Issue 897 – Happy Reformation Day – October 31, 2022
Five hundred and five years ago today, a major milestone in the recovery of the gospel occurred—a German monk and scholar, Martin Luther, nailed 95 theological theses for debate to the door of All Saints Church, commonly referred to as Schlosskirche (Castle Church) in Wittenberg Germany. That would be akin to publishing them online today.
Luther was building on the work of pre-reformers such as Jan Hus and John Wycliffe. He had no idea of the resulting spiritual fire that would ensue but wanted to bring some needed change into the realm of the church of Rome.
The reformers rediscovered crucial doctrines, some of which would become encapsulated in what is today known as the five Solas. Sola is Latin for alone.
1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone.”
2. Sola fide: “faith alone.”
3. Sola gratia: “grace alone”
4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone.”
5. Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone.”
Each of the solas emphasizes critical biblical truth.
Sola scriptura emphasizes the Bible alone as the source of authority for Christians. Anything taught contrary to Scripture is to be rejected. Only the Scriptures are inspired by God and God-breathed.
And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19-21
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Sola Fide is salvation by faith alone. It rejects practices such as the payment for indulgences (buying status with God) and works-based salvation. Our redemption is by faith and not works.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Sola gratia reminds us that our salvation is by God’s grace alone. It is accomplished by what He has done for us, not by something we do for Him (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“Salvation belongs to the LORD” Psalm 3:8
Solo Christo (sometimes listed as Solus Christus, “through Christ alone”) emphasizes the role of Jesus in salvation. It isn’t accomplished by priests, pastors or papal authority. Jesus is our high priest.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
Soli Deo gloria emphasizes the glory of God as the goal of life. Our life’s desire is to bring God glory in all we do.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Each of the solas can (and should be) be described and expanded in much greater detail and touches on far more Scripture than the paltry few verses I have included. They impact every area of our faith walk.
Like Creeds, the solas are subordinate to Scripture. They are simply some fallible catchphrases to articulate essential concepts, but they are words we should all know.
Praise God for His grace in providing the reformers (and pre-reformers) to bring the truth of Scripture to us.
Happy Reformation Day.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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