The Blessings of the Reformation

The Protestant Reformation began five hundred years ago as a Roman Catholic monk named Martin Luther nailed his “talking points” (known as his “Ninety-five Theses”) to the door of the All Saints Church in Wittenberg, Germany.

That event and the years since have been a tremendous blessing to the church. In addition to the reformation that has come to the church, there are specific areas which have become well received by the church and instrumental for the work of Christ around the world.

What are these blessings?

When historians and theologians speak and write about the Reformation, they usually begin with the “Five Solas,” that is, five affirmations of the Protestant Reformation.

Together, these affirmations bring us back to a biblical faith that emphasizes Scripture and salvation. As we look through these, look at your own life and seek to be renewed as the original reformers sought for the church of their day.

Sola Scriptura, “Salvation Alone.” The Bible alone is our authority and is our source of understanding concerning faith and practice. One modern affirmation of this belief affirms that the “Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter” (The Baptist Faith and Message).

Sola Fide, “Faith Alone.” Salvation is by faith alone in Christ Jesus the Lord.

Sola Gratia, “Grace Alone.” Salvation is by grace through faith. It is not the result of our works but of the work of God on our behalf.

Solus Christus, “Christ Alone.” Only Christ is our Lord, Savior, and King. There is salvation in no other. Only in the name of Christ can a person be saved.

Soli Deo Gracia, “to God be the glory Alone.” We do not seek to be glorified, but we seek to give God alone the Glory. All that we are and all that we do comes from God Himself. To Him alone belongs all the glory.

These truths and emphases bring blessing to the church and to the lives of individual Christians. When we live these principles the church is blessed and the kingdom grows.

Soli Deo Gracia!

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