Reformed Theology, a Miniseries from Ephesians
What does it mean that Reforming is a church ‘Reformed’ in theology? How can we see that Reformed Theology is shaped by the Scriptures? And, why this series now, before we get into the rest of Revelation?
What does it mean that Reforming is a church ‘Reformed’ in theology?
It’s Dr. Ligon Duncan (Reformed and Presbyterian scholar and pastor) who puts it so succinctly in this big blue book, from the first sentence in the foreword…
‘Reformed theology is covenant theology. Allow me to explain.’
And then he does, as does the rest of this excellent book of essays on covenant theology.
Now, this book is a BIG one to start into Reformed theology, and so I recommend that if you’re new to all things reformed, a great little starter (literally, it’s a smaller book) is this one by Jonty Rhodes, ‘Covenants Made Simple - Understanding God’s Unfolding Promises to His People’.
Yet, whichever book you start with (and there are manifold more to read on Reformed theology), you’ll see it is the Bible which give us the shape of Reformed theology in the Scriptures.
How can we see that Reformed Theology is shaped by the Scriptures?
The reason for this is that the Bible is from beginning to end, Covenantal. That is, the Bible does not have a dispensational framework. Not only is dispensationalism not reformed, even contrary to reformed theology, you’ll also find that dispensationalism is not a biblical framework given to us by God in his revealed word.
Why this series now, before we get into the rest of Revelation…?
Because we understand the Revelation of Jesus Christ best when we understand this book in the context of the whole Bible. As we have so far seen from Revelation, this book quotes and alludes to the Old Testament more than any other New Testament book. Moreover, its understanding is found when we understand the covenantal theology of the Bible. Revelation is understood because our Reformed theology revealed in the Scriptures gives us understating.
So before we move into chapter 4 of the Book of Revelation, and in timely way as we prepare for our ACM (Annual Congregational Meeting), where we focus on our plans and prayers as a church - we’ll be seeing why we love being Reformed, and therefore always reforming by the word of God. You can see our preaching plan here, for Jesus changes everything.
