5 Solas

[Fastfredy0]

Joel Beeke Reformed Systematic Theology

Although the truths of the evangelical faith are as broad as the sweep of the great confessions and catechisms, the central Reformation heritage may be identified by the five sola that stand like signposts to keep us from swerving off the narrow road of the gospel. The word solus or sola (Latin for “alone” or “only”) is crucial for protecting biblical truth from deadly compromise.



Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone). The Holy Scriptures are our supreme and only rule of faith and life; they, not human tradition and reasoning, determine our faith and command our obedience. This means that evangelical theologians are suspicious of fallen reason, so they test their beliefs and practices by the Holy Scriptures. We receive the Bible “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13) — truthful, uniquely authoritative, and without error. Our minds are servants to receive the Word, not to judge it. The principle of sola Scriptura neither rejects Christian tradition nor sets it alongside the Bible as another source of divine revelation, but requires that tradition be tested and sifted by the written Word of God. If God is God, then he is beyond our comprehension and his Word holds absolute authority. This principle also means that we reject anyone who claims to be an infallible prophet for God today, as though God had not spoken his final word in Christ, as attested by Scripture.
Psalm 138:2b for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.



Sola gratia (by grace alone). God’s grace alone, not human goodness and effort, saves sinners. Evangelical theology does not teach people to look for salvation in sacraments, good works, or decisions for Christ. It stands opposed to notions of human freedom, willpower, or merit. Salvation belongs to the Lord. The words of Christ resonate with us: Ye must be born again (John 3:7). This implies that mankind is deeply corrupted by sin and that we are unable to save ourselves (Romans 3:10–12; Romans 8:7–8; Ephesians 2:1–3). Salvation is not a matter of receiving instructions about how to help yourself out of a predicament; in salvation, God raises those who are dead in sin to a new life of faith, hope, and love (Ephesians 2:5–10).
Sovereign grace exalts God in blessing us and humbles us in receiving his blessing. Grace calls us (Galatians 1:15), regenerates us (Titus 3:5), justifies us (Romans 3:24), sanctifies us (Hebrews 13:20–21), and preserves us (1 Peter 1:3–5). We need grace to quicken us, to forgive us, to return us to God, to heal our broken hearts, to strengthen us in times of trouble and spiritual warfare, and to keep us to the end. Sovereign grace crushes our pride. We want to be the agents of salvation, not mere recipients. By nature, we rebel against sovereign grace, but God knows how to break our rebellion and make us friends of this grand doctrine. When God teaches sinners that they are depraved to the very core, sovereign grace becomes the most encouraging doctrine of all. From election to glorification, grace reigns in splendid isolation and locates all our life and joy in the Lord. See Salvation Through Grace Alone and not Works


Solus Christus (by Christ alone). Christ alone acts as our Mediator, Redeemer, and Savior, not the saints, the angels, the ministry and rites of the church, or our good works,. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). We live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us (Galatians 2:20). Only Jesus Christ as Mediator can be our Prophet to teach us, our Priest to reconcile us to friendship with the holy God, and our King to deliver us from our enemies and rule us by his Word and Spirit. Christ is not merely the door into the kingdom; he is also the way we must travel to glory. “And ye are complete in him” (Colossians 2:10). Christ is “unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

continued

 

[Fastfredy0]

Sola fide (by faith alone). Faith alone, not our works or faith combined with works, is the instrument by which the sinner is justified from the guilt of all sin and counted righteous by God (Galatians 2:16a). No amount of sincere intention, love, good deeds, or acts of devotion can atone for our sins and make us righteous before God. “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:4–5).
Faith is like a hand, not a hand by which we bring our merit and worthiness to God, but an empty hand by which we receive and take hold of Jesus Christ as our only atonement and our righteousness. What is your confidence before the throne of God? Is it some combination of your faith, love, and good works, or do you stand before God by faith in Christ alone? Do you have a true, living faith that trusts, rests, and relies upon Christ, and by union with him produces a life of good works? We are justified by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone, for justifying faith unites us to Christ in a living, loving, lasting relationship.

