Religious reform refers to the process of returning to foundational beliefs and practices, often in response to perceived deviations or corruptions within a religious community. In the context of the Bible, religious reform is a recurring theme, where leaders and prophets call the people of Israel back to the covenantal relationship with God, emphasizing adherence to His laws and commandments.

Old Testament Examples

1. Josiah's Reform: One of the most notable examples of religious reform in the Old Testament is the reform led by King Josiah of Judah. Upon discovering the Book of the Law in the temple, Josiah initiated a comprehensive reform to restore proper worship and eliminate idolatry. The narrative in 2 Kings 22-23 details how Josiah tore his clothes in repentance upon hearing the words of the Law and subsequently renewed the covenant before the Lord. He ordered the removal of pagan altars and idols, reinstituted the Passover, and sought to align the nation's practices with the commandments given to Moses. "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses" (2 Kings 23:25).

2. Hezekiah's Reform: Another significant reformer was King Hezekiah, who reigned before Josiah. Hezekiah's efforts are recorded in 2 Chronicles 29-31, where he reopened the temple, cleansed it, and restored the proper worship of Yahweh. Hezekiah also destroyed the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. His reforms were characterized by a return to the worship practices prescribed in the Mosaic Law, including the celebration of the Passover. "Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done" (2 Chronicles 29:2).

3. Ezra and Nehemiah: After the Babylonian exile, leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah spearheaded efforts to restore the religious and social order of the Jewish community. Ezra, a scribe well-versed in the Law of Moses, led a spiritual revival by reading the Law to the people and encouraging them to renew their covenant with God (Nehemiah 8). Nehemiah, on the other hand, focused on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and reforming the community's social and economic practices to align with God's commandments (Nehemiah 5). "They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers" (Nehemiah 9:2).

Prophetic Calls for Reform

The prophets of Israel frequently called for religious reform, urging the people to return to God with sincere hearts. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Hosea condemned the superficial religiosity and idolatry of their times, calling for genuine repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. Isaiah proclaimed, "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!" (Isaiah 1:16). Jeremiah lamented the people's stubbornness and called them to "circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskins of your hearts" (Jeremiah 4:4).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate reformer, challenging the religious leaders of His day and calling for a return to the heart of God's commandments. He criticized the Pharisees and Sadducees for their legalism and hypocrisy, emphasizing the spirit of the Law over mere ritualistic observance. Jesus declared, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23).

The early church also experienced moments of reform, as seen in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where the apostles and elders addressed the issue of Gentile believers and the requirements of the Mosaic Law. This council marked a significant shift in understanding the application of the Law in light of the new covenant established through Christ.

Religious reform in the Bible underscores the importance of aligning religious practice with divine revelation, emphasizing a heartfelt commitment to God's commandments and a rejection of idolatry and hypocrisy. Throughout biblical history, reformers have sought to restore the purity and integrity of worship, calling God's people back to a faithful relationship with Him.