Upholding Reformed Theology in Modern Christian Context
Upholding Reformed Theology in Modern Christian Context
Reformed theology emphasizes the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and maintaining a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. The apostle Paul instructs Timothy to "keep this commandment without spot" and to "deliver down to thy successors the truth as thou hast had it from God himself" [6]. This emphasis on preserving and passing on the truth is a hallmark of Reformed theology.
The biblical foundation for this emphasis is found in passages such as 1 Timothy 6:3, which warns against advocating a different doctrine and not agreeing with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ [1, 2]. The author of Hebrews also exhorts believers to "go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God" [4]. This call to maturity and perseverance is rooted in the understanding that true discipleship involves continuing in Christ's word [5].
Reformed theology is characterized by its commitment to the authority of Scripture and the importance of living a life that is consistent with its teachings. According to Matthew Henry, Christianity is "a practical religion, that tends to the right ordering of the conversation" and is designed "not only to inform our judgments, but to reform our hearts and lives" [7]. This understanding is reflected in the emphasis on obedience to Christ and the pursuit of righteousness, as seen in the writings of John Gill on Romans 6:5, where he discusses the believer's union with Christ and the resulting growth in grace [8].
The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, represented by Matthew Henry, and the Baptist/Reformed tradition, represented by John Gill, both emphasize the importance of living a life that is consistent with the teachings of Scripture. Adam Clarke, a Methodist/Wesleyan commentator, also stresses the need to "retain and walk in" the truth, and to be genuine disciples of Christ by receiving, loving, and keeping His word [5].
In the modern Christian context, upholding Reformed theology requires a continued emphasis on the authority of Scripture, the importance of sound doctrine, and the pursuit of a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. As Torrey's Topical Textbook notes, true Christianity involves "believing God," "fearing God," "loving God," and "following God" [3]. This involves a deepening commitment to the principles of the doctrine of Christ and a determination to live a life that is "without spot" and "unrebukable" [6].
The challenge of maintaining Reformed theology in the modern context is not simply a matter of intellectual assent, but rather a call to a transformed life. As John Gill notes, believers are "ingrafted into Christ" and "grow up under the dews of grace, and shinings of the sun of righteousness upon them" [8]. This understanding of the believer's union with Christ and the resulting growth in grace is a key aspect of Reformed theology.
Sources
- 1 Timothy “1 Timothy 6:3 (NASB) — If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 6:3 (BBE) — If any man gives different teaching, not in agreement with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the teaching which is in agreement with true religion,”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conduct, Christian — Believing God -- Mr 11:22; Joh 14:11,12. Fearing God -- Ec 12:13; 1Pe 2:17. Loving God -- De 6:5; Mt 22:37. Following God -- Eph 5:1; 1Pe 1:15,16. Obeying God -- Lu 1:6; 1Jo 5:3. Rejoicing in God -- Ps 33:1; Hab 3:18. Believing in Christ -- Joh 6:29; 1Jo 3:23. Loving Christ -- Joh 21:15; 1Pe 1:7,8. Following the example of Christ -- Joh 13:15; 1Pe 2:21-24. Obeying Christ -- Joh 14:21; 15:14. Living To Christ. -- Ro 14:8; 2Co 5:15. To righteousness. -- Mic 6:8; Ro 6:18; 1Pe 2:24. Soberly, righteously, and godly. -- Tit 2:12. Walking Honestly. -- 1”
- King James Version “[KJV] Hebrews 6:1 — Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,”
- John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on John 8:31: If ye continue in my word - Or, in this doctrine of mine. It is not enough to receive God's truth - we must retain and walk in it. And it is only when we receive the truth, love it, keep it, and walk in it, that we are the genuine disciples of Christ.”
- 1 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Timothy 6:14: That thou keep this commandment without spot - Two things are mentioned here: 1. That the commandment itself - the whole doctrine of Christ, should be kept entire. 2. That his life should be agreeable to that doctrine. Keep it without spot - let there be no blot on the sacred book; add nothing to it; take nothing from it; change nothing in it. Deliver down to thy successors the truth as thou hast had it from God himself. Unrebukable - Let there be nothing in thy conduct or spirit contrary to this truth. Keep the truth, and the truth will keep thee. Until the appe”
- Romans (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Romans 12 (introduction): The apostle, having at large cleared and confirmed the prime fundamental doctrines of Christianity, comes in the next place to press the principal duties. We mistake our religion if we look upon it only as a system of notions and a guide to speculation. No, it is a practical religion, that tends to the right ordering of the conversation. It is designed not only to inform our judgments, but to reform our hearts and lives. From the method of the apostle's writing in this, as in some other of the epistles (as from the management of the principal minister”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 6:5: For if we have been planted together,.... This is not to be understood of an implantation of Jews and Gentiles together in One body; nor of an implantation of believers together in a church state; but of an implantation of Christ and his people together; which is openly done at conversion, in consequence of a secret union with him before; when they are transplanted from a state of nature, and are ingrafted into Christ; have the graces of the Spirit of God implanted in them, and grow up under the dews of grace, and shinings of the sun of righteousness upon them, and bri”