• Romans 3:22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; .... 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; NASB
• Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. NASB
• Romans 4:5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, NASB
• Galatians 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. NASB
• Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. NASB
• Philippians 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, NASB

Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory). Glory is to be given to God alone for our creation and salvation. God planned the work of Christ “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (Ephesians 1:6). We should honor the faithful ministers and witnesses who preach the gospel to us, lead us to Christ, instruct us in the faith, and watch over us as guides and guardians. But we should glory only in the Lord, who uses such human instruments to accomplish his will in our lives. Without the truth of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Ghost, these preachers, teachers, and guides could do nothing for us. We must credit our salvation to the work of God alone, and glorify him for it. We also must reject any credit for our salvation, but know that all the glory for any good in us must be given to God through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 4:7; Galatians 6:14).
The ultimate aim of evangelical theology is doxology, the offering of praise to God. We seek to know God that we might worship him rightly. Paul’s paradigm in Romans 11:36 sets the standard: “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Though we cannot add to his glory, we can magnify that glory in the eyes of our fellow human beings. Do we love to glorify God? If so, then the sola of the Reformation are our delight. We joyfully meditate on God’s Word as the only divine rule of our faith and obedience. We humbly grieve over our deep corruption by sin and depend upon God’s grace to do all in and through us. We heartily embrace Christ and cling to him as our only way, truth, and life. We gladly renounce our own righteousness and trust in him alone as our justification before God. Whatever we do, we do all to the glory of God. This is true evangelical theology, and the only theology worth believing, living, teaching to others, and, if necessary, dying for.

 

[electedbyhim]

Sola fide (by faith alone). Faith alone, not our works or faith combined with works, is the instrument by which the sinner is justified from the guilt of all sin and counted righteous by God (Galatians 2:16a). No amount of sincere intention, love, good deeds, or acts of devotion can atone for our sins and make us righteous before God. “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:4–5).
Faith is like a hand, not a hand by which we bring our merit and worthiness to God, but an empty hand by which we receive and take hold of Jesus Christ as our only atonement and our righteousness. What is your confidence before the throne of God? Is it some combination of your faith, love, and good works, or do you stand before God by faith in Christ alone? Do you have a true, living faith that trusts, rests, and relies upon Christ, and by union with him produces a life of good works? We are justified by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone, for justifying faith unites us to Christ in a living, loving, lasting relationship.

• Romans 3:22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; .... 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; NASB
• Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. NASB
• Romans 4:5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, NASB
• Galatians 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. NASB
• Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. NASB
• Philippians 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, NASB

Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory). Glory is to be given to God alone for our creation and salvation. God planned the work of Christ “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (Ephesians 1:6). We should honor the faithful ministers and witnesses who preach the gospel to us, lead us to Christ, instruct us in the faith, and watch over us as guides and guardians. But we should glory only in the Lord, who uses such human instruments to accomplish his will in our lives. Without the truth of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Ghost, these preachers, teachers, and guides could do nothing for us. We must credit our salvation to the work of God alone, and glorify him for it. We also must reject any credit for our salvation, but know that all the glory for any good in us must be given to God through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 4:7; Galatians 6:14).
The ultimate aim of evangelical theology is doxology, the offering of praise to God. We seek to know God that we might worship him rightly. Paul’s paradigm in Romans 11:36 sets the standard: “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Though we cannot add to his glory, we can magnify that glory in the eyes of our fellow human beings. Do we love to glorify God? If so, then the sola of the Reformation are our delight. We joyfully meditate on God’s Word as the only divine rule of our faith and obedience. We humbly grieve over our deep corruption by sin and depend upon God’s grace to do all in and through us. We heartily embrace Christ and cling to him as our only way, truth, and life. We gladly renounce our own righteousness and trust in him alone as our justification before God. Whatever we do, we do all to the glory of God. This is true evangelical theology, and the only theology worth believing, living, teaching to others, and, if necessary, dying for.

This is outstanding.

I have never read such a spot on description of the 5 Solas.

The Solas do nothing but give soverienty and glory to God.

How can anyone deny such truth.

What a pride crusher.

I will look into Joel Beeke.

 

[LeviR]

Sola fide (by faith alone). Faith alone, not our works or faith combined with works, is the instrument by which the sinner is justified from the guilt of all sin and counted righteous by God (Galatians 2:16a). No amount of sincere intention, love, good deeds, or acts of devotion can atone for our sins and make us righteous before God. “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:4–5).
Faith is like a hand, not a hand by which we bring our merit and worthiness to God, but an empty hand by which we receive and take hold of Jesus Christ as our only atonement and our righteousness. What is your confidence before the throne of God? Is it some combination of your faith, love, and good works, or do you stand before God by faith in Christ alone? Do you have a true, living faith that trusts, rests, and relies upon Christ, and by union with him produces a life of good works? We are justified by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone, for justifying faith unites us to Christ in a living, loving, lasting relationship.

