What is Reformed Theology?

We often hear the term Reformed tossed around. There are individuals who agree with some teachings of Calvin but this does not necessarily mean Reformed. There  is more to Reformed theology than just the five rebuttals to Arminian theology known as the five points of Calvinism. Some challenges exist that historic Baptists cannot be Reformed because of church government. While others claim since part of the Reformed tradition is paedobaptism (infant/child baptism), and Baptist only practice credobaptism (believers’ baptism) it cannot be Reformed. This however is not entirely correct, because Reformed teachings and confessions, are treasured by many who hold to specific doctrinal positions. So being Reformed is more than just surface or preconceived ideas. 

When we ask the question what Reformed Theology is, the answer is always, it is a theological framework that originates from the Protestant Reformation. It is not a new method of theology, but God working through men like Luther, Calvin and Zwingli, who addressed abuses of doctrine  (from the Roman Catholic church). Churches needed to be reformed, the faults removed, and clarity or correction made. These corrections were carried forward and confessions such as the Westminster Confession of Faith and the 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of faith were formed to help instruct the church of these essential truths. 

The Mill Christian Fellowship was formed with Baptist roots and is Reformed in its theology. Therefore, we are part of the Canadian National Baptist Convention, networking with the G3 community and operating under the Reformed Baptist tradition. As such the 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession of faith, Catechism, Creeds and the BFM2000 are part of our Statement of Faith. The confession/catechism asks within the first two questions, who is the highest of beings, and what is the chief end of man. The answer to these questions is that God is the first and best of beings, and the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. Therefore, Reformed theology is a biblical framework that views Holy Scripture, and the Christian life through the lens of what glorifies God the most. All throughout the Old Testament and throughout the New Testament one thing is clear. God is to be highly exalted, and man is to be subject to this truth. Man, is nothing more than a created creature and God is the highest and best of all things. 

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

(How firm a Foundation)