About the Five Solae
What are the Five Solae?
The Five Solae (also spelled Five Solas) are a set of Latin phrases that summarize some of the core doctrines of the Christian Faith. Although they were originally coined by the early Protestant movements to call out what was seen as corruption within the Christian faith, most of today's Christians, including Catholic and Orthodox Christians, will recognize and agree with the principles they represent.
So, even if you don't recognize their fancy Latin names, there's a pretty good chance that you're already familiar with them and have been applying them in your Christian walk.
Below is a list of the Five Solae, along with some commentary on what these phrases mean and how they work together.
So, even if you don't recognize their fancy Latin names, there's a pretty good chance that you're already familiar with them and have been applying them in your Christian walk.
Below is a list of the Five Solae, along with some commentary on what these phrases mean and how they work together.
Sola Scriptura ("By Scripture Alone")
Sola Scriptura answers an important question: Where do were get our beliefs?
Many, if not most, religions have a sacred text that tells the history of the world, their religion, and their practices. In the case of Christianity, we have the Holy Bible. Its pages provide the baseline for our faith, and in turn, it must have the final word on what is or is not a Christian practice.
This isn't to say that traditions and other sources are invalid or don't help us in our Christian walk. The point is that they cannot override what God's Word has said.
To be blunt, one of the first signs that someone is straying from the Christian faith is a lack of trust in what the Bible says. Just like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, people today will ask, "Did God really say that?", and begin substituting their own ideas in place of His Truths. This may come in the form of rejecting what's written directly, by suggesting corrections, by holding other works or teachings above the Bible, or by claiming that only a select few can understand the text.
But whatever the reason, if someone is telling you not to listen to the Scriptures, then they can't be a Christian worth their salt.
Many, if not most, religions have a sacred text that tells the history of the world, their religion, and their practices. In the case of Christianity, we have the Holy Bible. Its pages provide the baseline for our faith, and in turn, it must have the final word on what is or is not a Christian practice.
This isn't to say that traditions and other sources are invalid or don't help us in our Christian walk. The point is that they cannot override what God's Word has said.
To be blunt, one of the first signs that someone is straying from the Christian faith is a lack of trust in what the Bible says. Just like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, people today will ask, "Did God really say that?", and begin substituting their own ideas in place of His Truths. This may come in the form of rejecting what's written directly, by suggesting corrections, by holding other works or teachings above the Bible, or by claiming that only a select few can understand the text.
But whatever the reason, if someone is telling you not to listen to the Scriptures, then they can't be a Christian worth their salt.
Sola Fide ("By Faith Alone")
The Christian walk is one filled with faith. Sola Fide emphasizes this, by reminding us that it's our faith that purifies, sanctifies, and justifies us before God, and that we become His Children by placing our faith in God's promises.
But there is another side to this. Because all of these things are won through our faith, there is no other way for us to obtain them. No amount of good works, money, or material things can Save us. It is through faith - and only through faith - that we can be Saved. This is important to remember, as there have always been people who claim that salvation could be purchased, or that you could reach Heaven by simply being a good person.
Of course, this doesn't mean our actions are completely meaningless. If you believe something, then you will act accordingly. So while our works will never be able to save us, they can be evidence of someone's faith.
But there is another side to this. Because all of these things are won through our faith, there is no other way for us to obtain them. No amount of good works, money, or material things can Save us. It is through faith - and only through faith - that we can be Saved. This is important to remember, as there have always been people who claim that salvation could be purchased, or that you could reach Heaven by simply being a good person.
Of course, this doesn't mean our actions are completely meaningless. If you believe something, then you will act accordingly. So while our works will never be able to save us, they can be evidence of someone's faith.
Sola Gracia ("By Grace Alone")
Sola Gracia is closely tied to Sola Fide, as these two Solas are about the same concept from different perspectives. As the above section already explained, Sola Fide reminds us that there's nothing we can do to merit or earn our salvation. Sola Gracia, on the other hand, focuses on what God is doing and has already done to Save us.
God knows that there's no way for us to measure up to His perfect standards, so even though we don't deserve it, He has mercifully reached out to us and offers to forgive our sins if we're willing to trust in Him. Thus, it is by His Grace that we have the opportunity to be Saved at all.
God knows that there's no way for us to measure up to His perfect standards, so even though we don't deserve it, He has mercifully reached out to us and offers to forgive our sins if we're willing to trust in Him. Thus, it is by His Grace that we have the opportunity to be Saved at all.
Solus Christus ("Through Christ Alone")
The Solae that have been discussed so far have told us where we get our beliefs from, what we can do to be Saved, and what God has done to Save us. These are some very important things, and they are definitely some of our core doctrines, but there's still one more thing that we need to address: what is Jesus Christ's role in all of this?
The Bible tells us that not only was everything made for Him and through Him, but that He's also one of the Persons in our Triune God, and that He did something unique that made our salvation possible.
Christ's death on the cross and the resurrection that followed paid the debt we created through our sins. Because of this, justice has been carried out, the sentence paid in full, and we are no longer slaves to our sinful nature. Thus, Christ's sacrifice was the vehicle that brought us God's Grace, and enabled our salvation.
Just about every Christian acknowledges this, but there are some who claim that other people are just as responsible for our salvation. This is a lie: No matter what role they played, nobody else - not the prophets, nor the disciples, nor the holy men and women of the church, not even Jesus' earthly parents - can claim to have done anything as great as what Jesus has done for us.
This is especially important given how there are groups out there who claim to be Christian but refuse to recognize who Jesus is and what His sacrifice accomplished. If anyone says His death on the cross was not enough to save us, do not stick around to listen more.
The Bible tells us that not only was everything made for Him and through Him, but that He's also one of the Persons in our Triune God, and that He did something unique that made our salvation possible.
Christ's death on the cross and the resurrection that followed paid the debt we created through our sins. Because of this, justice has been carried out, the sentence paid in full, and we are no longer slaves to our sinful nature. Thus, Christ's sacrifice was the vehicle that brought us God's Grace, and enabled our salvation.
Just about every Christian acknowledges this, but there are some who claim that other people are just as responsible for our salvation. This is a lie: No matter what role they played, nobody else - not the prophets, nor the disciples, nor the holy men and women of the church, not even Jesus' earthly parents - can claim to have done anything as great as what Jesus has done for us.
This is especially important given how there are groups out there who claim to be Christian but refuse to recognize who Jesus is and what His sacrifice accomplished. If anyone says His death on the cross was not enough to save us, do not stick around to listen more.
Soli Deo Gloria ("Glory to God Alone")
This last Solae can be summarized with three important Bible verses: Exodus 20:3, 1st Corinthians 10:31, and Isaiah 42:8. Even if you don't have these three verses memorized, you'll immediately recognize their message: There is only one true God, and we are to live for and worship only Him.
Unfortunately, it is very easy for us to get distracted and worship something else, either by focusing our time on it (to the exclusion of proper worship), or by seeking glory or fame for ourselves.
In particular, this Solae is intended to challenge the practice of venerating Saints, which is common among certain branches of Christianity. As this can look like the worship given to God, it can cause confusion or perhaps even encourage open idolatry.
Whether it is or not, I'll leave up to the reader to decide.
Unfortunately, it is very easy for us to get distracted and worship something else, either by focusing our time on it (to the exclusion of proper worship), or by seeking glory or fame for ourselves.
In particular, this Solae is intended to challenge the practice of venerating Saints, which is common among certain branches of Christianity. As this can look like the worship given to God, it can cause confusion or perhaps even encourage open idolatry.
Whether it is or not, I'll leave up to the reader to decide.