18 Mar What does it mean to be “reformed”?
The term “reformed” has become virtually synonymous with Calvinism and the five points which is confusing. Furthermore, the Protestant Reformation is better understood under the broad agenda of the solas than the more narrow five points of Calvinism, “The five solas are five Latin phrases popularized during the Protestant Reformation that emphasized the distinctions between the early Reformers and the Roman Catholic Church. The word sola is the Latin word for “only” and was used in relation to five key teachings that defined the biblical pleas of Protestants. They are:
- Sola scriptura: “Scripture alone”
- Sola fide: “faith alone”
- Sola gratia: “grace alone”
- Solo Christo: “Christ alone”
- Soli Deo gloria: “to the glory of God alone”
Each of these solas can be seen both as a corrective to the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church at the start of the Reformation and as a positive biblical declaration.” (Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Belling-ham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).)
What do you know about the Reformation and why it is important in Christian history? What are some positive aspects that you see in these 5 Solas?
This is an excerpt from Pastor Mark’s Romans 8-9 commentary Duck Duck Doom. You can get a free e-book copy by clicking here or get a physical copy for a gift of any amount during the month of March here.
To find the new, free Romans 6-11 digital study guide for individuals and small groups, hear Pastor Mark’s entire sermon series on Romans, or find a free mountain of Bible teaching visit legacy.realfaith.com or download the Real Faith app.
