The Five Solas

The Five Solas are five Latin phrases that did arise during the illustrious Protestant Reformation, artfully crafted to encapsulate the fundamental theological principles espoused by the Reformers, standing in stark contrast to certain doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church of that epoch. The term "Sola" is derived from the Latin tongue, signifying "alone" or "only." The corresponding phrases are as follows:

• Sola Scriptura: "by Scripture alone."

• Sola Fide: "by faith alone."

• Sola Gratia: "by grace alone."

• Solus Christus: "through Christ alone."

• Soli Deo Gloria: "to the glory of God alone."

These phrases may be found articulated individually within the various writings of the Reformers of the sixteenth century, whether explicitly or implicitly; however, they do not present themselves as a formalized list in their original context. It is most probable that the compilation of the Solas into a singular enumeration did occur at a later date.

Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura)

The inerrant Scripture, known as the Holy Bible, doth serve as the sole source of written divine revelation, possessing the singular authority to bind the conscience of man. The Bible alone doth impart all that is requisite for our salvation from sin and serves as the standard by which all Christian conduct must be evaluated. It is asserted that no creed, council, or individual may bind the conscience of a Christian; that the Holy Spirit doth not speak independently of, nor contrary to, that which is articulated in the Holy Scriptures; nor can personal spiritual experience ever serve as a vehicle of revelation.

Faith Alone (Sola Fide)

Justification is attained by grace alone, through faith alone, on account of Christ alone. In the act of justification, the righteousness of Christ is imputed unto us as the sole means of satisfying the perfect justice of God. Our justification is not contingent upon any merit found within our own selves, nor upon the infusion of Christ's righteousness into our being; nor can an institution, claiming to be a church, which denies or condemns sola fide, be recognized as a legitimate church.

Grace Alone (Sola Gratia)

In the matter of salvation, we are delivered from the wrath of God solely by His grace. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that doth draw us unto Christ, liberating us from our bondage to sin and resurrecting us from spiritual death unto spiritual life. It is denied that salvation is, in any sense, a human endeavor. Human methods, techniques, or strategies, in isolation, cannot effectuate this transformation. Faith is not generated by our unregenerate human nature.

Christ Alone (Solus Christus)

Our salvation is accomplished solely through the mediatorial work of the historical Christ. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation unto the Father. It is denied that the gospel is rightly proclaimed if the substitutionary work of Christ is not declared, and faith in Christ and His work is not solicited.

To the Glory of God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria)

It is affirmed that, since salvation doth originate from God and hath been accomplished by Him, it is ultimately for His glory, and we must perpetually glorify Him. We are called to live our entire lives in the presence of God, under His authority, and for His glory alone. It is denied that we can genuinely glorify God if our worship is conflated with mere entertainment, if we neglect either Law or Gospel in our preaching, or if self-improvement, self-esteem, or self-fulfillment are permitted to supplant the gospel.