What is reformed?

It’s a question many people have, and I will give the criteria by which I judge someone to be reformed. This list is in no way a definitive and authoritative list, but it is the one I personally use to distinguish between reformed and not.

One of the first tenets of being a reformed Christian is to affirm the five “Solas” of the reformation.

Sola Fide – by faith alone.

Sola Scriptura – by Scripture alone.

Solus Christus – through Christ alone.

Sola Gratia – by grace alone.

Soli Deo Gloria – to the glory of God alone.

The next point in being a reformed Christian is to hold a high view of the sovereignty of God. This is the view that God is in complete control of all His creation, that there is not a single rogue molecule in the universe. He is also sovereign over salvation from beginning to end. He elects who He wills and the entire process of saving His elect is in no way effected by man’s will.

The next item on the list of what is reformed is the doctrines of grace commonly know by the acrostic TULIP.

T – Total depravity.

U – Unconditional election.

L – Limited atonement.

I – Irresistible grace.

P – Perseverance of the saints.

The next reformed point is to be confessional. This means that you hold to one or more of the great creeds and confessions of historic church. The Westminster confession, The Apostles Creed, and the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith are just a few of the confessions and creeds held by those who are in the reformed camp.

The last point we will get to is that to be reformed means to be covenantal. This is the affirmation that God works in covenants with His elect to accomplish His will and purpose. Covenantal theology is a framework in which to interpret Scripture in view of God’s covenants with His people.

To God be all honor and glory!

Thank you and God bless.

–Vincent Lancon