5 Solas
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· 68 viewsThe 5 Solas are the foundation of the reformation that brought back clarity of the teaching of the Scriptures.
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Introduction
Introduction
October 31st! What is today?
Reformation day! On October 31, 1517, 504 years ago today, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the church door at Wittenberg, Germany.
I said, “Theses not Reese’s.” A Thesis is a statement or proposition of belief. In this case these 95 theses were statements of belief of Martin Luther that stood supported by Scripture but in opposition to the teaching and practice of the Roman Catholic Church. This act is looked at as one of the first actions the started or at least fueled the Protestant Reformation bringing the truth of the gospel to the forefront and in essence bringing an end to the dark ages.
Luther did not begin here. As a young person he was encouraged to become a lawyer. He studied and obtained a master’s degree by 1505. In 1505 when traveling back to the Erfurt University he got caught in a severe thunderstorm. During that sever lightning he made a commitment to God to become a monk. So, in 1505 he entered the Monastery.
By 1507 he was sent to Wittenberg to teach in a new university. Later a Doctor of theology and professor of Biblical exegesis. By 1515 he became Vicar and was in charge of 11 monasteries. Yet, Luther did not have peace with God. He stated that the more he prayed, did penance, sought to do good, took the mass, the more guilty he felt.
During the years before posting the 95 theses he had been tasked to teach Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews.
During this study he came to see that one is only Justified by faith. Romans 1:17 that , the scripture is to be the authority not the pope, church councils, or tradition. These realizations brought him to the point of placing these 95 disagreements with the Catholic church on the door of the church at Wittenberg.
He was excommunicated from the church. When confronted by the church council at the Diet of Worms in May 1521 he was asked to recant his statements and teachings, he made this statement, “Here I stand, I can do no other.”
His teachings along with others brought about a stance on the five solas that began to reform the church, bring back the truths of God’s Word. What are these five Solas?
Sola = means alone
Sola Scriptura = Scriptures Alone
Sola Christus = in Christ Alone
Sola fide = through faith alone
Sola gratia = by Grace alone
Sola Deo Gloria – To the glory of God alone
In the time we have remaining we are going to take a quick look at these 5 solas. These solas I am presenting in an order one by one because I can’t present them all at once. They all are necessary, they all are reliant on and connected with the others.
I. Sola Scriptura = By Scriptures Alone
I. Sola Scriptura = By Scriptures Alone
A. Luther and the other reformers believed that the Scriptures alone were authoritative, because they are inspired.
A. Luther and the other reformers believed that the Scriptures alone were authoritative, because they are inspired.
1. 2 Peter 1:20–21 (NKJV) 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
1. 2 Peter 1:20–21 (NKJV) 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 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. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV) 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV) 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
B. Because God’s Word is inspired, God breathed, or God given. It is without error, and it is to have God’s authority.
B. Because God’s Word is inspired, God breathed, or God given. It is without error, and it is to have God’s authority.
1. Man, whether it be the pope, councils or whomever, does not have greater authority than the Scriptures. If an edict of the pope disagreed with Scripture, then the Scripture had to be given authority and obeyed. Likewise, if a pastor is teaching something in opposition to the scripture the scripture has the authority. We must know our Bibles.
1. Man, whether it be the pope, councils or whomever, does not have greater authority than the Scriptures. If an edict of the pope disagreed with Scripture, then the Scripture had to be given authority and obeyed. Likewise, if a pastor is teaching something in opposition to the scripture the scripture has the authority. We must know our Bibles.
C. As the reformers studied the scriptures, they realized multiple areas where the Scriptures disagreed with the church, and they took a stand for the Scriptures.
C. As the reformers studied the scriptures, they realized multiple areas where the Scriptures disagreed with the church, and they took a stand for the Scriptures.
1. It was helpful that in 1440 Gutenberg had invented the printing press. Martin Luther translated the Bible into German so that the common man could read in his own language. The printing presses helped to make production easier, and the common man was now able to study the Scriptures that had once been kept only to the priests. Luther’s German translation became as important in Germany as the KJV became in the English-Speaking countries and helped to fuel the reformation.
1. It was helpful that in 1440 Gutenberg had invented the printing press. Martin Luther translated the Bible into German so that the common man could read in his own language. The printing presses helped to make production easier, and the common man was now able to study the Scriptures that had once been kept only to the priests. Luther’s German translation became as important in Germany as the KJV became in the English-Speaking countries and helped to fuel the reformation.
D. You have the Scriptures available to you in multiple ways. How important is the truth of God’s Word to you? Do you study it regularly?
D. You have the Scriptures available to you in multiple ways. How important is the truth of God’s Word to you? Do you study it regularly?
