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Using Biblical Examples to Illustrate Reformed Theology Principles

Reformed theology emphasizes several core principles, often illustrated through biblical examples that highlight God's sovereignty, humanity's fallen nature, and the transformative power of grace. One foundational concept is the universal sinfulness of humanity, which necessitates divine intervention for salvation.

The Bible consistently portrays humanity as inherently sinful. Psalm 58:3 states that "All human beings are born sinners" [7]. This inherent sinfulness is not merely a matter of committing individual acts of sin, but a corrupted nature [12]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary on 1 John 3:8 explains that "He that committeth sin is of the devil," contrasting this with being "born of God." Augustine, as cited in the same commentary, notes that "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [8]. This underscores that sin is not merely an external act but stems from an internal disposition. The first sin, as described in Genesis 3:13, was not simply eating forbidden fruit, but involved "a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters—a preference of the creature to the Creator" [9]. This initial act established a pattern of rebellion, which Psalm 19:13 identifies as "great sin" [10]. Paul, in Romans 1:18–3:20, systematically demonstrates that both Gentiles and Jews are "equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own" [11]. God's anger, in this context, is not an arbitrary outburst but a "necessary response to sin" [11].

Given this pervasive sinfulness, Reformed theology stresses the necessity of God's grace and the concept of Christian liberty. Christian liberty, foretold in Isaiah 42:7 and 61:1, is conferred by God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, and is realized "through the gospel" [5]. It is a freedom from the law, its curse, the fear of death, sin, corruption, and the bondage of man [5]. This liberty is described as the "glorious liberty of the children of God" (Romans 8:21) [5].

The call to spiritual maturity and perseverance is another key principle. Hebrews 6:1 exhorts believers to move beyond the "first principles of Christ" and "press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God" [6]. John Gill, in his commentary on Hebrews 6:1, explains that "the principles of the doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk... which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in" [14]. Calvin, as cited in the Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary, likens this to building a house: "one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [13]. This progression involves a commitment to sincerity in all aspects of life, including love for God and Christ, service, faith, and conduct (2 Corinthians 1:12; Ephesians 6:24; Joshua 24:14; 1 Timothy 1:5) [2].

Biblical examples also illustrate virtues that align with Reformed principles. Liberality, for instance, is pleasing to God and never forgotten by Him (2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:16; Hebrews 6:10) [3]. Christ himself set an example of liberality (2 Corinthians 8:9), and it is a characteristic of saints (Psalm 112:9) [3]. This liberality should extend to the service of God, fellow saints, servants, the poor, strangers, and even enemies (Exodus 35:21-29; Romans 12:13; Deuteronomy 15:12-14; Isaiah 58:7; Leviticus 25:35; Proverbs 25:21) [3]. The John Gill Commentary on 2 Corinthians 9:13 notes that the liberality of the Gentile churches led the poor saints in Jerusalem to "glorify God" for their "professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ" [15].

Resignation to God's will is another principle exemplified by Christ (Matthew 26:39-44; John 12:27; 18:11) [4]. This involves submission to God's will and sovereignty, even in the face of death, loss, chastisement, and bodily suffering (2 Samuel 15:26; Romans 9:20-21; Acts 21:13; Job 1:15-21; Hebrews 12:9; Job 2:8-10) [4]. The wicked, in contrast, are often devoid of such resignation (Proverbs 19:3) [4].

Finally, the doctrine of the resurrection is a "first principle of the gospel" (1 Corinthians 15:13-14; Hebrews 6:1-2) [1]. It was expected by Jews (John 11:24) and preached by the apostles (Acts 4) [1]. Christ assumed and proved the resurrection (Matthew 22:29-32; John 5:28-29) [1]. This doctrine underscores the ultimate hope and vindication found in God's redemptive plan.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resurrection, The — A doctrine of the Old Testament -- Job 19:26; Ps 16:10; 49:15; Isa 26:19; Da 12:2; Ho 13:14. A first principle of the gospel -- 1Co 15:13,14; Heb 6:1,2. Expected by the Jews -- Joh 11:24; Heb 11:35. Denied by the Sadducees -- Mt 22:23; Lu 20:27; Ac 23:8. Explained away by false teachers -- 2Ti 2:18. Called in question by some in the church -- 1Co 15:12. Is not incredible -- Mr 12:24; Ac 26:8. Is not contrary to reason -- Joh 12:24; 1Co 15:35-49. Assumed and proved by our Lord -- Mt 22:29-32; Lu 14:14; Joh 5:28,29. Preached by the Apostles -- Ac 4:”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Liberty, Christian — Foretold -- Isa 42:7; 61:1. Conferred By God. -- Col 1:13. By Christ. -- Ga 4:3-5; 5:1. By the Holy Spirit. -- Ro 8:15; 2Co 3:17. Through the gospel. -- Joh 8:32. Confirmed by Christ -- Joh 8:36. Proclaimed by Christ -- Isa 61:1; Lu 4:18. The service of Christ is -- 1Co 7:22. Is freedom from The law. -- Ro 7:6; 8:2. The curse of the law. -- Ga 3:13. The fear of death. -- Heb 2:15. Sin. -- Ro 6:7,18. Corruption. -- Ro 8:21. Bondage of man. -- 1Co 9:19. Jewish ordinances. -- Ga 4:3; Col 2:20. Called the glorious liberty of the children of God -- Ro”
  6. Hebrews “Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, -- Hebrews 6:1”
  7. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
  8. 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
  9. Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
  10. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
  11. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
  12. 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”
  13. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”
  14. Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”
  15. 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 9:13: Whiles by the experiment of this ministration,.... That is, the poor saints at Jerusalem having a specimen, a proof, an experience of the liberality of the Gentile churches ministered to them by the apostles, first, they glorify God; by giving thanks unto him, acknowledging him to be the author of all the grace and goodness which they, and others, were partakers of; particularly for your professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel of Christ is the doctrine of grace, life, and salvation by Christ, of which he is the author, as God, the subject m”
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