The Five Solas

The Five Solas

Sola Scriptura ("by scripture alone")

Sola Fide ("by faith alone")

Sola Gratia ("by grace alone")

Solus Christus ("through Christ alone")

Soli Deo Gloria ("glory to God alone")

     This Sunday in worship we begin a sermon series that will use the Five Solas as the topic outline.  The Five Solas listed above are five Latin phrases that emerged during the Protestant Reformation and summarize the Reformers' basic theological beliefs.  "Sola" is Latin meaning "alone" or "only."  Although these individual phrases have been used for centuries, it is not clear when they were first put together.  They may be found individually expressed in the various writings of the 16th century Reformers, either explicitly or implicitly, but they are not found presented as a list, per se. 

     Historically these doctrines were developed in response to the then dominant beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church.  This is important to know but is not the basis for our discussion.  Note also that though theses doctrines generally describe fundamental Protestant doctrines, there is much discussion and even disagreement about what they mean amongst Protestants.  Nevertheless, they are useful for our study and discussion. 

    

 Our first tenet will be Soli Deo Gloria (7/15/12).  As the Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, "What is the chief end of man? Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever."

     

Still in one peace, Stephen

We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone,

for the glory of God alone, standing on Scripture alone.