5 questions and the 5 solas

The Cripplegate ^ | July 2, 2014 | Jesse Johnson

[RnMomof7]

The Protestant Reformation threw the Christian world into chaos. At the beginning of the 1400’s the Pope’s authority was absolute and the only means of salvation were the sacraments given under his auspices. There was a secular/sacred distinction that was ironclad, meaning that the priests and laity lived in practically two separate worlds. There was no concept of church membership, corporate worship, preaching, or Bible reading in the churches. And as far as doctrine was concerned, there was no debate—the creeds and declarations from Rome (and soon to be Avignon) were the law.

Things had been this way for six hundred years. In a world where life expectancy was in the 30’s, that is essentially the same as saying that the church had been in the dark forever.

But if you fast-forward to the end of the 1500’s, all of that had been turned on its head. The absolute nature of the Pope’s rule and vanished—in large part owing to the Babylonian Captivity of the church (the 40 year period were two rival popes both ruled, and both excommunicated each other—finally to both be deposed by a church council). Church councils themselves had contradicted themselves so many times that their own authority was openly ridiculed. The Holy Roman Empire was no longer relevant, and the political world had simply passed the Pope by. 

Protestants found themselves in the wake of this upheaval, and there was one major question to be answered: what, exactly, was this new kind of Christian? What did a Protestant believe? The reformation had followed similar and simultaneous tracks in multiple countries, yet at the end of it all the content of Protestantism was pretty much the same. On the essentials, German, English, Swiss, and Dutch Protestants all stood for the same theology. But what was it?

It was easy to understand the beliefs of Catholicism—all one had to do was look at their creeds and the declarations from their councils. But Protestants were so named precisely because they were opposed to all that. So what council would give them their beliefs then?

This is where the five solas came from. These were five statements about the content of the Protestant gospel, and by the end of the 1500’s, these were the terms which identified Protestantism. These five phrases are not an extensive statement on theology, but instead served simply as a way to explain what the content of the gospel was to which Protestants held.

Sola Fide—Faith alone

Solus Christus—Christ alone

Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone

Sola Gratia—Grace alone

Soli Deo Gloria—God’s glory alone

These five solas still live on to this very day. They define what the gospel is for evangelicals worldwide, and also provide a helpful summary—a cheat sheet even—of what marks the true gospel from a religion of works. But historically, these five solas make the most sense when viewed from the perspective of answering the question: what do Protestants believe? In fact, each one of these five is an answer to a particular question:

What must I do to be saved? Sola Fide

The gospel is not a religion of works, but a religions of faith. You can’t do anything to be saved—rather, God saves you on the basis of your faith, which is itself on the basis of the work of Christ on your behalf. Protestants believe that you don’t work for your salvation, and that nobody is good enough to deserve salvation. But thankfully salvation does not come on the basis of works but instead on the basis of faith.

Sola fide declares that In addition to faith, you can do absolutely nothing in order to be saved.

What must I trust? Solus Christus

In a world with deposed Popes in the unemployment line, this question has profound importance. Keep in mind that for six hundred years, nearly every European would have answered that question by pointing at the sacraments. You trust them for your salvation. Perhaps some would point you to the church, the priest, of even to Jesus himself. But only a Protestant would say “trust Jesus alone.”

Solus Christus is a simple declaration that salvation is not dispensed through Rome, priests, or sacraments. There is no sense in putting hope in extreme unction, purgatory, or an indulgence. Instead it comes through Jesus alone.

What must I obey? Sola Scriptura

When the Council of Constance deposed both Popes, this question took on a sense of urgency. If a council is greater than a Pope, then does one have to obey the Pope at all, or is it better to simply submit yourself to the church as a whole? Are believers compelled to obey priests in matters of faith?

Sola Scriptura says “no.” In matters of faith, believers are compelled by no other authority than that of Scripture. There is no room for a mixture of history and tradition—those cannot restrain the flesh and they cannot bind the conscience. Instead, believers’ only ultimate authority is the Bible.

