What does it mean to be Reformed?*

The stronghold of Reformed Christianity since John Calvin is its view of Scripture. To be “always reforming,” for those in the mainstream Reformed tradition, is to be always reforming according to the Word of God. This Word is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments (Eph 2.20). The Bible is the very Word of God and was given by God to inspired human instruments under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim 3.16, 2 Pet 1.20-21). If the human authors of the Bible are really the mouthpiece of God, then we must listen very carefully to what is said by them (Heb 4.2). To ignore the Bible, in whole or in part, is to ignore God himself. The Reformers were very concerned to listen to God speaking in Scripture. That is why they rejected placing church councils on par with Scripture, as has been done in the Roman Catholic Church since at least the 16th century Reformation. No pope or council can determine the meaning of Scripture. Rather, Scripture is to be understood in light of itself. The more difficult parts are to be understood in light of the clearer parts. The Scripture is the Reformed Christian’s “rule of faith and life” (Westminster Confession of Faith 1.2).

If the Bible is the self-disclosure of God, God truly condescending to make himself known to his creatures, then all aspects of our faith and life must be based upon the Bible. What does the Bible say about God, mankind, sin, salvation, church, or sacraments? Reformed churches answer these questions in particular ways. All their answers, however, have a common theme: the glory of God. Why did God create the world? For his glory. Why did God redeem sinners from sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? For his glory. Why does God promise to punish the wicked? For his glory. The glory of God is poured out abundantly on every page of Scripture (Ps 73.25-26, 1 Cor 10.31).

Mankind was created in the image of God, in true knowledge, righteousness and holiness (Gen 1.27, Col 3.10, Eph 4.24). God entered into a covenant with our first parents Adam and Eve. He commanded them not to eat of the tree in the middle of the garden of Eden. If they were to eat of it, they would die (Gen 2.17). A simple command requiring simple obedience. The disobedience of Adam and Eve has brought sin and death upon the whole human race. All creation groans under the weight of sin (Rom 8.20-21). Since Adam and Eve, all people born have been born into a state of sin and misery (Rom 5.17-19). Human hearts are born corrupt (Eccles 7.29, Ps 51.5, Eph 2.1, Rom 3.10). Mankind cannot save itself out of its own corruption (Gal 3.10, Rom 6.23, Matt 25.41).
But Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have, as the one, living, and true God, determined to save some of those under the condemnation of death and under the enslaving power of sin (Eph 1.4, 11, Rom 6.6). This is the free and unmerited grace of God. God has not left the world in its state of sin and misery. Rather, because of the Father’s love, he has chosen a definite number of people to save (a number known only to himself). Because of the Son’s love, he assumed human flesh and suffered the wrath of God in the place of his people. Because of the Spirit’s love, the Spirit applies to God’s people the salvation won by Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection. The work of the Spirit is to work faith in the elect and so unite them to Jesus Christ. The Spirit renews believers after the image of God, and enables believers to die unto sin and live unto righteousness (Ezk 36.26, 2 Tim 1.9).

The Westminster Shorter Catechism opens with the question, “What is the chief end of man?” Its answer: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” The theme throughout Scripture, encompassing both creation and redemption, is very clear: all is for the glory of God!

Adam Ostella
Pastor of Knox Orthodox Presbyterian Church
E-mail: ostella.1@opc.org


* This is not intending to be an exhaustive explanation. Many who believe in the TULIP are truly Calvinists but are not necessarily Reformed. There is a Reformed view of the sacraments, the church, and missions not touched on here.