Today’s Christian Reformed Churches place strong emphasis onmissionary work, social justice, race relations, and worldwide relief efforts. Christian Reformed Church Full Name: Christian Reformed Church in North America Also Known As: CRC and CRCNA

What is Reformed Christianity?

Reformed Christianity is sometimes said to adopt the paradigm of Christ the transformer of culture.. This means the emphasis of the Reformed church is to bring the gospel to bear on all societal and cultural institutions and practices, so that the power of God can work within the structures of a community or country.

Why is Jesus Christ so important to the Reformed Church?

The centrality of Jesus Christ is crucial, with the Reformed confessing him as God with us (the Incarnation) and truly God and truly human—the eternal Son of God who lived and died and was raised again to provide salvation, which is the restoration of the loving relationship between God and humans that has been broken by sin.

What does the Reformed Church believe about sin?

The Reformed acknowledge that Christians continue to sin and do not always act in accord with God’s will. God’s forgiveness is extended to them, in Jesus Christ, when they confess their sin in repentance and then resolve to follow God’s will. Reformed Christians look to the Bible as the source of their knowledge of God’s will.

What is the Reformed view of salvation?

Reformed Christians affirm the doctrines of Protestantism, emphasizing that salvation is the freely given gift of God, offered by God’s grace, and received by sinners through faith. Faith is focused on belief and trust in Jesus Christ as the savior who has taken upon himself human sin.

What is a Reformed Christian?

The Reformed tradition is grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and seeks to offer a thoughtful, biblical, and Spirit-filled response to the challenges of our times.

What is the meaning of Sola Scriptura?

Sola Scriptura, which means “by Scripture alone,” is a theological term that emphasizes the Bible as “the sole norm or source for Christian doctrine” (1). This tenet of Christianity was first articulated by Martin Luther in 1520. It rejects any authority other than that of the Bible, which it holds to be self-authenticating and clear in its meaning.

Why is Scripture the final authority?

In the Reformational perspective, Scripture alone is the final authority because it is seen as inspired and inerrant. Sola Scriptura has been a controversial topic and there are different points of view on this particular issue.

What was the Reformation?

The Reformation is a term used to describe the period of religious reform in Western Europe during the 16th century. Martin Luther was one of the chief architects of the Reformation and his ideas on salvation led him to break from the Catholic Church and inspire a rebellion against Rome’s authority that would result in an unprecedented split of Christianity during the early modern period. There are many significant historical events and ideologies that can be traced back to Martin Luther’s work including an emphasis on Bible reading for personal devotion, belief in justification by faith alone, and opposition to monasticism.

What is the emphasis of Reformed theology?

Reformed theology has always been marked by an emphasis on grace alone rather than relying heavily on works for salvation.

What were the positive aspects of Martin Luther’s work?

In conclusion, it is important to note that while there were many positive aspects of Martin Luther’s work such as his advocacy for Bible reading which led people to read scripture more

What does Orthodox believe?

Orthodox: Orthodoxy believes that tradition and scripture form one united whole; tradition preserves what was taught from apostolic times, while scripture provides the basis for that teaching. Orthodox people say that Scripture does not replace tradition but rather

What is the covenant of grace?

In other words, the covenant of grace (of which Jesus Christ serves as covenant mediator – 1 Timothy 2:5) only makes sense against the backdrop of humanity’s collective fall into sin and the resulting curse (death) when Adam rebelled against his creator and broke the terms of the covenant of works. Although the term “covenant …

What did the prophet say about Adam?

In Hosea 6:7, the prophet records the word of the Lord as follows: “But like Adam they [Israel and Judah] transgressed the covenant; there they dealt faithlessly with me.” Based upon this declaration it is clear that Adam stood in a covenant relationship to his creator while in Eden, and that Adam had indeed violated the terms of that covenant through a personal act of disobedience. In this declaration from the prophet, we find two very important elements of Christian theology as understood by Reformed Christians. The first element is that Adam was created in covenant relationship with God (this covenant was not arbitrarily imposed upon Adam after God created him). Second, Adam’s violation of this covenant brought down horrible consequences upon himself, as well upon the entirety of the human race whom he represents and which has biologically descended from him.

Why is it important to acknowledge the existence of the covenant of works?

This undergirds the fact that the covenant of works was not imposed upon humanity after God created Adam. Rather, by creating Adam as a divine image-bearer, Adam was created in a covenant relationship …

What happens if Adam disobeys the covenant?

If Adam should disobey the demands of this covenant–-perfect obedience in thought, word, and deed–-then Adam and all those whom he represents (the entire human race) are subject to the covenant curse , which is death.

What is the first element of the Christian theology?

The first element is that Adam was created in covenant relationship with God (this covenant was not arbitrarily imposed upon Adam after God created him).

What is the blessing promised upon perfect obedience?

Third, there is a blessing promised upon perfect obedience (eternal life) as well as a threatened curse (death) for any act of disobedience. If Adam obeys his creator and does not eat from the tree, then he will receive God’s promised blessing–eternal life.

