As you’ve walked through the public, you have met or least have come across several different people. Think about it for a little bit. Some of them may have ignored you; some may have friendly given you a “Hi” message; others just seemed sketchy. However, occasionally, you may have met people with whom you have positively and in depth spoken. Recently, I met a person at Costco, who asked me what the Five Solas were, and I told him that I didn’t know. After hearing this, the nice man told me to look it up, and if he saw me again, he would quiz me on what they were. After some research, I found out what they were, and I remembered hearing them before, and I thought about writing what they were.
So, what are the Five Solas? First, the Latin word “Sola” is like the Spanish word “Sólo,” which means “Only” or “Alone.” In other words, you can call the Five Solas the “Five Alones.” The Five Solas are “Sola Scriptura,” “Sola Fide,” “Sola Gratia,” “Solus Christus,” and “Soli Deo Gloria.” Translating to English, the Five Solas are “Scripture Alone,” “Faith Alone,” “Grace Alone,” “Christ Alone,” and “To the Glory of God Alone.” While these phrases do not completely sum up the Christian faith, they do serve as important points we should all consider. Let’s analyze them for a bit.[1]
First, Scripture Alone declares that the truth we intake must always be aligned with the Word of God, which is breathed or inspired by the Lord. While we can receive truth from other sources like pastors, brothers in Christ, and blog posts like this one; everything to which we open our ears must be in accordance to the Word of God. Every contradictory saying needs to be shunned and cast out of our hearts and minds. Let’s stop accepting the half-truths and lies of false men of God, secularists, and simply everyone else who doesn’t believe in Jesus.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16-17
Next, looking at Faith Alone and Grace Alone together, the Bible says that we are saved by the grace of God, and that is what empowers us to live pure, holy, and acceptable lives for the Lord. Only by God’s grace can we be forgiven of our sins and live according to His Word. While grace is a gift, and we cannot earn it; it is impossible to receive grace without having faith in God. Therefore, we are saved by faith alone by believing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that He is Lord. Please note that this does not mean that we do not do good works, but rather we do them to serve God by using God’s empowering grace, and they show our faith. However, we are not saved by good works, and we cannot declare ourselves worthy of salvation by works; we don’t deserve salvation. So, let us trust in Christ to live a life from sin!
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Going on to Christ Alone, Jesus is our Lord and ultimate authority. Jesus died for our sins, paying the price for them and giving us the supernatural faith and grace that comes with salvation. Because He was the only sinless man to walk upon the earth, only He could have saved humanity from its wicked state. Therefore, we are saved by Christ Alone, Who intercedes for us to our Father in Heaven and speaks to us through the Holy Spirit. Let’s rely on the Lord as our King Who wants to know us!
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:34
Finally, we have “To the Glory of God Alone.” While we have our own thoughts and ambitions about life, we need to make sure that they give God the glory. Everything we do will be judged according to what we do, say, and think. When we do a task, we must make sure that it is to serve our Master and King. If we do an act of kindness simply for the wanting of a reward, we are not truly doing the job for God’s glory. Also, every task that we do accomplish should not be accredited to ourselves alone but to God, who makes these works possible. Lastly, when we work, whether for man or for God, let’s do our best to complete it to be “fit for a king” to show that we are doing it for the glory of the Lord.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23
In conclusion, the Five Solas are five points of Christianity to which we should strongly hold. To tie the points together, the Bible is God’s Word by which we seek the truth that guides us to accepting Christ so that we can know Him and live holy through the grace we have obtained in Him by faith. As a result, all our works are to be for God’s glory, giving everything our best. From now on, I encourage you to think about these five points and how you can apply them to your life. Remember, by God’s grace you will be able to fulfill every point on this list.
Have a great week!
PARA LA GLORIA DEL SEÑOR,
Jeremiah Yonemura
[1] While there is much history behind the “Five Solas,” I have chosen to focus on the meaning and application rather than the background of them.
