Today we commemorate Reformation Sunday, remembering the events of October 31, 1517. On that day, Martin Luther’s 95 Theses were posted at the University of Wittenberg to initiate a theological discussion about the practice of indulgences. However, unknowingly to Luther, this action was the catalyst for the Reformation. In the following century, the Reformation brought about significant changes within the church and society as a whole.
Those changes were driven by the Five Solas, which remain crucial today for a biblical understanding of the Gospel.
The Five Solas
Scripture Alone: Our Only Foundation
Scripture provides our rule for faith and practice.
(Psalms 19:7-11; John 17:17; Romans 15:4; II Timothy 3:15-17; II Peter 1:20-21)
Christ Alone: Our Only Way
Righteousness before God comes only through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Isaiah 53:4-6; John 14:6; Romans 5:12-21; Galatians 2:17-21; Hebrews 10:11-14)
Grace Alone: Our Only Hope
Salvation flows from the unmerited favor of God.
(Romans 9:10-18; Romans 11:5-6; Ephesians 1:3-14; II Thessalonians 2:13; II Tim 1:8-10)
Faith Alone: Our Only Means
Faith provides the only means of justification.
(Genesis 15:6; John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-10)
God’s Glory Alone: Our Only Ambition
All of life is to be lived to the glory of God.
(I Chronicles 16:29; Psalms 24:1-10; I Corinthians 10:31; II Corinthians 10:17; Colossians 3:17; Revelation 4:11)
Further Reading
What Is Reformation Day All About?
Are the Five Solas Biblical?
The Five Solas
Ephesians 2:1-10
The Need for Grace – vv. 1-3
- Dead
- Alive to sin, but dead to God
- Enslaved to darkness/evil
- Walking. Following. Ruled
- BY SATAN AND THE WAYS OF THE WORLD
- Objects of wrath
- “Divine hostility to all the is evil” Curtis Vaughn
The Gift of Grace – vv. 4-6
- Recipients to God’s favor and mercy
- Resurrected to new life
- United us with Christ (His righteousness. That is how God sees us)
- Alive with Him.
- Raised us up with Him.
- Seated us with Him.
- Ephesians 1:17-18
The Purpose of Grace – vv. 7-10
- SO THAT….
- Show the riches of His grace
- GRACE THROUGH FAITH
- NOT OF WORKS
- NO ONE CAN BOAST
- To Empower a life of good works
- Life of redemption
- Ministers of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:16-21