Reformed vs. Calvinist
by Rick Long
Recently I was asked “what exactly is reformed theology?” This is a great question. Another great question is “what is the difference between reformed theology and Calvinism?”
I want to draw a distinction between the two because it is important to understand why I say that I am reformed but not a Calvinist.
Some people treat the terms “Reformed” and “Calvinist” as being synonymous. Still many people disagree with this linkage. There are many similarities between the two, but there are enough distinctive differences in my own understanding and use of the terms that I think of them as two seperate, though linked, mindsets.
The Reformed theological stance arose from the Protestant Reformation. By affirming Reformed theology we are implicitly denying other theologies, such as Catholic theology (which Reformed theology rose in opposition to) and Arminian theology (which later rose in opposition to Reformed theology). There are generally two camps within Protestantism: Reformed/Calvinism and Arminianism.
Christianity refers to all religions that are based at least partially on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. Christendom is separated into four main divisions: Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant and Cults. Very generally, Protestants can be defined as those who are part of churches which arose from the break with the Catholic Church during the Reformation.
Reformed theology adheres to all the foundational beliefs taught in the Bible. These beliefs were the foundation of the early church and are based on the teachings of the Bible as interpreted by the apostles and early church fathers. Many of these beliefs were changed or lost as the Catholic Church grew in power and authority from the fifth century onwards. Throughout history there were pockets of non-Catholic believers who held to many or all of these points of doctrine, but they were largely lost until the time of the Reformation. Reformed theology emphasizes God rather than man.
The base of Reformed theology is something known as the Five solas (latin for slogans):
1. The authority of Scripture: Scripture alone is the standard and provides truth about God, His Son, His ways and His plan.
2. the basis of salvation: Grace alone provides the basis of salvation.
3. the means of salvation: Faith alone provides the means of salvation: faith in Christ by the grace of God.
4. the merit of salvation: Christ alone is the one who saves, who has purchased forgiveness and who offers salvation to those who trust Him.
5. to God alone be the glory in all things.
These five statements correctly and fully summarize what I ascribe to as Reformed theology.
Again, these form the basis for Protestantism as much as they do for the Reformed tradition. These are the principles that drove the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century and separated it from the Roman Catholic Church. These points of doctrine are based entirely on the Bible and were the theological driving force behind the early Protestant movement.
There are five distinct points of doctrine known as the five points of Calvinism (T.U.L.I.P. for Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irrestible Grace and Preservation of the saints). These were first articulated after the Reformation by followers of John Calvin in the early 16th century. Most evangelical churches do not hold to all of these points. Some hold to two or three (and occasionally even four). The alternative to ALL five points of Calvinism is Arminian theology. The 5 points of Calvinism have long been controversial and even divisive. But clearly all Christians hold to some of the five points, so some would say that all Christians are at least a one or two point Calvinist.
So by the terms I have outlined here, I am not a 5 point Calvinist nor does The Point embrace Calvinism as our theological base. I am convinced that the five solas of the Reformed theological stance as I have outlined here are completely Biblical. This is what I mean when I say that I am reformed and this is what we mean we say that The Point is reformed in our theology. I also believe that these are truths that all Christians would claim, either explicitly or implicitly.
Scripture Alone. Faith Alone. Grace Alone. Christ Alone. To God alone be the glory.
1 comment:
Great explaining. That was very interesting. God bless!
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