The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Differences between the Lutherans and the Reformed

First, there are myriad "flavors" of Lutheranism today vs. historic Lutheranism. That being said, to cover all the differences between them and the Reformed Churches would require a near incomprehensible list. There are many "Reformed" churches who are likewise far from historic Reformation Protestant churches and thus in actuality are not Reformed.

Okay, so there are some fundamental differences between the historic groups; Lutheran vs. Calvinist.
1. Law vs. Gospel Calvinists believe that the Law of God is the first principle of the Gospel for from the law the sinner comes to conviction and need of salvation in Christ. Lutherans reject this premise and believe that the law has no place in the Gospel.

2. Sacraments: Calvinists believe that there is no efficacy in the sacraments unto salvation. Luthers hold to a form of baptismal regeneration. They also hold to "consubstantiation" whereby the actual physical body and blood of Christ are present and of which believers 'feast'. Calvinist/Reformed believe that Christ is actually present spiritually in the Supper and not physically.

3. Atonement: Calvinists hold to a Limited/Definite Atonement wherein the salvation of the elect and them only have had their sins atoned for. Lutherans hold that the atonement was universal in scope, i.e., Christ died for ALL without exception.

4. Predestination: Calvinists/Reformed believe in "Double Predestination", i.e., God predestined ALL men either to salvation (election) or damnation (reprobation). Lutherans believe that God predestined and elected some to salvation but simply "left to themselves" all others (see R.C. Sproul's excellent article here: Double Predestination)

Is that a complete list? But those are basic and obvious differences which separate the two groups.

You can read what a Lutheran thinks on the issue from his perspective here: Lutheran vs. Reformed