WHAT IS REFORMED THEOLOGY?
Reformed theology is biblical Christianity. It is a recovery of the gospel found in the scriptures and not a discovery of anything new outside of them. The Protestant Reformation caused a huge change in all of Western society. There was a time when everyone went to the same catholic (universal) church. After the Reformation there were two churches in the west: the Protestant Church (protesting against the Catholic Church and the wrong teaching of its leaders) and the Roman Catholic Church. Reformers led the church away from Roman Catholicism which resulted in the birth of what we know as Protestant Christianity. We do not believe that these men invented new doctrine, but simply led people back to the once for all faith delivered to the saints (Jude 3). These men were held captive to and formed by Scripture, not tradition as their guiding principle. We believe Reformed theology best captures a faithful summary of what the Bible teaches.
The word "alone" is important in the solas. "Alone" amplifies the God-centered character of the gospel and of the Christian life.
SOLA SCRIPTURA/SCRIPTURE
Scripture alone is a statement about the nature of scripture its exclusivity as our authority. The 66 books of the Bible are the final and supreme authority for faith and practice. Christian doctrine and Christian living flow from the scriptures.
SOLA FIDE/FAITH
Faith alone is the principle through which we are saved. We are not saved by good works but saved for good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is faith alone that puts a man right with God having taken hold of the work of God in Christ for them (Romans 3:28)
SOLA GRATIA/GRACE
We are saved by grace alone. We do nothing to earn, deserve, or initiate our salvation. God does the work of salvation (Romans 11:6). Everything we receive from God is by grace, from our daily bread to our final breath and resurrection of our bodies (Psalm 145:8).
SOLA CHRISTO/CHRIST
Christ alone is the main point of the Bible and the whole of Scripture testifies about him (John 5:39, Luke 24:27). No one comes to the Father apart from Him (John 14:6). There is no fellowship with God apart from Christ (1 John 1:3).
SOLI DEO-GLORIA/GLORY
Glory to God alone. We have fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and do all things to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). God’s comprehensive plan to rescue a world that is broken beyond all hope is so that He might receive the Glory due him as rightful creator and restorer of this world.
