The 5 Solas

This week I have been writing about certain Latin phrase that came out of the Reformation. These phrases were used by the Reformers, given to the Reformers, and drive home the importance of what the Reformers were all about. This week so far I have written a little on; Coram Deo, Post Tenebras Lux, and Semper Reformada. Today I am going to write a little bit on the 5 Solas or the 5 Sola phrases that came out of the Reformation and were used by the Reformers to be clear what they stood for. Today I am going to write a little about each, but Lord willing, I hope to write a post on each off the 5 Solas in the coming weeks.

The 5 Solas- Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solas Christus, Soli Deo Gloria, Sola Scriptura
So what are these 5 Solas? First, the Latin word "Sola" means alone. The Latin word "Sola" does not sound like the English word alone, but never the less, it means alone, only, or that singular thing. So when the word "Sola" is linked to the other Latin words, it means that in particular that item is the only way, only one, or in that item, person, or action alone, something comes. So, lets look at each Sola individually and this will make sense.

Sola Gratia
This phrase means Grace alone. Salvation is by grace from God alone. This is where the first of the 5 Solas begins. Salvation is found only in the grace of God, comes only from the grace of God, and is only a grace of God action, alone. This phrase keeps clear that it is grace alone where salvation from God is rooted.

Sola Fide
This phrase means faith alone. Not only is salvation from the grace of God alone, but it is only to those who posses faith alone. Nothing else a man needs for salvation. Faith alone in a man is where salvation can rest. Faith in God's promises is where salvation rest, alone.

Solas Christus
This phrase we can probably figure out by knowing the first two of the Solas. This phrase means in Christ alone. Not only is salvation from the grace of God alone in faith alone, but it is also only through Christ alone and Christ life and death, alone. Salvation only comes through Christ alone to those who are in Christ alone.

Soli Deo Gloria
Simply put, all of the above Solas are done for the glory of God alone. This Sola is the crux of the matter. God saves for His glory alone. He saves through Christ alone for His glory alone. He saves in faith alone for His glory alone. And lastly His grace alone is for His glory alone. God's glory alone is where every single thing and second is found.

Sola Scripture
This Sola is the dearest and nearest to my heart. We know all about the grace of God, the faith needed, Christ our Savior, and God's glory alone only through Scripture alone. The Bible is the only way we know God, know salvation, know Christ, and know obedience. Without the Bible every single human is lost. It is only from Scripture alone that we have anything.

So these are the 5 Solas. These phrase are critical not only to understanding the Reformers and the Reformation, but they are also critical to understanding right doctrine and right theology. And that is why I love them and cherish them in my memory. These 5 Solas keep the faith right, the truth pure, and the obedience of a Christian going. The Reformers and most solid theologians since, have used these 5 Solas to drive who and what they are. These 5 Solas are what drive me. They drive me to love my wife, raise my children, preach the Gospel to my church, and reach the lost with the good news of; salvation is grace alone in faith alone through Christ alone for the glory of God alone made know in Scripture alone.