Overview

500th Anniversary

2017 marked the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, an event started by monks who protested the unbiblical teachings of the Roman Catholic church with the truth of the Gospel in the 16th century.  It had the largest spiritual impact on our world since Jesus Christ and the apostles.  And yet, our modern world is in dire need of these timeless truths still today.

The 5 Solas

The Five Solas are five principles that emerged from the Protestant Reformation.  Each of these principles were defended and discussed by reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin, but they were not organized in this way until more recently in the 20th century.  Sola is simply the Latin word for "only and alone"; thus each of these principles describe the core, foundational beliefs (the "alones," if you will) of the Christian faith.

I -Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone - The only foundation.
  • The Bible is the only infallible and sufficient rule for governing issues of life and doctrine
II - Sola Gratia - Grace Alone - The only method.
  • Our salvation and justification are both given solely by the grace of God, and are not dependent on any action or condition of man.
III -Sola Fide - Faith Alone - The only means.
  • Our justification before God is by faith in Christ alone, not by works.
IV - Solus Christus - Christ Alone - The only mediator.
  • Because Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and man, salvation is only through his death and resurrection.
V- Soli Deo Gloria - Glory to God Alone - The only ambition.
  • All glory and honor is due to God alone.

In studying each of these Solas, we are reminded of the depth and riches of God's salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ granted through the preaching and hearing of His word.  They remind us that everything we do ought to be done for God's glory since that is what we were created for.

Resources

Sermon Series

Click here to listen to our sermon series on The Solas.

Bible Reading Plan

For this series, we will be using a wonderful resource called Gospel Meditations on the Reformation.  This book is a collection of 31 daily devotionals taken from Scripture but illustrated with scenes from Reformation history.  Noted historian Carl Trueman and theologian Andy Naselli join pastors Chris Anderson and Joe Tyrpak as contributing authors.  Be sure to pick one up this Sunday so that you can read along with us each week!

Other

Additionally, we want to provide you with a variety of resources with which to celebrate, educate, and meditate on these Five Solas in different ways.

  • Freedom Movement: 500 Years of Reformation. Michael Reeves quickly outlines the major historical moments of the Reformation and highlights their importance for us and the world today.  
  • The Cambridge Declaration.  This is an evangelical statement of faith standing upon the truths of the Solas through a set of affirmations and denials.  This is a short helpful resources that sums up what we believe as a church regarding the principles that emerged from the reformation.
  • Reformation Timeline. For those who want to learn more of the history, The Village Church has made a fantastic visual timeline of the Reformation.  
  • Here We Stand.  Desiring God, the influential web ministry started by John Piper, published 31 mini-biographies of various heroes of the Reformation.  
  • The Reformation and Your Church. 9Marks, in keeping with their goal of building healthy churches, has compiled an online journal called The Reformation and Your Church, which includes articles and discussions that highlight the importance of the Reformation and its defining principles for our church today.  
  • Reformation Playlist.  Keith and Krysten Getty, most known for writing the modern hymn "In Christ Alone," have made a playlist of worship music accompanying the Five Solas.  Check these songs out and sing the truths of the gospel in worship to God!