In 2017 we celebrate the 500^th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.  October 31, 1517 is the generally accepted beginning of the protestant movement and renewal of the true church, when humble men and women Re-formed their lives worship and the church based upon The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  All the Reformation gains were summarized by what we call the Five Solas. 

We believe in grace alone (Sola Gratia) Grace alone; this is directly opposed to the default religion of our age—where I must work for my salvation, either through direct sacrament, being a good citizen, or through becoming a positive person. Our sin is so offensive to God and debilitating to us that Grace is the only solution to Peace with God.  The only salvation from Hell, which all humanity deserves, comes through grace alone.  Salvation belongs to the Lord and it is his pleasure to grant it to individuals. Grace is an un-sought, undeserved gift from Holy God to Sinful man.

We believe in Faith Alone (Sola Fide)—God gives us faith.  We receive the message and content of the Gospel through faith alone.  Faith is putting all the loyalty of our life upon God for the salvation He promises.  Our faith is not in ourselves, nor in our pastors, nor even the church for salvation: but in God alone. 

We believe salvation comes through Christ alone (Solus Christus)—The object of God’s grace and our faith is the Lord Jesus Christ only, not Jesus plus anything else. God’s Messiah entered into human history one time for the hope and salvation of sinners.  The obedience of Christ earned our place in eternity. Our sins and their penalty, the judgment of God and the anger of God, were transferred to Him at Calvary. His entire life was a fragrant aroma to God, the complete and only sacrifice acceptable to Holy God.  The person and work of Jesus Christ provides our only hope for eternal blessings from God, and not curse in hell eternal.  

We believe this according to Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura)—We reject any other authorities which contradict God’s Word as alternatives or additions for our spiritual life and godliness.  God’s speaks through His written Word, it is both our authority and it is sufficient.  Ours is the age of autonomy and gurus; Enter Sola Scriptura. The Bible Alone: This gives us peace.   We don’t need Jesus Calling, heaven tourism books or the Shack to give us new revelations from God.  We don’t need 23 steps to a better you or to travel on a Spiritual Mecca to the woods to hear from God. These give no true assurance, they only replace God’s Word with a wimpy, American alternative.  We don’t need entertainment, we don’t need therapy. God doesn’t need help from us in this age. We need the Gospel, and It‘s power is imparted by the Holy Spirit through the Bible Alone.  Romans 10:17 declares: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God.

We believe all of Life is to the Glory of God alone (Soli deo Gloria)—God is our King.  He is our Savior and our Lord.  He alone gets the credit.  No one can claim salvation if they will not submit to His will over their live.  All life is to Him.  This gives His people great purpose.  From sinners to saints, through faith in Jesus Christ, now living for God’s glory and praise, in gratitude and continual repentance.  Sola Dei Gloria also reminds us that our redemption isn’t fully known or complete until we worship God as King and Christ as Redeemer together in the New Heavens and New Earth.   

Put your trust today in Christ alone.  Believe this above all.  We are an eternal people.  We will all face God one day, all of us, when our future will be eternal Heaven or Hell. Repent of using God for your glory and live for His pleasure.  Seek his will above all.  Receive Grace alone in Christ alone.  You cannot earn it; He gives it freely to those who trust Him.