For the past several months we’ve been talking about a series of doctrines called the five Solas. As you probably remember, these doctrines came about during an important period of church history: the reformation, which took place in 1500-1600 A.D. We’ve discussed four of these points (Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, and Solo Christo) in depth in past lessons, but since this is our last lesson on these doctrines, I wanted to review all of them so that they stick in our minds.
Sola Scriptura means “by Scripture alone.” This doctrine states that the Bible is the only inspired and authoritative word of God, the only source for Christian doctrine, and that it is self-interpreting. We are not to add anything to the scriptures, and if any human being teaches something contrary to the scriptures, their teaching is false. Colossians 2:8 says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” We need to spend time DAILY studying God’s word and applying it to our lives.
Sola Fide means “by Faith alone.” This teaches that we cannot be saved through works like so many other religions teach. It is by faith in Christ alone that we are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Sola Gratia means “by Grace alone.” This is a very key doctrine that teaches we can do nothing to earn our salvation. Only God can choose to grant us grace. It’s our job to trust in His sufficient grace to cover our sins. Second Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Solo Christo means “through Christ alone.” It is through Christ alone that we find salvation. We can’t find salvation through other false gods, through money, or through involvement in church. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Through Christ we not only find salvation, we find comfort, freedom, and so much more.
Now to the final Sola: Soli Deo Gloria which means “to God alone be the glory.” The entire purpose of man is to bring glory to God. God’s purpose in everything He ordains is to bring glory to Himself. The very first question and answer in the Westminster Shorter Catechism (a series of questions and answers regarding Christianity) says this: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”
Isaiah 43:6b-7 says, “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.” First Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” Revelation 4:11 says, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
We can see that over and over again in the scriptures, we are told to bring honor and glory to God in everything that we do. What we say, what we think, what we listen to, what we watch, who we spend time with, should all glorify God. But Soli Deo Gloria goes one step further than that. It says “to God alone be the glory.” It’s so easy for us to do things for ourselves and for our own glory. We often think we deserve a pat on the back for something we did. Maybe we expect praise for an exceptionally good performance on the worship team, or for offering to help clean up after the church potluck.
But our heart attitude should be to glorify God, not ourselves. Psalm 115: 1 says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Life is not about us! It’s about a God who is so much bigger than us, who is holy, and completely worthy of all our honor and praise.
We all need to examine our hearts today. Is everything I do truly to the glory of God? Or do I desire praise for myself? And finally, how can I bring more glory to the only God who deserves it?
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