Subtitle: Let's take a brief look back as we approach an anniversary.

Excerpt: Let's take a brief look back as we approach an anniversary.

Author: Jeff Hilles

It would seem appropriate to offer a quick overview of the basis for the Protestant Reformation on October 31st. This was the date, in 1517, when Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic monk, nailed the Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Church. It came as a result of frustration building over many years on a number of theological issues based on the Roman Catholic claim that the pope enjoyed apostolic succession (unbroken chain of authority from Peter) and, therefore, represented not just the only Christian church but also had the authority to add to Scripture itself (ex cathedra). From this point…

• Luther eventually started the Lutheran Church in Germany
• John Calvin began the Reformed Church in France
• John Knox and his followers started the Presbyterian church in Scotland

There were four basic issues, or questions, that were at the heart of the Protestant Reformation, the answers to which were opposed by the Roman Catholic Church and its longstanding traditions.

1. How are we saved?
2. What should be the source of Christian theology?
3. What is the church supposed to be doing?
4. What should Christian living look like?

From these four questions came the five essential points that initially distinguished Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. However, for many Protestant denominations today, sadly, these differences have become cloudy at best and, for many, nonexistent in practice.

• Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone – The Bible represents the sole authority for all matters of faith and practice. No man, the pope included, has authority to add to or subtract from the Bible. Further religious traditions, such as ordinances of the church, have an important place but are not equal to the importance of the Bible.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, - 2 Timothy 3:16

• Sola Gratia – Salvation by Grace Alone – It was only through the provision of God’s grace by offering His Son on the cross as payment for our sins that we can be saved. We were rescued from our own sin nature and God’s resulting wrath by His grace … alone.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9

• Sola Fide – Salvation by Faith Alone – No one can earn their place in Heaven by being a good person or doing good deeds. We were (are) justified as righteous solely by faith in Christ alone.

For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. - Romans 3:28

• Solus Christus – In Christ Alone – There is no other way to be born-again or be saved than by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. This is referred to as special revelation, which is different than general revelation.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

• Soli Deo Gloria – For the Glory of God Alone – We are saved for only one purpose… to glorify God

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. - Revelation 4:11

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. - Romans 11:36

Questions Answered

1. How are we saved? – We are saved by God’s grace and our faith in accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
2. What should be the source of Christian theology? – Our Biblical Christian worldview should have as its foundation the inerrant Word of God, His love letter to mankind, the Bible.
3. What is the church supposed to be doing? – The church should be teaching Biblical principles and applying them to our day-to-day lives.
4. What should Christian living look like? – As Christians we should be conforming more and more to the image of Christ, knowing we will never reach perfection but always trying to glorify God in all that we do and say. This includes loving our neighbors and sharing the Good News.

Conclusion

There is a spiritual awakening taking place in America. Only God knows if this is the end of our Biblical Christian worldview’s decline or the start of the final end as we see a one-world government, a one-world currency, and a one-world leader emerging.

“Five hundred years ago, the rediscovery of faith changed history. In an anxious, divided world, it can do so again.”