To be Reformed and Presbyterian is to be Calvinistic, Covenantal, Confessional, Connectional, Constitutional, and to rely on the Ordinary Means of Grace. Watch this video and read the explanation below it for more information.
Why is the Word “Reformed” in Meadowview’s name?
The quick and historical answer to this question is that the church’s leadership added the word to its name when it changed its denominational affiliation almost 50 years ago. Meadowview was originally part of the Presbyterian Church (PCUS) from its inception in the 1940’s. But as that denomination began to drift from its moorings in the truths of Holy Scripture, Meadowview’s leadership decided to change its affiliation to the more biblically faithful Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod (RPCES).
So in 1967, Meadowview added the word “Reformed” to self-consciously reflect its new affiliation and to root its Theological Heritage back to historic Presbyterianism rooted in Reformed Theology which typically takes its heritage from the great Reformer John Calvin.
In 1982, the RPCES denomination (made up of 189 Churches/Congregations) was received into the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
Reformed Theological Distinctives
When referring to theological traditions, the word “reformed” is simply short-hand for “reformed according to the scriptures”. This designation, dating back to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, is simply Meadowview’s way of affirming its desire to always govern itself, its people, and its various ministries according the Bible. Or as our church’s doctrinal standards puts it: “The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture.” [Westminster Confession of Faith 1.10]
The word “Reformed” remains in our name today as a way of showing our desire to remain faithful to God’s Word. It is true that many Churches have or use the word Reformed in their name yet do not mean what we mean by the term. Sadly, for them it speaks of their lineage or tradition separate from the doctrinal distinctives that the tradition is founded on. In those cases, the Doctrinal Standards have long been abandoned.
The Characteristics, Doctrinal Beliefs and Standards that define what it mean to be REFORMED are in agreement with and adherence to the following:
1) CORE and CREDAL CHRISTIANITY
Consensus of the First 5 Centuries of the Church Including:
- Council of Nicaea and Council of Chalcedon
- Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed
The 5 Solas of the Reformation
- Scripture Alone is authoritative for faith & practice.
- Grace Alone : Salvation is a Gift, not Earned.
- Faith Alone is the way one receives Saving Grace
- Christ Alone is the only mediator & way to Salvation
- All for the Glory of God Alone!
2) CONFESSIONAL – Subscribing to one of The Reformed Confessions, Such as:
- Westminster Confession of Faith (Classes on all the Chapters)
- Heidelberg Catechism
AND – Applying & Living from the Confessions a Reformed View of:
- Worship-(Regulative Principle, Ordinary Means of Grace, Conscience, Sabbath)
- The Lord’s Day (Christian Sabbath)
- Ecclesiology (The Church)
- Sacraments
3) CALVINISTIC – TULIP – The Doctrines of Grace (God’s Sovereign Grace in Salvation) Sometimes called Calvinism
- Total Depravity (Complete Inability)
- Unconditional Election
- Limited Atonement (Particular Redemption)
- Irresistible Grace
- Perseverance of the Saints
4) COVENANTAL – Covenant Theology as a System that shows God’s 1 plan of redemption through different administrations in Redemptive History; The components of which are outlined in:
- Covenant of Redemption
- Covenant of Works – With Adam as Our Federal Head (Gen. 2:15-17)
- Covenant of Grace
- Adamic Covenant (Gen. 1:26-30; 3:16-21)
- Noahic Covenant (Gen. 9:1-17)
- Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-21; 17:9-14)
- Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24; Deuteronomy 28)
- Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chr 17:11-14; 2 Chr 6:16))
- New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:22-23; Luke 22:20)
5) CONSTITUTIONAL – The PCA’s Constitution is the Westminster Standards and our Book of Church Order.
6) CONNECTIONAL – Presbyterians are grass-roots churches overseen by Elders (Presbyters). Each Church is a Member of a Presbytery. All the Presbyteries in a denomination come together as a General Assembly or Synod.
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