Sunday, November 6, 2011

What does it mean to be Reformed?

With the rising popularity of Calvinism, or more accurately, Reformed theology with those of us raised in evangelical churches, there is often confusion over what it really means to be "reformed". Is it a belief in the doctrines of grace (which for many new to Reformed theology is often the case) or is it much more? This is important, because I've seen firsthand how a misunderstanding of true Reformed theology can lead to confusion and error.

On his Riddleblog, Dr. Kim Riddlebarger shares an essay entitled "How many points?" by Dr. Richard A. Muller. An excerpt:

"The emphasis on adult baptism, being "born again," and "accepting Christ" is connected, in American evangelical circles, with language concerning "a personal relationship with Jesus" or knowing Jesus as one's "personal Savior." In protesting against this language, I know that I will be stepping on a few religious toes — although the protest is not at all directed against piety or Christian religious experience as such. The issue is that this language itself is neither Reformed in its content nor suitable for transfer into a Reformed confessional context."

Read the complete essay here.

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