II. Sola Christus= In Christ Alone
II. Sola Christus= In Christ Alone
A. In God’s gift of the Scriptures, he revealed to us the promise of the Messiah, the Savior. He gave us Jesus Christ that we might have life. Jesus said, 10 “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have itmore abundantly. “(John 10:10 b NKJV)
A. In God’s gift of the Scriptures, he revealed to us the promise of the Messiah, the Savior. He gave us Jesus Christ that we might have life. Jesus said, 10 “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have itmore abundantly. “(John 10:10 b NKJV)
B. A study of Romans 3 makes it clear that we cannot attain a salvation or a relationship with God in and of ourselves. Romans 3:10–12 (NKJV) 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”
B. A study of Romans 3 makes it clear that we cannot attain a salvation or a relationship with God in and of ourselves. Romans 3:10–12 (NKJV) 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”
C. Yet as we get further down the chapter we see that salvation is available through Jesus Christ.
C. Yet as we get further down the chapter we see that salvation is available through Jesus Christ.
1. Romans 3:21–26 (NKJV) 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
1. Romans 3:21–26 (NKJV) 21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
a) God righteousness is “through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe.”
a) God righteousness is “through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe.”
b) It is our faith in Jesus Christ, God who became flesh, that give us righteousness. Specifically the righteousness of God
b) It is our faith in Jesus Christ, God who became flesh, that give us righteousness. Specifically the righteousness of God
c) This Biblical truth stand in contrast to the teaching of the church that Luther had been exposed to, the idea that one by taking part in the sacraments of the church can gain more of God’s grace.
c) This Biblical truth stand in contrast to the teaching of the church that Luther had been exposed to, the idea that one by taking part in the sacraments of the church can gain more of God’s grace.
(1) Yet, grace is the unmerited favor of God not something we gain by doing good works.
(1) Yet, grace is the unmerited favor of God not something we gain by doing good works.
D. Yet not only is Christ our savior he is our mediator.
D. Yet not only is Christ our savior he is our mediator.
1. 1 Timothy 2:5–6 (NKJV) 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,
1. 1 Timothy 2:5–6 (NKJV) 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,
a) Because it is Jesus who paid the ransom for our sins that gives us salvation to all who believe it is Jesus who is our mediator, our access to God.
a) Because it is Jesus who paid the ransom for our sins that gives us salvation to all who believe it is Jesus who is our mediator, our access to God.
b) Ephesians 2:18 (NKJV) 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
b) Ephesians 2:18 (NKJV) 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
c) Ephesians 3:12 (NKJV) 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
c) Ephesians 3:12 (NKJV) 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
2. Once again the idea of Jesus being the only access, the mediator between God and man was biblical teaching that was opposed to the teachings of the Catholic church.
2. Once again the idea of Jesus being the only access, the mediator between God and man was biblical teaching that was opposed to the teachings of the Catholic church.
a) They taught and teach that one can access God through Mary and the saints. By praying to the saints the saints can go to God and pray for their need or take their request to God.
a) They taught and teach that one can access God through Mary and the saints. By praying to the saints the saints can go to God and pray for their need or take their request to God.
III. Sola Fide = through Faith Alone
III. Sola Fide = through Faith Alone
A. Luther had been taught growing up and even in seminary that man came to God by faith plus his own good works. But could his work of penance and his confessions to the priest be enough, what if he forgot?
A. Luther had been taught growing up and even in seminary that man came to God by faith plus his own good works. But could his work of penance and his confessions to the priest be enough, what if he forgot?
B. While Luther was studying Romans and came to the Biblical conclusion that one is only justified by faith.
B. While Luther was studying Romans and came to the Biblical conclusion that one is only justified by faith.
1. Romans 1:17 (NKJV) 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
1. Romans 1:17 (NKJV) 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
a) If “The just shall live by faith:” or “The just by faith shall live”
a) If “The just shall live by faith:” or “The just by faith shall live”
b) Then one is justified by putting their faith in Christ. Paul confirms this in…
b) Then one is justified by putting their faith in Christ. Paul confirms this in…
2. Romans 5:1 (NKJV) 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2. Romans 5:1 (NKJV) 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
a) Justification is the legal declaration of God that one is righteous.
a) Justification is the legal declaration of God that one is righteous.
b) It is by faith one is declared righteous before God.
b) It is by faith one is declared righteous before God.
c) Romans 4 helps drive this home.
c) Romans 4 helps drive this home.
3. Romans 4:1–6 (NKJV) 1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has somethingto boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:
3. Romans 4:1–6 (NKJV) 1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has somethingto boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:
a) Verse 4 makes it clear why Luther could never gain righteousness before God through acts or penance or taking the mass. “To Him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. “
a) Verse 4 makes it clear why Luther could never gain righteousness before God through acts or penance or taking the mass. “To Him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. “
b) Verse clarifies what I stated earlier. It is not by works, but he “believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
b) Verse clarifies what I stated earlier. It is not by works, but he “believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
4. Likewise, we cannot attain righteousness through good works. Righteousness is only attained through faith in Christ. God sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty of sin on the cross for all who believe. When we believe this His righteousness is imputed upon us (vs. 6). So, faith results not in Christ righteousness being put upon my account. I am seen as righteous before a Holy God!
4. Likewise, we cannot attain righteousness through good works. Righteousness is only attained through faith in Christ. God sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty of sin on the cross for all who believe. When we believe this His righteousness is imputed upon us (vs. 6). So, faith results not in Christ righteousness being put upon my account. I am seen as righteous before a Holy God!
