Room for a Reformation
This year marks the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation (October 31 1517). There still tends to be a great deal of misunderstanding about the history of it and what was really accomplished through the Reformation. Depending upon your upbringing as either a Catholic or Protestant, your understanding and perspective can be radically different. Some view it as a very necessary and positive movement, while others view it as destructive to the “one” true Church.
There were at least five key doctrinal truths that stood out to the early reformers., such as Luther and Calvin. These were non-negotiable truths that they felt needed to be restored to the church. The Five “Solas” were foundational to the early reformers of Christ’s Church. The following explanation of the “Solas” are taken from the Cambridge Declaration” April 20, 1996.
Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone – We affirm the inerrant Scripture to be the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone teaches all that is necessary for our salvation from sin and is the standard by which all Christian behavior must be measured.
Solus Christus – Christ Alone – We affirm that our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ Alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to the Father.
Sola Gratia – Grace Alone – We affirm that in salvation we are rescued from God’s wrath by His grace alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life.
Sola Fide – Faith Alone – We affirm that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification, Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God’s perfect justice.
Soli Deo Gloria – For God’s Glory – We affirm that because salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God’s glory and that we must glorify Him always. We must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for His glory alone. (Coram Deo)
I believe God has and will raise up men and women to bring about reform to His Church so that His Church will remain the “salt and light” of the earth and “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”, so that you will know and glorify Him.
Captured and Kept By His Grace,
Pastor Greg
