The Five Solas
Sola Scriptura
Scripture Alone
It is through the inspired word of God that we derive all doctrine, and through it alone. It is perfect in all aspects and is self-interpreting for all to read themselves. There is no need for an ecclesiastical hierarchy to interpret the Bible for believers. When a soul comes to salvation and is regenerated, they receive the Holy Spirit. It is through the Spirit we are are taught and learn from the Scriptures. If a believer finds themselves presented with a problem regarding certain difficult passages, it may become necessary for that believer to seek out a more mature Christian for help. The believer should be led by the Spirit to seek out the answer as the Lord my have reason for this. To give an outside entity, consisting of a person or body of people, authority over us regarding these matters would be a grave mistake. All individuals upon the face of this earth have been stained with original sin, as well as carry their own personal sin. As has happened in the past, unscrupulous men have used and abused the Church for their own means and personal gain. No person is infallible and sinless.
It is through the inspired word of God that we derive all doctrine, and through it alone. It is perfect in all aspects and is self-interpreting for all to read themselves. There is no need for an ecclesiastical hierarchy to interpret the Bible for believers. When a soul comes to salvation and is regenerated, they receive the Holy Spirit. It is through the Spirit we are are taught and learn from the Scriptures. If a believer finds themselves presented with a problem regarding certain difficult passages, it may become necessary for that believer to seek out a more mature Christian for help. The believer should be led by the Spirit to seek out the answer as the Lord my have reason for this. To give an outside entity, consisting of a person or body of people, authority over us regarding these matters would be a grave mistake. All individuals upon the face of this earth have been stained with original sin, as well as carry their own personal sin. As has happened in the past, unscrupulous men have used and abused the Church for their own means and personal gain. No person is infallible and sinless.
Sola Fide
Faith Alone
It is through faith alone a believer recieves salvation and not through any works, deeds, or rituals performed by the reciepient. Through faith we are justified in the sight of God and positionally sanctified. Most religions in this world are all works-based systems. Requiring of their followers to earn or merit their way into Heaven. "All of our righteousness are as filthy rags". (Isaiah 64:6 KJV) They are systems in which man, in a vain attempt, is trying to reach up to God. Offering up ceremonies, required liturgies, and kind acts (which they may not truly hold within their hearts but perform out of duty). Only in Christianity do we have God, in his infinite love, having reached down to us. To save and redeem us and requires nothing from us but our faith. The act of faith is not even of ourselves but is a result of the grace of God. With regards to good works, the same will manifest as a result of progressive sanctification, as a true born again believer will inevitably bear fruit.
It is through faith alone a believer recieves salvation and not through any works, deeds, or rituals performed by the reciepient. Through faith we are justified in the sight of God and positionally sanctified. Most religions in this world are all works-based systems. Requiring of their followers to earn or merit their way into Heaven. "All of our righteousness are as filthy rags". (Isaiah 64:6 KJV) They are systems in which man, in a vain attempt, is trying to reach up to God. Offering up ceremonies, required liturgies, and kind acts (which they may not truly hold within their hearts but perform out of duty). Only in Christianity do we have God, in his infinite love, having reached down to us. To save and redeem us and requires nothing from us but our faith. The act of faith is not even of ourselves but is a result of the grace of God. With regards to good works, the same will manifest as a result of progressive sanctification, as a true born again believer will inevitably bear fruit.
Sola Gratia
Grace Alone
It is through God's "unmerited favor" that we are even able to come to faith in Christ. It is a favor that He has bestowed upon the elect not as the result of us having done anything worthy of it. But only because of the love for his creation. It is wholly a monergistic work of the Holy Spirit and the believer contributes nothing to his own salvation. Through God's grace he has given us the gift of faith.
It is through God's "unmerited favor" that we are even able to come to faith in Christ. It is a favor that He has bestowed upon the elect not as the result of us having done anything worthy of it. But only because of the love for his creation. It is wholly a monergistic work of the Holy Spirit and the believer contributes nothing to his own salvation. Through God's grace he has given us the gift of faith.
Solo Christo
Christ Alone
It is through Jesus Christ and his shed blood alone that one receives salvation. There is no other name through which one might be saved. Not through Buddha, Muhammad, the Dali Lama or anyone else. Christ is the only mediator between God the Father and sinful man. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me". (John 14:6, KJV)
It is through Jesus Christ and his shed blood alone that one receives salvation. There is no other name through which one might be saved. Not through Buddha, Muhammad, the Dali Lama or anyone else. Christ is the only mediator between God the Father and sinful man. "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me". (John 14:6, KJV)
Soli Deo Gloria
Glory to God Alone
God alone, is deserving of all glory. He is the author and finisher of our faith. In his love, he has granted us salvation when we were deserving of death and punishment. Neither popes, priests, saints, preachers, teachers, kings, presidents or any other creature is worthy of the glory, but God alone.
God alone, is deserving of all glory. He is the author and finisher of our faith. In his love, he has granted us salvation when we were deserving of death and punishment. Neither popes, priests, saints, preachers, teachers, kings, presidents or any other creature is worthy of the glory, but God alone.