Reformed: Robb Moser
Genesis to Revelation Bible Blogs
The Reformed church is a major branch of Protestantism rooted in the 16th century Reformation, particularly the teachings of John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli. It emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God, the supreme authority of the Bible, and salvation through God's grace alone.
Core Beliefs and Theology
Reformed theology, often referred to as Calvinism, is characterized by several distinct pillars:
Sovereignty of God: God rules over all creation and every detail of human history.
Sola Scriptura: The Bible is the final and only infallible authority for faith and practice.
Covenant Theology: A framework that views the Bible as a series of covenants between God and humanity.
TULIP (Five Points of Calvinism): A common summary of its views on salvation:
Total Depravity: Humans are spiritually dead and unable to save themselves.
Unconditional Election: God chooses whom he will save based solely on his mercy.
Limited Atonement: Christ’s sacrifice was specifically for the elect.
Irresistible Grace: God’s internal call to the elect cannot be resisted.
Perseverance of the Saints: Those truly chosen by God will remain in faith until the end.
Major Denominations
While many churches hold Reformed views, they are generally divided into two historical groups:
Continental Reformed: Originating in mainland Europe (Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany). Examples include the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA).
Presbyterian: Originating in Scotland and England, governed by “presbyters” or elders. Major bodies include the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).