| The Five Solas of the Reformation |
| During the Reformation of the 16th century, the gospel, which had so long been lost in a mire of superstition and tradition, was recovered and again proclaimed loudly by a group of outstanding Bible scholars and theologians across Europe. The teachings of these Reformers are often summarized by five Latin phrases called the "five solas". These are Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria. Translated, these phrases are Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, and the Glory of God Alone. |
| Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) Scripture alone is our rule for faith. It takes precedent above all man-made creeds and confessions. In Scripture alone, God has revealed His plan of salvation to our human understanding. (II Timothy 3:15-17) Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) We are saved by God's grace alone, for which he chose us in Himself before the foundation of the world according to the good pleasure of His will. We do not receive grace because of anything that we do, or anything that God foresaw in us. We receive grace because of God's mercy, which he bestows upon whom He wills. (Ephesians 1:2-5, Romans 11:5-6, Romans 9:15-16, 18) Sola Fide (Faith Alone) Faith alone is the instrument by which we are linked to Christ and receive Justification. We are not justified by the sacraments nor by any works that we do, but by faith. And this faith itself does not come from within ourselves, but is a gracious gift of God. (Romans 4:1-5:2, Ephesians 2:8) Solus Christus (Christ Alone) Christ alone is the sole mediator between the Father and His creation. Because of Christ's perfect obedience to the law and His mediatorial death, we have salvation. Christ's righteousness is imputed (accounted to) those who have faith, even though those people are not inherently righteous themselves. (Acts 4:12, I Timothy 2:5, Romans 5:1-2, 6, 11, John 14:6) Soli Deo Gloria (To the Glory of God Alone) The ultimate purpose of man according to the Westminster Shorter Catechism is "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever". Indeed everything we do is to be done for God's glory alone. (I Corinthians 10:31) |
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