Since the 1970s there has been a growing number of Christians and churches that are embracing Reformed Theology. That is not to say that Reformed Theology began in the 1970s. It did not. Reformed Theology was rediscovered in the 1500s at the time of the Protestant Reformation. It was a rediscovery of the 4th century theology of Saint Augustine, and the 1st century theology of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.

Reformed Theology can be divided into a number of sub-categories. I will attempt to introduce the chief similarity and some of the the distinctions.

A major similarity is regarding the “Five Solas” of the Reformation, which are:

Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone). The Bible is our only infallible authority for all matters of faith and practice.

Sola Gratia (Grace alone). Salvation is by God’s grace alone, not by any works or effort on our part.

Sola Fide (Faith alone). Salvation is received by faith alone, not by faith plus anything else whatsoever. And saving faith is by God’s grace, it does not originate in lost people.

Solus Christus (Christ alone). Saving faith is in Christ alone, that is, in His person and His finished work, not in faith plus anything or anyone else whatsoever.

Sole Deo Gloria (For God’s glory alone). Because Salvation is solely the work of God, God alone can receive glory for salvation.

Calvinistic and Reformed people and churches must embrace the Five Solas.

Next Time: Calvinism and Reformed—Similarity and differences.