5. The Scriptures Alone teach that Righteousness is by Faith alone.
5. The Scriptures Alone teach that Righteousness is by Faith alone.
IV. Sola Gratia = By Grace Alone.
IV. Sola Gratia = By Grace Alone.
A. Our salvation through faith alone in Christ alone is also by grace alone. Not only in the justification or becoming righteous as an individual but even in the process of salvation. God before the foundation of the World chose us in Christ.
A. Our salvation through faith alone in Christ alone is also by grace alone. Not only in the justification or becoming righteous as an individual but even in the process of salvation. God before the foundation of the World chose us in Christ.
1. Ephesians 1:4 (NKJV) 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
1. Ephesians 1:4 (NKJV) 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
B. This grace is not dependent upon our desire or our will.
B. This grace is not dependent upon our desire or our will.
1. Romans 9:16 (NKJV) 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
1. Romans 9:16 (NKJV) 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
2. It is by God’s grace we are called to Christ. John 6
2. It is by God’s grace we are called to Christ. John 6
3. It is by God’s grace we are given new life or born again John 3
3. It is by God’s grace we are given new life or born again John 3
4. “His grace is not synergistic, as if it depends on our will for its success. No, it is monergistic, for he alone works to bring us dead, lifeless sinners to new life in his Son. Moreover, he alone can grant us the faith that believes and work such belief within us so that we embrace Christ as our Savior and Lord (Acts 13:48–50; Eph. 2:8–10; Phil. 1:29–30; 2 Pet. 1:1). [1]
4. “His grace is not synergistic, as if it depends on our will for its success. No, it is monergistic, for he alone works to bring us dead, lifeless sinners to new life in his Son. Moreover, he alone can grant us the faith that believes and work such belief within us so that we embrace Christ as our Savior and Lord (Acts 13:48–50; Eph. 2:8–10; Phil. 1:29–30; 2 Pet. 1:1). [1]
a) Listen to how Paul stated this Philippians 1:29–30 (NKJV) 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. Did you see that “It has been granted to you!” That is God’s grace!
a) Listen to how Paul stated this Philippians 1:29–30 (NKJV) 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. Did you see that “It has been granted to you!” That is God’s grace!
b) Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. It is God’s gracious work that brings us to faith, regeneration, new life and justification.
b) Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. It is God’s gracious work that brings us to faith, regeneration, new life and justification.
V. Sola Deo Gloria = To the glory of God alone!
V. Sola Deo Gloria = To the glory of God alone!
A. Our salvation is promised in the scriptures, in Christ alone, through faith alone, by grace alone.
A. Our salvation is promised in the scriptures, in Christ alone, through faith alone, by grace alone.
1. It is only when we have heard the scriptures, because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17, that one by God’s grace is convicted of their sin, and brought to the place that they have faith in Jesus Christ. That, they are saved.
1. It is only when we have heard the scriptures, because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17, that one by God’s grace is convicted of their sin, and brought to the place that they have faith in Jesus Christ. That, they are saved.
2. Ephesians 2:9 not of works lest any man should boast. If there was anything thing that I was capable of doing that brought about my salvation then I could boast in myself.
2. Ephesians 2:9 not of works lest any man should boast. If there was anything thing that I was capable of doing that brought about my salvation then I could boast in myself.
3. Yet, because it is all God’s grace. It is all to the glory of God that I am a believer trusting in the cleansing blood of Christ and am placed in fellowship with God, with Christ’s righteousness upon me!
3. Yet, because it is all God’s grace. It is all to the glory of God that I am a believer trusting in the cleansing blood of Christ and am placed in fellowship with God, with Christ’s righteousness upon me!
B. In light of God’s grace in salvation I am also called to live to the glory of God.
B. In light of God’s grace in salvation I am also called to live to the glory of God.
1. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
2. As one who has put my faith in Christ my response to the grace of God is to live my life fully devoted to Him. Evaluating whether I am pleasing him or not.
2. As one who has put my faith in Christ my response to the grace of God is to live my life fully devoted to Him. Evaluating whether I am pleasing him or not.
VI. Application
VI. Application
A. Are you still striving to please God through your actions? Are you trying to gain his favor by living a good life? Remember this only brings about more debt, more sin between you and God.
A. Are you still striving to please God through your actions? Are you trying to gain his favor by living a good life? Remember this only brings about more debt, more sin between you and God.
B. Quit working for your salvation. Put your faith in Jesus Christ who paid the penalty of sin on the cross that you might have eternal life, that you might have your relationship with God, returned to what you are designed to be.
B. Quit working for your salvation. Put your faith in Jesus Christ who paid the penalty of sin on the cross that you might have eternal life, that you might have your relationship with God, returned to what you are designed to be.
C. Do you know God’s Word enough to take a stand for the truths that can make a difference for eternity? Do you take that stand? Are you willing to face the cost?
C. Do you know God’s Word enough to take a stand for the truths that can make a difference for eternity? Do you take that stand? Are you willing to face the cost?
[1] Barrett, Matthew, The Five Solas, The Gospel Coalition, blog, 2021
