Positioning the Importance of Reformed Theology - The Centermost of the Center
A Brief Introduction of the Position of Reformed Movement
By Dr.Stephen Tong on 24 July 2005
God's creation is not all of equal importance but has a central focus. The central focus of God's creation is human being as only human being is made in the image of God. Mankind is the center of the universe, the center of God's creation.
There are now 6 billion people in the world. There are a lot more if we look at the entire history. These are all made in the image of God, so we are all the climax of creation. But within this, there is a central focus of mankind, that is, the Church. So the Church is the central focus of mankind. It is not any visible church but the holy and catholic Church, the Invisible and Eternal Church. It is the Church that inherits the history of salvation and receives God's guidance through His revelation.
In this Church, there is also a central focus. It is those people who are faithful to the Word of God and live in the center of His Revelation. It is those who live by relying on faith in God through His revelation and to glorify Him. Therefore the reformed movement is the central focus of the Church. Whether we are giving seminar or building a church, the reformed movement is not another movement or another church to have competition with other spiritual organizations, but it is revealing the inner thoughts of God's heart. It is the center of creation, it is the center of redemptive history, and even above that, it is in union with the center of God's eternal will.
Knowing this position, we do our ministry with fullness of confidence. We build our faith upon pure foundation and inherit the cultural mandate that is pleasing to God. We participate in the gospel movement that is according to Jesus Christ. With the understanding of the value and the qualitative difference, we treasure all the demands of reformed movement and partake in it with a solemn, firm and sincere spirit.
With this, we will bear fruits that last and we receive right knowledge that we ought to have in correct thought system. We need both right doctrinal knowledge and fervent evangelical spirit.
By Dr.Stephen Tong on 24 July 2005
God's creation is not all of equal importance but has a central focus. The central focus of God's creation is human being as only human being is made in the image of God. Mankind is the center of the universe, the center of God's creation.
There are now 6 billion people in the world. There are a lot more if we look at the entire history. These are all made in the image of God, so we are all the climax of creation. But within this, there is a central focus of mankind, that is, the Church. So the Church is the central focus of mankind. It is not any visible church but the holy and catholic Church, the Invisible and Eternal Church. It is the Church that inherits the history of salvation and receives God's guidance through His revelation.
In this Church, there is also a central focus. It is those people who are faithful to the Word of God and live in the center of His Revelation. It is those who live by relying on faith in God through His revelation and to glorify Him. Therefore the reformed movement is the central focus of the Church. Whether we are giving seminar or building a church, the reformed movement is not another movement or another church to have competition with other spiritual organizations, but it is revealing the inner thoughts of God's heart. It is the center of creation, it is the center of redemptive history, and even above that, it is in union with the center of God's eternal will.
Knowing this position, we do our ministry with fullness of confidence. We build our faith upon pure foundation and inherit the cultural mandate that is pleasing to God. We participate in the gospel movement that is according to Jesus Christ. With the understanding of the value and the qualitative difference, we treasure all the demands of reformed movement and partake in it with a solemn, firm and sincere spirit.
With this, we will bear fruits that last and we receive right knowledge that we ought to have in correct thought system. We need both right doctrinal knowledge and fervent evangelical spirit.
posted by Mejlina Tjoa @ 1:32 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
wat is reformed theology?
Although generally Christians agree that the Bible is the highest authority, we see all kinds of interpretations as though we have more than one Bible.
The heart of reformed theology is to honor God's Revelation through the Word as it is and to continue pursuing God-centered interpretation of the Scriptures. So reformed theology is still and always reforming towards God-centeredness.
Its sublime aim is spiritual and eternal, but its effect blesses the whole world. Its impact since 16th century Protestant Reformation has transformed the world's understanding of the value of humanity and inspired and fuelled human progress in all aspects of life more than anything else in the world, because reformed theology is inspired and rooted in God's eternal Word.
Man... how can I comment on reformed theology in this short note? It's very profound and full of weight as human history is full of its marks of grace and whether believers or not, all of us are still enjoying the fruits of reformation till this day. More articles will continue to be added in this blog to explain reformed theology.
His sermons now are in fact more in-depth and powerful & it takes time to understand the essence of his preaching. Christians are supposed to walk from strength to strength... so rather than weakening, our last step should be the strongest and firmest one. I think Stephen Tong is a living example for this. I hope our generation will inherit his spirit.
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