Reformed
A Quick Overview of Reformed Theology
Reformed theology came out of the Reformation and in particular the theology of Calvin (1509-1564), although its roots go back to Augustine (345-430), it was formulated by the puritans, especially in the Westminster confession of faith (1646). This Confession is the enduring fruit of the solemn Assembly of some 100 leading Puritan divines, convened at Westminster Abbey in London from July 1, 1643 through to Feb.,1649. Other reformed confessions: Belgic (1580), Baptist (1689), 39 Articles of the Church of England – Anglican and Episcopal (1571, 1662, 1801)
Examples of some reformed theologians are Thomas Manton (1620-1677), John Owen (1616-1683), Richard Baxter (1615-1691), Thomas Goodwin, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1759), George Whitefield (1714-1770) and later Charles Hodge (1797-1878), AA Hodge (1823-1886) Spurgeon (1834-1892), B. B. Warfield (1851-1921), John Gresham Machen (1881-1937). Louis Berkhof (1873-1957) , William Hendriksen (1900-1982), Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), Cornelius Van Til (1895-1987), R C Sproul, John Piper.
Reformed theology emphasizes God rather than being man centered. God chose us rather than we chose God, only those chosen by God will come to him and those who come to him he will not cast out. According to R C Sproul, reformed theology is sometimes called covenant theology being based on the covenants of redemption (within the trinity), works (made with Adam) and grace (made with sinners). Though not all reformed theologians hold to covenant theology. The idea of unconditional election means that there is nothing within us, even in God’s foreknowledge of us that moved Him to elect us. His choice of election was based on His good pleasure and wisdom and not on anything good or bad in us i.e. it is not conditional on us, hence our election is unconditional.
“He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace.” (Eph 1:5,6)
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,” (Eph 1:11)
The key to reformed theology is the absolute Sovereignty of God, as ruler of all things, reigning in complete undistributed majesty.
“There are three basic eschatological views which are held by those calling themselves “Reformed.” These are: postmillennialism, amillennialism, and historic premillennialism.