There is some debate out there over what exactly makes one "reformed", but we use that term loosely to describe our general orientation concerning God's sovereignty in the world, and especially in the salvation of sinners. The Protestant Reformation was a movement nearly 500 years ago that sought to bring the Church of Jesus Christ back to the Bible, and away from many of the extra-biblical traditions that the medieval and renaissance church under Rome had embraced.
Five Latin slogans came about to distinguish the views of many of the reformers from the views of the Roman Catholic Church. We at Charis embrace these slogans because the Bible teaches the truths they convey. They are:
- Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
- Sola Fide - Faith Alone (Romans 3:21-26; Ephesians 2:8,9)
- Sola Gratia - Grace Alone (John 6:44; Ephesians 2:8,9)
- Solus Christus - Christ Alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
- Soli Deo Gloria - Glory to God Alone (Isaiah 48:9-11; Ephesians 1:5,6,14)
- Total Depravity - All of humanity is completely dead in sins and utterly incapable of responding to the call of God in the Gospel on his own. (John 6:44; Romans 3:9-19)
- Unconditional Election - Out of the mass of lost and sinful humanity, God chose a company of people He would redeem; not based on any foreseen merit or faith on their part - because there would be none to foresee - but solely based on His sovereign purpose, pleasure, and grace. (John 6:44; Romans 8:28-30; 9:1-23; Ephesians 1:3-12)
- Limited Atonement - The death of Jesus Christ on the cross was intended for a definite and particular people - the elect. His death and resurrection fully secured their salvation. As a consequence, this does not extend to all people without exception, but only to God's chosen ones. (John 17:9,19; Romans 5:6-9; Hebrews 10:14)
- Irresistible Grace - The chosen ones of God will infallibly come to know Jesus through the Gospel call in their lives. (John 6:44; Acts 16:14)
- Preservation of the Saints - All those who are called by God in salvation will infallibly persevere and be preserved until the end by God's power and love working in their lives. Not one will ever lose their salvation and be lost. (John 6:44; 10:27-30; Romans 8:28-30; 33-39; Hebrews 10:14)
While all Christians believe this to some degree, there is debate over whether or not specific gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing - among others - have continued to be given by God the Holy Spirit until the present time. We at Charis Home Fellowship believe that these gifts and more are still being given by the Holy Spirit to help equip us for ministry to each other and to the world.
In summary, we do have our distinctive beliefs concerning how salvation has come about and how God empowers His people for ministry. That being said though, we do still stand in the historic stream of Christian teaching that all Christians have believed and taught throughout the history of the Church. We are united in the faith with all of those who can embrace the most basic and essential teachings of the Christian faith, even if they can't embrace all of our distinctives.
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