a work. This is obviously the work of God's Spirit. But how hard is it to take the people of God towards a progression of biblical Reformation? The answer is that there are many difficulties to hurdle, but there are encouragements to doing this for the glory of Jesus Christ. This is the substance of this very important work of reforming the church. McMahon first sets up this work by explaining the ideas of Theological Traditionalism, subscriptionism, confessionalism, reformation and the counter "me and my bible" movement. He shows how the illumination of the Spirit works, dealing with 1 John 2:26-27, and in conjunction with Theological Traditionalism. He shows how these are wed to confessionalism towards reformation, and how it completely overthrows contrary claims, including demonstrating how one ought to properly subscribe to the truth. Then, he links these together to form a progression towards godly reformation and holiness. After this, Anthony Burgess, a master exegete, teaches from Mark 1:2-3, "As it is written in the Prophets, Behold I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make thy paths straight." He answers questions like, are we reformed enough? Is God content for us to be sanctified just enough? What can church members and pastors do to promote true biblical reform in their congregations? What difficulties will we see, and what encouragements can we find along the way if we are holding to the truth?