• Romans 3:22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; .... 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; NASB
• Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. NASB
• Romans 4:5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness, NASB
• Galatians 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. NASB
• Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. NASB
• Philippians 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, NASB

Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory). Glory is to be given to God alone for our creation and salvation. God planned the work of Christ “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (Ephesians 1:6). We should honor the faithful ministers and witnesses who preach the gospel to us, lead us to Christ, instruct us in the faith, and watch over us as guides and guardians. But we should glory only in the Lord, who uses such human instruments to accomplish his will in our lives. Without the truth of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Ghost, these preachers, teachers, and guides could do nothing for us. We must credit our salvation to the work of God alone, and glorify him for it. We also must reject any credit for our salvation, but know that all the glory for any good in us must be given to God through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 4:7; Galatians 6:14).
The ultimate aim of evangelical theology is doxology, the offering of praise to God. We seek to know God that we might worship him rightly. Paul’s paradigm in Romans 11:36 sets the standard: “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Though we cannot add to his glory, we can magnify that glory in the eyes of our fellow human beings. Do we love to glorify God? If so, then the sola of the Reformation are our delight. We joyfully meditate on God’s Word as the only divine rule of our faith and obedience. We humbly grieve over our deep corruption by sin and depend upon God’s grace to do all in and through us. We heartily embrace Christ and cling to him as our only way, truth, and life. We gladly renounce our own righteousness and trust in him alone as our justification before God. Whatever we do, we do all to the glory of God. This is true evangelical theology, and the only theology worth believing, living, teaching to others, and, if necessary, dying for.

Luther thought the book of James be removed from the Bible.

 

[electedbyhim]

Luther thought the book of James be removed from the Bible.

Actually there was no statement from Luther saying that.

He did say the book of James was a book of straw.

I do not believe Luther even knew about the 5 solas.

The five solas were not exactly Reformation slogans, but they serve as a good summary of the Reformed faith. Neither Martin Luther nor John Calvin nor any other Protestant Reformer summarized his teachings in a tidy list including Scripture alone, Christ alone, faith alone, grace alone, to the glory of God alone. Taking flight in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, this fivefold summary became the shorthand version of what is known as Reformed theology. While this description of the Reformed faith came later, it still captures well the core of the gospel in all its graciousness and Christ-centeredness, just as it is revealed in the Scriptures. These five solas show the glory of God’s gracious way of salvation in a way that sets the tone for true theology, resounding in how we think and live in this world. https://www.ligonier.org/

 

[jasonc]

Actually there was no statement from Luther saying that.

He did say the book of James was a book of straw.

I do not believe Luther even knew about the 5 solas.

Lutherans don't teach the five per se

 

[Fastfredy0]

I will look into Joel Beeke.

I can send you the PDF of "Joel Beeke & Paul M. Smalley [Beeke, Joel] - Reformed Systematic Theology-Crossway (2019)" if you like. Send me your email via CONVERSATION if you want a copy.

 

[Fastfredy0]

Luther thought the book of James be removed from the Bible.

So I heard. If read from a certain view point one can infer that one is saved by works and faith according to James and that concept contradicts other scripture.

 

[Hopeful 2]

So I heard. If read from a certain view point one can infer that one is saved by works and faith according to James and that concept contradicts other scripture.

Faith is never without "works".
If it is without works, it is a dead faith.

 

[LeviR]

Faith is never without "works".
If it is without works, it is a dead faith.

The people of Judea came to John’s baptism repenting of sin and being immersed.
That was a work of faith.

 

[Hopeful 2]

The people of Judea came to John’s baptism repenting of sin and being immersed.
That was a work of faith.

I agree; and a work that must be done in order to be found in the book of life on the last day.

 

[Humblepie]

I agree; and a work that must be done in order to be found in the book of life on the last day.

Then salvation is no longer a promised GIFT FROM GOD.

Romans 4

4 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

 

[Hopeful 2]

Then salvation is no longer a promised GIFT of God.

Romans 4
assage
Resources
Hebrew/Greek
Your Content
Romans 4
New International Version
Abraham Justified by Faith
4 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[a]

4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

Salvation is a gift from God.
IF we obey Him we will live forever.
Rom 4's works are the works of the Mosaic Law.
God isn't going to give eternal life to liars, thieves, adulterers, or murderers.
How many times did Jesus tell people to repent of sin ?
Only those who obey will live forever.

 

[Humblepie]

How many times did Jesus tell people to repent of sin ?

What defines sin?
What is sin?

According to many here, the only thing a Gentile believer needs to do to be saved is this.

Acts 15
19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.

Of course the next verse is often skipped because it doesn't fit the narrative of the law being irrelevant.

21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”


If we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in our heart, that GOD has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

That's it. That's all.
Nothing more needed.

 

[Humblepie]

Rom 4's works are the works of the Mosaic Law.

All works mentioned in the NT are the works of the Mosaic Law.

