Reformed theology began during the Reformation in the 16th century, emphasizing serious study of the Bible and God’s sovereignty in all things, including salvation. The doctrines of grace, including total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of saints, are important. Reformed Christians place great emphasis on Bible study and believe in the sovereignty of God, spreading the gospel, and performing acts of ministry.
Reformed theology traces its roots to the Reformation in the 16th century when theologians broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in doctrinal beliefs. It is characterized by serious study of the scriptures, and John Calvin is often considered one of the movement’s most important early theologians. Followers of Reformed theology try to understand the implications of the Bible for their lives and their relationship with God. Reformed Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that it is sufficient for life. They also believe that God is sovereign in all things, including salvation. Many of the important tenets and beliefs of Reformed theology are contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith, written in 1616. This was the main form of theology practiced by the Puritans.
The doctrines of grace are an important element of Reformed theology. Sometimes referred to as Calvinism, these five doctrines are total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of saints. Total depravity refers to mankind’s fall into the Garden of Eden, while unconditional election refers to God’s salvation of the individuals He chooses. The atonement refers to Jesus Christ paying for the sins of the elect at the crucifixion, and the doctrine of irresistible grace holds that once God changes a person’s heart, that person is unable to resist the call of the gospel. The final doctrine teaches that once a person has been saved by God, God gives that person the strength to persevere in faith.
Christians who follow Reformed theology often place great emphasis on Bible study. They believe the scriptures hold the authoritative word of God, and therefore they follow its commands as best they can. One major area where the original reformers broke with the Roman Catholic Church was the belief that Christians should be allowed to read the Bible for themselves. This led to the Bible being translated into other languages than Latin so that the common person could access it.
Reformed Christians also believe that God rules over all that He has created. This doctrine is often referred to as the sovereignty of God. It is characterized by the belief that God has control over events and is active in the world and in every aspect of people’s lives today. Reformed theology also stresses the need to spread the gospel throughout the world and to perform acts of ministry, such as feeding the hungry.
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