Musing – How well are we following the five Solas of the Reformation?

 Hebraic Musing – How well are we following the five Solas of the Reformation?

The Reformation was a series of reform movements “to criticize certain aspects of Roman Catholic doctrine and practice.  It culminating in the sixteenth century with the establishment of Protestant Churches.”  The Reformers were not trying to branch off from Catholicism but rather to bring the Catholic Church in line with Scripture.

This return to the original sources of the Christian faith empowered Luther to challenge the pope on the doctrine of salvation, interpretation of Scripture, and the significance of Church tradition.

Thus, these Five Solas (Alones) of the Protestant Reformation were birthed:

1.      Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.
2 Tim. 3:16–17  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  NKJV
2 Peter 1:21 “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

2.      Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:9  “…not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.”
Galatians 2:16  “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”

3.      Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.
Ephesian 2:8-9  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Romans 9:16  “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.”

4.      Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.
John 1:1  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:14  “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Romans 3:21-24  “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”

5.      Soli Deo Gloria (“glory to God alone”): All glory belongs to God alone. 
1 Corinthians 10:31  “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Philippians 2:9-11  “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Points to ponder

Are each of these “Alones” being recognized in today’s Church world?

Only if our salvation is by grace alone, will God alone receive all the glory.
If there is something of our own we can claim, then we no longer boast in Christ alone.

♫  In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song. ….
       My comforter, my all in all. Here in the love of Christ I stand.  ♫  

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                           November 26, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”