What is the difference between repentance and reformation?

Jeff Pollard explains in this video that there is a specific connection between repentance and reformation. In one sense, as the Christian continues to repent, he also continues to reform. He explains that he prefers the word “reforming” over “reformation.” We will never get to a state where we are completely reformed – rather, we will continue to be reforming (and repenting).

A Christian’s desire, what ought to burn in their heart, is to strive for a life that reforms as it conforms to God because they have been transformed by the grace of God. The Christian is always reforming. Whole families should always be reforming. As soon as they identify sin in their life, they ought to want to repent of that.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

There is a specific connection between repentance and reformation. Reformation. In one sense, as the Christian is always repenting, he is also always reforming. I'm not so fond of the adjective reformed as much as I prefer the word reforming. I don't think we've ever completely attained to a full state that we could call being reformed.

But I think that the Christian is always in reform. Our hearts desire is for our lives. The things that we think, the things that we say, the things that we do to be conformed to the inspired and infallible Word of God. A Christian's desire, what burns in his heart day by day is the desire for a life that reforms as it conforms, and all because we have been transformed by the grace of God. So the Christian is always reforming.

A family, a husband and wife, parents and children should always be reforming. As soon as they see and identify sin in their lives, they want to repent of that. And it might be the kind of thing that's day-to-day problematic between husbands and wives. It may just be emotional issues, it may be the day-to-day irritation type issues, or it may be something that our family is practicing.