The 5 Solas
The Five Solas are the foundational theological convictions of the Protestant church. They are not a complete summary of Protestant theology, but they do capture the core of the gospel. The Five Solas are a distinctly Protestant (especially Reformed) theology. Note that neither the Roman Catholic Church nor the Eastern Orthodox Church officially accepts or uses the Five Solas as a component of their theology. Catholics and Orthodox respect Scripture and Christ’s unique role, but they do not confess the solas as a package and actively disagree with several of them.
The Five Solas
Authority - Sola Scripture (By Scripture Alone)
• The Scriptures alone are our supreme authority. They contain, and are sufficiently clear in teaching, all things necessary for salvation and the life of faith.
Mediator - Solus Christus (In Christ Alone)
• As our Savior and Mediator, Christ has accomplished the necessary work for our salvation completely.
Salvation - Sola Gratia (By Grace Alone)
• We all are sinners, who cannot contribute anything to our salvation. Our salvation is accomplished by the sovereign unmerited favor of God, who freely chooses to save sinners.
Justification - Sola Fide (Through Faith Alone)
• Faith (receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness) is the only means by which we can receive justification (a right standing before God.)
Glory - Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)
• God alone is also due all glory for our salvation as it was appointed by him, accomplished by him and ultimately has his glory as its goal.
