Reformed Theology

Reformed Theology

What is Reformed Theology?

by Rev. Alex Purnomo

A Director of The Association for Christian Education of Blacktown Ltd.

August 2021

As stated in our strategic plan 2020-2025 regarding “Our Guiding Principles”, since its beginnings, Tyndale Christian School has been committed to a Reformed theological perspective, which was the faith and worldview of the founders of the school, as outlined in the Educational Creed.

What is a Reformed theological perspective? It is based on the conviction that the Scripture is the Word of God and has the final authority as the only ultimate source of appeal in matters of faith and practice (Scripture alone). However important church traditions might be, they are insufficient and must submit to and be reformed by the Scripture.

With regards to salvation, a Reformed theological perspective believes that it is by God’s grace alone (not our merits), through faith in Christ alone (not in our good works, nor any other mediators between God and humans) and to the glory of God alone.

But a Reformed theological perspective involves a world and life view and is much more comprehensive than the issue of salvation. God, in his wisdom and grace, does not intend merely to save individuals, but also to renew the whole world. Therefore, a Reformed theological perspective believes that every thought must be taken captive for Christ. It discourages culture-denying escapism and encourages Christians to engage at every level with the society around them. This perspective shapes our attitude to culture, creation and ecology, science and technology, medical ethics, communications and social media, politics and government and so on.

A Reformed theological perspective stands in the mainstream of the historic Christian faith in affirming the following creeds of the Early Church (The Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Chalcedonian Definition), but more specifically, the widely adopted historic expressions of the Reformed faith, such as the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort, the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Thirty-Nine Articles.

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