The 5 Solas – Always Reforming By God’s Grace!
During the month of October, we celebrate Reformation Day! This is when we are reminded that we should always be reforming by God’s grace. In light of this, we review the 5 Solas of the Reformation.
Sola Scriptura
Sola Scriptura means that Scripture is the final rule of faith for the Christian and the Church. This means that when it comes to what “should” and what “ought” Scripture is the final authority. When something other than Scripture is used and it agrees with Scripture it is unnecessary and when it disagrees with Scripture it is to be ignored and Scripture should be followed.
In the Church, By-laws and Church Constitutions have a legal purpose in America. They can even be helpful to legally fight off and remove wolves that attempt to come in. However, they do not equal or take the place of Scripture in terms of authority. Typically, when one seeks to wield the bylaws or constitution to make a power-play it is because what they want to happen is not biblical and their only recourse is to hold up man-made laws and rules.
This does not mean policies, rules, and regulations outside of Scripture don’t have their place. If the Elders of a church have rules or policies regarding certain things these can be proper as long as they are under the final authority of Scripture. If the Elders delegate a particular area of leadership to a person or group and they come up with some policies or rules as long as they are submitted to the final authority of Scripture these can be ok.
However, in all things for the Christian and the Church Scripture is the final authority!
Sola Fide
Sola Fide means that it is by faith alone that one is justified before God. When one is regenerated meaning that their spirit is raised to life by the Holy Spirit of God, the natural consequence of one having a spirit that is alive is that they repent of their sin and have faith in Christ. It is this faith that shows that one is justified before God. It is not any work that they have performed, are performing, or will perform. We are saved by the works of Christ and stand justified before God because of our faith in Christ.
Sola Gratia
Sola Gratia means that we are saved by grace alone. Nothing about us good or bad puts God in a position where he “has to save us.” No works good or bad put God in a position where he “owes us” salvation. Grace is only grace if it is offered freely by God. God graciously gives certain sinners what they do not deserve because God is so richly graceful. Without the grace and mercy of God, no flesh would be saved.
Grace is giving someone something that they do not deserve or have not earned.
Mercy is withholding something that someone does deserve or has earned.
Because of our sins, we deserve death. We deserve to be in hell for all of eternity paying for our sins against our Creator. Because of God’s grace and mercy, those who repent and place their faith in Christ are forgiven.
Solus Christus
Solus Christus means “Christ Alone.” Regarding one’s salvation, one is saved solely by the works of Christ. His righteousness alone provides the satisfactory payment for sin on behalf of His people. What man can’t do, Christ did in sacrificing Himself on the cross of Calvary. In salvation, we receive Christ’s righteousness credited to us and Christ took on our sin and paid the price for it on our behalf and in our place.
Soli Deo Gloria
Soli Deo Gloria means “All Glory To God Alone” and this is the #1 goal for all Christians. We are to never seek our glory for we owe everything to Christ and Christ alone. We must never seek to rob God of any of His due glory. Christ is the King of this world and He is the One who rescued us from the domain of darkness. All honor and glory is due to God forever.
Our motivation for ministry is the glory of God.
Our motivation for living righteously is the glory of God.
Our motivation for having a Christian home is the glory of God.
Our motivation for participating in the local body of believers is the glory of God.
On and on and on and on.
