“THE FIVE SOLAS OF THE REFORMATION” – THEIR RELEVANCE FOR US TODAY

Today, the 31 of October is historically celebrated as The Reformation Day. Such a celebration is to commemorate what Martin Luther did on 31 October 1517. Luther nails his ninety-five theses on the Church door at Wittenberg, Germany, challenging for a debate against the practice of indulgences. These  ninety-five theses are distributed far and wide. Which acts as a catalyst, and precipitates the Protestant Reformation, inspiring countless Christians to pursue true repentance, and a firm biblical foundation for their faith.

Reformation was to return back to the roots of our faith, and live an authentic Christian faith, defined and demanded by the Holy Scriptures, and not by anyone else. What the reformers believed and lived for is comprehensively summed up in THE FIVE SOLAS. The theological understanding of Reformation are found in these five Latin phrases. Hence the FIVE SOLAS OF THE REFORMATION.

1- SOLA SCRIPTURA – “Scripture Alone”
God’s Word is the only infallible and sufficient authority for faith and life.
– “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable…so that the man of God may be equipped” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2- SOLA FIDE – “Faith Alone”
We are justified before God by faith alone, and not by works.
– “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” – Romans 1:28

3- SOLA GRATIA – “Grace Alone”
Salvation is a free and sovereign gift of God’s grace, and not earned or deserved by human merit in any form or shape.
– “By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

4- SOLUS CHRISTUS – “Christ Alone”
The LORD Jesus alone is our Mediator and Redeemer. His work in and through His birth, sinless life, atoning death on the cross, and the resurrection is complete and sufficient for the salvation of sinners. 
– “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name given…by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12

5- SOLI DEO GLORIA – “Glory to God Alone”
All of life and salvation exist for God’s glory alone. 
– “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” – Romans 11:36

What is the relevance of THE FIVE SOLAS OF REFORMATION for us today? They are much needed today than ever. The times we are living in today, are times which are like the “fig tree” which our LORD Jesus had cursed. The tree was green with leaves, as though full of fruit, yet it had none. We are living at a time when many Christians can talk about Bible, faith and the LORD Jesus eloquently, yet we are not in line with the revealed and written Word of God, the Bible.
– “Numerous polls indicate widespread biblical and theological illiteracy. Numerous professing Christians do not grasp the contents of Scripture. Those who have read the Bible often have no idea what it means and how the various parts go together. A recent study sponsored by Ligonier Ministries indicates that a large percentage of professing Christians unwittingly hold views regarding the Trinity, Jesus Christ, sin, and salvation that are technically heretical.” – Dr. Keith Mathison

Douglas A. Sweeney, a historian, writing in his article “We Need Reformation This Year” says that the church today, stands in great need of reformation, once again. He emphasises that the pastors and the people very much need revival. He believes, “…so many of us suffer from cheap grace, tribalism, spiritual laziness, and [‘man made’] “gospels” [of all kinds] that have displaced the cross with self-absorption.”
– “Many churches are in crisis – especially in the West, but in other places too. Attendance has dropped. An alarming number of young people doubt whether church membership even matters. Some of their elders seem to care more about wealth and power, their status and control of worldly narratives and systems, than about following Jesus.” – Douglas A. Sweeney

Dear brothers and sisters, the Christendom is in need of another reformation is all too obvious. Can such a things happen again? If so, what should we do for such a reformation from God to revive us and reform us? The LORD in His Word has asked us to do something, whenever our spiritual health is infected with slackness and sin.
– “14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
Even so the LORD Jesus help us.