“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:1-2).

When most people look at October 31st on their calendar, they think of Halloween.

However, it is also Reformation Day—the anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to a church door in Wittenberg. Back then that was a way of engaging in academic debate. He had serious concerns and wanted reform in the church.

Since then, that event has been chosen as the symbolic starting point of what we now call the Protestant Reformation.

On Reformation Day I want to share with you the “five solas.” These are five statements (originally in Latin) of theological importance. There are, of course, many other things that could be focused on like the great commandment and the great commission. But those were never in doubt. These five ideas were emphasized because they had been neglected and needed to be recovered. Here they are.

“Sola scriptura” means “Scripture alone.” It is inspired by God and is the ultimate and final authority in the life of individual Christians and in the church.

“Sola fide” means “faith alone.” We are made right with God only through faith in Christ, not by earning anything through our good deeds. This is sometimes called “justification by faith.”

“Sola gratia” means “grace alone.” We are saved by God’s grace. From beginning to end, it is something he does and is a free gift to us.

“Solus Christus” means “Christ alone.” He alone is Saviour.

“Soli Deo gloria” means “to the glory of God alone.” For all that I’ve described and more, God alone receives the glory.

These five ideas were at the heart of the Protestant Reformation, and they continue to be at the heart of our faith today.

It’s easy to drift off course. That’s why it’s called “drifting.” It happens slowly. At the time, you barely notice. But if your compass is off just a little, and if you follow it for a long time, you are going to end up waaaaaay off course. 

Reformation Day is a good opportunity to re-check your compass, and to give thanks to God for what he has accomplished and given to us freely in Christ.

Let’s read that list again:

Scripture alone.
Faith alone.
Grace alone.
Christ alone.
To the glory of God alone.

May you think with clarity and confidence. May you love with boldness and bravery. And may you stand firm on the shoulders of giants, who themselves stand on the shoulders of Christ.

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.