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Theology of the Christian Reformation, generally.
And, Calvinism, specifically.
Premised on the absolute sovereignty of God, an inerrant and infallible
Biblical autographa, the total sufficiency of Christ in redemption, and
the sole instrumentality of gifted faith in salvation.
Redemptive History
Reformed Theology views Redemptive History as a continuum from the
time of Genesis 3:15, when the first promise of salvation was made
to man by God, and continuing through the future until the return of
Christ in power and glory.
It argues that Redemptive History is unitary: There has been, and will
be, only one Savior (Christ), one means of salvation (faith in Christ),
and one true Church (Christ's Church), throughout all era.
In this it rejects Dispensationalist claims of different means of salvation
in various era, and The Church as a New Testament invention.
Old Testament saints were saved the same way New Testament saints
are saved: By faith in the Messiah.
God's Word
Reformed Theology has God's special revelation ceasing with the completion
of the 66 book Canon of Scripture. And while the Lord previously spoke to
mankind through diverse modalities (e.g., dreams, visions, mental inspiration),
He now directly speaks to us only in His Word.
Religious tradition, ecclesiastical pronouncements, and non-canonical 'holy
writings' being at best secondary authorities judged by their harmony with
Scripture.
Ecclesiology
Reformed Theology affirms Jesus Christ as the sole Head of The Church.
It therefore disavows any "Universal Bishop" or "Supreme Pontiff" setting
himself over Christ's Church.
In Reformed Theology, the local congregation ruled by Elders (presbyters)
is the basic unit of that Church. And, it cannot find Scriptural warrant
for even 'bishops' who rule multiple congregations.
This does NOT mean that individual congregations cannot associate in synod,
fraternal alliance, or denomination.
Reformed Theology also affirms an Invisible Church comprised of the saints
from every era of Redemptive History. And a Visible Church in the world
composed of both wheat and weeds. These churches not being two, but
-instead- the same Church in different aspect.
Dogmatics
The dogma of Reformed Theology is contained in it's creedal subscriptions.
These being the Ecumenical Creeds, as well as the historical confessions,
catechisms, canons, and statements of faith, of the Christian Reformation.
Included are the Heidelberg Catechism, the Second Helvetic Confession,
the Canons of Dort, the Belgic Confession, the Westminster Confession,
and the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
Since Reformed Theology holds to the Supremacy of Scripture, these are
viewed as secondary and subsidary standards.
Christology
Reformed Theology affirms Christ as the Second Person of the Godhead,
the same in essence as the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Christ is uncreated and, therefore, eternal (having always existed and
forever continuing to exist).
At the Incarnation, He took on a human nature in addition to His divine
nature. These dual natures do not represent a blending of His essence
(or being).
Christ thus now is both fully human and fully divine in the unity of His
Person.
Sacramentology
Reformed Theology defines a "sacrament" as a soteric sign and seal
with an attached promise by God.
Therefore, it recognizes only two: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptism
Baptism depicts water washing away dirt as symbolic of Christ's blood
washing away the sins of those who have faith in Him.
But it's no mere symbolic ritual. Rather God's pledge of redemption to
those He has chosen to call to Himself. And a Means of Grace to them.
Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a remembrance of Christ's body and blood given
given in substitutionary sacrifice for the saints.
But it's no mere symbolic ritual. Instead the Lord's pledge that the sins
of the Elect have been remitted for the sake of God's Son. And a Means
of Grace to them.
Related
Reformed Soteriology
External Links
General
- Theological Glossary: (http://www.DataRat.net/DR/Lex-F.html#FivePointsOfCalvinism) Five Points of Calvinism
Reformed Soteriology
- Theological Glossary: (http://www.DataRat.net/DR/Lex-F.html#ForensicJustification) Forensic Justification
Dogmatics
- Theological Glossary: (http://www.DataRat.net/DR/Lex-C.html#ConfessionalChristianity) Confessional Christianity
Sacramentology
Also See
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