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The Five Solas and the Gospel We Must Never Surrender
The Reformation still matters because the truth of God’s Word still matters. In this Reformation Day edition of Contending for the Word Weekly Watch, Dave Jenkins closes October’s series by explaining how the five solas summarize biblical truths that guard the gospel and direct our confidence to Jesus Christ.
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The Five Solas and the Gospel
The five solas address questions every generation must answer: Who has final authority? How can sinners be right with God? Is Christ sufficient to save? Who receives the glory? Scripture gives us clear answers that shape both our understanding of salvation and our daily obedience.
- Scripture alone: God’s Word is the final, sufficient, inerrant, and infallible authority for Christian faith and life. Pastors, churches, creeds, and traditions remain subject to Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
- Grace alone: Salvation is God’s gift to sinners who cannot save themselves. Our obedience is the fruit of His grace, never the price we pay for it (Ephesians 2:8–9).
- Faith alone: We are justified through faith apart from works of the law. Our standing before God rests on Christ and His righteousness (Romans 3:28; Romans 5:1).
- Christ alone: Jesus is the only mediator between God and sinners. His sacrifice is sufficient, and His finished work needs no supplement (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 10:14).
- To God alone be the glory: Salvation leaves no room for human boasting. God’s grace humbles us and teaches us to boast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31).
Living These Truths Today
The truths recovered in the Reformation belong in the daily life of every Christian. They call us to read Scripture carefully, test teaching by God’s Word, rest in Christ’s finished work, and obey the Lord with gratitude.
Sound theology should produce humility and courage. As Dave explains, Christians need convictions governed by Scripture, confidence anchored in Christ, and wisdom to distinguish gospel issues from disagreements among faithful believers. Remembering church history should strengthen our faithfulness to Christ today.
Key Scriptures
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17
- Ephesians 2:8–9
- Romans 3:28; Romans 5:1
- 1 Timothy 2:5
- Hebrews 10:14
- 1 Corinthians 1:31
Continue with Contending for the Word
For more biblical teaching that helps you grow in discernment, understand sound doctrine, and live faithfully in Christ, visit the Contending for the Word podcast page.
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