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What is Reformed Theology?
by: Ross A Taylor
edited by Rev. Michael Cannon
- Centered on God
- Based on God's Word alone
- Committed to faith alone
- Devoted to Jesus Christ
- Structured by three covenants (redemption, works and grace)
- Sola Scriptura: The Scripture Alone is the Standard
- Soli Deo Gloria! For the Glory of God Alone
- Solo Christo! By Christ's Work Alone are We Saved
- Sola Gratia: Salvation by Grace Alone
- Sola Fide: Justification by Faith Alone
Reformed Theology came out of the Reformation and in particular the theology of Calvin (1509-1564), although its roots go back to Augustine (345-430), it was formulated by the puritans, especially in the Westminster confession of faith (1646). This Confession is the enduring fruit of the solemn Assembly of some 100 leading Puritan divines, convened at Westminster Abbey in London from July 1, 1643 through to Feb.,1649. Other reformed confessions: Belgic (1580), Baptist (1689), 39 Articles of the Church of England - Anglican and Episcopal (1571, 1662, 1801)
Examples of some reformed theologians are Thomas Manton (1620-1677), John Owen (1616-1683), Richard Baxter (1615-1691), Thomas Goodwin, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1759), George Whitefield (1714-1770) and later Charles Hodge (1797-1878), AA Hodge (1823-1886) Spurgeon (1834-1892), B. B. Warfield (1851-1921), John Gresham Machen (1881-1937). Louis Berkhof (1873-1957) , William Hendriksen (1900-1982), Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), Cornelius Van Til (1895-1987), R C Sproul, John Piper.
John Wesley and Charles Finney would not be regarded as reformed as they are Semi-Arminian and Pelagian respectively. Others holding different viewpoints are: Pelagius, Arminius, Philip Melanchthon, Charles Ryrie, Billy Graham, C.S. Lewis.
Reformed theology holds to the five points of Calvanism, although not all Calvanists would be reformed. The five points of Calvinism (TULIP) are:- Total Depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irrestistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints. "While these doctrines, though certainly not originated by John Calvin, were re-emphasized and taught anew by him at the time of the Reformation, it remained for the Synod of Dordrecht, 1618-19, which was convened to settle the Arminian controversy in the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands, to formulate these truths with great clarity and in painstaking detail. This official formulation was accomplished in a creed which represented the consensus of all Reformed churches of that day, the Canons of Dordrecht." The Five Points of Calvinism by Herman Hanko
Reformed theology emphasizes God rather than being man centered (Arminian). God chose us rather than we chose God, only those chosen by God will come to him and those who come to him he will not cast out. According to R C Sproul reformed theology is sometimes called covenant theology being based on the covenants of redemption (within the trinity), works (made with Adam) and grace (made with sinners). The idea of unconditional election means that there is nothing within us, even in God's foreknowledge of us that moved Him to elect us. His choice of election was based on His good pleasure and wisdom and not on anything good or bad in us i.e. it is not conditional on us, hence our election is unconditional. Reformed theology places regeneration before faith. The perseverance of the saints or preservation of the saints effectively means once saved always saved.
"There are three basic eschatological views which are held by those calling themselves "Reformed." These are: postmillennialism, amillennialism, and historic premillennialism. Absent from the list is dispensational premillennialism because it is a view which (a) is incompatible with the doctrines of grace (b) compromises God's aseity (self-existence), and (c) compromises God's sovereignty." CRTA We should note that John MacArthur is dispensationalist.
Historically, the Five Points of Calvinism have been held by the Presbyterian and Reformed churches and by many Baptists, while the substance of the Five Points of Arminianism has been held by the Methodist and Lutheran churches and also by many Baptists. The Reformed Faith by Loraine Boettner
Worship: Reformed and Presbyterian Worship has been historically characterized as reverential and confessional. The reverence of a reformed service is owing to the emphasis on God the Father in His sovereignty and Lordship. The reformed worshipper comes to worship the Father through the mediation of His Son Jesus Christ. As the worshipper approaches the Father he/she is keenly aware of the distinction between God and Man, between His power and our helplessness, and between His perfect will and our sinfulness. That causes the worshipper to have a sense of awe when contemplating the majesty of God and results in a sober sense of reverence in His presence.
Reformed worship is also confessional. The believer comes before God confessing his/her lack of perfection and great need of God's grace. The body of believers also confess their unity in faith by reciting together some expression of biblical faith such as the Apostles or Nicene Creed. These serve to teach the young and uniformed the basic doctrines of the Christian Faith as well as remind the church that their fellowship and unity is based less on their earthly ties than on their common belief and hope in Christ.
Spiritual gifts: As far as the Reformed camp goes, the (majority) position is that the spiritual gifts died with the apostles as the Bible was completed i.e. they are cessationists.
Creation: Chapter IV of the Westminster Confession of Faith states: "Of Creation I. It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days; and all very good." In the light of the the Westminster Confession I would expect Reformed churches to adopt a young earth - six day literal creation approach.
Homosexuality: Marriage is to be between one man and one woman; the Bible calls homosexuality sin (Rom. 1:26-27).
Paul seems to get the balance right when he says:
(1 Cor 15:10 NIV) But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
(Phil 2:12-13 NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, {13} for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
I would like to add, that our Lord Jesus, lived his life on earth as a man, therefore we have a great high priest who has suffered just like we have. The docrine of the incarnation, gives comfort to the saints because Jesus also knows our sufferings himself. He suffered as a man.
(Heb 4:14-16 NIV) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. {15} For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. {16} Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Reformed theology is not technical dry stuff. It recognises that we owe our lives to the grace of God. It recognises that God became man to save us. It recognises that Jesus died to save sinners. Just like you and me.
What is Reformed Theology? links
can be a Presbyterian.
