Reformed

Ross Woods, 2022

Reformed theology is also commonly known as “Calvinism,” based on the theology of John Calvin, but many of its ideas already existed in the writings of Augustine. Consequently, it is sometimes known as “Augustinianism”.

It was not a completely unified movement and resulted in many statements of faith in different churches. Besides the various confessions, Reformed beliefs are often stated as five doctrines (The Five Points of Calvinism) affirmed at the Synod of Dort:

1. Man can do nothing to obtain salvation. (Total depravity.) 1
2. Unconditional election. God predestined some to be saved before the beginning of the world.
3. Limited atonement. Christ died only for those who would be saved.
4. Irresistable grace. When God calls a person to faith, they cannot resist. (Reformed theological sometimes differentiate between general call and effectual call.)
5. Perseverance of the saints. True believers cannot fall away. 1

It is now increasingly uncommon to find Christians who unreservedly accept all five points of Calvinism.

Other beliefs

1. Calvin was known for his method of Scriptural exposition (historico-grammaticalism), which was based on the words and meaning of language and the historical context of the communication. It has been the normal method of Protestant exposition since then.
2. Modern Reformed churches tend to have an amillenial and antidispensational view of eschatology.
3. Reformed churches are normally cessationist, that is, they believe that the supernatural gifts (healing, speaking in tongues) did not continue after the time of the apostles.
4. Most Reformed churches baptize infants by sprinking, as a sign of admission to the Christian community.

Extreme forms

Some people who identify with Reformed theology have extreme beliefs, but these beliefs have never been called heresy. They are as follows:

1. Evangelism is not necessary because people are predestined to salvation.
2. Double predestination. Not only does God predestine some to be saved but also predestines others to be lost.
3. Predestination is a form of fatalism and predeterminism, where man is not responsible for his actions. However, sinners can be “responsible” in the sense that they will be punished for their sin.
4. It is a theistic philosophy that can be separated from Scripture.
5. Pastoral care is not important because true believers cannot fall away.
6. The term Total depravity is used to mean that man is totally bad in every way. (This is not correct. The term means that sin affects all aspects of man. Man is still created in the image of god (imago dei) but the image is marred, that is, damaged or disfigured.

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1. Based on www.apuritansmind.com/tulip/the-five-points-of-calvinism-by-w-j-seaton/