The word sola is the Latin word for “only” and
was used in relation to five key teachings that defined the biblical of Gospel.
They are:
1. Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
2. Sola fide: “faith alone”
3. Sola gratia: “grace alone”
4. Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
5. Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone”
Sola scriptura emphasized the Bible alone as the
source of authority for Christians. Only the Bible was “inspired by God” (2
Peter 1:20-21) and “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Anything taught by the
Pope or in tradition that contradicted the Bible was to be rejected. Sola
scripturaalso fueled the translation of the Bible into German, French,
English, and other languages, and prompted Bible teaching in the common
languages of the day, rather than in Latin.
Sola fide emphasized salvation as a free
gift. Sola fide stated that salvation is a free gift to all
who accept it by faith (John 3:16). Salvation is not based on human effort or
good deeds (Ephesians 2:9).
Sola gratia emphasized grace as the reason for our
salvation. In other words, salvation comes from what God has done rather than
what we do. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches, “For by grace you have been
saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not
a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Solo Christo (sometimes listed as Solus
Christus, “through Christ alone”) emphasized the role of Jesus in
salvation. Jesus’ role as our “high priest” who intercedes on our behalf before
the Father. Hebrews 4:15 teaches, “For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect
has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus is the One who offers
access to God, not a human spiritual leader.
Soli Deo gloria emphasized the glory of God
as the goal of life. Rather than striving to please church leaders, keep a list
of rules, or guard our own interests, our goal is to glorify the Lord. The idea
of soli Deo gloria is found in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So,
whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
The five solas offered a strong corrective to
the faulty practices and beliefs of the time, and they remain relevant today.
We are called to focus on Scripture, accept salvation by grace through faith,
magnify Christ, and live for God’s glory. ( Sources : Christianity Through
the Centuries by Earle Cairns)
