As used in our name, the term “Reformed” applies to the reform that swept across the European continent during the protestant Reformation. It can generally refer to those churches that sought to recover a biblical understanding of theology and later, as “protesters”, broke away from the Roman Catholic church in the 16th century. More specifically, the title refers to those churches following in the footsteps of Augustine and Calvin. The Reformers of the 16th century did not set out to invent new theology, but rather, desired to return to right theology. With this in mind, there are several key tenets that we, with other “Reformed” churches, embrace heartily:
- Sola Scriptura: “By Scripture Alone”
- The Bible is the only measure and ultimate authority for all matters of faith and life.
- Solus Christus: “By Christ Alone”
- Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man.
- Sola Gratia: “By Grace Alone”
- Grace is the only method of divine salvation – we cannot save ourselves.
- Sola Fide: “By Faith Alone”
- Faith is the only means by which the righteousness of Christ is imputed.
- Soli Deo Gloria: “To God Alone be the Glory”
- God’s glory is the chief end of man and the motivation for living.
(You can learn more by listening to a sermon about the “solas”.)
Other distinctives of Reformed theology include a solid commitment to confessional standards, the teaching of covenant theology, the preaching of the pure Gospel, delighting in the Doctrines of Grace, proper administration of the Means of Grace, and the practice of church discipline. For more information concerning features like these, please contact the pastor.
The “United Reformed Church” portion of our name refers to the broader federation we are a member of, the United Reformed Churches in North America. You can learn more about the federation and its history at the URCNA website.