Theological Word Of The Day: Sola Fide

TWOTD ^ | July 8, 2008

[Gamecock]

Sola Fide

Latin “faith alone”

The historic Protestant doctrine that the only instrumental cause of justification, from the human perspective, is faith. While God is the ultimate cause of justification, Protestants believe that faith in Christ through the message of the Gospel is necessary. There are no works, no matter how meritorious they may seem, that can add to justification (Eph. 2:8-9). This doctrine, according to Protestants, finds its roots in the teachings of Paul but was obscured in the middle ages and restored during the Reformation. Many Protestants would be quick to point out that it is not the doctrine itself that saves, but the reality that the doctrine represents. In other words, one is saved by faith alone, not by belief in the doctrine of faith alone. As well, most Protestants would say that “it is faith alone that saves, but the faith that saves will not be alone.” This doctrine represents a major point of distinction between Protestants and Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and, often, Eastern Orthodox.

[Petronski]

This must be biblical error week for TWOTD.

[Gamecock]

TWOTD Ping.

Seems like it is 5 Solas week at the TWOTD source.

Interestingly, the TWOTD webmaster refers the reader to this article, posted on FR recently by yours truly.

[badpacifist]

Interestingly enough I went to the bible gateway and searched the words “Faith alone” and “faith only”

[Gamecock]

What about Pope?

[Gamecock]

That would be next week, when they cover Catholic doctrine.

[Petronski]

Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.

[badpacifist]

why would i search for that?

[Gamecock]

***Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.***

A prime example of the bad theology that is coming up.

[Obi-Wandreas]

Apparently they never read the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.

Key quote:

The Lutheran churches and the Roman Catholic Church have together listened to the good news proclaimed in Holy Scripture. This common listening, together with the theological conversations of recent years, has led to a shared understanding of justification. This encompasses a consensus in the basic truths; the differing explications in particular statements are compatible with it.

In other words "there's not enough of a difference for us to call it a difference."

[Petronski]

The only bad theology at work here is the protestant theory that the Holy Spirit inspires everyone except the Catholic Church.

[ConservativeDude]

***Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.***

A prime example of the bad theology that is coming up.”

I reckon you guys ought to be able to clear up this little minor dispute in just a few posts here on FR.....

[Gamecock]

Sure. Why not? ;-)

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence.

Didn't find that in the Bible, either.

[Petronski]

That's the point: sola scriptura is error.

[Always Right]

A more interesting search is 'faith' and 'justi'.  Most protestants believe in justification by faith which is evidenced by works.  It is faith that saves, and it is faith that produces works.

 

1. Romans 3:26
   he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
   Romans 3:25-27 (in Context) Romans 3 (Whole Chapter)
2. Romans 3:28
   For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.
   Romans 3:27-29 (in Context) Romans 3 (Whole Chapter)
3. Romans 3:30
   since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.
   Romans 3:29-31 (in Context) Romans 3 (Whole Chapter)
4. Romans 4:1
   [ Abraham Justified by Faith ] What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter?
   Romans 4:1-3 (in Context) Romans 4 (Whole Chapter)
5. Romans 4:5
   However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
   Romans 4:4-6 (in Context) Romans 4 (Whole Chapter)
6. Romans 5:1
   [ Peace and Joy ] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
   Romans 5:1-3 (in Context) Romans 5 (Whole Chapter)
7. Galatians 2:16
   know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
   Galatians 2:15-17 (in Context) Galatians 2 (Whole Chapter)
8. Galatians 3:8
   The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you."
   Galatians 3:7-9 (in Context) Galatians 3 (Whole Chapter)
9. Galatians 3:11
   Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith."
   Galatians 3:10-12 (in Context) Galatians 3 (Whole Chapter)
10. Galatians 3:24
    So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.
    Galatians 3:23-25 (in Context) Galatians 3 (Whole Chapter)
11. James 2:24
    You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
    James 2:23-25 (in Context) James 2 (Whole Chapter)

[ZGuy]

You’re right, TWOTD is in error: The doctrine of sola fide is found and supported in scripture in the Old Testament long before Paul wrote of it.

[badpacifist]

2 thess 2:15 This seems pretty close I think but of course seems not many can agree on much of what the book says I am just plugging away on that bible gateway thingy

[ChurtleDawg]

Sola Fide is an error.

Here is what it really looks like:

God’s grace ——> faith -——> works.

God’s grace leads to faith which leads to works.

When Paul talks of works, also, he is mainly talking of strict observance of Levitical law, not deeds of charity and mercy.

[xzins]

Does this statement include both the Missouri and Wisconsin synods as signatories?