Language Quote by John Dr. Fuder
““Protestants use a different vocabulary to describe the continuously needed restoring and refreshing in the church. Our two favorite words are “reform,” indicating the kind of reformation of faith and life according to Scripture which took place in the sixteenth century, and “revival,” denoting an altogether supernatural visitation of a church or community by God, bringing conviction, repentance, confession, the conversion of sinners and the recovery of backsliders. “Reformation” usually stresses the power of the Word of God, and “revival” the power of the Spirit of God, in his work of restoring the church. Perhaps we should keep the word “renewal” to describe a movement which combines revival by God’s Spirit with reformation by his Word. Since the Word is the Spirit’s sword, there is bound to be something lopsided about contemplating either without the other.14””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Renewal in the Church, 2020
It distinguishes reform (scriptural change) from revival (spiritual awakening), proposing “renewal” as a balanced blend of both.
In simple terms: Reform changes doctrine, revival changes spirit; renewal combines them.
Key Takeaway
Pursue both scriptural truth and spiritual vitality.
Themes
faith
renewal
balance
Mood
hopeful
inspirational
Type
theological
motivational
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- personal discipleship
- community outreach
Key Concepts
theology
spirituality
ecclesiology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a congregation foster both reform and revival?
- What risks arise from emphasizing one over the other?
A Different Perspective
Balancing both may be challenging in practice.
