THE REFORMATION

&

REFORMED THEOLOGY

A Biblical and Historical Overview

What Does “Reformation” Mean?

Many Christians today affirm the importance of the Reformation, yet few have been taught its history or theological significance. As a result, many believers have only a limited understanding of what the Reformation was and why it remains important for the church today.

The term Reformation refers to a major movement in church history that began in the sixteenth century. During this period, faithful men of God sought to reform the church by bringing it back under the authority of Holy Scripture. The goal of the Reformers was not to create a new religion or alter God’s Word, but rather to restore the church’s doctrine and practice to conformity with Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 • Isaiah 8:20 • Matthew 15:8–9 • Acts 17:11 • Psalm 119:105

Led by men such as Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Calvin, the Reformers challenged many errors that had developed within the medieval Roman Church. Their efforts gave rise to what is now known as Protestantism. In this sense, the Protestant churches were born out of the Reformation.

Jude 3 • Galatians 1:6–9 • Revelation 2:5 • Revelation 22:18–19

John Calvin and Reformed Theology

Unfortunately, many modern Christians know little about the Reformers themselves. In particular, John Calvin and his theology are often criticized and misrepresented. Some preachers have even claimed that “the greatest threat to Christianity is Calvinism.” Yet when asked whether they have ever read Calvin’s most important work, Institutes of the Christian Religion, many admit that they have not.

Calvin is often portrayed as a cold theologian obsessed with predestination and election, while the God he proclaimed is depicted as unjust or arbitrary. However, this portrayal bears little resemblance to Calvin’s actual writings.

The Institutes consists of four books and eighty chapters. Of those eighty chapters, only a small portion is devoted specifically to predestination and election. In fact, Calvin discusses these doctrines only after extensive treatment of prayer, faith, justification, sanctification, Christ’s person and work, and the Christian life. The longest sections of his theology focus not on predestination, but on the glory of God, the grace of Christ, the necessity of faith, and the believer’s communion with God.

Calvin’s central concern was always the majesty of God and the salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Romans 11:33–36 • Ephesians 1:3–14 • Colossians 1:15–20 • John 17:1–5

“It is no novelty, then, that I am preaching; no new doctrine. I love to proclaim these strong old doctrines, which are called by the nickname Calvinism, but which are surely and verily the revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus.”

— Charles Haddon Spurgeon

What Is Reformation Theology?

Reformation Theology, often called Reformed Theology, is a system of biblical doctrine that seeks to faithfully summarize and apply the teachings of Scripture. It stands firmly within the stream of historic biblical Christianity.

The Authority of Scripture

The Holy Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. It is the supreme rule of faith and practice for the Christian and the church. Every doctrine, tradition, and practice must be tested by Scripture, for God alone speaks with final authority through His Word.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 • Psalm 19:7–11 • John 17:17 • Matthew 24:35 • 2 Peter 1:20–21

The Sovereignty of God

God is the eternal, self-existent, and triune Lord—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is absolutely sovereign, independent, and unchangeable. His wisdom is perfect, His purposes are eternal, and His counsel cannot fail.

God is not accountable to His creatures. Rather, all creation is accountable to Him. His will is accomplished throughout history according to His perfect wisdom and good pleasure. Therefore, believers humbly submit to His sovereign rule, trusting that all His ways are righteous and just.

Psalm 115:3 • Isaiah 46:9–10 • Daniel 4:34–35 • Romans 9:19–21 • Ephesians 1:11

The Sinfulness of Man

God created mankind holy, righteous, and in His own image. However, through Adam’s fall, humanity became alienated from God and corrupted by sin. As a result, every aspect of human nature has been affected: the mind is darkened, the heart is corrupted, and the will is enslaved to sinful desires. Fallen humanity is spiritually dead and unable to restore itself to fellowship with God apart from divine grace.

Genesis 1:26–27 • Romans 5:12 • Jeremiah 17:9 • Romans 3:10–18 • Ephesians 2:1–3

God’s Sovereign Grace in Salvation

According to His eternal and unchangeable purpose, God chose a people for Himself before the foundation of the world. This choice was based solely upon His mercy and grace and not upon anything foreseen in them.

In time, God effectually calls His elect through the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit. This calling is entirely a work of God’s free grace and not the result of human merit, effort, or foreseen faith. Salvation, from beginning to end, is the work of God.

Ephesians 1:4–5 • Romans 8:29–30 • John 6:37–39, 44 • Ephesians 2:8–9 • Titus 3:5

The Person and Work of Christ

Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God and second Person of the Trinity, became truly man while remaining truly God. He came into the world to seek and save the lost. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, He accomplished redemption for His people. He was crucified, buried, and bodily raised from the dead on the third day. He ascended into heaven, where He reigns in glory, and He will return to judge the living and the dead.

All honor, glory, and praise belong to Him forever.

John 1:1, 14 • Matthew 1:23 • Luke 19:10 • Romans 5:19 • Isaiah 53:4–6 • 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 • Revelation 5:12–13

“Salvation belongs unto the LORD.”

— Psalm 3:8

The Five Solas of the Reformation

The Reformers recovered several foundational biblical truths that came to be summarized in the Five Solas:

These principles summarize the Reformers’ conviction that salvation is God’s work from beginning to end and that all glory belongs to Him alone.

The Heart of Reformed Theology

Many assume that predestination is the central doctrine of Reformed Theology. While Reformed Christians gladly affirm the biblical doctrine of predestination, it is not the foundation of the system.

The true center of Reformed Theology is the majesty and glory of God.

God’s greatness is displayed most wonderfully in His grace toward undeserving sinners. Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God demonstrates both His justice and His mercy. The focus of Reformed Theology is therefore not merely God’s decree, but God’s glory revealed in Christ.

Isaiah 42:8 • Romans 11:33–36 • Ephesians 1:5–6, 11–12 • Romans 3:25–26

A Call for Renewal

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). The church today desperately needs a renewed commitment to biblical truth.

A return to Reformation Theology is not a return to mere tradition, but a return to the authority of Scripture, the supremacy of Christ, and the glory of God. As believers faithfully proclaim God’s Word in season and out of season, Christ’s church is strengthened through sound doctrine, spiritual maturity, and a deeper appreciation of the God whom we worship and serve.

christiangrowth.net

Soli Deo Gloria