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Bible Dictionaries
Reformation
Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament
or (διόρθωσις)
This word-fraught with so much significance in the history of Christendom-occurs only once in the English Bible. The passage is Hebrews 9:10, in which the writer, speaking of the ordinances of the First Covenant, says that they are ‘carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation’ (Revised Version ). The time of reformation referred to is the period of the New Covenant, described in Hebrews 8:8 ff. by a quotation from Jeremiah 31:31-34. The inauguration of it by the offering of Christ is set forth in Hebrews 9:11 ff., where His perfect sacrifice of Himself is contrasted with the annual sacrifices of the older dispensation.
It is from an Old Testament point of view that this title is bestowed on the Christian era. Other aspects of that era, from the same point of view, are indicated by the words ‘regeneration’ (παλινγενεσία, Matthew 19:28) and ‘restoration’ (ἀποκατάστασις, Acts 3:21). The aspect of ‘reformation’ is complementary to these, and involves a necessary element. It was when Christ, the ‘High Priest of the good things to come,’ appeared that all defects inherent in the ancient system were remedied. The numerous ineffectual sacrifices were replaced by the one perfect Sacrifice; the veil was taken away. Religion became less a matter of mechanical routine, and more a matter of rational spiritual service.
The corresponding Greek word διόρθωσις is equally unique in biblical usage. Except in Hebrews 9:10 it does not occur in the Greek Bible. It is fairly common in later Greek in the general sense of ‘amendment’ or ‘correction.’ Aristotle so uses it with reference to laws and constitutions (Pol. III. i. 5, VII. i. 9). Polybius employs it of the rectification of things that have mischanced or gone amiss (V. lxxxviii. 2, VI. xxxviii. 4). The corresponding verb διορθοῦν is used in the Septuagint of amending one’s ways (cf. Jeremiah 7:3; Jeremiah 7:5, Wisdom of Solomon 9:18).
Literature.-J. F. Schleusner, Novum Lex. Gr.-Lat. in Nov. Test., Leipzig, 1819, s.v., and the Commentaries on Hebrews, in loc., esp. B. F. Westcott (London, 1889, p. 254); A. B. Bruce (Edinburgh, 1899, p. 324 f.).
Dawson Walker.
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Hastings, James. Entry for 'Reformation'. Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdn/r/reformation.html. 1906-1918.
