A Word About Being “Reformed”
In these early days of the founding of Providence Baptist Church I’ve been asked by several people, “Are you a Reformed church?” Good question and one I’m excited to answer. The following paragraphs are an attempt to do this in a way that is admittedly brief, but at the same time instructive and accessible.
Providence Baptist Church situates itself in the Reformed tradition. In this sense we can rightly be called a Reformed Baptist church. What does this mean?
In his helpful book Reformed Theology, Jonathan Master outlines two convictions that gave rise to the book. The first is that theological frameworks matter. He explains, “The first [conviction] is that knowing what we believe about God, humanity, worship, and salvation is important. More than important, it is vital. We need clear answers to the biggest questions in life and the most consequential matters of eternity. These answers must be true—everything depends on it.” At PBC we believe truth matters for eternity. The stakes are that high.
But knowing what we believe matters not only for eternity, but for today. Again, Master is helpful: “Knowing these true answers and being able to articulate them is a powerful thing . . . This kind of clarity and coherence brings stability to our lives, to our families, and to our witness to the world.” And whether a new believer or one who is older in the faith, theology matters: “If you are a new Christian, it is important for you to gain a foothold in the teaching of the whole Bible and to have ready answers for the biggest and most fundamental theological questions. If you have been a Christian for some time, you need to know where you stand and to orient your worship, fellowship, and practice in a way that accords with your convictions. Having a basic theological framework is essential.”
The second conviction Master offers and that PBC embraces is that Reformed theology is a blessing. This claim may run counter to all you’ve heard about Reformed theology. After all, isn’t this the theological “system” embraced only by ivory-tower theologians or angry social media “doctrinal police” who love controversy? Doesn’t Reformed theology make people “robots” by denying “freewill” or teach a form of fatalism such that our choices don’t matter? These are caricatures that need correction.
At PBC we believe Jesus when he says that he came to give life and give it abundantly (John 10:10). Sound, biblical doctrine is a blessing as it is truth for life. Master explains, “Reformed theology, centered on Jesus Christ and rooted in the Scriptures, seeks to explain the whole Bible by showing God’s work of salvation from beginning to end. It gives an honest assessment of humanity and good news about the nature of salvation. More than that, it shows how the Bible instructs us personally, teaching us how we should worship God and serve him in our everyday lives at home, at work, and in the church. Truth is always a blessing, but these truths give special life and clarity.” Amen.
A Little Latin Goes a Long Way
Theologian Michael Horton recently remarked, “Many confessional churches seem content to live off the capital of the past. But it is not enough to invoke the slogans of the Reformation. We need to recover the fullness of biblical faith and practice in our own time and place.” This, of course, is true. Churches shouldn’t simply be content with “empty” slogans. True confessional churches don’t just quote slogans, but sincerely believe them and strive to live accordingly.
At Providence Baptist Church we love many Reformation slogans, in particular the five solas—a wonderful Latin word meaning ‘alone’. These Latin phrases served to summarize the Reformers’ theological convictions about the essentials of Christianity. Together they help explain the heart of Reformed theology and of Providence Baptist Church.
Sola Scriptura (“Scripture Alone”)
This means that Scripture alone is our highest authority. Not man or tradition or government or any other earthly authority. At Providence Baptist Church we delight in studying the Bible, God’s inspired, inerrant, and sufficient Word. We believe it is the primary source for spiritual truth, the final authority on all matters of faith and life, and has the power to transform our lives (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 4:12).
Sola Gratia (“Grace Alone”)
This means that salvation is wholly owing to the grace or favor of God. His grace is not earned or merited or deserved in any way. It is God “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9). At Providence Baptist Church we long to be a people increasingly stunned by the grace of God that saved us (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:3–8).
Sola Fide (“Faith Alone”)
This means that faith is the instrument by which we lay hold of the promises of God in Christ. Salvation is not by faith in the merits of Christ plus works we might perform—whether church membership, baptism, aisle walked, or prayer prayed. At Providence Baptist Church we rejoice to know “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Solus Christus (“Christ Alone”)
This means that our salvation is based solely on the finished work of Christ. Nothing needs to be added to the merits of Christ. At Providence Baptist Church we love to sing “in Christ alone our hope is found” as he is our all-sufficient Savior (1 Corinthians 1:30–31; Colossians 1:19–20; 2:13–15; Hebrews 10:8–14).
Soli Deo Gloria (“To the Glory of God Alone”)
This last of the five solas is the pinnacle of the others. It means that all of life is to be lived for the glory of God. God alone is to receive all glory, honor, and praise. It is a phrase that speaks to a radically God-centered life. At Providence Baptist Church we love to proclaim the truth of Romans 11:36, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
If your heart resonates with these glorious biblical teachings, then you will feel right at home at Providence Baptist Church. And perhaps you’re not familiar with Reformed theology but are eager to learn more. Then you, too, will find Providence a wonderful place to worship. We certainly hope so!