What is Reformed Theology? | Theocast

We often get the questions, “What does it mean to be Reformed?” and “What is Reformed theology? In today’s episode, Jon and Justin answer these questions by discussing five historical tenets of Reformed theology: covenant theology, Calvinism, confessionalism, ordinary means of grace, and the law/gospel distinction. (The guys sneak in one additional matter of doctrine at the end, as well.)

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[ryangallmeier]

Excellent words on the Law/Gospel Distinction.
The Gospel is never, ever, ever imperative; it is only ever indicative.

[Jerubbaal]

I honestly don't even know what you are talking about today, i only know Jesus, and i believe you are fellow brethren in the body.. you are free to believe what you believe the Holy Spirit has taught you.. if either of our doctrines is wrong, i believe the Holy Spirit will teach us guiding us into all truth.. meanwhile i enjoy your teachings and am edified especially where you expound on things we are both at common ground, God bless.

[joelkavanaugh]

Would love to hear your interaction with reformed presbyterian churches

[dieselsoggydog]

The Church I go to use the Scots Confession of 1560 and the Westminster Confession in 1647. This Church was started in 1880 and then built a building in 1903, and still stands today.

[Racheybabysings]

They summarize Reformed Theology into 5 points. Times for all five below:

#1 - Covenant Theology
Content really starts at - 7:33

🎉11:22 🎉
By God's grace, I grew up in churches that taught all of Scripture is about Christ (Luke 24:27) and it surprises me that some churches don't believe that.


#2 - Calvinism - 12:15
#3 - Confessionalism - 19:13

#4 - The Ordinary Means of Grace - 28:16
#5 - Distinction between the Law and Gospel - 38:02

[patriciastotler]

It hurt to hear the words that my Bible Reading and prayer and devotions at home are not a means of grace to sustain and nourish my faith. My church denomination is the URCNA; the past 2+ years due to ill health I can no longer attend Corporate Worship on Lord’s Day. Quarterly my Pastor and Elder bring Lord’s Supper to me at my home. I am blessed to be able to watch the Worship Service online. I dearly miss being there in person. Please realize there are many homebound Christians. 45:39

[robertthompson]

Jon - At 31:07 you used the word "levity" to express why you like the word "sacrament." I'm sure it was just a slip; you meant the exact opposite of levity ("lack of seriousness, lightness of mind"). I think you meant the word sacrament elevates the concept, gives it a HEAVIER tone, not a lighter one.  
I just discovered you guys and very much appreciate your clear teaching. Thank you.

[tjhoss]

Reformed theology is God centered, NOT MAN CENTERED 😊,
SALVATION IS OF THE LORD!
JONAH 2:9.❤

[MineStrongth]

Yes, the original church had limited physical texts. Corporate teaching would have been the only way at that time. Today it is not the case, as you said. Scripture says the word of God is profitable. It doesn't say it's only profitable if corporately taught by an elder.

[glenncook]

Having spent the past 2 years coming out of Calvinism, I have grown to understand that Calvinism uses eisegeses to impose beliefs onto biblical texts as opposed to exegesis to let the bible drive what you believe. The calvinist cannot reconcile God Predetermining who would be saved and not be saved with John 3:16, "Whosoever believes..." They fall back on "Its a mystery". These so-called mysteries are introduced by the calvinist systematic beliefs. I agree with the bible that all are dead in their sin. However, nowhere in scripture does it say that man is unable to believe the Gospel. John 20:31 says, "but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
What is amazing is that for the first 400 years, the church fathers did not believe in God Predetermining who would be and not be saved. It wasn't until Augustine introduce this gnostic teaching. I would highly recommend reading "The Foundation of Augustinian-Calvinism" by Dr. Ken Wilson.

[johndodson]

Way to go, champs. So few teach Law/Gospel distinction. You guys are like 2 crazy lighthouse keepers guarding Sola Fide on edge of what is now the desolation of Western Civilization. 😂

[philipjohnson]

I have to wonder who your target audience is. You start out saying that the listener may have questions about his/her salvation, indicating this is for the younger believer. But the discussion seems to actually target those who are schooled in theology to a some degree. So the discussion is likely to go over the heads of the majority of Christians. This seems like a discussion between pastors of differing perspectives within the Calvinistic and Reformed persuasions.

[sirdanteesquire]

Jon and or Justin, How do you feel about R. C. Sproul's definition of Reformed Theology?

[skubalaman]

It FIRST came from SOLA SCRIPTURA.
1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17;
Proverbs 30:5-6. You lightly touched upon that but not nearly enough.

[soulosxpiotov]

Wait, when listening to this podcast, I realized I might agree with (both) of you. You equate WATER baptism and union in Christ? Or, "water baptism points to your already being saved"? You guys went so fast in what you said, you weren't specific enough.

[soulosxpiotov]

"What the saints said"...well, to a point.

[Jesusandmentalhealth]

In plain, clear and concise language - does Calvinism hold to the belief that God chooses some people to be saved and doesn't choose others to be saved?

[lukewarmnomore]

Where are you guys on NCT by the likes of John Reisinger and Blake White?

[tomtemple]

why do people hate the sovereignty of God so much? people have been brainwashed to have such a hate against Calvinists by the people who idolize free will, humanism, individualism and downplaying the sinfulness and depravity of man....

[ericschilling]

Hey, let's debate this for years. Helping our neighbors and the poor isn't what Christianity is about. It's about debating trivial points in theology