What Does it Mean to be “Reformed”?

Understanding the Reformed Faith:

If someone wanted us to explain what the Reformed Faith is in just three words, we would answer, “God saves sinners.” This means that God does ALL the work in saving His people. And this is the most basic idea of the Reformed Faith.

In October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 theses (statements) against the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. This started the Reformation. “Reform” simply means a change of beliefs to follow the teaching of the Bible.

Creeds and Confessions

Our beliefs are summarized in the Ecumenical Creeds: the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed.

We also hold to the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort; together these are known as the Three Forms of Unity. These teaching documents are widely accepted as official statements of doctrine by Reformed churches.

These 12 Points Summarize the Basic Reformed Faith:

  1. Soli Deo Gloria – Glory of God Alone
  2. Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone
  3. Solus Christus – Christ Alone
  4. Sola Fide – Faith Alone
  5. Sola Gratia – Grace Alone
  6. Sovereignty of God
  7. Holiness of God
  8. Total Depravity (or Total Inability)
  9. Unconditional Election
  10. Limited Atonement
  11. Irresistible Grace
  12. Perseverance of the Saints

We Believe:

  • That all glory belongs to God alone, not man (Romans 11:36).
  • That scripture alone has the final authority to determine our beliefs (2 Timothy 3:16).
  • That we are saved by Christ alone (John 14:6).
  • That we are saved by faith alone, not by our works (Eph 2:8).
  • That we are saved by grace alone (Eph 2:5).
  • In a clearly defined doctrine of salvation according to God’s sovereignty. God is sovereign (in control) in all things, including saving His people (Jonah 2:9).
  • That God is Holy. God is different from man. God always does what is right. God never does what is wrong. He is pure. (Psalms 96:9)
  • In total depravity (or total inability). Everyone is born in sin, and no one can or will come to God by themselves (Romans 3:10-11,23, John 6:65).
  • In unconditional election. God chose us before the world began. He did not chose us based on our works (Eph 1:4, Rom 9:11).
  • In limited atonement (or particular redemption). Christ died for His sheep (believers) only (John 10:11).
  • In irresistible grace (or efficacious grace). God draws the sheep (believers) to Christ (Ezek 36:26-27, John 6:44). This means that God brings his people towards Him to save them.
  • In perseverance (and preservation) of believers. When a person is saved, he cannot lose his salvation. A truly saved believer will live his life in obedience to God (John 10:28-29, 14:15).
  • That the Reformed Faith gives all glory to God. Soli Deo Gloria!