Are you confused about the difference between reformed and Calvinist? Well, you’re not alone! Many people who aren’t familiar with theological jargon find themselves struggling to understand the distinctions between these two terms. So, what exactly is the difference between reformed and Calvinist? It all boils down to a set of beliefs and practices.
On one hand, reformed Christians believe in the concept of predestination – the idea that God has predetermined everything, including who will be saved and who will be damned. On the other hand, Calvinists take this belief a step further and believe in double predestination, which asserts that God has also predetermined who will be excluded from His grace. Additionally, Calvinists place great emphasis on the sovereignty of God, believing that everything is under His control, including the salvation of individuals.
While these theological differences might seem small, they can have a big impact on how one approaches their faith and interacts with the world around them. Whether you consider yourself reformed or Calvinist, it’s important to understand the nuances of these belief systems and how they shape your perspective on life, death, and everything in between. So, let’s explore these differences more deeply and get a better understanding of what sets reformed and Calvinist Christians apart from one another.
Historical Origin of Reformed and Calvinist Theology
Reformed and Calvinist theology both have their roots in the Protestant Reformation that began in the 16th century. The Reformation was a movement that sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church and began with the publication of Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses in 1517. The Reformation spread throughout Europe and led to the establishment of new denominations and theological traditions, such as the Lutheran, Reformed, and Calvinist traditions.
John Calvin was a French theologian who lived in the 16th century and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Reformed and Calvinist traditions. He is best known for his magnum opus, Institutes of the Christian Religion, which he first published in 1536 and revised throughout his life. The book became a seminal work in Reformed and Calvinist theology, and Calvin’s ideas would go on to shape the development of these traditions for centuries.
- Reformed theology emerged from the teachings of John Calvin
- The term “Reformed” refers to the movement that emerged from the Protestant Reformation
- Calvinist theology is a subset of Reformed theology that specifically follows the theological teachings of John Calvin
Calvinist theology became prominent in the late 16th and early 17th centuries and is characterized by its emphasis on the sovereignty of God, predestination, and the total depravity of humanity. Reformed theology, on the other hand, is a broader tradition that encompasses a range of theological positions and beliefs, including a focus on the authority of scripture, justification by faith, and the doctrine of the Trinity.
Despite their differences, both Reformed and Calvinist theology are deeply rooted in the history of the Protestant Reformation and have had a significant impact on the development of Protestant Christianity over the centuries.
Predestination in Reformed and Calvinist Theology
Predestination is a topic that can often spark heated debates among Christians. The Reformed and Calvinist traditions both subscribe to the belief in predestination; however, there are some differences in their respective understandings of this doctrine.
- In Reformed theology, predestination is seen as the sovereign choice of God for salvation, where God chooses some individuals to be saved and others to be damned. This is commonly referred to as the “double decree” of predestination. This decree is not based on any merit or works of the individual, but solely on God’s good pleasure.
- On the other hand, Calvinist theology views predestination in a slightly different way. Calvinists believe in the “single decree” of predestination, where God predestines both the elect and the reprobate to their respective final destinies. This includes both those who will be saved and those who will be damned. Similar to Reformed theology, this decree is based solely on God’s sovereign choice and not on any merit or works of the individual.
- Another point of contention between the two traditions is the understanding of the extent of Christ’s atonement. Reformed theology believes in limited atonement, meaning that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was only intended for the elect, those whom God had predestined for salvation. In contrast, Calvinist theology holds to the belief in unlimited atonement, which teaches that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient for all, but only effective for the elect who believe in Him.
Despite these differences, both Reformed and Calvinist theology emphasize the profound truth that salvation ultimately belongs to the Lord. As humans, our salvation is not based on our own actions, but rather on the grace and mercy of God alone.
It is important to note that while these theological differences can be divisive, they do not detract from the central truth of the gospel message. As Christians, we are united in our belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and in the hope of eternal life through Him.
Next, let’s take a closer look at how predestination is viewed in each of these theological traditions through a comparison table.
| Reformed Theology | Calvinist Theology |
|---|---|
| Double decree of predestination | Single decree of predestination |
| Salvation is based solely on God’s sovereign choice | Salvation is based solely on God’s sovereign choice |
| Belief in limited atonement | Belief in unlimited atonement |
As we can see from the above comparison, while there are some differences between Reformed and Calvinist theology when it comes to predestination, both ultimately believe in the same fundamental truth that salvation is based solely on God’s sovereign choice.
Calvinism and Arminianism: A Comparison
What’s the Difference Between Reformed and Calvinist?
When discussing the difference between Reformed and Calvinist, it’s important to understand that the two terms are often used interchangeably. However, Reformed theology encompasses a broader range of beliefs beyond the five points of Calvinism. While both embrace predestination, the Reformed tradition places greater emphasis on covenant theology and the sacraments.
