Ephesians 2:1-10
In a recent essay on the ‘5 solas,’ Ryan McGraw reminds us,
“The five solas were not exactly Reformation slogans, but they serve as a good summary of the Reformed faith. Neither Martin Luther nor John Calvin nor any other Protestant Reformer summarized his teachings in a tidy list including Scripture alone, Christ alone, faith alone, grace alone, to the glory of God alone.”
This fivefold summary, however, became a shorthand version of what is known as Reformed theology in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Though this description of the Reformed faith came later, “it still captures the core of the gospel in all its graciousness and Christ-centeredness, as seen in the Scriptures.” McGraw goes on to say that these five solas “show the glory of God’s gracious way of salvation in a way that sets the tone for true theology, resounding in how we think and live in this world.” With straightforward clarity, he notes: Theology must be
“Scripturally grounded, Christ focused, faith driven, grace-saturated, and God-dominated.”
He then concludes his article by highlighting the importance of these truths for today.
“Ultimately, the five solas are not merely a summary of Reformed theology. They guard and clarify the gospel, mounting a friendly offensive attack on an unbelieving world, transforming Christ’s enemies into His friends. The word alone is important in the solas. Alone secures the God-centered character of the gospel and of the Christian life. The five solas do not say all that needs to be said about true theology, faith, and life, but they are a good start and a clear guide to keep us on the right track.”
I encourage you to take a few minutes and read his full article; you can find it here.
This coming Lord’s Day we will look at the truth of sola gratia, grace alone, from Ephesians 2:1-10. As McGraw noted, “theology must be grace-saturated.” We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Grace is often thought of as God’s generous disposition by which He lavishes us with good things that we do not deserve. Or, as it is specifically related to our salvation, grace has been described as God’s “undeserved saving kindness to judgment deserving sinners.”
I look forward to being with you this Sunday as we continue our Reformation series on the five solas. May the Lord grant us a new reformation in our church and throughout our communities.
For His Glory,
Pastor Wayne
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