Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) Solus Christus (Christ alone) Sola Fide (faith alone) Sola Gratia (grace alone) Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone).
In the 16th century, during the Protestant Reformation these teachings were the line drawn in the sand. It set the reformers apart from Rome in the area of biblical theology. This slogan wasn’t something the reformers was familiar with since it was actually comprised in the 19th century as an explanation of Reformed Theology. Even though they didn’t have this particular list readily available like an unsheathed sword to chop down the opponent, each doctrine was taught by the Reformers and can clearly be found in scripture, and I would like to give a short summary of each.
Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) We believe only Scripture or Scripture alone, because it is God’s inspired Word, is our inerrant, sufficient, and final authority for the church and life of the christian. (2 Tim. 3:16–17)
Solus Christus (Christ alone) We believe salvation is found in Christ alone. Christ alone is King, Christ alone is our Great High Priest, Christ alone is our redeemer and our mediator. (John 14:6)
Sola Fide (faith alone) We believe we are justified through faith alone, apart from any works of our own. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Article 11 of The 39 Articles of The Church of England (1571) states: “We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort; as more largely is expressed in the Homily of Justification. ”
Sola Gratia (grace alone) We believe salvation is the gift of grace alone from God. From the very beginning to the very end, Salvation is of the LORD. (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone) Finally we believe salvation belongs to the LORD and to God belongs all the glory. This the anthem that the first 4 sings. This is what the prophets of old proclaimed and the disciples of Christ. To God ALONE be the glory. (Romans 11:33-36)
Although not every believer will hold to Reformed Theology (I personally think all should and would with proper discernment) every true believer should recognize the biblical accuracy of the 5 Solas and should stand hand in hand with the many Christians of our past who, with great passion and love for God and humanity, proclaimed these doctrines, even to their death.
No King but Christ 