Reformation deals only with the surface; repentance is a change of heart. During the history of the nation Israel, the prophets were constantly calling for a thorough repentance from idolatry and a return to God. Under several of the kings, Judah experienced reformation. The idols were cut down, and certain idolatrous practices-abominations to the Lord-were eliminated. But the people’s hearts were not turned to God. Their affections were not captivated by Him alone. While things looked good on the outside, they were doing the same things insite in subtle, disguised ways. But God is always concerned with the heart, the root of our conduct. Sinners can quit smoking and drinking and the like, but this does not make them Christians. Only the Holy Spirit creating inner change can make genuine new creatures. 

Hosea, the prophet, paints a vivid picture of the difference between reformation and repentance when he urges the people not to merely plant new seeds, but to plow fresh ground. Prepare the way for God’s Word. Jesus said much the same thing in His famous parable of the sower. 

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men” (Hos. 10:12, 13).