This evening, we had our Reformation Celebration at the church.
I loved the insert found in our bulletin this morning in church that talked about "The Solas of the Reformation" and I wanted to share it with you.
"In 16th century Europe, many in the Church believed salvation was a human endeavor. On October 31, 1517, a young monk publicly protested the teaching of his day; his protest is considered the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. By nailing a list of 95 statements (called "theses") on the door of the chapel at Wittenberg Castle, Martin Luther became the catalyst by which God moved the Church back to a biblical understanding of salvation.
Mankind is prone to diminish God's role in salvation. On Reformation Sunday, we remember the message of our spiritual forefathers summarized in the "five solar of the Reformation"
Sola Scriptura--"Scripture Alone"
God revealed everything about salvation in the Bible. Individual experience, human opinion, and the decrees of creeds and councils are subject to the authority of Scripture. Mankind is not free to develop a different path to know and enjoy God. The answer to the question, "How can I know God?" is found in Scripture alone.
Solus Christus--"Christ Alone"
Jesus was clear: no one comes to God except through him (John 14:6). There is no other name given among men by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is God's choice to pay the punishment for sin and offer the righteousness God requires. That is why Jesus is called "the Christ". No other religious leader can make a way to God; it is Christ alone.
Sola Gratia--"Grace Alone"
Human desire and effort will never establish or maintain a relationship with God. Nor can man free himself from evil inclinations through self-discipline or hard work. Only God gives spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead. He leads men to Christ and releases them from bondage to sin by His grace alone.
Sola Fide--"Faith Alone"
Man often believes God "grades on the curve". That if a person works hard and has good intentions, God will accept whatever that person offers. The truth is God requires perfection, and he considers those who have faith in Christ to be perfect. The imperfect believer trusts he is accepted because of the perfection of Christ. God gives these benefits on the basis of faith alone.
Soli Deo Gloria--"The Glory of God Alone"
All humans struggle with self centeredness. We believe God exists to make life better for us and our loved ones and God grants salvation to make eternal life better. It's all about us. The Bible teaches that God has a higher ambition: His own glory. Our salvation, as well as every aspect of daily life, has a purpose beyond self. We are saved by grace through faith for the glory of God alone.
On Reformation Day, we remember the unique role God plays in salvation: He does it all.
By His work and grace, imperfect man enjoys a relationship with a perfect God. Through reformers like Martin Luther, God kept His Church on the right path.
Praise The Lord His faithfulness continues today."
Chewie & Darth at the Reformation Celebration
