3 Beliefs That Set the Christian Reform Church Apart From Other Christians

The Christian Reformed Church contains 300,000 members in the United States and Canada. It started as part of the reform movement by John Calvin in the mid 16th century and was imported to North America by Dutch immigrants in 1848, according to the church's website. It separated from the Dutch movement to become its own American entity in 1857.

With its Calvinist principles and distinct American evolution, the Christian Reformed Church contains philosophical differences from other Christian sects.

SPECIAL: Prayer Changes Your Brain in 4 Amazing Ways

These three characteristics define and distinguish them:

1. Calvinist Roots:

The Christian Reformed Church is the American embodiment of the original 16th century reformation movement. Reformation became necessary as the Catholic Church spawned corruption and failed to respond to its parishioners. The result was many reform movements including those rooted in Calvinism. They were popular in the Netherlands and Germany and later an American version arose, becoming the Christian Reformed Church.

The modern day church still maintains a foundation in Calvinism. This includes the basis of its ideals in the Synod of Dort. That summarizes Calvinism in five points from which all other Christian Reformed Church principles arise: 1) The Total Depravity of Man, 2) Unconditional Election, 3) Limited Atonement, 4) Irresistible Grace, and 5) Perseverance of the Saints. Referred to with the acronym TULIP, these are studied and in some cases, modernized.

2. Predestination:

Predestination is the belief that God has already determined the salvation of individuals. Some are chosen and others are not. While it may appear harsh and judgmental, believers in the Christian Reformed Church find it comforting that not a single mistake or bad action will prevent their salvation.

ALERT: When Do You Think Christ Is Returning? Vote Now

According to the church's website, there also appears to be a suggestion that one is more likely a candidate for salvation than not. On this level, predestination is merely an explanation of why some people are evil. Those who are simply flawed and require God's guidance are likely predestined for heaven.

3. Doctrine of Irresistible Grace:

Many Christian groups see salvation as a choice falling under free will. The Christian Reformed Church, on some levels, rejects the notion of free will through not only its predestination belief but also the doctrine of irresistible grace.

Irresistible grace means those who resist God may cease to do so if it is God's will. Basically, even the most un-Christian-seeming individual can be persuaded to follow God if that is their destiny and God wills it. If that is the case, the resistant will not be able to hold back from accepting God's grace once God believes it is time to present it to them.

SPECIAL: Can Prayer Heal You? Dr. Crandall Discovered the Truth

Related Stories:

• Christian Reformed Church Evolution: 6 Key Events Since It Began

• Christian Reformed Church Origins: 6 Things That Led to Its Development