Mathias321
Puritan Board Freshman
I know there are different kinds of reformed, though we all agree on the core reformed (confessional) standards. I wanted to know for a long time, what kind (or flavor) of reformed am I based on my beliefs? Or, what group of people who were considered reformed would my views best fit into (reformed baptist, early Presbyterians, this or that group of the Puritans, etc.) I know many of you are very well read and know a lot! Here are some of my views (I will try to hit a lot of the ones that could make me different within the reformed camp, but some points I'm sure all orthodox reformed agree). I can add more when I think of more to add - or ask me questions here if you want to know more of my beliefs specifically or clarify on something listed here before making an educated decision.
I affirm all the core Christian beliefs:
Defining (fine-tuning) beliefs:
I affirm all the core Christian beliefs:
- Trinitarian
- Deity and humanity of (hypostatic union), virgin birth, death, and physical resurrection/ascension of Jesus
- Innerancy and infallibility of Scripture
- Sinful nature of man
- Substitutionary atonement
- Etc.
Defining (fine-tuning) beliefs:
- Covenantalism
- "5-point" Calvinism
- Presuppositionalism
- Supralapsarianism
- Strict complementarianism (women shouldn't run for president or be police officers)
- 5-point "solaist" (not a word, lol)
- Leaning Presbyterian on ecclesiology
- Leaning ammillenialist on eschatology
- Leaning cessasionist (healing can happen through prayer)
- Believes demonic possession and oppression is real
- Believes the Church should address witchcraft more today. However, I am careful not to be superstitious and think everything wrong is demonic. Mental illness exists.
- Leaning padeobaptist
- Rejects transubstantiation and consubstantiation (Christ is present spiritually in communion).
- Supports closed communion
- Strongly opposed to any images or icons in the Church (strict iconoclasm)
- Opposes priestly vests, collars, et-cetera
- My only Mariology is that Mary was a virgin when she conceived Christ by the Holy Spirit, and was a very faithful woman (imperfectly so still). Anything more is idolatry.
- Prefers no musical instruments in worship
- Prefers the Psalms be sung over hymns (but absolutely doesn't mind hymns - I love traditional hymns )
- Opposes celebrating holidays
- Prefers children be present with parents during worship
- Believes ministers should never hold government positions
- The Gospel is a free offer in that it should be shared to all indiscriminately
- Regeneration always precedes faith
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