On Monday, you will see a lot of information about Halloween and I have already written concerning this, so I will not go into again. But October 31st should really be celebrated because it is Reformation Day! Monday, I will have a very easy, short synopsis of what Reformation Day really means. But, during the Protestant Reformation there were 5 Latin fundamental beliefs that serve as pillars of the life of a true believer. Below, you have them explained in a concise way. Use this to talk about these essential beliefs during your family worship.
The Five Solas of the ReformationBy Dr. James M. Boice (1938-2000)
Dr. Boice was a PCA (Presbyterian Church in America) pastor and scholar who pastored Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. He was especially noted for his systematic theology book “Foundations of the Christian Faith” and many commentaries. He reminds us all of the essential truths handed down to us by the great protestant reformers such as: Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, and Huldrych Zwingli.
“1. Scripture alone. When the Reformers used the words sola Scriptura they were expressing their concern for the Bible’s authority, and what they meant is that the Bible alone is our ultimate authority—not the pope, not the church, not the traditions of the church or church councils, still less personal intimations or subjective feelings, but Scripture only. Other sources of authority may have an important role to play. Some are even established by God—such as the authority of church elders, the authority of the state, or the authority of parents over children. But Scripture alone is truly ultimate. Therefore, if any of these other authorities depart from Bible teaching, they are to be judged by the Bible and rejected.2. Christ alone. The church of the Middle Ages spoke about Christ. A church that failed to do that could hardly claim to be Christian. But the medieval church had added many human achievements to Christ’s work, so that it was no longer possible to say that salvation was entirely by Christ and his atonement. This was the most basic of all heresies, as the Reformers rightly perceived. It was the work of God plus our own righteousness. The Reformation motto solus Christus was formed to repudiate this error. It affirmed that salvation has been accomplished once for all by the mediatorial work of the historical Jesus Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification, and any ‘gospel’ that fails to acknowledge that or denies it is a false gospel that will save no one.
3. Grace alone. The words sola gratia mean that human beings have no claim upon God.
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