What is Reformed Theology?
What is Reformed Theology? And what does it mean to identify as being Reformed? Does it simply mean that John Calvin is your ‘homeboy’? Or that TULIPS are your favoured flower? Or that you have a pathological preference to be ALONE? Watch the below video where Andy and Darren discuss what it really means to be Reformed. They discuss three core elements of what it means to adhere to Reformed Theology. They are:
Historical - a commitment to the Reformation where the teaching of Christ and the Apostles was recovered. As such, to be Reformed is to stand on the shoulders of giants, who themselves stood on the shoulders of giants, who stood on Christ and the Apostles. Which is why Reformed Theology is self-consciously unoriginal and Reformed Christianity is unashamedly committed to historic orthodoxy.
Theological - the 5 points of Calvinism (TULIP) and the 5 Solas of the Reformation are the bare bones of Reformation Theology. Yet to be Reformed is to be so much more. The Reformation recovered covenant theology, was codified in creeds and confessions, and was centred in the Church. Even more, it was as much a revolution of worship as it was of faith and life.
Practical - Reformation Theology is more than a system of doctrine or an historical movement that we champion. It is a way of life. To be Reformed is to be committed to our local church, to be on our knees in prayer, to use our God-given gifts in the service of others, to cultivate love and humility, to seek to encourage Christ's people wherever we meet them, and to promote mission wherever we can.
The quintessence of Reformed Theology is Christ and the gospel. Preaching, loving and living Christ is not less than being Reformed ... it is the heartbeat of the Reformation and the lifeblood of all things Reformed.
Watch the below video where Andy and Darren discuss this and more.