Today we commemorate Reformation Sunday, remembering the events of October 31, 1517. On that day, Martin Luther’s 95 Theses were posted at the University of Wittenberg to initiate a theological discussion about the practice of indulgences. However, unknowingly to Luther, this action was the catalyst for the Reformation. In the following century, the Reformation brought about significant changes within the church and society as a whole.
Those changes were driven by the Five Solas, which remain crucial today for a biblical understanding of the Gospel.
The Five Solas
Scripture Alone: Our Only Foundation Scripture provides our rule for faith and practice.
Christ Alone: Our Only Way
Righteousness before God comes only through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace Alone: Our Only Hope
Salvation flows from the unmerited favor of God.
Faith Alone: Our Only Means
Faith provides the only means of justification.
God’s Glory Alone: Our Only Ambition
All of life is to be lived to the glory of God.
(I Chronicles 16:29; Psalms 24:1-10; I Corinthians 10:31; II Corinthians 10:17; Colossians 3:17; Revelation 4:11)
Further Reading
What Is Reformation Day All About?
Are the Five Solas Biblical?
The Five Solas
The Need for Grace – vv. 1-3
Dead
Alive to sin, but dead to God
Enslaved to darkness/evil
Walking. Following. Ruled
BY SATAN AND THE WAYS OF THE WORLD
Objects of wrath
“Divine hostility to all the is evil” Curtis Vaughn
The Gift of Grace – vv. 4-6
Recipients to God’s favor and mercy
Resurrected to new life
United us with Christ
Alive with Him.
Raised us up with Him.
Seated us with Him.
The Purpose of Grace – vv. 7-10
SO THAT….
Show the riches of His grace
GRACE THROUGH FAITH
NOT OF WORKS
NO ONE CAN BOAST
To Empower a life of good works
Life of redemption
Ministers of reconciliation 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
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