The word “Reformed” has come to mean different things to different people. Traditionally, a Reformed church would agree with the following positions, and this is how we use the term Reformed:
- Confessional – We are rooted in history. By subscribing to a confession that goes back hundreds of years we maintain a continuity of belief and practice with Christians of other times and places. The confessions also function as a bulwark against cultural winds that have driven many churches off course.
- Covenantal – Covenant theology views the Bible as the story of God’s relationship with humanity through a series of covenants. It emphasizes one overarching covenant of grace, progressively revealed through additional historical covenants (e.g. Abraham, Moses), and ultimately fulfilled in the new covenant in Jesus Christ. Believers across all ages are united by faith in God’s promises, and the church is understood to be the Israel of God – the continuation of God’s people under the new covenant.
- 5 Doctrines of Grace – Sometimes referred to as Calvinism, the Doctrines of Grace summarize the reformed position on soteriology (the doctrine of salvation). The five doctrines are:
- Total Depravity (aka Total Inability)
- Unconditional Election (aka Unmerited Election)
- Limited Atonement (aka Particular Redemption)
- Irresistible Grace (aka Efficacious Grace)
- Perseverance of the Saints
- 5 Solas of the Reformation – These are Sola Scripture, Solus Christus, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, and Soli Deo Gloria. The solas are generally accepted by most protestant churches today, but are especially important to reformed Christians. You can read a quick summary of the Solas here.