Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone,

5 Solas & Tulip intro:

                  The 5 Solas are Latin phrases (or slogans) that emerged during the Protestant Reformation & summarized the Reformers basic theological beliefs in contra-distinction to the teaching of the RCC (Roman Catholic Church) of its day. The Latin word Sola means “alone or only” in English. The 5 Solas articulated 5 fundamental beliefs of the Protestant Reformation, pillars which the Reformers believed to be essentials of the Christian life and practice.

In order these 5 are:

Sola Scriptura:                    Scripture alone                                     2 Tim 3:10-4:5

Solus Christus:                                     Christ alone                          Heb 9:1-5

Sola Gratia:                            Grace alone                           Eph 2:1-10

Sola Fide:                                Faith alone                             John 3:1-21

Soli Deo Gloria:                                     Glory to God alone           Romans 5:1-11

Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone,

Jesus constantly bumped up against the scribes, lawyers and Pharisees of his day who included their Jewish tradition with what the OT said like the Protestants do with Catholics.

Ps 19:7 & 2 Tim 3:14-17

The Scriptures of the OT & NT have been given by inspiration of God, are the All-sufficient and only rule of faith & practice, and judge of controversies.

Whatever God teaches or commands is of sovereign authority. Whatever conveys to us an infallible knowledge of his teachings & commands is an infallible rule. The Scriptures of the OT & NT are the only organs through which during the present dispensation, God conveys to us a knowledge of his will about what we are to believe concerning himself, and what duties he requires of us. 

Why the Reformation still matters.

The RCC is full of people who do not affirm what their institution still officially believes & teaches. And so we will find truly converted people within it. But this does not mean that the intuition or it hierarchy have become evangelical. The perpetual difficulty when dealing with Catholics is their use of identical words with different meanings: statements they make may SOUND evangelical, but hidden beneath them is a system which denies Christ alone, faith alone and grace alone. Would that the Reformation were over! But while traditional masses are still said, gospel differences still exist.

The RCC taught that the foundation for faith & practice was a combination of the Scriptures, sacred tradition, and the teachings of the magisterium & the pope; but the Reformers said, “No, our foundations is in Scripture alone.”

Read: Psalm 19:7-11

What are the characteristics of the Word of the Lord?

What does following the Word of the Lord lead to?

Read 2 Tim 3:14-17

What does this tell us about: the authority of Scripture?

What does this tell us about: the purpose of Scripture?

Thinking Further:

William Tyndale was arrested and executed for making the Bible accessible (especially in English) to the common man. Why do you think that at start of the 16^th Century the Roman Catholic Church did not want an English Bible translation to be publically available?

Read the following verses and note down what each verses tells us about the Word of God and the role it should play in the life of a believer.

Acts 20:32

1 Corinthians 10:11-12

 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

Hebrews 1:1-3

2 Peter 1:20-21

Personal Application:

Some say: “A Christian must read the Scriptures every day.” What do you guys think?

What are some ways that we (as a group) can use the Scriptures to teach, rebuke and train in righteousness?

What practical life choices can I make to ensure that I am regularly reading and reflecting upon the Word of God?