We are living in a day where it cannot be assumed that people believe in Christ Alone (a.k.a., the formal slogan of the Protestant Reformation known as Solus Christus, one of the “Five Solas”). From the challenges of the New Age to the New Apostolic Reformation, as well as the onslaught of a culture that says they believe in “truth” while also instructing Christians to “keep their faith private in their house”, we can no longer assume that people believe in an exclusive Christ. Further, we can no longer assume people understand that salvation is exclusive and restricted only to those who repent and believe in Christ alone.

From the days of Early Church until the Church of the present Day, it has been proclaimed that salvation is restricted and exclusive to only those who repent and believe in Christ alone. When preaching in the public square (Acts 4:12), the Apostles proclaimed that there is salvation only in Christ. They learned this doctrine from the lips of Jesus Himself, as they followed Him for three and a half years during His earthly ministry. In John 14:6, Jesus says that He is the only way, truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father except through Him. Only in and by Christ alone can man have salvation. Jesus is the only Door, the only Mediator, and the rightful King.

We need to proclaim that Christ is the only way to God, whether we’re at the kitchen table with family and friends, in our workplaces, or anywhere else. In a time when many people think that if they just do “good things” or “believe in God” that they will get to heaven, we must proclaim the truth of Solus Christus. Christ is the only way to God. Jesus is the only way to enter into Heaven; it is through repentance and faith in Him alone.

Solus Christus not only matters in relation to our salvation and our proclamation of Him, but we must adorn our lives with the very gospel we profess to believe and proclaim to others. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul told the Corinthians to imitate him as he followed Christ. According to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, church elders must be biblically-qualified men; they must be examples of godly conduct to both the local church and community. The interesting thing about the qualifications for church elders is that they represent what a Christian should be. An elder is not a super Christian, they are to be a model Christian—a spiritually mature Christian exhibiting godly characteristics, worthy of imitation. Paul also said to the Ephesians that they are to walk in a worthy manner (Ephesians 5:1). This “worthy manner” is a life that honors God and consistently models Him in everything, which is why Solus Christus matters. Christ alone is not only necessary to pass through the door of salvation, but He is also utterly sufficient for all of life—including our times of suffering, seasons of plenty, and our trials.

The book of Hebrews conveys Old Testament illustrations and references by which one can see how and why Solus Christus matters. Christ is greater than everything; He is sufficient in and over all things. Hebrews was written to a church facing persecution and suffering. And while it was penned many years ago, it is still relevant today, because it reminds us that Christ is always enough, and His promises are yes and amen (2^nd Corinthians 1:20).

In this issue of Theology for Life, you will discover how and why Christ is not only the only way to salvation, but how He is sufficient in and over all of your life as a Christian. Turn the page now and join us as we consider this great theme and why we need to recover the centrality of Solus Christus. I pray that after you finish reading this issue that you’ll take up the cry of proclaiming Christ alone, not only in your evangelism and discipleship, but that your life would adorn this vital message for the glory of God.

In Christ Alone,

Dave Jenkins

Executive Editor, Theology for Life Magazine