Rediscovering Our Heritage: Understanding What It Means to Be Reformed
As Christians in the 21st century, we are the beneficiaries of a rich theological legacy that stretches back centuries. But have you ever stopped to think about what it means to be “Reformed”? This term has become synonymous with a particular brand of Protestantism, but its origins and meaning are often misunderstood.
A Legacy of Reform
The Protestant Reformation, sparked by Martin Luther’s famous 95 Theses in 1517, was not a rejection of the entire Christian tradition, but rather a call to reform and correct certain errors and abuses within the Church. The Reformers did not seek to create a new church from scratch, but rather to improve and adjust the existing one.
Reformed Catholics
In this sense, the early Protestants saw themselves as “Reformed Catholics.” They were not schismatics seeking to break away from the Church, but rather faithful Christians who wanted to restore the Church to its biblical roots. This is evident in the Westminster Confession, which affirms many of the same doctrines as the ancient creeds of the Church, while also correcting certain errors and abuses.
A Shared Heritage
Despite our differences with Roman Catholicism, we share a common heritage and many areas of agreement. The theologians of the Westminster Assembly, for example, had great respect for Roman Catholic theologians like Thomas Aquinas, even if they disagreed with certain aspects of his teaching.
Embracing Our Identity
So what does it mean to be Reformed? It means embracing our identity as part of the one catholic and universal Church, while also recognizing the need for ongoing reform and correction. We are not schismatics, but rather faithful Christians seeking to align ourselves with the teaching of Scripture.
Confidently Reformed
If someone asks you if you are a Roman Catholic, you can confidently respond, “No, I’m a Reformed Catholic.” This opens up an opportunity to share the wonderful truths of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Don’t cede the title of Catholic – embrace it, but with the qualifier that you are a Reformed Catholic.
About the Author
J. V. Fesko (PhD, University of Aberdeen, Scotland) is the academic dean and professor of systematic and historical theology at Westminster Seminary California. He was the pastor of Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Woodstock, Georgia, for ten years. J. V. lives in Escondido, California, with his wife, Anneke, and their three children.
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