Did Adam live on as he had been?

Adam would not just live on as he had been, but Adam will be confirmed in righteousness and given eternal life. But once Adam sinned and came under the covenant curse, such perfect and complete obedience was impossible for Adam or any of his descendants to render unto the Lord.

WHAT IS SACRED?

Reformed Christians do not recognize any human elements as sacred. That which is sacred is God —known in the Trinity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As Jesus Christ has ascended into heaven, there are no sacred objects, persons, or places on earth to be worshiped. To worship thus, in the Reformed view, is to practice idolatry, which gives undue honor to that which is not God. In general, this is the theological view of other Protestant churches. The use of symbols in worship and in other liturgical practices, however, is more prominent in some other Protestant bodies than among the Reformed.

What is a reformed church?

This central governing unit is composed of ministers and elders (elected leaders of local congregations) from a specific geographical area. In a congregational polity each local church has complete jurisdiction over its own church life .

What is reformed Christianity?

"Reformed" refers to a number of church bodies worldwide. The World Alliance of Reformed Churches, a voluntary organization, represents approximately 70 percent of the world’s Reformed Christians. In 2003 it had 218 churches in 107 countries with more than 75 million members (who subscribed to more than 60 different confessions of faith). Most churches are called Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed, and United, and most are minorities in their countries.

What is weekly worship?

Weekly worship services are a central part of the Christian experience. The Reformed emphasize that worship is for the people of God, who gather to honor and worship him, to pray, to listen to his Word, to celebrate the sacraments, and to be nurtured in their lives of faith to serve God in the world in all they do. Worship services feature hymns, prayers, a sermon, the sacraments, an offering, and, often, announcements related to the local congregation.

What does the empty cross mean in Christianity?

The cross stands at the center of Christianity. Reformed Christians, like other Protestants, honor the empty cross of the resurrected Christ as a sacred symbol of their faith. An empty cross topped by a crown is often a symbol in Reformed churches, while historically a rooster adorning their steeples is a reminder of Christ’s coming return in judgment.

What were the main points of Calvinism?

The Synod of Dort (1618–19), in the Netherlands, rejected Jacobus Arminiu’s views on predestination and promulgated the five points of Calvinism: total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints (TULIP). Later the Westminster Assembly (1643–48), in England, produced the Westminster Confession of Faith (1647), which articulated doctrinal understandings and a presbyterian form of church government by elders through presbyteries. Church bodies that held theological beliefs similar to those of Presbyterians but who advocated a local, independent form of church government became known as Congregationalists.

Where do most of the world’s reformed Christians live?

During this period Reformed Christianity grew strongly in the Southern Hemisphere, where a majority of the world’s Reformed Christians now live. A large number of Reformed Christians are also found in Asia, with Presbyterians the largest Protestant group in South Korea. In western Europe and North America, Reformed Christians are a declining percentage of the population.

What are the five points of the Synod of Dort?

The Synod of Dort (1618) was called to answer the teachings of Arminianism and summarized Calvinist doctrine in five points: 1) Total Depravity of Man, 2) Unconditional Election, 3) Limited Atonement, 4) Irresistible Grace, 5) Perseverance of the Saints. These five points are often referred to by the acronym “TULIP.”.

What is reformed theology?

Reformed theology is a body of doctrine that is taught by many different churches, including Presbyterian and some Baptist churches. This body of doctrine reflects the teachings of the Protestant reformers Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin and is also referred to as Calvinism.

What are the two branches of the Reformed Church?

There are two main branches within the Reformed Church family tree in America: Dutch Reformed and German Reformed. Both branches represent churches that separated from the Roman Catholic Church as part of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. The Dutch Reformed branch can be traced back to the Dutch settlers who gathered in New Amsterdam in 1628. The German Reformed branch was started by German immigrants who settled around Philadelphia in the early 1700s. These two branches have much in common, yet have remained distinct throughout their history.

When did the RCUS merge with the Evangelical Synod of North America?

In 1934 , the RCUS merged with the Evangelical Synod of North America to form the United Church of Christ. A sizable group of churches rejected that merger and formed a reorganized church retaining the name RCUS. Reformed theology is a body of doctrine that is taught by many different churches, including Presbyterian and some Baptist churches.

How many members does the Reformed Church have?

In 1867, the name was changed to the Reformed Church in America. The Reformed Church in America has over 300,000 members and is a founding member of the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

When was the German Reformed Church formed?

The German Reformed Church was formed in 1725 near Philadelphia and eventually took the name Reformed Church in the US (RCUS). One of the great leaders of this church was Philip Schaff, who was a highly respected writer and editor. His works on church history and the Apostolic Fathers are still widely used today, more than 100 years after his death. In 1934, the RCUS merged with the Evangelical Synod of North America to form the United Church of Christ. A sizable group of churches rejected that merger and formed a reorganized church retaining the name RCUS.

Who is Cornelius Plantinga?

