Reformed Theology?

[-SEEKING-]

Anyone have a short and simple way to define it?

[karenoka27]

I believe Reformed Theology holds to five points of Calvinism:

1. Total Depravity,
2. Unconditional election,
3. Limited atonement,
4. Irrestistible Grace,
5. Perseverance of the Saints.

[-SEEKING-]

I believe Reformed Theology holds to five points of Calvinism:

1. Total Depravity,
2. Unconditional election,
3. Limited atonement,
4. Irrestistible Grace,
5. Perseverance of the Saints.

Thanks. But is that it? I thought maybe there was more to it. I had heard about the TULIP part but I figured that was just part of it.

[apothanein kerdos]

I believe Reformed Theology holds to five points of Calvinism:

1. Total Depravity,
2. Unconditional election,
3. Limited atonement,
4. Irrestistible Grace,
5. Perseverance of the Saints.

This might put me in the minority of theologians, but I disagree that one needs to ascribe to the 5 points of Calvinism in order to be reformed. For instance, Jacob Arminius was reformed, but as we all know he didn't exactly hold to the 5 points.

A better distinction might be Reformed and reformed. Reformed theology would be a very distinct system that does include the 5 points. A reformed theology, however, would hold more to the tenets of the reformation without accepting the 5 points of Calvin. For instance:

1) Scripture as the final authority
2) Salvation by faith alone
3) Salvation by faith through grace
4) Salvation finalized by Christ alone
5) All for the glory of God

Now, some might say, "Well isn't this anyone who claims the name of Christ who isn't Catholic?" Truth be told, most Charismatics and Protestants wouldn't fit within the above 5 solas, either due to a denial in eternal security, that all things are done for the glory of God, or that Scripture is the final authority.

However, the above would define one part of a general reformed theology. The other aspect is the belief that God is redeeming Creation, thus all vocations are equally important. A reformed theology looks at the pastorate and says, "Wow, good that he's called there, but he's no more spiritually important than the janitor." It elevates the priesthood of all believers, stating that all of us have equal access to God.

Those two concepts (5 Solas and God's redeeming of culture) tend to mark the reformed worldview. Granted, the 5 points of Calvin are often attached to the 5 solas, but this isn't necessary in every case.

[-SEEKING-]

Thank you for all that info AK. That gives me a bit more understanding. I appreciate it.

[Ethnikos]

God did not set up a system for salvation that involves a priesthood that will give forgiveness for a certain amount of money.
The reformers saw this practice as a corruption of the Gospel and wanted to change how the Church operated. They experienced a ferocious push-back that caused them to take a step back and rethink the whole basis that the priesthood had established, that had given them so much power.
The reformers decided that a legitimate church needs to have a basis in the Bible. They started on a path of restoration of theology but it is something that needs to be ongoing and does not end, back at some definable point in history.

[-SEEKING-]

I recently saw the movie Luther so I know what you're talking about. Lots of corruption in his time.

[RabbiKnife]

This might put me in the minority of theologians, but I disagree that one needs to ascribe to the 5 points of Calvinism in order to be reformed. For instance, Jacob Arminius was reformed, but as we all know he didn't exactly hold to the 5 points.

A better distinction might be Reformed and reformed. Reformed theology would be a very distinct system that does include the 5 points. A reformed theology, however, would hold more to the tenets of the reformation without accepting the 5 points of Calvin. For instance:

1) Scripture as the final authority
2) Salvation by faith alone
3) Salvation by faith through grace
4) Salvation finalized by Christ alone
5) All for the glory of God

Now, some might say, "Well isn't this anyone who claims the name of Christ who isn't Catholic?" Truth be told, most Charismatics and Protestants wouldn't fit within the above 5 solas, either due to a denial in eternal security, that all things are done for the glory of God, or that Scripture is the final authority.

However, the above would define one part of a general reformed theology. The other aspect is the belief that God is redeeming Creation, thus all vocations are equally important. A reformed theology looks at the pastorate and says, "Wow, good that he's called there, but he's no more spiritually important than the janitor." It elevates the priesthood of all believers, stating that all of us have equal access to God.

Those two concepts (5 Solas and God's redeeming of culture) tend to mark the reformed worldview. Granted, the 5 points of Calvin are often attached to the 5 solas, but this isn't necessary in every case.

I'm with AK on this one.

I am a Reformed Arminian.

[RogerW]

This might put me in the minority of theologians, but I disagree that one needs to ascribe to the 5 points of Calvinism in order to be reformed. For instance, Jacob Arminius was reformed, but as we all know he didn't exactly hold to the 5 points.

