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5 Solas |
Dear brethren,
In case you would like to review the five theological concepts that launched and propelled the protestant reformation, here they are again. The Latin phrase occurs first, then the English translation. Every Christian should know these well for they capture the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, don't forget that on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther officially fired the first shot of the protestant reformation when he nailed up his 95 theses (doctrinal statements) on the church door at Wittenburg, Germany. Never did a hammer strike a blow so loudly.
Sola Fide - [Faith alone]. We are saved by faith alone, not by works (Eph. 2:8-9). The Roman Catholic gospel teaches salvation by sanctification, or in other words, one must attain righteousness before they can be justified. This, in essence, is salvation by works and qualifies as an "anathema" gospel.
Sola Gratia - [Grace alone]. We are saved by God's grace alone and not by any personal merit in us. Salvation is a gift which cannot be earned or merited by man. This grace is also sovereign. Before the foundations of the world were established, God chose certain sinners, none of whom deserve any mercy, to receive the gift of eternal life through the atoning death of His Son, Jesus Christ. God's grace also secured the gifts of repentance and faith to be given to the elect that at the proper time they might come to Christ for salvation.
Sola Scriptura - [Scripture alone]. Holy Scripture is our only authority in matters of doctrine and Christian living. The church is not to be governed by the traditions of men, nor by the rulings of popes or councils. The "wisdom" of man profits us nothing in the realm of the Spirit. Scripture, and Scripture alone is our guiding light.
Solus Christus - [Christ alone]. There is no other Mediator than Jesus Christ, not Moses, not Mary, not the saints, not angels. There is only one Savior, Christ Jesus, our Lord. We cannot be saved by any other "for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Sola Deo Gloria - [The glory of God alone]. The purpose for which God created all things is to manifest His own glory. This is all encompassing. The reason why God made the heavens and the earth, why He created the angels, why He made man and put him on the earth, why He created heaven and hell, why He sent His Son "to save His people from their sins" (Mt. 1:21), why He ordained a coming day of judgment, is all to His glory alone. All matter, all life, all things are made for His glory. The vileness and distortion of the creature's sin is that we seek our own glory, not God's. Those who have been born again have the grace of the Spirit by which they can seek to live out their lives, in its entirety, for the glory of God alone. "Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory" (Ps. 115:1).
May God hammer these five precious truths into our minds and souls like well-driven nails. Those who learn them, love them, and live them will walk in the blessed light of His truth. They will have the joy of salvation in their hearts and God will be glorified in their lives. So may it be with us all!
Your servant in Christ, Alan Conner |
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