From the Pastor’s Heart…

 (May 29, 2011)

In 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany. His writings sparked the Reformation Movement throughout Europe. He and the other reformers lifted up five solas that they defined as essentials of Christian belief and practice.

The reformers reiterated what Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit fifteen centuries earlier:

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone):  The Bible, the Word of God, is alone our ultimate authority. Known as the “formal principle” of the Reformation, because it is the starting point and so it guides us to all other beliefs. [Ps. 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:15-4:1-5[

Sola Fide (Faith Alone): This is justification. We are justified through faith alone, not by faith plus our works/deeds. Not by faith plus anything. [Rom. 1:16; 3:22; Eph. 2:8]

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): Our salvation is by grace alone. The Bible declares that there is nothing in man that demands or persuades God to save us. God owes us nothing but His just wrath for our sins. Those who are saved are saved by God’s gracious mercy. [Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:8; Tit. 3:7]

Solus Christus (Christ Alone):  Our salvation is by and through Christ alone. No merit or actions contribute to salvation, only the merit of Christ. If we try to add something to the doctrine of salvation, scripture says that we are accursed (Gal. 1:8-9). Praise God that there is only one mediator, Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:5-6). [Phil. 3:7-11]

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone be the Glory): The declaration that God is sovereign over all and therefore He works all things to His glory. [Rom. 11:33-36; Eph. 1]

So, as revealed in the Scriptures, we are justified (declared righteous) by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.

It is a joy to be your pastor.