Lesson 3 - Background: The Reformation & it's Theology

Question 1

What was the debate Augustine was involved in?

Answer 1

Debate with Pelagius
Pelagius: “only be held responsible if you had the ability” can be saved by human effort or 100% works
Augustine: 100% grace

Question 2

What were the church councils that dealt with Augustine vs Pelagius?

Answer 2

Council of Carthage (418) - denounced Pelagianism
Council of Ephasus (431) denounced Pelagianism
Second Council of Orange (529) - denounced both Pelagianism & semi-Pelagianism

Question 3

At the Second Council of Orange what 2 major doctrines were upheld?

Answer 3

Deity of Christ (vs. the Arians)

Salvation by divine grace, not human effort (vs. Pelagianism)

Question 4

Why did Luther post the 95 these in 1517?

Answer 4

Public challenge to the sale of indulgences. They were an attack on the mistreatment of the indulgences.

Question 5

What key debate was Luther involved with?

Answer 5

Debate with Erasmus over Free Will

Erasmus - “On Free Will” (1524) - an attack on Luther’s view of free will

Luther - “On the Bondage of the Will” (1525) - in our fallen state we are in bondage to sin and can’t exercise any faith without the saving grace of God.”

Question 6

List and describe the key doctrines of Augustine?

Answer 6

Deity of Christ

Salvation by divine grace, not human effort.

Question 7

List and describe the key doctrines of Luther?

Answer 7

Sola Scriptura - ruled by Scripture alone

Sola Fide - justified by faith alone

Sola Gratia - saved by grace alone, not works

Question 8

List and describe the key doctrines of Calvin?

Answer 8

Sola Scriptura
Sola Fide
Sola Gratia
Solus Christus
Soli Deo Gloria
-- Sovereignty in General (Providence)
-- Sovereignty in Salvation (Predestination)

Question 9

What are the 3 forms of unity?

Answer 9

The Belgic Confessions of Faith
The Heidelberg Catechism
The Canons of Dort

Question 10

Why were the Westminster Standards formulated?

Answer 10

It was an attempt to bring the Church of England into conformity with the church of Scotland in the 17th century. It was a statement of reformed theology taken to be a summary of the doctrine of scripture.

Question 11

What is the formal principle of the Reformation?

Answer 11

Sola Scriptura

The ground on which the debate had to be fought on. In order to get to the material principle you have to address the question, “What/Who is the final authority of theological matters?”

Question 12

What is the material principle of the Reformation?

Answer 12

Sola Fide

Doctrine of justification by faith alone

Question 13

What is the definition of Sola Scriptura?

Answer 13

The Bible alone is the Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice.