This past week marked the 500th anniversary to the Protestant Reformation.  Even though we have good reasons to adhere to this particular expression of Christianity, it needs to be said at the outset that even though we are not Roman Catholic, we cannot claim to be perfect in all we do.

The major distinction isn’t to be found in the style of worship or the form of our prayers or service, rather the key difference is upon the doctrine of justification by faith alone.  We will examine today the historical foundation of the Reformation and the 5 solas that defined this Protestant movement to which we claim the true gospel of Christ.

Romans 1:17

“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed — a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

The Five solae

1. Sola Fide = Faith alone

2. Sola Gratia = Grace alone

Ephesians 2:1-3

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”

3. Solus Christus = Christ alone

John 14:6

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”

4. Sola Scriptura = The Scriptures alone

“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason; I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have often contradicted each other, my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.”
– Martin Luther

5. Soli Deo Gloria = To the Glory of God alone

Catholic = Faith + Works = Justification
Protestant = Faith = Justification + Works

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Upon who’s righteousness are you depending?  Yours? or Christ?