Cornelius Plantinga, Reformed theologian and president of Calvin Theological Seminary, writes, “Our accents lie more on the sovereignty of God, on the authority of Scripture, on the need for disciplined holiness in personal Christian life, and finally, on Christianity as a religion of the Kingdom.”. The German Reformed Church was formed in 1725 …

How did Jesus grow?

As Jesus grew, his reliance upon the Spirit grew as well. Luke 2:40 says that Jesus grew in wisdom, which is attributed to the work of the Spirit in Isaiah 11. A young boy teaching the theologians of his day was able to do so because the Spirit was equipping his human nature.

What is the third pattern that I noticed related to the Spirit?

A third pattern that I noticed related to the Spirit was that reformed people talk almost exclusively of the Spirit in relationship to soteriology ( the doctrine of salvation). Is our pneumatology strictly soteriological?

How long did it take for Jesus to be raised from the dead?

After three days the Lord Jesus was raised from the dead. The Spirit does this work as well. First Peter 3:18 says that Jesus was put to death and quickened by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:11 says that he laid down his life and the Spirit raised him up.

What was Jesus’ ministry at his baptism?

At his baptism the Lord Jesus was set apart for his public ministry. The gospels record that the voice of the Father proclaimed, “This is my son, in whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17).” As the Father proclaimed this approval and pleasure, it was the Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, that descended and set Jesus apart for his public ministry. He was equipped to preach the good news (Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1).

Do reformed people focus on the Holy Spirit?

The accusation is often made that people in the reformed and presbyterian tradition do not focus enough on the work of the Holy Spirit. We’ve all heard the accusation. Pentecostals and charismatics focus on the Spirit’s work, and let’s face it, we’re not them. Reformed people, defending our high view of the Spirit, will comment on how the Spirit’s work is focused on Christ and the Spirit’s ministry is to bring to remembrance the things that Jesus Christ taught (John 14). This is true; but do we give the due reverence that the Spirit deserves in our lives and in our ministries?

What is the Reformed theology?

Reformed theology is not just about TULIP. As one of the two traditions (with Lutheranism) that goes directly back to the Reformers, it has a solid theological base. It’s not surprising that you’d find many of the better teachers to be Reformed. In my opinion the key to Calvin’s theology is not predestination, but rather our union with Christ, and what its basis is. Predestination is the most controversial, so it’s talked about the most by outsiders, but in fact Reformed Christians emphasize faith in Christ, and also the importance of living a disciplined life based on faith.

How does Calvinism influence the preacher?

How this influence the Preachers/Teachers, I think, is the increased emphasis on exegetical exposition (rather than personal experiences/testimonies) and a dedication to understand the message of the scripture as it is intended to be understood by its original readers, and not simply ripping verses out of context to fit the preacher’s own ideas. Further divisions in the denomination (Calvinisim and others) is simply referring to the traditional framework through which the adherents interpret the verses of the scripture. Most Reformed Christians hold that John Calvin’s framework is the most in line with the Biblical teaching, but some doctrines are more essential than others, and I don’t really see the "five-points of Calvinism" as a part of those "essentials".

How many points are there in Calvinism?

Normally we call those Protestants that hold to the 5-points (TULIP) of Calvinism Reformed. I think some Reformed churches hold 4 or less of the points, but that’s probably an exception to the rule.

How does salvation come?

Salvation comes by God’s grace, through faith, and not by human efforts or actions. The Reformed affirm the Bible (Holy Scripture) as the Word of God and as the medium through which the knowledge of God and God’s actions through Jesus Christ are known.". — Encyclopedia.com. ?.

Why did King Henry VIII break ties with the Pope?

In the second, there was the English Reformation, which refers to when King Henry VIII broke ties with the Pope in order to establish an independent English Church, with himself as temporal head–basically because he wanted to divorce his wife and marry another woman, and the Pope said no. This began a period of turmoil in English Christianity between Protestant-friendly factions and anti-Protestant factions. Henry himself was anti-Protestant, which is also why he had William Tyndale put to death; of course Henry’s successors would be more pro-Protestant and would, instead, have Catholics put to death. Eventually the Church of England would undergo further Protestant reform, largely influenced by the Reformed tradition. And high-church, catholic revival movements such as the Oxford Movement would also lead some Anglicans toward a more Catholic expression of Anglicanism in later centuries–giving us the modern Anglican Communion, including the Episcopal Church in the USA (Anglicanism was renamed Episcopalianism in the United States after the American War for Independence).

What is faith in Jesus?

Faith is focused on belief and trust in Jesus Christ as the savior who has taken upon himself human sin. Through Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, sinners are adopted into the family of God and are saved. Salvation comes by God’s grace, through faith, and not by human efforts or actions.

What is the Catholic protest against indulgence?

"An indulgence is the full or partial remission of temporal punishment for sins after the sinner confesses and receives absolution. Under Catholic teaching, every sin must be purified either here on earth or after death in a state called purgatory.".