The Five Solas

On a previous page, I talked about “The Westminster Confession of Faith”.  I encourage you to look up the Confession and become familiar with it.  Something else that should prove helpful is “The Five Solas”.  These are Latin phrases that summarize key truths of the Reformation.  

They are as follows:

  1. Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.
    “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [God breathed], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17
  2. Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
    “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:1, 6
  3. Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.
    “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10
  4. Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.
    This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:11-12 (Jesus Christ of Nazareth is named in verse 10)
  5. Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone.
    “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”  Revelation 4:11