There’s something incredibly powerful about the principles of Sola Scriptura and Solus Christus. These rallying cries of the Reformation, meaning “Scripture Alone” and “Christ Alone,” represent the bedrock of our faith. But what do they really mean? And why do they matter today, especially for Reformed believers?
Scripture Alone: Our Ultimate Guide
Sola Scriptura, a cornerstone of Christian theology, champions the Bible as the supreme authority in matters of faith and life. This doctrine, revitalized during the Reformation, resembles a compass for a traveler in the wilderness. Without this compass, the Bible, we risk losing our way, relying on our own interpretations and subjective experiences to navigate a diverse and often contradictory world. Yet, with the guidance of this compass, we have a reliable tool that faithfully directs us to the truth, providing a sense of direction and purpose.
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:16, affirms that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (ESV). This verse encapsulates the essence of Sola Scriptura, emphasizing the unrivaled role of scripture in shaping our beliefs and guiding our actions.
In line with the second question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, which asks, “What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?”, Sola Scriptura points us to the Word of God as that rule. It is through the scriptures that we learn about God’s will and His plan for us, enabling us to glorify and enjoy Him.
Sola Scriptura urges us to critically analyze and measure everything against the Word of God. This principle not only protects us from false teachings but also equips us with a practical tool to discern truth in a world saturated with conflicting messages and distractions. It invites us to examine human traditions and doctrines that conflict with scripture, ensuring we remain anchored in God’s truth. Hence, in response to the third question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, “What do the scriptures principally teach?”, Sola Scriptura would affirm that the scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God and what duty God requires of man.
Thus, Sola Scriptura becomes a lens through which we can understand and interpret the world, aiding us in traversing life’s complexities with the wisdom and truth found in God’s Word.
Christ Alone: Our Only Savior
Solus Christus, or “Christ Alone,” is a fundamental principle emphasizing the unique and exclusive role of Jesus Christ in our salvation. It asserts that our salvation is solely a result of Christ’s merit, and there’s no other name under heaven through which we can be saved, as stated in Acts 4:12 (ESV). This principle highlights Jesus’s distinct position in the overall plan of salvation.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, through His sinless life, His sacrificial death, and His triumphant resurrection, became the bridge that reconciled us with God. He paid the ultimate price for our sins and secured our place in God’s family. His sacrifice wasn’t just an act of love but a testament to His extensive mercy and grace.
1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV) states, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” This powerful verse embodies the Solus Christus principle, stressing the essential role of Jesus as the mediator, the only intermediary between God and humanity.
Understanding and internalizing this principle guides us to resist the temptation of relying on our deeds for salvation. It serves as a continuous reminder that our salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, not by our efforts or accomplishments. It shifts the emphasis from self-reliance to complete dependence on Christ’s sacrificial love and redemptive power.
In relation to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, question 21 asks, “Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?” The answer, “The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ,” aligns perfectly with the Solus Christus principle. It affirms that Jesus Christ alone is our Redeemer.
Moreover, question 22 asks, “How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?” The answer provided, “Christ, the Son of God, became man by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin,” expands on the unique nature of Christ’s incarnation, a key aspect of His role in our salvation.
Thus, the principle of Solus Christus is crucial in understanding the necessity of faith in our journey towards salvation.
The Impact on Our Lives
These principles are more than just theological abstracts. They shape our understanding of God, ourselves, and our world. They influence how we live, how we relate to others, and how we approach our faith.
When we embrace Sola Scriptura, we commit to being students of the Bible, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in its pages. We understand that the Bible is more than a book; it’s a life-changing message from God Himself.
And when we hold on to Solus Christus, we find joy and freedom in knowing that our salvation is secure in Christ. We don’t have to strive or earn God’s love. Instead, we can rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
The Challenge for Today’s Church
Yet, these principles are under attack, even within the church. Some treat the Bible as just one of many sources of spiritual insight, rather than the ultimate authority. Others dilute the gospel by adding to Christ’s work, suggesting that we need to do more to earn our salvation.
As Reformed believers, we must stand firm in these truths. We must be like the Bereans, who “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11, ESV). And we must keep pointing people to Christ, the only Savior and Hope for humanity.
After all, a building is only as strong as its foundation. And for believers, that foundation is the Word of God and the work of Christ. Sola Scriptura. Solus Christus. These are not just slogans, but the very heart of our faith.