Sola Scriptura

Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”) is the Latin phrase that expresses the Reformation conviction to return to the Holy Bible as the sole access to God’s authoritative self-revelation and will. It fundamentally dethroned popes, councils, and tradition by restoring the written word of God to its rightful rule in the church.

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Sola Fide

Sola fide (“faith alone”) is the Latin phrase that expresses the Reformation conviction that a person is declared righteous before God by faith alone apart from being made righteous through works—otherwise known as the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

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Sola Gratia

Sola gratia (“grace alone”) is the Latin phrase that expresses the Reformation conviction that redemption is a free gift from God, received by faith alone, being accomplished by Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection and applied by a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. Understanding salvation in terms of Christ’s work and sovereign grace affords assurance that is grounded in the promise of the gospel, which became a mark of Reformed conviction.

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Solus Christus

Solus Christus (“by Christ alone”) is the Latin phrase that expresses the Reformation conviction that Christ is the only mediator between God and man and that salvation is accomplished by the atoning work of Christ alone apart from one’s own works and merit.

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Soli Deo Gloria

Soli Deo gloria (“glory to God alone”) is the Latin phrase that expresses the Reformation conviction that God alone is deserving of glory in salvation and in all things, religious or otherwise. God shares His glory with no one. It is the chief end of all the other solas and the characteristic mark of the Reformation. It reflects the restoration of God to the center of reality and orders all things accordingly. It humbly bows in acknowledgement that all things are from Him, through Him, and to Him. And it opposes every effort of man to seek the praise and glory of men.

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