Only

In the sixteenth century there were tremendous changes in religious beliefs that impacted our family.  Seems strange to trace back to those changes and know they were what brought my husband’s ancestors from Switzerland to colonial America.

There was not a single document during that time that listed the ‘Solas’, but they were brought together during that century, and hold together today as beliefs I accept, and understand:

• Soli Deo Gloria, glory to God alone
• Sola Scriptura, by Scripture alone
• Solus Christus, through Christ alone
• Sola Gratia, by grace alone 
• Sola Fide, by faith alone

That’s the order that makes sense to me, God first, followed by the written word He used to reach us to tell of His planned salvation through His grace with our faith.

There’s no doubt that God is due all glory. I love how the angels put it when Jesus was born:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14 KJV)

I don’t believe Paul thought of his writings when he penned:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)

The New Testament is specific that salvation is through Christ, alone:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)

The last two Solas are in the same verse:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

These are but representative verses.  Their truth can be found throughout the Bible. Another verse inspired the graphic used on this page:

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17 KJV)

Did you notice that we have but one thing to do?  Faith.  Truly – to God be the glory!!  Amen.