Faith without WORKS is dead.

Jesus put it this way: “By their fruits you will know them.

What fruit?

 

[Hopeful 2]

What defines sin?
What is sin?

All unrighteousness is sin...(1 John 5:17)

According to many here, the only thing a Gentile believer needs to do to be saved is this.
Acts 15
19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.
Of course the next verse is often skipped because it doesn't fit the narrative of the law being irrelevant.
21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

The Corinthian (Galatians ?) recipients of the council's letter already knew the Law, and it couldn't help them be righteous.
Paul went to them over the issue of circumcision, a work of the Law.
The Gentiles already had repentance from sin and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of past sins under their belts...so to speak...but interlopers demanded all of the law be kept too.

If we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in our heart, that GOD has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

You point out your own addition to your Acts 15 citing.
All these things work together for the Christian.

That's it. That's all.
Nothing more needed.

I guess you/we have proved them wrong.
The following are crucial for salvation:
Hearing.
Believing.
Repentance from sin.
Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of past sins.
(That, by the way, is where men call upon the name of the Lord to be saved)
Rebirth.
Abstaining from the council's cited offerings to idols, sexual immorality, strangled, and blood.
Plus, we have to endure faithfully until the end !
It is written..."But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." (Heb 10:39)

 

[Hopeful 2]

All works mentioned in the NT are the works of the Mosaic Law.

Not necessarily.

Faith without WORKS is dead.

Now see those works are not "of the Law".
James references the good "deeds" the converted will do.

Jesus put it this way: “By their fruits you will know them.
What fruit?

The prophets ?
If the prophesy happens the prophet is of God.
All other men and women ?
If their fruit is sinful, they are not of God.

 

[electedbyhim]

What defines sin?
What is sin?

According to many here, the only thing a Gentile believer needs to do to be saved is this.

Acts 15
19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.

Of course the next verse is often skipped because it doesn't fit the narrative of the law being irrelevant.

21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”


If we confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in our heart, that GOD has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

That's it. That's all.
Nothing more needed.

Many people believe that and think they are regenerate.

Obedience defines a true Christian.

A Master/slave relationship.

 

[Humblepie]

Obedience defines a true Christian

But obedience to the everlasting law because you are saved, out of obedience to God the Father's will, is called Judaizing. I get it.

 

[electedbyhim]

This should help you.

The Bible has much to say about obedience. In fact, obedience is an essential part of the Christian faith. Jesus Himself was “obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). For Christians, the act of taking up our cross and following Christ (Matthew 16:24) means obedience. The Bible says that we show our love for Jesus by obeying Him in all things: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). A Christian who is not obeying Christ’s commands can rightly be asked, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Obedience is defined as “dutiful or submissive compliance to the commands of one in authority.” Using this definition, we see the elements of biblical obedience. “Dutiful” means it is our obligation to obey God, just as Jesus fulfilled His duty to the Father by dying on the cross for our sin. “Submissive” indicates that we yield our wills to God’s. “Commands” speaks of the Scriptures in which God has clearly delineated His instructions. The “one in authority” is God Himself, whose authority is total and unequivocal. For the Christian, obedience means complying with everything God has commanded. It is our duty to do so.

Having said that, it is important to remember that our obedience to God is not solely a matter of duty. We obey Him because we love Him (John 14:23). Also, we understand that the spirit of obedience is as important as the act of obedience. We serve the Lord in humility, singleness of heart, and love.

Also, we must beware of using a veneer of obedience to mask a sinful heart. Living the Christian life is not all about rules. The Pharisees in Jesus’ time relentlessly pursued acts of obedience to the Law, but they became self-righteous, believing they deserved heaven because of what they had done. They considered themselves worthy before God, who owed them a reward; however, the Bible tells us that, without Christ, even our best, most righteous works are as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). The Pharisees’ external obedience still lacked something, and Jesus exposed their heart attitude. Their hypocrisy in obeying the “letter of the law” while violating its spirit characterized their lives, and Jesus rebuked them sharply: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outside, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so you also appear righteous to men outwardly, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:27–28). The Pharisees were obedient in some respects, but they “neglected the weightier matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23, ESV).

Today, we are not called to obey the Law of Moses. That has been fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17). We are to obey the “law of Christ,” which is a law of love (Galatians 6:2; John 13:34). Jesus stated the greatest commands of all: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:36–40).

If we love God, we will obey Him. We won’t be perfect in our obedience, but our desire is to submit to the Lord and display good works. When we love God and obey Him, we naturally have love for one another. Obedience to God’s commands will make us light and salt in a dark and tasteless world (Matthew 5:13–16).

Grace and peace to you.