**What Is Reformed Theology? A Focus on the PCA**

*Introduction*

Reformed theology is a rich and deeply biblical tradition that has shaped the faith and practice of countless Christians throughout history. Rooted in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, it emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the centrality of Christ in salvation. The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), founded in 1973, is a modern expression of this tradition, committed to the Reformed faith as articulated in the Westminster Standards. This paper will explore the core tenets of PCA Reformed theology, its historical development, its biblical foundations, and the contributions of key figures who have shaped this tradition.

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**I. The Core Tenets of Reformed Theology**

1. **The Sovereignty of God**

At the heart of Reformed theology is the belief in the absolute sovereignty of God. Scripture teaches that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:17) and that He works all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). This means that nothing happens outside of God’s control, and His purposes cannot be thwarted (Job 42:2, Isaiah 46:10). The PCA affirms this doctrine, emphasizing that God’s sovereignty extends even to salvation (Romans 9:16).

2. **The Authority of Scripture**

Reformed theology holds to the principle of *sola Scriptura*—Scripture alone as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. The PCA confesses that the Bible is "the only infallible rule of faith and practice" (*Westminster Confession of Faith* 1.2). This commitment to Scripture is rooted in passages like 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which declares that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

3. **The Doctrines of Grace**

The PCA embraces the "Five Points of Calvinism," often summarized by the acronym TULIP:

- **Total Depravity**: Humanity is utterly sinful and unable to save itself (Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1).

- **Unconditional Election**: God chooses to save individuals based on His sovereign will, not on foreseen merit (Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 9:11).

- **Limited Atonement**: Christ’s death effectively secures the salvation of the elect (John 10:15, Ephesians 5:25).

- **Irresistible Grace**: God’s saving grace cannot be thwarted; it effectively calls and regenerates the elect (John 6:37, Ephesians 2:8-9).

- **Perseverance of the Saints**: Those whom God has chosen and saved will persevere in faith to the end (John 10:28-29, Philippians 1:6).

4. **The Covenant Theology**

Reformed theology emphasizes the unity of Scripture through the lens of covenant theology. The PCA teaches that God relates to His people through covenants, such as the covenant of works with Adam and the covenant of grace fulfilled in Christ (*Westminster Confession of Faith* 7). This framework highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and underscores the centrality of Christ as the mediator of the covenant of grace (Hebrews 8:6, 12:24).

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**II. Historical Development of Reformed Theology**

1. **The Protestant Reformation**

Reformed theology traces its roots to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli sought to recover the biblical gospel, which had been obscured by medieval Roman Catholicism. Calvin, in particular, systematized Reformed theology in his *Institutes of the Christian Religion*, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the doctrines of grace.

2. **The Westminster Standards**

In the 17th century, English Puritans and Scottish Presbyterians produced the Westminster Standards, including the *Westminster Confession of Faith* and the *Larger and Shorter Catechisms*. These documents became the doctrinal foundation for Presbyterian churches worldwide, including the PCA. They articulate a robust Reformed theology, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the centrality of Christ, and the authority of Scripture.

3. **The Founding of the PCA**

The PCA was founded in 1973 as a conservative breakaway from the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS), which had drifted from its Reformed roots. The PCA sought to maintain fidelity to the Westminster Standards and the historic Reformed faith, emphasizing biblical inerrancy, the Great Commission, and the purity of the church.

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**III. Biblical Foundations of Reformed Theology**

1. **The Sovereignty of God in Salvation**

Reformed theology is deeply rooted in Scripture’s teaching on God’s sovereignty in salvation. Passages like John 6:44 ("No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him") and Romans 9:16 ("So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy") underscore the Reformed emphasis on God’s initiative in salvation.

2. **The Centrality of Christ**

Reformed theology places Christ at the center of God’s redemptive plan. Scripture declares that salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12) and that Christ is the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15). The PCA’s commitment to Christ-centered preaching and worship reflects this biblical emphasis.

3. **The Authority of Scripture**

The PCA’s commitment to *sola Scriptura* is grounded in passages like 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Psalm 119:105 ("Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path"). Reformed theology affirms that Scripture is sufficient for all matters of faith and practice.

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**IV. Giants of the Faith and Their Impact**

1. **John Calvin (1509-1564)**

John Calvin is perhaps the most influential figure in Reformed theology. His *Institutes of the Christian Religion* provided a systematic exposition of Reformed doctrine, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the centrality of Christ. Calvin’s pastoral heart and commitment to the church continue to inspire PCA ministers today.

2. **Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)**

Jonathan Edwards, a Puritan preacher and theologian, profoundly impacted Reformed theology through his writings on the sovereignty of God, the beauty of Christ, and the nature of true revival. His sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and his treatise *The Freedom of the Will* remain classics of Reformed literature.

3. **Charles Hodge (1797-1878)**

Charles Hodge, a Princeton theologian, defended Reformed orthodoxy in the 19th century. His three-volume *Systematic Theology* remains a standard reference for Reformed pastors and theologians. Hodge’s commitment to biblical inerrancy and the Westminster Standards shaped the theological identity of American Presbyterianism.

4. **R.C. Sproul (1939-2017)**

R.C. Sproul, a modern Reformed theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries, played a key role in popularizing Reformed theology in the 20th and 21st centuries. His books, such as *The Holiness of God* and *Chosen by God*, have introduced countless believers to the riches of Reformed theology.

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**V. The PCA Today: A Faithful Witness**

The PCA continues to uphold the historic Reformed faith, emphasizing biblical inerrancy, the Great Commission, and the purity of the church. Through its commitment to the Westminster Standards, its Christ-centered worship, and its missionary zeal, the PCA seeks to glorify God and proclaim the gospel to the nations.

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**Conclusion**

Reformed theology, as expressed in the PCA, is a deeply biblical and historically rooted tradition that magnifies the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the centrality of Christ. From the Reformers to the Puritans to modern giants like R.C. Sproul, this tradition has shaped the faith and practice of countless believers. May we, as members of the PCA, continue to cherish and proclaim these truths, trusting in the God who is sovereign over all things and who has redeemed us by His grace. Soli Deo Gloria—to God alone be the glory!