History is important. I have always loved learning about the past. History tells us where we have been and how we have progressed. This progression can be for the good or bad. Looking back, we see the mistakes made but also how truth has stood the test of time.
One of those times in history is the Protestant Reformation. This was a time when there was a revolt against the abuses and controlling nature of the Roman Catholic Church.
There were people like Ulrich Zwingli, Martin Luther, and John Calvin who stood up and protested against the unbiblical practices of the Roman Catholic Church. These men and others sought to return to sound biblical doctrine.
One of the events highlighted is when Martin Luther, on October 31, 1517, posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Church.
Several products of the Protestant Reformation helped to define sound biblical doctrine clearly.
To combat the false doctrine teachings they saw in the church, the Protestant reformers developed the Five Solas. These Five Solas are what separated Protestantism from Roman Catholicism.
Sola is the Latin word for alone. So, the five solas are five Latin phrases that distinguish between the Protestant reformers and the Roman Catholic Church.
The five solas are
1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
2. Sola fide: “faith alone”
3. Sola gratia: “grace alone”
4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
5. Soli Deo Gloria: “To the glory of God alone.”
Each was written to correct the incorrect practices and teachings of the Roman Catholic.
The Reformers wanted to follow what the Bible stated on these matters. These five were highlighted to help people know and understand sound biblical doctrine. These doctrines were essential then and are now crucial for the believer.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will look at each one to understand its importance in the life of believers today.
References
Sola: How the Five Solas Are Still Reforming the Church By: Jason Allen
GotQuestions.org What are the five solas? https://www.gotquestions.org/five-solas.html
