Reformed Christianity

Reformed Christianity, or Calvinism, is the form of Christianity which originated during the Protestant Reformation.

1. The Doctrines of Grace (TULIP)

It is summarized by the Five Points of Calvinism created by the theologian, John Calvin:

1. Total Depravity: Every aspect of humanity is corrupted by sin, rendering individuals incapable of coming to God without divine intervention.
2. Unconditional Election: God chooses certain individuals for salvation based on His will alone, not on any foreseen merit or action.
3. Limited Atonement: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was specifically for the elect, effectively securing their salvation.
4. Irresistible Grace: God's grace, when extended to the elect, cannot be resisted and will inevitably lead to their salvation.
5. Perseverance of the Saints: Those whom God has elected and saved will persevere in faith and will not fall away, ultimately reaching eternal salvation.

2. The Five Solas

These five Latin phrases summarize the fundamental beliefs of the Reformation:

1. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) – The Bible is the sole infallible authority for faith and practice. It alone determines doctrine, over and above church tradition or human reasoning.
2. Sola Fide (Faith Alone) – Justification before God comes through faith alone, apart from works.
3. Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) – Salvation is a gift of God's grace alone, not something earned by human effort.
4. Solus Christus (Christ Alone) – Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man; salvation is found in Him alone.
5. Soli Deo Gloria (To the Glory of God Alone) – All of life, including salvation, exists for God's glory alone.

3. Covenant Theology

Reformed theology is deeply covenantal, seeing God’s redemptive work as unfolding through covenants:

1. The Covenant of Redemption – The eternal agreement within the Trinity to redeem the elect.
2. The Covenant of Works – The arrangement with Adam in which he was required to obey for life.
3. The Covenant of Grace – The unfolding promise of salvation through Christ, spanning both Old and New Testaments.

4. Confessionalism

Reformed churches hold to historic confessions of faith that summarize biblical doctrine. Key confessions include:

1. The Westminster Confession of Faith (1647) – Held primarily by Presbyterians.
2. The Belgic Confession (1561) – A foundational confession of Dutch Reformed churches.
3. The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) – A pastoral summary of Reformed doctrine in a question-answer format.
4. The Canons of Dort (1619) – The formal articulation of the Doctrines of Grace.
5. The Second London Baptist Confession (1689) – A Baptist adaptation of the Westminster Confession.

5. A High View of God's Sovereignty

Reformed theology emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty over all things, including salvation, history, and the affairs of the world (Isaiah 46:9-10, Romans 9).

6. A Regulative Principle of Worship

Reformed churches typically follow the Regulative Principle of Worship, meaning that corporate worship is to be shaped only by what is commanded in Scripture (e.g., preaching, prayer, sacraments, singing, and giving).

7. The Church as the Visible and Invisible Body of Christ

The church consists of:

1. The Invisible Church – The elect, known only to God.
2. The Visible Church – The gathered body of believers who profess faith.

8. The Ordinary Means of Grace

Reformed theology holds that God ordinarily works through specific means to nourish His people:

1. The Preaching of the Word – The primary means of grace.
2. The Sacraments (Baptism & the Lord’s Supper) – Visible signs of God’s covenant promises.
3. Prayer – A vital means of fellowship with God.

9. The Lord’s Day (Christian Sabbath)

Many Reformed believers hold to the Sabbath principle, viewing Sunday as a day set apart for worship and rest (Exodus 20:8-11, Hebrews 4:9-10).

10. Eschatology (A Reformed View of the End Times)

Reformed theology generally rejects dispensationalism and instead holds to:

1. Amillennialism (most common) – The millennium is symbolic of Christ’s present reign.
2. Postmillennialism (some adhere) – The gospel will bring widespread transformation before Christ’s return.
3. Historic Premillennialism (less common) – Christ returns before a literal millennial reign.

These core tenets define the Reformed tradition and distinguish it from other branches of Christianity.