Sunday
Mar252007
Letters to the editor - "What do you mean Reformed Theology?"
Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 11:07PM
I often throw around terms without definitions, mostly because I make assumptions of my friends, my patients or my family - thinking they will know what I mean. Recently, I've been asked several theological questions, so I'll do my best to answer what I mean when I use certain theological terms like this one below.
Reader: "What do you mean by Reformed Theology?"
Editor's Response: "Words that we use are funny, and they often change meaning. Think about the terms "fundamentalist" or "evangelical"...these words no longer mean what they once did. So let me explain what it means when I say that our family is theologically reformed. Basically, this system of theology comes from a specific period in church history called: the Protestant Reformation. Those "protesters" wanted to reform the Roman Catholic church on several different theological fronts, their cry for reform can be summed up as follows : Faith Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Scripture Alone, and Glory to God Alone. Simply put, sinners are justified before God by imputed faith alone, not by works or infused faith (which remains the defining point between the protestant and RCC to this day!). That imputed faith is in Christ alone, not the church, the pope, baptism, or any program and is given to us not because we merit any of God's kindness by our own deeds. It is all God's doing as He draws (drags!) us to Him by His grace. our faith and belief system is based on Scripture alone, not on the words of men, modern day prophecies, or the doctrines of the church, but solely on the inspired Word of God. Lastly, all that we have and all that we do is ultimately to bring Glory to God. Like the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: What is the chief end of man? To bring glory to God and to enjoy Him forever.
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Reader: "What do you mean by Reformed Theology?"
Editor's Response: "Words that we use are funny, and they often change meaning. Think about the terms "fundamentalist" or "evangelical"...these words no longer mean what they once did. So let me explain what it means when I say that our family is theologically reformed. Basically, this system of theology comes from a specific period in church history called: the Protestant Reformation. Those "protesters" wanted to reform the Roman Catholic church on several different theological fronts, their cry for reform can be summed up as follows : Faith Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Scripture Alone, and Glory to God Alone. Simply put, sinners are justified before God by imputed faith alone, not by works or infused faith (which remains the defining point between the protestant and RCC to this day!). That imputed faith is in Christ alone, not the church, the pope, baptism, or any program and is given to us not because we merit any of God's kindness by our own deeds. It is all God's doing as He draws (drags!) us to Him by His grace. our faith and belief system is based on Scripture alone, not on the words of men, modern day prophecies, or the doctrines of the church, but solely on the inspired Word of God. Lastly, all that we have and all that we do is ultimately to bring Glory to God. Like the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: What is the chief end of man? To bring glory to God and to enjoy Him forever.
Quietly making noise,
Fletch
Reader Comments (1)
Oh, and the sweet covenant that God initiates, makes and keeps with His people. What a blessing to be reminded of these truths!
Between good doctrine, G.I.JOE, and the weight watchers cards you definately get "the most forwarded to my husband" award this month!
praising a God that is BIG with you,
Amy