5 Solas of the Reformation
Besides the Westminster Confession of Faith as our doctrinal statement, and a helpful summary of the Bible’s teaching, some of what we believe can be summarised by the the five Solas which are five Latin phrases or statements of the evangelical faith which lay at the center of what distinguished the theology of the Reformation from the theology of the Roman Catholic church in the 16th century. We as a Reformed church hold onto these as part of our theological convictions.
SOLA SCRIPTURA | SCRIPTURE ALONE |
The word of God alone is the only infallible authority. We believe that the holy scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that all truth necessary for our salvation and spiritual life is taught either explicitly or implicitly in Scripture.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
SOLUS CHRISTUS | CHRIST ALONE |
Jesus Christ alone is our source of salvation, our saviour and king. Mankind has rebelled against God and therefore deserves death. The only way to be right with God is by having faith in by relying the works of Jesus. He is the living word that speaks truth and life. He is the one who is the perfect eternal high priest who has paid the price for sin and is eternally interceding for his people. He is the victorious risen king who is the King of Kings and the Lord of the Lords.
“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:11-12
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”
Romans 5:10
SOLA FIDE | FAITH ALONE |
We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Since all sin and fall short of the glory of God and our good works are “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6), our works can in no way be the ground of our acceptance before God. Only the merit of Jesus Christ can set us right with God, and we access this merit by trusting in Christ alone. Justification is by faith alone.
“ Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,”
Romans 4:4-5
“and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith”
Philippians 3:9
SOLA GRATIA | GRACE ALONE |
We are saved by the grace of God alone. We are dead in sin, unable to come to God inwardly and outwardly. Our salvation is utterly beyond our own powers, counsels, efforts, will and works, and depends absolutely on the will, counsel, pleasure and work of God alone. It is by God’s grace alone we are saved through faith so that all glory may be to God.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
SOLI DEO GLORIA | TO THE GLORY OF GOD ALONE |
The glory of God is the goal of all things and all of creation, the host of heavens worship and give all praise to him. He is worthy of worship. Salvation by faith alone, grace alone and Christ alone leads to glory to God alone. It is all for the glory of God. This ministry exists for the glory of God.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Romans 11:36