What defines a Reformed church?

I. Historical Foundations

The churches often referred to as Reformed draw their core identity from the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, particularly the theological work of figures such as Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin. Their teachings built on the broader Reformation call to return ad fontes (“to the sources”)—seeking authority first and foremost from Scripture rather than long-standing church traditions.

During this period, multiple confessions and catechisms emerged, including the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), the Belgic Confession (1561), the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), and others. These documents still play a unifying role, ensuring continuity with Reformation-era convictions about God’s sovereignty and the primacy of Scripture.

II. Emphasis on Scripture as Supreme Authority

Reformed churches commonly teach that Scripture alone (sola Scriptura) has the highest authority in matters of faith and practice. This stance is grounded in passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16–17, which affirms that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”

In Reformed theology, the doctrine of inspiration and inerrancy is closely tied to Scripture’s authority. Historical manuscript evidence, such as the thousands of early Greek New Testament manuscripts, underscores the textual reliability of the Bible. The Reformation’s call “ad fontes” included renewed study of Hebrew and Greek texts, further solidifying confidence in the Bible’s consistent message.

III. The Doctrines of Grace

Central to many Reformed traditions are what have been summarized in the acronym TULIP, highlighting five key points sometimes referred to as the “doctrines of grace”:

1. Total Depravity – Humanity is entirely affected by sin (Romans 3:10–11).

2. Unconditional Election – God chooses His own from eternity, not based on human merit (Ephesians 1:4–5).

3. Limited (or Definite) Atonement – Christ’s atonement effectively redeems the elect (John 10:14–15).

4. Irresistible Grace – The call of God powerfully draws individuals to faith (John 6:37).

5. Perseverance of the Saints – True believers endure in faith (John 10:28–29).

These points together emphasize God’s sovereign work in salvation and reflect the Reformed conviction that God’s eternal purposes cannot fail.

IV. The Centrality of God’s Sovereignty

Reformed churches teach that God orchestrates all things according to His sovereign will. Ephesians 1:11 declares, “In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will.” This perspective highlights that salvation, history, and all of creation ultimately serve God’s purposes for His glory.

This high view of God’s sovereignty connects to a broader biblical narrative that God is the Creator who orders and sustains the universe (cf. Genesis 1:1). Many within Reformed circles also point to both historical accounts in Scripture (i.e., the plagues in Exodus or miracles in Acts) and modern records of providential intervention to affirm the active involvement of God in all dimensions of life.

V. Covenant Theology

Underpinning Reformed doctrine is a framework commonly called “covenant theology.” This view sees Scripture as a unified story of God’s redemptive covenant relationship with His people. It identifies major covenants (e.g., the covenant of works and the covenant of grace) and underscores the continuity of God’s plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Key passages used to illustrate this continuity include Genesis 17:7, which highlights a perpetual covenant, and Galatians 3:29, which presents believers in Christ as heirs according to the promise given to Abraham. This cohesive understanding reinforces confidence in Scripture’s internal consistency.

VI. Confessions and Catechisms

Many Reformed churches subscribe to confessions and catechisms as doctrinal summaries that detail their interpretation of biblical truth. Notable examples include:

• The Westminster Standards (Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms)

• The Three Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort)

These statements do not hold the same authority as Scripture but serve as teaching tools to help believers systematically study the Bible. They also safeguard orthodox doctrine across generations. Reformed churches often require church officers (elders, deacons, pastors) to affirm these confessions, ensuring continuity in teaching and governance.

VII. The Marks and Governance of a Reformed Church

Most Reformed traditions identify the following “marks” of a true church:

1. Pure Preaching of the Gospel – Faithful proclamation of salvation by grace through faith in Christ (Romans 1:16).

2. Right Administration of Ordinances (Sacraments) – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper rightly observed (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

3. Practice of Church Discipline – Guiding believers toward holiness and correcting error (Matthew 18:15–17).

Reformed churches typically organize themselves under an elder-led or presbyterian form of government. Elders, recognized for their integrity and biblical knowledge (cf. Titus 1:5–9), provide spiritual oversight for the congregation, and decisions are generally made in a group (a session or consistory) to ensure mutual accountability.

VIII. Emphasis on Worship

Worship in a Reformed church traditionally aims at simplicity and reverence. The “regulative principle of worship”—a principle often highlighted in Reformed thought—teaches that worship should include only the elements explicitly commanded or modeled in Scripture, such as preaching, prayer, singing, the sacraments, and Scripture reading.

Some Reformed churches also reference archaeological discoveries and historical worship patterns from early Christian communities to illustrate how believers have consistently followed clear directives from Scripture. This approach reflects a desire to correspond closely with the biblical model rather than adding to it.

IX. Missional Focus and Christian Living

While historically grounded in theological depth, Reformed churches also emphasize the practical outworking of faith. Believers are encouraged to apply biblical truth in daily life—loving neighbor, caring for the needy, and spreading the good news of the risen Christ.

In line with Matthew 28:19–20, Reformed congregations actively engage in missions worldwide and champion discipleship programs that train members to be bold witnesses. They often view the Christian life as a transformative journey, upheld by God’s grace, culminating in the ultimate hope of resurrection with Christ.

X. Conclusion

A Reformed church is defined by foundational principles that arose during the Protestant Reformation: the ultimate authority of Scripture, the doctrines of grace emphasizing God’s sovereignty over salvation, and a covenantal framework that unifies the biblical narrative. Reformed churches are guided by robust confessional standards, maintain a strong commitment to regular preaching of the Word, faithful administration of sacraments, and active discipleship that shapes every facet of life.

Historical continuity, confessions, and an unshakable confidence that Scripture is God’s inerrant revelation anchor the Reformed tradition. From these convictions flow the heartfelt conviction that, through faith, believers are saved by the One who loved them first, and they live for the glory of God now and forever. As Romans 11:36 declares, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.”