We have been considering Reformed Theology, which is Calvinistic. At this point let’s consider the notion that, while all Reformed Theology is Calvinistic, not all Calvinists are Reformed. Though many Calvinistic Christians consider themselves to be Reformed, there are two other distinctives (that many Calvinists reject) that are part of what it means to be Reformed. They are Confessionalism and Covenantalism.

Confessionally Reformed Christians embrace the value of the historic Confessions written in the 16th and 17th Centuries. These confessions include, but are not limited to, the Westminster, the Belgic, and the London Baptist Confessions. Confessional Reformed Christians “subscribe” to one of the confessions, though some take exceptions to one or more points in a confession.

Why Confessionalism? There are two main reasons.

First, the Confessions unite like-minded Reformed Christians on specific doctrines that are either essential to the Christian faith, or to important secondary doctrines that those who subscribe to a particular confession agree on. Ironically, opponents of Confessionalism insist that confessions divide the body of Christ. Proponents of confessions argue that they do not divide the body (not all Christians must be confessional to be Christian!) but the confessions unite like-minded believers in local churches, associations of local churches, and denominations.

Second, confessions anchor modern Christians to our historic Reformational heritage. This is hugely important in an era such as ours in which some believers tend to think (though not consciously), that Christianity began when they were saved! It is important that believers not think we can make Christianity up as we go along.

Our church is Reformed, Calvinistic, and Confessional, subscribing to the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689.

Next time: What does it mean to be Covenantal?