Reformation 101

/ tracyhanra

Tolerance and acceptance are the order of the day in so many areas of life. Individuality and “you do you” are celebrated in modern society. But should personal preference be the main reason one chooses which church (if any) to attend? Are there any absolutes in Christian doctrine, and , if so, what are they? What primary doctrines unite believers, not only in the modern day but also across Christian church history?

The recent attention given to the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation has caused me to pause and think more carefully about what does indeed make a church Christian. The early reformers sacrificed in ways we can hardly even imagine as they attempted to restore the 16th century Roman Catholic church to a place of biblical integrity. Instead of the reformation they desired, their efforts resulted in personal excommunication, persecution, and even death in many cases. What principles of faith did they believe in strongly enough to sacrifice everything?

The reformers summarized their theological convictions in five Latin phrases known as the Five Solas. These five statements of faith represent what they believed to be the essentials of Christianity. I wonder how the churches we consider Christian today measure up? What would worship and discipleship look like if we got back to the basics the early reformers believed in so strongly?

  1. Sola Scriptura (scripture alone) – The Bible alone is a Christian’s highest authority. Not a preacher. Not a pope. Not councils or traditions, but the Bible alone. Human leaders are certainly helpful in navigating issues of faith, but their instructions should never be in conflict with the Bible.  Scripture alone is the only final, decisive authority for discerning, teaching, and defending truth. (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16)
  2. Sola Fide (faith alone) – We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Not our works and good deeds. Not how many prayers we pray. Not partaking of the sacraments, but through faith alone. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
  3. Sola Gratia (grace alone) – We are saved by the grace of God alone. Without the grace of God, we are dead in our sins and even hostile in nature to God. (Romans 8:7-8) It is God’s grace alone which provides deliverance from the wrath we deserve. (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)
  4. Solus Christus (Christ alone) – Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King. He is the only mediator between God and man. Not a pastor or priest. Not saints or icons, but Christ alone. (Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 7:23-28)
  5. Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone) – Everything exists for the glory of God. God alone deserves glory and praise. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

The early reformers were guided by the conviction that the church of their day had drifted away from the essential, original teachings of Christ. I can’t help but wonder if we as 21st century Christians have, in many ways, done the same thing. May we be humble enough to recognize our own mistakes, bold enough to stand for what the Bible says is true, and led clearly by the Holy Spirit to know and embrace the basics of the Christian faith, even when it’s difficult.  The Reformers of old believed our very lives (eternally) depended on it.

(Additional discussion of the Five Solas is available at https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/what-are-the-five-solas )

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