Critical Summary of “What is Reformed Faith?” by John R. de Witt

Historically considered, answering the question about the identity of the Reformed community is not an easy task. This is difficult from a historical point of view because of many personalities whom the origin of Reformed faith can be traced. However having said this, if we want to understand the Reformed faith from a confessional perspective, it is best to examine the monumental confessions and catechisms of the church. 

Reformed faith in the present day context connotes various meanings defending on the speaker and on the standard one used to back up his claim. Some would have a very limited conception of Reformed faith only in the areas of soteriology. Others would include doctrines pertaining to the church such as mode of baptism, infant baptism, and communion service. Personally, I see Reformed faith as broad and I could not avoid to be suspicious hearing someone claiming to have grasped the diversity within this tradition. Moreover, this interpretation regarding the broadness of the field ought not to frustrate a student of theology for there are Reformed distinctives where those who claim to follow this tradition all share. John R. de Witt has shared with us these seven distinctives:

Reformed faith's first distinctive is the high view of the Holy Scriptures. “Only the Scripture, the total Scripture” is a common affirmation among Reformed thinkers. In the Scriptures, we hear Christ speaking with all authority over all aspects of human life. Not even the church could interfere in this absolute authority of Christ. The Scripture’s authority does not rest on any human institution, neither human reasoning nor any human documents. Its authority rests on its own testimony. 

The second distinctive of Reformed theology is the doctrine of God’s sovereignty. God displayed this sovereignty in creation and providence, in the government of the world and of human history. 

The third distinctive of Reformed faith is the amazing power of divine grace. Related to this, which is the fourth distinctive is the doctrine of the new life in Christ. This view of Christian life is holistic. It is opposed to any dualistic tendency or a neo-platonic kind of life. It does not condole mysticism, asceticism, and legalism on the one hand, and; it opposes licentiousness on the other hand. It also respects both body and soul, honors the present existence here on earth and expects eagerly for the life to come. 

The fifth distinctive of Reformed faith is the inseparability of the law and the gospel. Next to this, is its view about the relationship between the kingdom of God and the world. Here, we see the biblical doctrine of "cultural mandate" plays a central role, not only because Reformed thinkers are interested in humanities and the culture of the world, but have realized that God has given the church a task to transform the kingdoms of this world. Accordingly, personal piety that results to social impotence and indifference to the sufferings of this world is alien to the mindset of Reformed thinkers. 

Finally, the high view of the preaching of God’s word and its relation to the life and ministry of the church is the seventh distinctive in the Reformed mind. Preaching is perceived as faithful exposition of the word, practical, proclamation, and characterized with freedom and confidence. 

It is good that de Witt recognizes the broad character of the “Reformed faith.” This is commendable. Again, it is good to be reminded to refrain from a superficial understanding of the Reformed faith. Reformed thinkers both in the past and at present agree that what makes a particular faith "reformed" is not any man-made confession or following a certain prominent theologian, but fidelity to the Word of God. With this conviction, may the Lord grant us humility and passion to always aspire to be reformed on the basis of God's Word.


 Intended Learning Outcome: To identify the distinctive characteristics of Reformed faith.
Guide Questions for Discussion:

1. Among the seven (7) distinctives of Reformed faith, which one caught your attention the most? Why?
2. Briefly explain the first distinctive.
3. How does the doctrine of God's sovereignty affect the way you think and live?
4. Briefly define the meaning of a holistic Christian life.
5. Explain how does the doctrine of "cultural mandate" best describe the relationship between the kingdom of God and the world? 

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