In essence, all Calvinists are Reformed, but not all Reformed Christians are Calvinists.
Calvinism and Arminianism: A Comparison
- In Calvinism, God is the author of salvation and predestines individuals for salvation or damnation. Arminianism posits that human beings possess free will and can choose to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation.
- Calvinism emphasizes the sovereignty of God while Arminianism emphasizes the responsibility of human beings to respond to God.
- Calvinism teaches that Christ only died for the elect while Arminianism maintains that Christ died for all people.
A Closer Look at Predestination
One of the key tenets of both Calvinism and Reformed theology is the concept of predestination. In Calvinism, predestination refers to God’s sovereign choice in electing some individuals for salvation and passing over others for damnation. This concept is closely tied to the five points of Calvinism, known by the acronym TULIP, which outline the belief in total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.
Arminians reject the notion of unconditional election and maintain that God has predestined individuals based on His foreknowledge of their faith and obedience. They also believe in the possibility of apostasy or falling away from grace, whereas Calvinists hold to the belief of the perseverance of the saints.
Comparing Calvinism and Arminianism in a Table
| Calvinism | Arminianism |
|---|---|
| God’s sovereignty | Human responsibility |
| Unconditional election | Conditional election based on foreknowledge |
| Limited atonement | Unlimited atonement |
| Irresistible grace | Resistible grace |
| Perseverance of the saints | Possibility of apostasy |
While the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism may appear stark, both traditions share a deep reverence for Scripture and a belief in the Triune God as the ultimate source of salvation.
The Five Points of Calvinism Explained
In the early 17th century, a group of theologians gathered in the Netherlands to discuss the teachings of John Calvin and how they could be better understood and explained. This led to the development of what is known as the Five Points of Calvinism, or TULIP. Each of the points represents a different aspect of God’s sovereignty and the way in which He interacts with humanity.
Point Four: Irresistible Grace
- Irresistible Grace is the idea that when God chooses to show His grace to someone, that person cannot resist it.
- It means that God’s grace is not dependent on the person’s own merits or abilities, but is freely given based on God’s sovereign choice.
- This concept is closely tied to the idea of Election, which is the belief that God has predestined certain people to be saved before the foundation of the world.
God’s grace is not something that can be earned or worked for, but is given freely to those whom He chooses. This is a concept that is difficult for many people to understand or accept, but it is an essential part of the Calvinist worldview.
To help illustrate the concept of Irresistible Grace, some theologians use the analogy of a man who is drowning in a lake. The man is powerless to save himself, but a lifeguard comes to his rescue and pulls him to safety. In this analogy, the man represents humanity, who are powerless to save themselves from sin and death. The lifeguard represents God, who rescues His chosen people from their sins and provides them with eternal life.
| Calvinism | Arminianism |
|---|---|
| God chooses who will be saved | Man has the ability to choose to be saved |
| Grace is not dependent on human merit | Grace is given to those who pursue it |
| Redemption is accomplished for the elect | Redemption is possible for all people |
The concept of Irresistible Grace can be difficult to reconcile with the idea of individual human choice and free will. However, Calvinists believe that God’s sovereignty and grace are not restricted by human action or decision-making. Instead, everything that happens is part of God’s plan and is ultimately for His glory and the salvation of His chosen people.
Key Theologians of the Reformed and Calvinist Tradition
Reformed and Calvinist traditions are often used interchangeably, but they have some distinct differences. To understand those differences, it is important to explore the key theologians of each tradition. These are individuals whose teachings have significantly influenced the development of Reformed and Calvinist doctrine.
- John Calvin – Born in France in the early 1500s, John Calvin was a theologian and pastor who is widely considered to be the father of the Reformed tradition. His teachings emphasized predestination, the sovereignty of God, and the importance of scripture. Calvin’s most famous work is his Institutes of the Christian Religion, which outlines his theological beliefs.
- Theodore Beza – A French theologian who was a disciple of Calvin, Beza succeeded Calvin as the leader of the Reformed Church in Geneva. Beza was known for his defense of predestination and for his efforts to unite various Reformed groups under a single theological framework.
- Jonathan Edwards – An American pastor and theologian who lived in the 1700s, Edwards played a key role in the development of Calvinist thought in the United States. He is perhaps best known for his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” which emphasized the human inability to save oneself and the necessity of salvation through faith in Christ.
These figures represent only a few of the thinkers who have shaped Reformed and Calvinist theology over the centuries. Their teachings continue to influence Christian thought today.
The Role of the Sacraments in Reformed and Calvinist Churches
The Reformed and Calvinist traditions share similarities in their beliefs regarding the sacraments, but there are also differences in their specific practices and interpretations. The sacraments, which are religious rites or ceremonies that are seen as a means of grace, are an important part of the worship and beliefs of both Reformed and Calvinist Churches.
