The Five Solas of the Reformation


 

Sola Scriptura

Scripture alone is my only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience. The Holy Scriptures, as God’s revealed word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are the highest authoritative and normative rule and guide of my Christian life in matters of faith and doctrine.
Deuteronomy 12:32; Psalm 19:7, 119; Proverbs 30:5-6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21

Sola Gratia

My salvation is by God’s grace alone, nothing I have done or can do merits my salvation, nor did God see any goodness in me causing him to bestow salvation upon me. It is purely by God’s grace that he predestined, called, and justified me for salvation.
Exodus 34:6-7; Acts 15:11; Romans 3:24, 8:30, 11:5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:8-9

Sola Fide

Faith alone is the means by which I am justified before God. This saving faith is a gracious gift of God, and is the receiving of Christ’s work on the cross for my salvation.
Habakkuk 2:4; John 1:12, 5:24; Romans 1:17, 3:28, 4:4-5, 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9

Solus Christus

My salvation from the eternal wrath of God is secure in Jesus Christ alone. It is through him and his blood shed on the cross that my sins are completely atoned, and I am made righteous in the sight of a holy God. Christ is the only mediator and the only name given under heaven whereby I am saved.
Isaiah 53:4-6; John 3:36, 14:6, 6:37-40; Acts 4:12, 10:43; Romans 5:9; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 2:24

Soli Deo Gloria

God sovereignly works all things ultimately for the glory of God alone. As I have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and adopted by God into his family, it is my new life’s passion to bring glory to the triune God in all areas of my life by loving and obeying him while loving and serving my neighbor.
Isaiah 2:17; Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:9-11; Ephesians 1:11-12; Romans 11:33-36