Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Reformed" generally refers to a theological tradition and framework that emerged during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. This tradition is rooted in the teachings of key reformers such as John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, and Martin Bucer, and it emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the necessity of grace through faith.
Theological Foundations1.
Sovereignty of God: Central to Reformed theology is the belief in the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation. This is reflected in passages such as
Isaiah 46:10, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" . Reformed theology asserts that God's will is ultimate and that He governs all things according to His divine purpose.
2.
Authority of Scripture: Reformed theology holds Scripture as the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." . This principle, known as "sola scriptura," underscores the belief that the Bible is the final arbiter of truth.
3.
Justification by Faith: A cornerstone of Reformed theology is the doctrine of justification by faith alone, as articulated in
Romans 3:28, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law." . This doctrine emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and not earned by human effort.
4.
Covenant Theology: Reformed theology often employs a framework known as covenant theology, which interprets the Bible through the lens of covenants made by God with humanity. This perspective sees a continuity in God's redemptive plan, from the covenant with Abraham to the new covenant in Christ, as described in
Hebrews 8:6, "But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises." .
5.
The Five Solas: The Reformed tradition is often summarized by the Five Solas, which are foundational principles that emerged during the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone).
Ecclesiology and WorshipReformed ecclesiology emphasizes the priesthood of all believers and the importance of church governance by elders. Worship in Reformed churches is characterized by a focus on the preaching of the Word, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and a simple, God-centered liturgy.
John 4:24 highlights the nature of true worship: "God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth." .
Influence and LegacyThe Reformed tradition has significantly influenced various Protestant denominations, including Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and certain Baptist groups. Its emphasis on education, social justice, and cultural engagement has left a lasting impact on Western society. The Reformed tradition continues to be a vibrant and influential force within global Christianity, advocating for a return to biblical foundations and a life lived under the lordship of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Corrected; amended; restored to purity or excellence; said, specifically, of the whole body of Protestant churches originating in the Reformation. Also, in a more restricted sense, of those who separated from Luther on the doctrine of consubstantiation, etc., and carried the Reformation, as they claimed, to a higher point. The Protestant churches founded by them in Switzerland, France, Holland, and part of Germany, were called the Reformed churches.
2. (a.) Amended in character and life; as, a reformed gambler or drunkard.
3. (a.) Retained in service on half or full pay after the disbandment of the company or troop; -- said of an officer.
Library
TheReformed Pastor
TheReformed Pastor. <. TheReformed Pastor Richard Baxter. Table of
Contents. Title Page. PREFACE. DEDICATION. INTRODUCTORY NOTE....
Reformed Churches.
...REFORMED CHURCHES.... The termReformed is now, however, more particularly
employed to distinguish the Calvinists from the Lutherans....
Reformed German Church.
...Reformed German Church. As the DutchReformed church in this country is an
exact counterpart of the church of Holland, so the German...
TheReformed Confessions.
... SEVENTH CHAPTER. THE CREEDS OF THE EVANGELICALREFORMED CHURCHES. 50. TheReformed
Confessions. Literature. I. Collections ofReformed Symbols....
Reformed Dutch Church.
... STATISTICS OF CHURCHES.Reformed Dutch Church. This church comprises one general
synod, and two particular synods; one at New York, and another at Albany....
Reformed Dutch Church.
...Reformed Dutch Church. This is the oldest body of Presbyterians in America:
it descended immediately from the church of Holland; and...
Minor GermanReformed Confessions.
... III. THEREFORMED CONFESSIONS OF GERMANY. 71. Minor GermanReformed
Confessions. Heinrich Heppe: Die Bekenntniss-Schriften der...
The Declaration of Faith of theReformed Church in France. AD 1872...
... II. TheReformed Confessions of France and the Netherlands. 63. The Declaration
of Faith of theReformed Church in France. AD 1872. Literature....
The Lutheran andReformed Confessions.
... A HISTORY OF THE CREEDS OF CHRISTENDOM 39. The Lutheran andReformed Confessions.
Literature. Max. G??bel : Die religi??se Eigenth?�mlichkeit der luther....
The Articles of theReformed Episcopal Church. AD 1875.
... 86. The Articles of theReformed Episcopal Church. AD 1875. Literature.... II.
The Book of Common Prayer of theReformed Episcopal Church....
Thesaurus
Reformed (5 Occurrences)... The Protestant churches founded by them in Switzerland, France, Holland, and part
of Germany, were called the
Reformed churches.
...Reformed (5 Occurrences).
...Predestination
... 4. The Doctrine in Scripture 5. Historic Rise and Development of the Doctrine 6.
The Doctrine in the Middle Ages 7. Predestination in theReformed Theology 8...
Reformation (24 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of reforming, or the state of beingreformed; change from worse
to better; correction or amendment of life, manners, or of anything vicious or...
Nin'eveh (18 Occurrences)
... Matthew 12:41 Men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation,
and shall condemn it, for theyreformed at the proclamation of Jonah, and lo...
Proclamation (31 Occurrences)
... Matthew 12:41 Men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation,
and shall condemn it, for theyreformed at the proclamation of Jonah, and lo...
Sacraments
... TheReformed doctrine, on the other hand, teaches that their efficacy lies not in
themselves as outward acts, but in the blessing of Christ and the operation...
Offices (14 Occurrences)
... It was incorporated in the Heidelberg Catechism and has been adopted by most
theologians of theReformed church and by English and American divines....
Whoredom (58 Occurrences)
... 21 lest again having come, my God may humble me in regard to you, and I may bewail
many of those having sinned before, and not havingreformed concerning the...
Talmud
... The liberal (Reformed) Jews say that the Talmud, though it is interesting and, as
a Jewish work of antiquity, ever venerable, has in itself no authority for...
Reforming (2 Occurrences)
Resources
What is the Reformed Church, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Reformed Church in America (RCA)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Reformed Baptist Church? | GotQuestions.orgReformed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
