Is Reformed Theology Biblical Christianity?
One of the things that has been eye-opening for me over the years is how so many people become personally offended when discussing things about God. It’s especially noticeable when issues of doctrine are on the table (Christians). In my experience and observation, I think it’s mostly due to the fact we like the sound of ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’ (John 3:30), but not the actual living out of that statement. Otherwise, why would we take offense to someone suggesting we go back to the whole of Scripture to make sure God actually says the things we are claiming? Additionally, we have such a modern, ‘I’m the center of the universe’ approach to things when there is so much in history, specifically church history, that has come before us. In our simplicity, lack of depth, and lack of patience, we prefer the cliff notes’ version of Scripture or Bible quotes over diligent, prayerful study of God’s words. So often, we arrogantly think whatever we believe about Scripture is true, just because we like the way it sounds or it feels right. We may say, ‘Who cares what a Spurgeon, Luther, Augustine, Calvin, or Gill thinks or how they came to those conclusions through decades of study and walking with God?! They subscribe to a ‘reformed theology’ so obviously they are into changing things. I want to follow what God says…’ For someone who didn’t know better, that seems like a logical statement. However, those who have looked into these matters, these men, and compared what they say to Scripture, then you would know not only is it illogical and wrong, but a statement like that says more about your lack of maturity and knowledge when it comes to the Word of God, as well as church history…
Like anything, it helps to FIRST know what something actually is, rather than hearing what others claim it is or what you assume it to be. What is reformed theology? Per usual, Gotquestions.org has a simple, clear explanation with links included. They even have a 3-minute video that sums up what is written for those who prefer that method. Please, take a few minutes to watch it. Ask yourself, does this align with my pre-conceived notions of what reformed theology is? If you question certain parts of it, or feel there is some place you don’t agree, then do some deeper research of the Bible and the discussions on some of these issues going back centuries. You’ll be in good company. It shouldn’t need to be said, but I think it does in our current age — Finding a few Bible verses that you think support your current view and a few others that are purported to be attributed to ‘the other side’ is not taking the time to look into the issue. The importance of sound hermeneutics and understanding proper context when studying the Bible cannot be overstated.
At the end of the day, God has said what He said. Whether we can understand and accept it is another story. Reformed theology, like any other name we give for a certain set of beliefs, is not going to be perfect as only God is perfect. However, one thing that will certainly happen when you entertain this school of thought is ‘God will increase, and we will decrease.’ It forces us to have a higher view of God and lower view of ourselves. Yes, you will find beliefs and statements which contradict many things you hear in modern evangelical circles, and perhaps what you heard in church yesterday or even your church’s mission statement. What will you do with that? Seek God? Check them against God’s Word? Reform your beliefs? Immediately dismiss them? Attack them? Bear false witness against them? Jesus, unlike us, is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). It’s people who change, even those who seek God, for better or for worse. Some even change the word of God or use parts of the Bible to serve their own purposes rather than follow the will of God. Can we discern who those folks are on either side? Examining past examples, both good and bad, can help us today in discerning the ones who are letting the word of God change them to follow His will or changing the word of God to follow their own will. You probably spend at least an hour a day entertaining/ ‘enriching’ yourself with other things. I challenge Christians especially to spend at least half that time looking into some of these issues over the next week. What’s the worst that could happen?