ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES OF NEO-CALVINISM
Creation, Fall and Redemption: What God Formed, Sin Deformed and Grace shall Reform
God's Creation is good. It has been radically corrupted by the Fall. Redemption includes restoration of that Creation in Christ
Rejection of Dualism.
Dualism is common in much Christian thinking. The most notable dualism is between Nature and Grace. Neo-Calvinists maintain that Grace restores Nature (and that the Church, as Salt and Light, is meant to transform Culture)
Jesus is Lord over all of Creation.
Jesus' lordship extends through every area and aspect of life-it is not restricted to the sphere of church or of personal piety.
All of life is to be Redeemed- Reformed
The work of Jesus on the cross was intended to defeat Evil in all areas of life. The resurrection of Jesus is meant to lead to the renewal of all life for both individuals and Society.
Cultural Mandate
Genesis 1:26-28 is the mandate from God to Humanity to care for and cultivate all of Creation, including Culture and Civilization, to God's glory
The Role of Law.
Law is more than the Decalogue. It is the Torah (Five Books of Moses) and begins with the creation ordinances (Norms) established by God as His will for the living of life in all Spheres
Sphere Sovereignty.
The Spheres are God-given Institutions (Marriage, Family, Faith Community (Church), Civil Government and Civic Community. Each of these Institutions has boundaries that mark off its sphere of responsibility and influence. All are responsible to God. In relation to each other, they are autonomous (sovereign), but cooperative.