A better distinction might be Reformed and reformed. Reformed theology would be a very distinct system that does include the 5 points. A reformed theology, however, would hold more to the tenets of the reformation without accepting the 5 points of Calvin. For instance:

1) Scripture as the final authority
2) Salvation by faith alone
3) Salvation by faith through grace
4) Salvation finalized by Christ alone
5) All for the glory of God

Now, some might say, "Well isn't this anyone who claims the name of Christ who isn't Catholic?" Truth be told, most Charismatics and Protestants wouldn't fit within the above 5 solas, either due to a denial in eternal security, that all things are done for the glory of God, or that Scripture is the final authority.

However, the above would define one part of a general reformed theology. The other aspect is the belief that God is redeeming Creation, thus all vocations are equally important. A reformed theology looks at the pastorate and says, "Wow, good that he's called there, but he's no more spiritually important than the janitor." It elevates the priesthood of all believers, stating that all of us have equal access to God.

Those two concepts (5 Solas and God's redeeming of culture) tend to mark the reformed worldview. Granted, the 5 points of Calvin are often attached to the 5 solas, but this isn't necessary in every case.

True Reformed doctrine is more than T.U.L.I.P. To be truly Reformed one will submit to the biblical doctrine of Scripture alone, salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, of Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Most true Reformed Churches will also subscribe to three forms of unity; Canons of Dort, Heidelberg Cathechism, and the Belgic Confession of Faith. You will also find they teach Ecumenical Creeds; Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian. In Presbyterian Reformed Churches you will usually find the Westminster Confession of Faith. All of these creeds and confessions were written in an attempt to refute error. Though they are man made documents Reformed Christians are fully persuaded that they do indeed align with the doctrines of the Holy Bible. The last thing you will find in truly Reformed Christians is the desire to be always reforming...in other words the desire to protect and defend truth against all error coming through false doctrine, false teachers, and false practices coming into the church.

Truly AK I don't recognize this picture of being Reformed that you have presented.

Many Blessings,
RW

[karenoka27]

Thanks. But is that it? I thought maybe there was more to it. I had heard about the TULIP part but I figured that was just part of it.

You asked for a short,simple answer..That's what I gave you.

[RogerW]

You asked for a short,simple answer..That's what I gave you.

Greetings Karenoka,

I wasn't pickin on you honest!

Many Blessings,
RW

[apothanein kerdos]

True Reformed doctrine is more than T.U.L.I.P. To be truly Reformed one will submit to the biblical doctrine of Scripture alone, salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, of Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Most true Reformed Churches will also subscribe to three forms of unity; Canons of Dort, Heidelberg Cathechism, and the Belgic Confession of Faith. You will also find they teach Ecumenical Creeds; Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian. In Presbyterian Reformed Churches you will usually find the Westminster Confession of Faith. All of these creeds and confessions were written in an attempt to refute error. Though they are man made documents Reformed Christians are fully persuaded that they do indeed align with the doctrines of the Holy Bible. The last thing you will find in truly Reformed Christians is the desire to be always reforming...in other words the desire to protect and defend truth against all error coming through false doctrine, false teachers, and false practices coming into the church.

Truly AK I don't recognize this picture of being Reformed that you have presented.

Many Blessings,
RW

How is any of that different from what I said?

In fact, I stated that being reformed goes well beyond TULIP and doesn't necessarily have to include it.

[holyrokker]

To be truly Reformed one will submit to the biblical doctrine of Scripture alone.....

Most true Reformed Churches will also subscribe to three forms of unity; Canons of Dort, Heidelberg Cathechism, and the Belgic Confession of Faith. You will also find they teach Ecumenical Creeds; Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian. In Presbyterian Reformed Churches you will usually find the Westminster Confession of Faith. All of these creeds and confessions were written in an attempt to refute error. Though they are man made documents Reformed Christians are fully persuaded that they do indeed align with the doctrines of the Holy Bible.

These two statements seem contraditory to me.

[Butch5]

These two statements seem contraditory to me.

Well said my friend.

[RogerW]

How is any of that different from what I said?

In fact, I stated that being reformed goes well beyond TULIP and doesn't necessarily have to include it.

Greetings AK,

If a reformed theology does not include T.U.L.I.P it is NOT a reformed theology.

Here is some of what you stated regarding what reformed theology is.

A better distinction might be Reformed and reformed. Reformed theology would be a very distinct system that does include the 5 points. A reformed theology, however, would hold more to the tenets of the reformation without accepting the 5 points of Calvin. For instance:

1) Scripture as the final authority
2) Salvation by faith alone
3) Salvation by faith through grace
4) Salvation finalized by Christ alone
5) All for the glory of God

A reformed theology that teaches (2) salvation by faith alone is not reformed theology. Reformed theology teaches that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone that is not our own, but the gift of God. Your point (3) is again not reformed theology. Salvation is by grace through faith, but what you have done is made faith the instrument of salvation rather than grace. Point (4) is also not an accurate portrayal of reformed theology. Reformed theology teaches that salvation from beginning to end is of Christ alone.

This is quite different than how I understand reformed/Reformed theology.

Many Blessings,
RW