Is Your Church Reformed?
Winter 2013
We would not call ourselves "Reformed" except in the sense that our theology is a product of the Protestant Reformation. We believe in the authority and inerrancy of scripture, the priesthood of believers, and salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. In other words, we affirm the foundational truths of the Reformation. However, we are not 5 Point Calvinists. We affirm radical depravity, unmerited election, unlimited atonement, the free grace of God, and God's eternal preservation of His children. We differ from most Calvinist churches in regard to the atonement, which we believe was a complete payment for the sins of all people of all times, but which is applied only for those who believe (1 John 2:2; 1 Tim 4:10).
We also believe that experiential sanctification is neither guaranteed nor inevitable. All believers are called to grow in holiness, and are expected to do so. Such growth is natural and normal for Christians. However, it is possible for believers to live carnal lives if they choose to listen to the voice of the flesh rather than to the Spirit (1 Cor 3:1-3; Romans 8:5-8). Such Christians are still justified and will thus be glorified, but they will experience discipline in this life and loss of reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor 3:10-15).
For a detailed exposition of some of the relevant issues, read The Reign of the Servant Kings by Joseph Dillow.