It’s said that on Oct. 31, 1517, just about 509 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his famed “95 Theses” to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The 95 Theses was a delineation of Luther’s concerns and protests against the corruptions among the ruling religious authorities of the day. Historians mark that day as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

While all the reformers were far from perfect (a description fitting any theologian today as well), a much needed correction on popular doctrine and practices began to immerge and head in the right direction. The most important being the emphasis on what is known as “the five solas.” Sola is a Latin word that means “only” and these five phrases summarize what true Christianity is really all about; things that had been nearly lost and forgotten for hundreds of years before the Reformation.

The first of the five solas is Sola Scriptura, which means, “Scripture Alone.” A lot of people have a lot of opinions about a lot of things so how do we know what’s right? How can we know about things of a spiritual and eternal nature – things that cannot be tested or observed in a lab? Some rely on the teachings and traditions of man, but it’s been proven many times over that man is fallible and man’s opinions often don’t agree with each other.

So the reformers believed and taught that Scripture alone, since it is the Word of God, could be trusted to find the answers to questions only God could answer. This statement in our church’s doctrinal statement reflects this belief: “The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God, speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind, and is the sole and final source of all that we believe” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21).

From that foundation, the reformers stood on what the Bible says about eternal life and salvation from our sins – such as the next sola; Sola Gratia, or “Grace Alone.” This is contrary to the belief that salvation is given to those who “cooperate” with God by doing works that merit salvation. The Bible, however, teaches that there is nothing man can do that will earn us any part of salvation. It can only come from God, as a free gift, given to undeserving sinners (Ephesians 2:1-10).

Since we are unable to work for salvation, the Bible says the only way it can be received is Sola Fide – “Faith Alone.” While it is often taught that salvation is imparted through a church, through sacraments such as communion or baptism, and/or through other good works, the Bible teaches salvation is applied to the life of an individual through faith alone (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9).

The object of that faith, according to the Bible, must be in Solus Christus – “Christ Alone.” Only Jesus, because of His sacrificial death on the cross, can take away our sin. And only Jesus, because He is the perfect Son of God, can give us the righteousness we need to be acceptable to God (Acts 4:12).

Finally, the reformers believed in the necessity of Soli Deo Gloria – “to the Glory of God Alone.” Giving even partial credit for salvation, or any other good thing, to anyone else is robbing God of what He alone deserves. There is no one living today nor who has gone before who is able to contribute any part to anyone’s salvation. God alone can do it. God alone has done it. To Him alone be the glory (Romans 11:36, 1 Corinthians 10:31).

History records the names of many brave individuals who were willing to risk their lives to kindle the flame of the Reformation. But it’s not merely the bravery, intellect, or level of spirituality possessed by any of them that make the five solas so worthy of our consideration and respect. The five solas deserve our attention because these are five foundational truths taught in God’s word that are just as needed today as they were over 500 years ago. And these are foundational truths that, when believed, will carry you safely through eternity.