Reformed Theology
Reformed Theology. A theological tradition.
The Reformed theological tradition of the Protestant Reformation developed over three main pillars or sources: the sola scriptura principle, the theological conceptualizations of the Reformed theologians, and the reformed catechisms and confessions of faith. Therefore, it is necessary to look back to theologians like Martin Bucer, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Zacharias Ursinus, and William Perkins. It is also essential to consider the catechisms and confessions adopted in the rise of Reformed national churches during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, like the First Confession of Basle (1534), the First Helvetic Confession (1536), the Geneva Catechism and Confession (1536), the Belgic Confession (1561), the Heidelberg Catechisms (1563), and the Westminster Confession of Faith (1647). From these sources appears a unified theological perspective with distinctive characteristics.
Reformed theology emphasizes God’s sovereignty and glory as foundational for the Church’s doctrinal and practical life. God creates, redeems, and governs all reality to reveal His glory. God meticulously plans and executes His purpose in history and salvation. For that reason, Reformed theology is frequently termed a “God-centered theology.” Indeed, humans find their ultimate purpose in glorifying God.
The sola scriptura principle is essential to Reformed theology. Although Reformed theologians concede a role to tradition, specifically the doctrinal standards in the Reformed confessions and catechism, the Holy Scriptures are the source and final authority of all Reformed doctrines. It is also essential as a rule for Reformed practice, life, and faith.
Reformed soteriology presents a comprehensive system contained in terms of ‘the five points of Calvinism.’ TULIP, an often-used acronym, refers to the doctrines of Total depravity, Unconditional divine election, Limited atonement (i.e. Christ’s death limited for the elect), Irresistible salvific grace, and absolute Perseverance of the saints in faith and grace. Total depravity speaks of the sinful condition and spiritual inability of human beings after the fall. In His eternal love, God has sovereignly decided to elect some for salvation and communicate His irresistible and salvific grace to them. Those who are elect will always persevere in faith to eternal life and joy. Jesus, as the only Savior and Mediator, has a central role in this soteriological perspective of the Reformed theology. The concepts of unconditional election, limited atonement, and irresistible grace have resulted in theological controversies in the Reformed tradition.
Reformed theology is also practical. It promotes godliness, Christian fellowship, biblical preaching, evangelism, and missions.