An introduction to Reformed Theology at First Boynton

 To help bring understanding about what we mean when we say we are “reformed.”  To demonstrate why these beliefs matter.  To show why we are joyful about being reformed and help you to be joyful as well.

 We believe that God is the all-mighty, all- powerful, all-wonderful King of Kings and Lord of Lords who has and exercises absolute authority over all creation.  The short way to say this is to say that God is sovereign.  This sovereignty includes the salvation of men.

 God’s sovereignty and man’s sin (today)  God’s plan of salvation (6/10)  God’s work of salvation (6/17)  God’s application of salvation (6/24)

 Creation – Genesis 1:1  History – Isaiah 46:8-11  Nations – Acts 17:26-27  Kings – Exodus 4:21  People – Psalm 139:13-16

 Life and Death – Matthew 10:28-31  “Chance” events – Proverbs 16:33  Evil – Genesis 50:20  Judgment – Revelation 20:11-15  Salvation – Acts 13:48

 I’m a free person, so God can’t be sovereign over me. Ephesians 1:11; 2:10 Philippians 2:12-13

“God causes all things that happen, but that he does so in such a way that he somehow upholds our ability to make willing, responsible choices choices that have real and eternal results and for which we are held accountable.” Grudem, Systematic Theology, 322

 Romans 8:28  If God is really in control of all things, then I can really trust Him in all things.  Philippians 2:12-13  I’m not on my own in living the Christian life. God has a plan and I can labor in faith.

 We are not as bad as we could be, but every part of us is corrupt.  Guilt  Spiritual Death  Sinful Nature  Sinful Works

 “All members of the human race were represented by Adam…As our representative, Adam sinned, and God counted us guilty as well as Adam” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, ).  Romans 5:18-19  We are guilty and need to be declared righteous

 While we are born physically alive, we are nevertheless spiritually dead, unable to follow God or please Him.  Ephesians 2:1-2  We are spiritually dead and need to be born again.

 “In addition to the legal guilt that God imputes to us because of Adam’s sin, we also inherit a sinful nature because of Adam’s sin” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, 496).  Ephesians 2:3  We have a sinful nature and need a new nature.

 Our actions confirm our guilt and corruption. We live lives of rebellion against God, pursuing our own desires rather than following Him.  Romans 3:9-18  We commit sins and need to be forgiven.

 Born guilty– it isn’t fair that Adam represented me. Romans 5:18-19  Man doesn’t want God– it isn’t fair that I can’t choose God on my own. Romans 6:6, 16-17, 20

 God is sovereign over depraved people, including you and me.  Genesis 50:19-20  Acts 4:25-28

 The more I understand the depth of my sin, the more I understand the riches of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.  The more I understand the riches of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, the more I have assurance of my salvation and am changed into His likeness.  The more I have assurance of my salvation, the more I am set free from self-righteousness and despair.

 The more I am changed into His likeness and set free from self-righteousness and despair, the more I am filled with joy and set free to obey.  The more I am set free to obey and filled with joy, the more I obey, bear lasting fruit.  The more I understand my sin and God’s grace, the more I grow as a Christian.