The Reformed Church is a branch of Protestant Christianity that traces its origins to the 16th century Reformation led by John Calvin. The Reformed tradition encompasses numerous denominations, including the Continental Reformed churches, Presbyterian churches, Congregational churches, and others. At its core, the Reformed faith emphasizes the sovereignty and grace of God, the authority of the Bible, and the need for thoughtful engagement with contemporary culture.
Here is an overview of some of the key beliefs and practices of the Reformed tradition:
The Sovereignty of God
Reformed theology emphasizes God’s supremacy over all creation. This means that God orchestrates all things according to his will and for his glory. Human beings contribute nothing to their salvation; it is wholly an act of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Reformed Christians believe that because of humanity’s total depravity, people are unable to save themselves or even cooperate with God’s saving grace without regeneration. God elects certain people for salvation not because of anything they have done but according to his sovereign will (Romans 9:11-18).
The Authority of Scripture
Reformed theology regards the Bible as the sole infallible authority in matters of faith and practice. The Bible alone is the Word of God and completely sufficient for salvation (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This view is known as sola Scriptura. Reformed Christians believe that Scripture must govern in the church, and not traditions, hierarchical structures, or subjective experiences. All doctrine must be grounded in the Bible.
Salvation by Grace
A key emphasis of Reformed theology, often summarized as sola gratia, is that salvation comes solely by God’s grace or unmerited favor. Human efforts cannot earn salvation. The elect receive redemption only through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Reformed theology teaches that God unilaterally grants salvation because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Romans 3:21-26).
The Doctrines of Grace
The Reformed faith is often associated with Calvinism’s doctrines of grace, also called the five points of Calvinism. These five points affirm: 1) Total depravity: human beings are spiritually dead and enslaved to sin; 2) Unconditional election: God chooses the elect unconditionally according to his sovereign will; 3) Limited atonement: Christ died only for the elect; 4) Irresistible grace: God irresistibly draws the elect to faith in Christ; and 5) Perseverance of the saints: God preserves the elect in faith until the end. While some Reformed believers do not fully accept Calvinism’s doctrines, most affirm human depravity and God’s sovereignty in salvation.
Covenant Theology
Reformed theology emphasizes the biblical covenants as the overarching theological structure tying together God’s redemptive plan. In particular, the covenant of grace promises eternal blessings secured by Christ and received through faith alone. Covenant theology also distinguishes between the old and new covenants. The Mosaic covenant was in some sense abrogated while the moral law continues. The new covenant in Christ remains the fulfillment of previous covenants.
Importance of the Church
The Reformed tradition recognizes the importance of the church as a covenant community united to Christ. The Reformers heavily criticized the Roman Catholic system and sought to recover a biblical view of the church. Membership in the universal church comes through faith in Christ. Participation in a local church body is a vital means of grace for believers. The church proclaims the gospel, equipping Christians to live for God’s glory.
Cultural Engagement
Reformed theology emphasizes applying biblical principles to every area of life including society and culture. Christians must be salt and light, promoting justice and seeking the common good. Abraham Kuyper famously stated that “there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ does not cry: ‘Mine!’” Christians should participate in politics, education, the arts, and other realms in ways that honor God.
Worship
Reformed worship follows the Regulative Principle which says that corporate worship should include only those elements that are instituted by command or example in the Bible. Sunday services tend to emphasize biblical preaching, reading of Scripture, prayer, and the proper administration of the sacraments. Simplicity, reverence, and focus on the Word characterize Reformed worship. Contemporary songs as well as historic hymns and psalms may be incorporated.
Sacraments
Like other Protestant traditions, Reformed churches recognize baptism and the Lord’s Supper as the two sacraments instituted by Christ. Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s covenant of grace. Infants of believers as well as new converts may be baptized. The Lord’s Supper commemorates Christ’s death, spiritually nourishes believers, and signifies their union with Christ and one another.
Positions on Social Issues
There is diversity within the Reformed tradition regarding some social issues. In general, Reformed believers seek to apply biblical principles to each situation. They tend to take conservative positions on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, gender identity, and euthanasia. At the same time, many Reformed churches emphasize social justice ministries helping the poor, oppressed, and marginalized.
Prominent Reformed Confessions
Historic Reformed confessions of faith include:
- Belgic Confession (1561)
- Heidelberg Catechism (1563)
- Canons of Dordt (1619)
- Westminster Confession (1646)
- 1689 London Baptist Confession
These confessions outline Reformed doctrine in response to doctrinal controversies and heresies. They affirm shared Reformed beliefs and continue to guide many churches today.
Key Figures in Reformed History
Some significant Reformed leaders include:
- John Calvin – French theologian, pastor, and Reformation leader in Geneva. Wrote influential works on theology and Christian living including Institutes of the Christian Religion.
- Huldrych Zwingli – Early Swiss Reformer who began reform efforts in Zurich around the same time as Luther.
- John Knox – Leader of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland who established Presbyterianism as the national church.
- Jonathan Edwards – Influential 18th century American pastor and theologian during the First Great Awakening. Known for sermons like “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”
- Abraham Kuyper – Dutch pastor, theologian, and politician. Developed Kuyperian neo-Calvinism emphasizing the lordship of Christ over all spheres of life.
- Martyn Lloyd-Jones – Prominent British minister who preached at Westminster Chapel in London for 30 years.
- R.C. Sproul – American Reformed theologian and pastor who founded Ligonier Ministries.
- Tim Keller – Influential current American pastor and author who planted Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.
Denominations in the Reformed Tradition
The Reformed faith encompasses many denominations across various countries. Major groups include:
- Continental Reformed Churches – National churches established during the Reformation on the European continent, including the Dutch Reformed Church.
- Presbyterian Churches – Churches governed by elders and synods, including the Presbyterian Church in America and Presbyterian Church (USA).
- Congregational Churches – Self-governing congregations united by shared faith and practice, such as the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
- Reformed Baptist Churches – Calvinistic baptist churches like the Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America.
- United Reformed Churches – Unites various Reformed denominations across the globe.
Educational Institutions
Some leading Reformed seminaries and colleges include:
- Westminster Theological Seminary – Interdenominational seminary near Philadelphia.
- Calvin Theological Seminary – Seminary of the Christian Reformed Church.
- Covenant Theological Seminary – Presbyterian Church in America seminary.
- Redeemer Seminary – Canadian Reformed seminary.
- Calvin University – Christian liberal arts college.
- Dordt University – Christian liberal arts college associated with the Christian Reformed Church.
These provide training for future pastors and ministry leaders seeking to serve Reformed churches and organizations.
Reformed Media Ministries
Popular Reformed media ministries include:
- Ligonier Ministries – Founded by R.C. Sproul, offers teaching series, radio, conferences, and online schools.
- Desiring God – John Piper’s ministry with books, articles, sermons, and conferences.
- Truth for Life – Alistair Begg’s radio ministry with sermons and resources.
- Renewing Your Mind – Daily radio program from Reformed Theological Seminary.
- The Gospel Coalition – Provides Reformed resources and articles.
These spread Reformed teaching and equip Christians through various media formats.
Global Presence
While the Reformed tradition originated in Europe, today Reformed churches and believers are found across the globe, including strong presences in North America, South Korea, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, and elsewhere. The World Reformed Fellowship promotes unity among Reformed denominations globally.
In summary, the Reformed tradition is an important branch of the Christian church that traces back to the Protestant Reformation and emphasizes the authority of Scripture, sovereignty of God, salvation by grace, a high view of the church, and applying faith to all of life. It continues to be an influential Protestant tradition in the present day.