- Baptism: Both Reformed and Calvinist Churches believe that baptism is one of the two sacraments instituted by Christ, with the other being the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is seen as a means of grace, marking the initiation of a believer into the Christian community and symbolizing the washing away of sins. However, there are differences in baptismal practices between the two traditions. Reformed Churches typically practice infant baptism, while Calvinist Churches usually practice believer’s baptism, in which a person can only be baptized after they have made a personal confession of faith.
- The Lord’s Supper: Both Reformed and Calvinist Churches practice the Lord’s Supper as a sacrament, in which bread and wine (or grape juice) are shared to commemorate the sacrifice of Christ. However, there are differences in interpretation and practice. Reformed Churches generally believe in the doctrine of objective presence, in which the body and blood of Christ are present in a spiritual sense in the bread and wine. Calvinist Churches tend to believe in the doctrine of spiritual presence, in which the act of partaking in the Lord’s Supper is a spiritual communion with Christ.
- Other Sacraments: While baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two primary sacraments in both traditions, there are other sacraments recognized by some Reformed and Calvinist Churches. These may include marriage, ordination, confession, and absolution.
Overall, the sacraments play an important role in the worship and beliefs of both Reformed and Calvinist Churches, serving as a means of grace and a way to connect with God and the Christian community. While there are differences in interpretation and practice, both traditions share a commitment to the importance of sacramental worship.
To further understand the nuances of sacramental belief and practice in Reformed and Calvinist Churches, we can examine specific theological teachings and historical developments that have shaped these traditions.
The Influence of Reformed and Calvinist Theology on Politics and Society
Reformed and Calvinist theology have had a significant impact on politics and society throughout history. Both belief systems have contributed to shaping the way individuals view the world and their place in it.
One aspect that sets them apart is their perspective on the role of government. Reformed theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all areas of human life, including political affairs. As a result, Reformed thought has influenced political leaders to seek divine guidance and to protect religious freedom.
Calvinist theology, on the other hand, presents a more nuanced view on the relationship between government and religion. Calvin believed that government was necessary to keep society in order but also maintained that the government shouldn’t have complete control over the church. This belief led to the concept of the separation of church and state, which has become a cornerstone of modern democratic society.
- Reformed theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all areas of human life.
- Calvinist theology presents a more nuanced view on the relationship between government and religion.
- The government should not have complete control over the church, according to Calvinist theology.
Reformed and Calvinist theology have also had a significant impact on social issues. Both belief systems advocate for ethical responsibility and individual morality, promoting the idea that individuals are accountable for their actions. This belief has led to the development of philanthropic organizations and charities run by religious groups to help those in need.
Furthermore, Calvinist theology has contributed to the development of the modern work ethic. Calvin believed that work was an essential part of an individual’s life and that job performance was a reflection of their moral character. This perspective served as the basis for the development of the modern work ethic found in Western society.
| Reformed Theology | Calvinist Theology |
|---|---|
| Emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all areas of human life, including politics. | Presents a nuanced view on the relationship between government and religion, advocating for the separation of church and state. |
| Advocates for ethical responsibility and individual morality, promoting philanthropy. | Contributed to the development of the modern work ethic through its belief in the importance of work. |
In conclusion, the influence of Reformed and Calvinist theology on politics and society has been significant and far-reaching. Both belief systems have contributed to shaping the way individuals view the world and their place in it, leading to the development of important social and political values.
What’s the Difference between Reformed and Calvinist?
Here are 5 FAQs in an NLP-friendly way that can help you distinguish between Reformed and Calvinist:
FAQ 1: Is Reformed a version of Calvinism?
Yes, Reformed theology evolved from the teachings of John Calvin during the Protestant Reformation. However, there are some differences in their beliefs on certain topics.
FAQ 2: What are some differences between Reformed and Calvinist beliefs?
One difference is in their understanding of predestination. Calvinists believe in double predestination, while Reformed believe in single predestination. Also, Reformed theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God more than Calvinism does.
FAQ 3: Are all Reformed people Calvinists?
No, not all Reformed people are Calvinists. Some follow the teachings of other Reformed theologians such as Martin Luther or John Knox.
FAQ 4: Do they have different practices or forms of worship?
Not necessarily. Both Reformed and Calvinist churches can be found following the same sacraments and liturgy. However, there may be differences in the way they approach certain rituals or traditions.
FAQ 5: Can someone be both Reformed and Calvinist?
Yes, as long as they accept the core doctrines of both theology systems, they can identify as both Reformed and Calvinist.
Closing Thoughts
We hope these FAQs on the differences between Reformed and Calvinist have helped clear up some confusion. Remember, while these two theologies have some similarities, they differ in their beliefs on predestination and sovereignty of God. Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to come back for more informative articles in the future!