Topical Encyclopedia The "Time of Reformation" is a term that appears in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Hebrews. This period is significant in biblical theology as it marks a transition from the Old Covenant, with its rituals and sacrifices, to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. The term is found in Hebrews 9:10, which states, "They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reformation."Context and Meaning In the context of Hebrews, the "Time of Reformation" refers to the era inaugurated by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews contrasts the temporary and external nature of the Old Covenant's ceremonial laws with the eternal and internal transformation brought about by Christ's sacrifice. The Old Covenant, with its priestly rituals and sacrifices, served as a shadow of the good things to come (Hebrews 10:1). These practices were "imposed until the time of reformation," indicating that they were provisional and preparatory, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Theological Significance Theologically, the "Time of Reformation" signifies the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. It marks the transition from the law, which could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper, to the grace and truth realized in Christ (John 1:17). This period is characterized by the establishment of a new and better covenant, as described in Hebrews 8:6, "But in fact, the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises." The "Time of Reformation" also underscores the sufficiency and finality of Christ's atoning work. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Christ's sacrifice was once for all, providing complete redemption and access to God (Hebrews 9:12). This new era allows believers to draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22). Implications for Believers For believers, the "Time of Reformation" brings profound implications for faith and practice. It emphasizes the believer's freedom from the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant and the call to live under the law of Christ, which is characterized by love and grace. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, promised in the New Covenant, empowers believers to live transformed lives, bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Moreover, the "Time of Reformation" invites believers to a deeper understanding of worship, no longer centered on external rituals but on a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As Hebrews 10:19-20 encourages, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body." In summary, the "Time of Reformation" is a pivotal period in biblical history, marking the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, highlighting the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, and inviting believers into a new way of living and worshiping God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 9:10Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Preface The Epistle to the Hebrews. His Writings and his Character The Anglican Reform John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the ... Luke. Literature of Church History. Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober ... The Case of all the Protestant or Reformed Churches, With Introductory. Resources What does it mean that there is a proper time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1 8)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is God's relationship to time? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about time management? | GotQuestions.org Time: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Time in Prophetic Language, Means a Prophetic Year, or 360 Natural Time: All Events of, Predetermined by God Time: All God's Purposes Fulfilled in Due Time Time: Computed by Hours, After the Captivity Time: Daniel's Reckoning of Time, and Times, and Half Times Time: Division of, Into Watches Time: Epochs of Before the Flood Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Accession of Kings Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Building of the Temple Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Nativity of the Patriarchs During the Patriarchal Age Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Captivity Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Exodus from Egypt Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Jubilee Time: One Day is Like One-Thousand Years Time: Part of a Period of, Usually Counted As the Whole Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Accepted Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Ancient Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Evil Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Healing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Need Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Reformation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Refreshing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Restitution of all Things Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Temptation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Trouble Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Visitation Time: Shortness of Man's Portion of Time: should be Spent in Fear of God Time: The Duration of the World Time: The Heavenly Bodies, Appointed As a Means for Computing Time: The Measure of the Continuance of Anything Time: The Sun-Dial Early Invented for Pointing Out Related Terms |