Overview: Reformed Theology
Our understanding of the Gospel is deeply shaped by the individuals who led the Protestant Reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries. This movement sought to return the church to its biblical foundations, breaking away from Roman Catholicism and giving rise to what we now know as Protestant Christianity. We do not believe these reformers introduced new doctrine; rather, they called the church back to the historic faith as revealed in Scripture. Their guiding principle was God’s Word, not human tradition.
Men such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Martin Bucer, Philip Melanchthon, and many others helped clarify and reaffirm the core biblical truths we now summarize as the Five Solas of the Reformation:
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)
Scripture alone—not church traditions or the decrees of popes and councils—should guide our worship and understanding of God.
Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
Faith alone is the means by which sinners receive the saving grace of Jesus Christ. It is only through faith that a person is made right with God, as they trust in Christ’s finished work on their behalf.
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
Salvation is entirely a gift of God’s grace—His unmerited favor. Humanity has done nothing to deserve or earn God’s saving work. It is by His grace alone that He reaches down to us through Christ’s incarnation and redemptive sacrifice.
Solus Christus (Christ Alone)
Jesus Christ alone is the mediator between God and man. Our right standing before God depends solely on Him—His life, death, and resurrection. Any attempt to add to Christ’s work for salvation distorts the Gospel and becomes “another gospel,” which Scripture warns against.
Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone Be the Glory)
God’s plan of redemption is ultimately for His glory. He alone is the Creator and Restorer of a broken world, and He alone deserves all praise and honor for the salvation of His people.
Want To Learn More?
If you want to dive deeper into the rich theological foundations of the Reformation, we recommend exploring the resources offered by Founders Ministries. They believe that biblical faith is inherently doctrinal and that we are called to be confessional in our convictions. Since 1982, Founders has been dedicated to the recovery of the gospel and the reformation of churches, providing valuable resources such as:
- Conferences and books
- The Sword & The Trowel Podcast
- Video documentaries and online articles
- The Founders Journal (a quarterly publication)
- Bible studies and an international church search
- The Institute of Public Theology, a newly launched seminary-level training program
To explore their materials and learn more, visit www.founders.org.