What is Reformed Theology?

 

Reformed theology traces its roots back to Augustine in the 5^th century and from there back to the doctrines in the New Testament, especially those associated with the writings of Paul. Thus Reformed theology is really rooted in Biblical theology. From a historical point of view, Reformed theology crystallized in the teachings of the great Reformers such as Zwingli, Calvin, and Luther during the Reformation of the church in the 16^th century in Europe.

Perhaps the overriding characteristic of Reformed theology is its emphasis on the glory and sovereignty of God. All things are being worked out, not for mans, but Gods glory:

 

 

God is the Ruler and King in this world. He is working out his eternal purposes among the nations, in his church, and in each individual.

The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

Psalm 135:6 

Although many would be willing to assent to the proposition that God is sovereign, not all would be willing to assent to the proposition, as Reformed theology does, that God is sovereign even when it comes to the salvation of each individual person.

Several key concepts related to mans salvation are espoused by Reformed theology. First of all, this theology recognizes the desperate and hopeless situation of mankind because of sin (Rom. 3:9-18). Sin entered the human race through the fall of Adam and brought disastrous consequences upon all of his descendants. The Bible states that he was our Representative and his sin affected us (Rom. 5:12-21). It brought legal condemnation on the entire human race and caused us to be infected with a propensity to sin in every area of our lives (Eph. 2:1-3). In fact, even our wills have become so corrupted that we are not able to choose God unless he first moves within our hearts and minds to give us the desire and ability to choose him (Eph. 2:4-9). Without Gods gracious moving within us by his Holy Spirit we would be quite content to continue in our merry way captivated by the allurements of sins of every variety. The Bibles picture of mankind is not flattering, but it confronts us with the depth and reality of the captivating power of sin, which enslaves us all (Rom. 1:18-32).

Secondly, it is Gods initiative and mercy that makes the difference (Titus 3:4-7). If God had not acted no one could be saved. But he did act. In fact, before the worlds were ever created he decided to save a group of people out of the human race to be his own beloved children (Eph. 1:4-6; 1 Pet. 1:1-2).

Yet to do this took radical action. So God sent his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to rescue his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21; Gal. 1:3-5).  When Christ died on the cross he had his people in mind (Isa. 53:10-12); he died specifically for them (Jo. 10:15); he became the substitute (2 Cor. 5:21) to pay the debt they owed God by shedding his own blood. Thus salvation is certain; it is bought and paid for (1 Pet. 1:18-19; Heb. 1:3).

Through the preaching of the Gospel (1 Cor. 1:21) Gods Spirit calls out of the world his own people and enables them to respond to the gospel call to believe in Christ and repent of their sins (Acts 16:14).

When a person comes to Christ he begins to realize that he did not first love God, but God loved him (1 Jo. 4:10). He cannot boast in anything he did to save himself but only in the Savior who undertook to save him (Gal. 6:14).

Since the work of salvation originated in God it will be carried out completely by God - he always finishes what he starts (Phil. 1:6;Rom. 11:29). Thus those who have come to Christ have come because God has enabled them to come, and he will also keep them in the faith (1 Pet. 1:4-5). Salvation is of the Lord, from beginning to its completion (Jonah 2:9; Rom. 1:16).

Reformed theology gives God the credit for saving lost sinners - man responds only because God has so worked within him to enable him to respond. This indeed humbles man but glorifies God.

When we realize how desperately sinful our spiritual condition is, it is then that we are grateful that God is sovereign and merciful enough to deliver us from a bondage from which we would have never delivered ourselves (Rom. 9:22-24). So Reformed theology offers hope for those who realize they are sinners. It presents a God who is determined and mighty enough to do a thorough job of saving sinful people. Jesus said, I have not come to call the righteous [i.e., those who are banking on their own self-righteousness] but sinners (Matt. 9:13).

If you realize how strong the chains of sin are, Reformed theology is what you need. It offers a God who is mighty to save those who come humbly before him. It promotes boasting in God for his mercy to undeserving sinners. This is Biblical Christianity, plain and simple.

 

 

Permission to reproduce with proper credit is given to nonprofit organizations and individuals for the promotion of the Christian faith.

 

Copyrightã2003 by Lloyd Jefferson Gregory, III

 

 

 

 

A Fellowship of Worshippers and Witnesses in the Heart of Dallas with a Heart for the World.