What must I earn? Sola Gratia

Is there any sense in which a person must earn salvation? For the Protestant, the answer is obvious: NO! Salvation is of grace…ALONE. It is not by work or merit. God didn’t look down the tunnel of time and see how you were going to responded to the gospel, then rewind the tape and choose you. He does not save you in light of what you did, are doing, or will do in the future. Instead, his salvation is based entirely upon his grace.

What is the point? Soli Deo Gloria

What is the point of the Reformation? Why are these doctrinal differences worth dividing over? Because people were made for one reason, and one reason alone: to glorify God. God is glorified in his creation, in his children, in the gospel, and most particularly in his son. The highest calling on a persons’ life (indeed, the only real calling in a person’s life) is that he would glorify God in all he does. Nevertheless, we always fail to do that. Yet God saves us anyway through the gospel.

Soli Deo Gloria is a reminder that by twisting the gospel or by adding works to the gospel, a person is actually missing the glory that comes through a gospel of grace and faith, through Jesus, and described by Scripture. The first four questions really function like tributaries, and they all flow to this body—God’s glory.

Do you think these five solas retain their importance today, five hundred years later? Are they still adequate for describing the gospel of Grace?

[ealgeone]

What you believe sounds wonderful. However, the Catholic is very aware of the sins they may have committed within a week.

Christianity is indeed wonderful.

Think about the requirement for the catholic. It is a practical impossibility to keep a track record of every little sin you commit. You would need a notebook to write down everyone you commit. You must remember EVERY SIN YOU COMMIT. EVERY ONE. You can't forget one else it isn't forgiven by the priest at your confession.

What happens if on your way out of confession you see a woman wearing a low cut dress that shows off her curves? You have a passing thought of lust. Do you run back to the priest and say, "hey, let me get one more sin forgiven?" Because if you don't it is not "covered".

What happens if you're on your way to confession and you are killed in a car wreck with un-confessed mortal sins?

Heaven or Hell?

Catholic teaching says hell as the mortal sin separates you from God.....forever.

Mortal sin is called mortal because it is the "spiritual" death of the soul (separation from God). If we are in the state of grace it loses this supernatural life for us. If we die without repenting we will lose Him for eternity.https://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/mortal_versus_venial.htm

Are you sure you are willing to run that risk? If I were catholic, I'd be camping out at the doorstep of the priest. I'd never leaves his sight so I could constantly be confessing any and all sins.

That kind of fear and dread is not what Christianity is about.

Paul writes in Romans 4:7-8

Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.

That is the message of the cross as Paul noted in Colossians 2:13-14.

13When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 14having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

For the Christian the certificate of debts against us remain there...on the cross. They've been cancelled. Jesus has taken out guilt away and has paid our sin debt.

Do we still sin as Christians? Yes we do.

Are they forgiven by Christ? Yes they are based on His Word.

The Christian can approach Christ any day of the week, anytime to ask for forgiveness. In fact, the Holy Spirit who resides in you will be the first to tell you that you have sinned.

But what happens to the Christian who dies without confessing the sins of the day to Christ?

He or she goes to Heaven. All of those sins are forgiven. Forever.

They have been nailed to the cross which is where they remain. The sin debt has been paid by Christ.

Jesus said in John 10:9: I am the door, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.

The forgiveness He offers is permanent. Jesus said in John 10:28..and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand.

If you haven't placed your faith in Christ it is my sincere hope you, and anyone else reading this blog, do so today. Your eternal destination is in the balance.

If you would like to discuss this privately, please freepmail me. You have my word it will all remain confidential.

[metmom]

It’s called a venial sin.

There's no such thing. That's a construct of the enemy to convince people that some sin isn't so bad after all and doesn't bear the consequences of sin, which is death.

You make me laugh in that Jesus my Lord and Savior turned over the tables of the hypocrites who claimed they personally adhered to the Mosaic Law

And what's that got to do with anything?

[metmom]

Why would the appearance of The Mother of God be demonic?

Because that's what apparitions are, no matter who they claim to be.

