The purpose of the Reformation was to recover the true Gospel. As the reformers poured over Scripture, five essential themes arose and were distilled into the basics of Gospel of Christ. They are known as the 5 Solas of the Reformation. These are Latin terms which name the components that express the historic reformed Protestant view of salvation. This view of salvation holds that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. All Christians will acknowledge that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ. The understanding of Scripture that was recovered , however, emphasizes that it is these components of our salvation alone – without any work or input by man contributing in any way to the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – that brings about the salvation of sinners.
Latin was the language of theologians and scholars in the 16th century, which is when the Reformation began in earnest, though there were many protoreformers. Sola means alone in Latin. Expressing the fundamentals of the Reformation, therefore, is expressed in the following Latin terms: Sola Gratia– by grace alone; Sola Fide – though faith alone; Solus Christus – in Christ alone. The fourth is Soli Deo Gloria – for the glory of God Alone. The salvation of sinners is done to display God’s sovereign grace and mercy. The fifth sola is Sola Scriptura – Scripture alone. As the word of God it alone is the only infallible, inerrant, authority for our faith and practice.
The Gospel is the message of the work of Christ on our behalf, to atone for our sins and to lead the righteous life that we could not. Through our union with Him by the Holy Spirit, we are regenerated to eternal life with God. Christ’s sinless life, His atonement for our sin, His resurrection that conquered death, and His ascension to eternal glory are the means through which our salvation is accomplished. It is done for God’s glory alone.
God alone is the all powerful, sovereign ruler of the universe. He is morally perfect and possesses all wisdom, and the knowledge of all things. God created all things and continually upholds all He created – He is the source and sustainer of everything that exists. He exists eternally as the Triune Godhead. Each person of the Trinity exists eternally, in perfect loving communication. As He is the omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent only God, who does all things for His own glory, as alone He is deserving of worship and honour from his creatures. Therefore, it is right that we should do all things and give thanks for everything to the glory of His praise alone.
The following links will take you to brief Scriptural introductions to these critically important doctrines of traditional protestant theology
Sola Fide: Through Faith Alone
Solus Christus: In Christ Alone
Soli Deo Gloria: To the Glory of God Alone
Scripture Alone: Our Only Inerrant, Infallible Authority for Faith and Practice
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