What Is Reformed Theology?

First, let’s consider a more basic question. What is theology? In essence, theology is the study of God. This is to be considered separate from the study of religion. Religion speaks of man’s practice. Now hold on to this . . . we’ll revisit religion a little later. Theology is the study of God: one’s theology is one’s belief system which rests on one’s awareness and understanding of God.

Here we would say that everyone is a theologian. Everyone has some awareness and understanding of God. We don’t say that everyone’s understanding of God is justified. But even atheists have an understanding of God. And we would affirm that everyone’s understanding of God is more robust than they realize. The apostle Paul wrote this in his letter to the Romans: For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Everyone is a theologian.

Now let’s revisit our initial question. Reformed Theology is the term used to refer to the understanding of God taught by Christians and Christian churches which trace its origin to the Protestant Reformation, articulated by early Reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, advanced by historic theologians like John Knox, John Owen and Charles Spurgeon, by more recent theologians such as Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John Stott and R. C. Sproul, and by contemporary theologians like Tim Keller, D. A. Carson and John Piper.

Reformed Theology can also be understood as theology articulated through certain historic creeds and confessions. We subscribe particularly to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and also refer to the doctrines espoused in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort and the Belgic Confession, just to name a few. We don’t regard these doctrinal statements as Scriptural. But we use them as they point us to what the Bible teaches, and they provide us with a standard of theological accountability.

Reformed Theology can also be identified by certain views. We believe in the authority and inerrancy of God’s word. We hold that God is sovereign over all things. We understand that each of us are sinners in the sight of God, deserving of condemnation, and needing a savior. We know that Jesus has come to this world, and by his death on the cross has provided salvation. We place our faith and trust in Jesus, resting in the grace and mercy that comes to us through Christ rather than our own works, and so we’re assured of forgiveness of sins, newness of life, and eternity with God. We look forward to the return of Jesus, who will come to judge the world, to destroy sin and death once and for all, and will bring God’s children to glory.

And in the meantime, while we are in this life, we work to practice true religion, life lived according to God’s word, life that seeks to glorify God in all things. We know we won’t accomplish this on this side of glory, but we trust that God is bringing all creation to completion in Christ.

We hold to a Reformed view of theology because according to Scripture alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, we trust in Christ alone…to God alone be the glory!