[imardmd1]

Merely her opinion unless you can show us from Scripture that suffering is redemptive.

Probably a misinterpretation of the following passage:

Rom 8:21-27 AV

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from
the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the
children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth
in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the
firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption
of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not
hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience
wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we
know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit
itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which
cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind
of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints
according to the will of God.

[metmom]

Why?

[LearsFool]

Well you're right, I didn't backtrack through your discussion with the Catholic. But you demanded that I answer the questions you posed in that discussion before you would answer mine. So I did.

Then you demanded that I defend my answers before you would answer mine. So I did.

Now you want me to address more of your discussion with someone else? I wonder when you'll stop making demands and start upholding your end. :-)

Of course Paul is talking about works of law in 4:4-5. There isn't any other way to earn a not-guilty verdict. Listen to him:

"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin." - 3:19-20 (ASV)

"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (KJV)

Why is every mouth stopped by the law? Sin, that's why. We're guilty. We're under the judgment.

Why can't anybody be justified by works of law? Sin, that's why. We're guilty. We're under the judgment.

Now I've got to sign off and get some sleep. I'll check tomorrow to see whether you've kept your end of the deal and answered my questions.

[Steelfish]

Well at least you made yourself clear that the early Church fathers who assembled the books we call the Bible based on the oral tradition and early Church practices were not acting under the authority of the Hoy Spirit.

Which then prompts the obvious question: What makes the books they selected and those they threw out (like the Gnostic gospels) authoritative?

[billys kid]

I honestly have never felt so saddened by what our brothers in Christ actually believe. Shock and a sense of those whom I thought were my friends are in fact my enemy. How can this be? They do not believe in the One Truly Holy and Apostolic Church. Well, I’ll see you in Hell, you betrayers of Our Lord Jesus Christ!+++++++++++++++++

[metmom]

Well, I’ll see you in Hell, you betrayers of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

If you, as a Catholic, expect to go to hell, then why should anyone want to become Catholic? It's a flawed system of redemption that cannot be depended on.

If Catholicism cannot guarantee salvation, there's no point in it.

[metmom]

They do not believe in the One Truly Holy and Apostolic Church.

Those who believe in the Catholic church are called *Catholics*.

Those of us who believe in Christ are called *Christians*.

[CynicalBear]

God promised He would preserve His word for all generations. I trust He did that. He could have used an ass as we see with Balaam’s donkey. He could have used evil men like He did throughout history. Again, no guarantee they were correct on everything they did nor should they be relied on for everything.

[Steelfish]

When Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf was once asked whether he could forgive Bin Ladin, he said “forgiveness is for God, our job is to make the appointment.”

Forgiveness is for God, as Catholics our job is to speak to our faith as has been done for 2000 years. The parable of the mustard tree.

“He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

[MamaB]

Belonging to a certain church will not save anyone. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior will. Read John 3:16.

[metmom]

It’s the Catholic church’s catechism that states that they and islam worship the same god. There’s no lie in it. I even posted the link to verify the claim, unlike others on this forum when they state something.

I’m not dead. I’m alive in Christ. The second death won’t touch me.

[Steelfish]

But God warned of false prophets and promised ONE truth through all time, we call this Petrine authority based on the guidance of the Holy Spirit through apostolic succession.

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.”

The Apostles Creed:

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.”

[Mark17]

Because that's what apparitions are, no matter who they claim to be.

Satan going around as an angel of light again? Screwtape and Wormwood, thought they had succeeded when they had convinced people that Satan does not exist.

[metmom]

Must be.

[billys kid]

Because you refuse to accept the freedom to choose right or wrong. You act as though you have no choice in the direction of your own life. I find it puzzlingly in that you seem to be a very talented person. Who absolutely loves the road you have chosen.

[Mark17]

If you, as a Catholic, expect to go to hell, then why should anyone want to become Catholic? It's a flawed system of redemption that cannot be depended on.

If Catholicism cannot guarantee salvation, there's no point in it.

If it doesn't guarantee Salvation, then the words "eat, drink and be merry" come to mind.