The Five Solas | The Christian as Theologian
Emotion is not bad. It makes a great indicator, but it makes a horrible guide. One of the developments of Western Christianity has seen the rise of emotional based devotion. So much if Christianity seems to be geared towards an emotional response from a person. Furthermore, studies have shown that, while Christians have a deep devotion to their faith, when asked what they believe, not many can accurately articulate the core tenants of their faith. We have grown passionately ignorant of what we rightfully claim to be the foundation of every aspect of our life. What is worse is we feel that theology is csomething only the academic should do. In truth, everyone who makes a claim about God’s nature, person, identity, or actions has become a theologian. Our faith should go beyond the shallow nature of emotion into the deeply rooted tree of handling the word of God in truth, with precision.
The Christian should view themselves as a theologian and biblical authority simply because, as Christians, we represent God Almighty to the world, whether we do so rightly or falsely. Therefore, we should delve deeply into the word of God as those called to reach the people in our home, our community, and the world. As we worship the Lord in spirit and truth, we cannot forget to carry the truth as a torch that guides our path. Studying the truth of God’s word brings the head and heart into alignment with one another in full worship and devotion to God. We need depth of thought, the richness of solid theology, and the profound impact that comes from a greater understanding of the knowledge of God’s hand throughout creation.
Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
2 Timothy 2:14-19, ESV
Paul’s letter to Timothy to handle the word of God rightly applies to every Christian in the modern day. We all minister to people in some context and God calls everyone to minister to the world together. The world offers many false “theologies” that will only lead people away from God and into the arms of death. Throughout history, those who have come before us have paved a path for the every day man to experience their relationship with Jesus Christ through studying the word of God to learn his character. Even from the beginning, God intended even mere presence to be a gift to the every day person, not something to be held over the heads by the clergy. The reformation was founded upon (unofficially) five theological truths know as the Five Solas. These five truths served as a guide for the primary and foundational truths that guided each individual in their relationship with God by knowing the source of all things good.
The Five Solas
The Five Solas commonly represent the foundational truths of the reformation. Previously the teaching and understanding of scripture came from reliance on the priest to read and interpret the word of God. While there is strength in submission to the pastor as the shepherd, God gave His word as a gift to the people, for all to read, experience, and seek out the truth. One of the major results of Martin Luther’s work came in the form of the Bible being translated into the common language around him instead of remaining in Latin (which no one but elites spoke). Now, with many translations, online access, and a plentiful amount of resources, we all can study scripture to rightly understand, apply, and show ourselves as approved workers of God. We have the duty and responsibility, but more importantly the privilege and honor to study the word of God in order to grow towards Him and impact the world we live in with the live giving truth. The Five Solas of the reformation carried significant importance and continue to do so even today.
- Solus Christus (Christ Alone) – Only Jesus can act as our Savior and no one else is able to provide salvation for mankind.
- Sola Scriptura (God’s Word Alone) – Only Scripture, as God-breathed, can authoritatively reveal the will of God and guide them.
- Sola Fides (Faith Alone) – Salvation is given to mankind only by faith and we are justified by our faith not our works.
- Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) – mankind is saved by grace alone as a gift from God and not on any merit.
- Soli Deo Gloria (For God’s Glory Alone) – all we are and all we do exist for the glory of God and we will only find our fulfillment when we pursue God’s Glory above our own.
Over the next few months, The Gospel Outpost will be looking at each of the Solas of the reformation. While some may fear delving into theology, we will do our best to make everything accessible for the common every day man. Yet, we also will encourage each person to stretch and grow and study. Simply put, there is a wealth of information on each of the Solas that will go beyond the scope of mere articles. We want to grow together, to understand the word of God in order to worship our heavenly Father.
