Sola Fide

The fourth sola we want to take look is “Faith Alone.” The thrust of this motto concerns the doctrine of justification. During the 1500s, much of the medieval church taught that salvation was attained through performing various actions such as penance, pilgrimages, paying for indulgences, confession, kissing relics, and acts of service. Luther, Calvin, and company rejected this understanding of justification, teaching instead that God declares us righteous solely on the basis of Christ’s person and work, not through our efforts (Rom 4:1–12; Eph 2:8–9). Faith is accepting, trusting, agreeing, knowing, and believing that Christ provides us with all we need for the forgiveness of sins.

The critical concept of “faith alone” exists alongside other doctrines such as union with Christ (Rom 6:5), turning from sin (Acts 3:19), conversion (Acts 15:3), new birth (John 3:3), adoption (Gal 4:5), washing (Titus 3:5), repentance (2 Cor 7:10), regeneration (1 Pet 1:3), sanctification (1 Thess 5:23), and glorification (Rom 8:30). This means that “faith alone” must not be separated from, nor pitted against other expressions of salvation. The faith of the man on the cross (Luke 23:39–43) is no more or less powerful, important, or necessary than the repentance of pagan magicians (Acts 19:19). Both stories communicate the grace of God. “Faith alone” emphasizes the essential doctrine of justification in conjunction with all that the Bible teaches about redemption.

We are counted right by God solely on the basis what Christ has done for us, and the doctrine of justification by faith alone captures that cardinal doctrine. We have assurance, security, identity, and safety—because of God’s grace alone, revealed in Scripture alone, through Christ alone, and accessed by faith alone. We have much to celebrate, church family.

Pastor Chance Sumner