WHAT IS A REFORMED CHURCH?

A Reformed church is a Protestant denomination, originating during the 16th-century Reformation, which emphasizes its doctrines and practices as being "reformed" according to the Word of God. Key beliefs include: salvation by God's grace alone through faith alone, the authority of the Bible, and Jesus Christ as head of the church, instead of the Pope. Reformed churches trace their lineage back to key figures such as John Calvin. Reformed churches are also commonly known as Calvinist churches.

Core beliefs and principles

Five Solas: Reformed churches adhere to the five core principles of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), Sola gratia (Grace alone), Sola fide (Faith alone), and Soli Deo gloria (Glory to God alone).
Christ as head: They believe Jesus Christ is the head of the church and that he governs through his word and spirit.
Salvation: Salvation is understood as a gift of God's grace alone, received by faith.
Sovereignty of God: They emphasize the sovereignty of God in all things, including salvation.
Historic and biblical: Reformed churches consider themselves historic Christian churches, not teaching novel doctrines but recovering historical, biblical ones.

Origins and history

16th-century Reformation: The movement began in the 16th century as a reform of what were seen as the Roman Catholic Church's departures from the Bible.
John Calvin: The theology is closely associated with the work of John Calvin and other Reformation leaders. But their works are built on the foundations and the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus being the chief cornerstone.
Major groups: Reformed churches include major denominations like the Presbyterian denominations, the Reformed Church in America (RCA), and the Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) and parts of the (SBC), Southern Baptist Convention.
Worship and confessions
Confessions: They have historic and official confessions of faith, such as the Heidelberg Catechism and the Belgic Confession, which summarize their understanding of Christian doctrine.
Regulative principle of worship: Many Reformed churches follow a "regulative principle of worship," meaning that elements in worship should have a basis in Scripture.