Reformed Love

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will," (Ephesians 1:11 ESV)

Yesterday, I spoke of my love for Reformation theology because it revealed God’s glory, sovereignty, and majesty. Today, I would like to give you another reason for my love of Reformed theology.

Many may not resonate with my views on Reformed theology. The concept of God-centeredness and the exaltation of God above all else may seem off-putting to some. They might view it as megalomania or egotistical on the part of God. However, I remain hopeful that these truths can open more hearts and minds and foster a spirit of hope and receptiveness to new ideas.

The first beauty of Reformed theology is that it establishes and puts forth the supremacy of God. The next reason Reformed theology is beautiful is that it magnifies the grace and sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners, a truly awe-inspiring aspect that has the power to transform lives.

No other theology illuminates the truth of the depravity, hopelessness, and loss of the human condition in sin with blood-curdling truths. Reformed theology substantiates, documents, and details our desperateness and our destination in hell without the intervention of God.

This is not megalomania; it is the eternal, displayed, and verified power over sin and death. Paul wrote, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” This is the revelation of Reformed theology. Luther would freeze in a sermon because of the realization of the depth of his depravity. But scripture revealed to him that the mercy and grace of the Lord exist through His love and sacrifice and that we who believe might be saved.

Because of our depravity, we are unable to comprehend God, Jesus, and salvation. I would say at least 80% of people who claim to be Christians do not know how they are saved. I mean to say they have no biblical understanding. However, I would also wager the majority of those who do know attend a Reformed church where there is a pastor who provides a solid exposition of scripture, enlightening them with the knowledge of salvation. This is the beauty of Reformation theology, providing clarity and understanding that enlightens and informs.

A good pastor makes it crystal clear how God saves us. This clarity exposes and provides the understanding of God’s sovereignty and not human free will. From a Reformed perspective, there is no human free will in self-determination and salvation. If we are left to our own limited free will, we will die. We are driven by sin; it is our nature, and we do not have the self-ability to turn from sin. We have no part in salvation. Our salvation is a total rescue by God. We would fail if we had to contribute one-half of one percent to our salvation. Only Christ replaces our heart of stone with a heart of flesh. Total depravity, the “T” in “TULIP.” This guidance and support from pastors are the beauty of Reformed theology that reassures and supports us.

This is the beauty of Reformed theology. Paul said in Ephesians 2:1, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins.” He wrote it in 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Water cannot save you; a priest cannot save you; an evangelist cannot save you, and only Jesus Christ can save you. This is the beauty of the Reformed theology.

In conclusion, my love for Reformed theology comes from its ability to awaken us to the understanding of, arising to, and thankfulness for God's grace, mercy, and sovereignty in my salvation. Reformed theology prostrates to the true and humbling reality that only the blood of the Lamb of God, the God/man, Son of man, Son of God, purchased a new heart for every chosen child of God to receive upon faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is why I am enthralled by the beauty of Reformed theology, why I drown myself in scripture to seek the revelation of these truths, why I asked God to break my heart with what breaks His, and why He called me to evangelize in His name.

It is not about you, me, or any of us. It is about God. Reformed theology clarifies that we are made to glorify the God of creation. It is our purpose, it is right, and it is just. The deeper we love and are satisfied in our God, the greater He is glorified, and the greater we have fulfilled our purpose.

Do you have a new heart? If not, there is nothing you can do to change it other than to recognize you are a depraved sinner and need to be rescued by God. Do it and ask God to rescue you. Please do it now.

Grace and Peace.