five "solas" of the reformation...

1. scripture alone

The banner of "Scripture Alone" (Sola Scriptura) declares that the Holy Scriptures containing the Old and New Testaments are the sole source of revelation from God. Since the Scriptures are the inspired words of God (literally, "God breathed" according to 2 Timothy 3:16), they are to be the final authoritative rule for our faith and life. These Scriptures are given by God to the Church and are to be interpreted in and by these communities of faith in accordance with the faith that was once and for all entrusted to the saints (Jude 1:3).

2. christ alone

The banner of "Christ Alone" (Solus Christus) teaches us that the message of the Scriptures is that salvations is found in Christ alone (Acts 4:12). The Bible from the beginning to end is the record of the acts of God in redeeming His people who have fallen into sin and separation from Him. These acts of redemption culminate in the life and death of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that the whole of Scripture speaks of Him (John 5:39; Luke 24:27, 44-47). Therefore, we are 'whole Bible' Christians, knowing that we cannot fully appreciate the story of salvation recorded in the New Testament unless we see its beginnings in the Old Testament.

3. grace alone

The Scriptures teach that all have sinned and fallen sort of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Apart from Christ, all people are spiritually dead in their sins (Ephesians 2:1-3). Therefore, if anyone is to be saved from this condition, God must graciously save us since no one can make themselves presentable to God.  God, therefore in grace (sheer undeserved mercy) reaches down in the muck and mire of man's sinful condition, and cleanses His people with the blood of Christ and clothes them in the righteousness of Christ.   It is "Grace Alone" (Sola Gratia) from beginning to end. And it is all amazing!

4. faith alone

The banner of "Faith Alone" (Sola Fide) declares to us that a person is justified (that is, declared by God 'not guilty' and 'positively righteous') by grace through faith alone. Since the sinner is dead in his sin, God must revive or regenerate the believer by The Holy Spirit and give to him the gift of faith through which the sinner believes. For it is by grace you have been saved, though faith -- and this is not from ourselves, it is a gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). No one is made right before God by doing good things, but only by placing their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

5. God's glory alone

The final banner, "God's Glory Alone" (Soli Deo Gloria) reminds us that since salvation is the gift of God received by faith alone, God gets all the glory. No man has room to boast before God. If God had not planned, accomplished, and applied salvation to His people, none would be saved. But God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit has provided salvation to all who believe. Therefore, we dedicate our lives to glorifying this God, and enjoying Him forever.

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