What is Reformed Theology? | GotQuestions.org

Hi there, many others like you have asked, what is Reformed Theology? Let's find out, shall we? You can also discover more on GotQuestions .org. Broadly speaking, Reformed Theology includes any system of belief that traces its roots back to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century.

Reformation Roots and Apostolic Doctrine

Of course, the Reformers themselves traced their doctrine to Scripture, as indicated by their Credo of Sola Scriptura. So, Reformed Theology is not a new belief system, but one that seeks to continue apostolic doctrine.

Covenant Theology and the New Covenant in Christ

Reformed Theology is sometimes called Covenant Theology because of its emphasis on the covenant God made with Adam and the new covenant which came through Jesus Christ. Generally, it holds to these truths.

Authority of Scripture and the Sovereignty of God

Authority of Scripture. The Bible is the inspired and authoritative word of God, sufficient in all matters of faith and practice. Sovereignty of God. He rules with absolute control over all creation. He has foreordained all events and is therefore never frustrated by circumstances.

This does not limit the will of the creature, nor does it make God the author of sin. Salvation by Grace. In His grace and mercy, God has chosen to redeem a people to Himself, delivering them from sin and death.

The Reformed Salvation Doctrine is commonly represented by the acrostic TULIP. Total Depravity. Man, completely helpless in sin, is under the wrath of God and can in no way please God. Man will not naturally seek to know God until God graciously prompts him to do so.

Unconditional Election. God from eternity past has chosen to save a great multitude of sinners, which no man can number. Limited Atonement. Christ took the judgment for the sin of the elect upon Himself and thereby paid for their lives with His death.

In other words, He did not simply make salvation possible. He actually obtained it for those whom He had chosen. Irresistible Grace. In His fallen state, man resists God's love. But the grace of God working in his heart makes him desire what he had previously resisted.

That is, God's grace will not fail to accomplish its saving work in the elect. Perseverance of the Saints. God protects His saints from falling away. Thus, salvation is eternal. The Necessity of Evangelism.

Evangelism, Holy Living, and Other Reformed Distinctives

Reformed theology teaches that Christians are in the world to make a difference, spiritually through evangelism and socially through holy living and humanitarianism. In conclusion, other distinctives of Reformed theology generally include the observance of two sacraments, a cessationist view of the spiritual gifts, and a non-dispensational view of Scripture.

Esteemed writings are those of Calvin, Knox, Zwingli, and Luther. And the Westminster Confession embodies Reformed theology. Modern Reformed churches include Presbyterian, Congregationalist, and some Baptist.

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