Recently one particular blog I’d been reading ended with a latin phrase – Soli Deo Gloria. I knew it had to be something to do with Glory so I googled it and found the Five Solas of Reformation. It explains how and what being a Christian is in a few bible passages. It’s so simple that some people miss it.
The Five Solas of the Reformation
Soli Deo Gloria To God Alone Be The Glory For the Glory of God Alone
Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor? And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 (New Living Translation)
Solo Christo Christ Alone By Christ’s Work Alone are We Saved
For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, `The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them. Acts 4:11-12 (New Living Translation)
For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 (New Living Translation)
Sola Scriptura Scripture Alone
The Scripture Alone is the Standard
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (New Living Translation)
Sola Fide By faith alone
Justification by Faith Alone
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:1-2 (New Living Translation)
God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (New Living Translation)
Sola Gratia Saved by Grace Alone
Salvation by Grace Alone
He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:7 (New Living Translation)
And what a difference between our sin and God’s generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God’s bountiful gift. Romans 5:15 (New Living Translation)
The Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save . . . . [But] your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. —Isaiah 59:1-2
A man told his doctor that he thought his wife was going deaf. The doctor told him to conduct a simple test. When the man reached the front door of his home, he called out, “Darling, is dinner ready?” Hearing no response, he walked inside and repeated himself. Still no reply. On the third try, when he was just behind her, he finally heard her say, “For the third time, yes!”
Similarly, the ancient Israelites thought God was deaf when the problem was actually with them. Isaiah was a prophet sent to warn God’s people about impending judgment, but his message fell on deaf ears. Instead of being God’s covenant people, who were to bring light to those in darkness and release them from the dungeons of sin (42:7), they refused to hear Him. “They would not walk in His ways, nor were they obedient to His law” (v.24).
The prophet explained why their prayers seemed to fall on deaf ears: “The Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God” (Isa. 59:1-2). One reason for not receiving answers from God is that sin may be blocking our hearing. Let’s examine ourselves carefully.
Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world’s delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure,
Jesus is mine; there’s nothing between. —Tindley
God speaks through His Word to those who listen with their heart.
I was just reading today’s devotion Kids4Truth and noticed today’s “Big Christian Word” is one that is used often in Christian circles, but not outside of them.
Sanctification – (sank-ta-fa-kay-shun)
Sanctification is a term used to show a continual growth to become more and more like Christ. Once we are “born again” we begin a process of growth that continues until the day we are face to face with Christ. (John 17:17) “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
On a side note being “born again” is something that is the key to becoming a Christian. I was reading another devotion the last night (Our Daily Bread) which listed three scriptures which may help you to understand more. I found it interesting to read them together, following one another.
Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, and Romans 10:13.
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Once you call on the name of the Lord (pray to Jesus to save you), you become a Christian and your life begins again, so you are born-again. You don’t stay as a new born baby, you grow and gradually become sanctified (see above “big word”!). This process is gradual and continues throughout your life on earth, this generally why people read the bible and go to church, to learn how to become more Christ-like. Then comes the really good bit – because you CHOSE to enter into a relationship with God, you get to live with Him, forever.
Today’s excerpt is from Kids4Truth devotional. I’ve been reading their devotional for a few weeks and this section spoke to me because this was the thing that instantly changed for me when I became a Christian. I always ALWAYS felt lonely before – even when I was with people. But since 9th January 1994 I have never NEVER felt lonely – even when I’m alone.
God is the best friend we can have. Do you have a best friend? As a kid, I always wanted a best friend and wanted to be someone’s best friend. Proverbs 18:24 says, “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” God proved that He is that friend when He said, “I am with you always” and “I will never leave you or forsake you.” No matter what is happening in your life, God will always be there for you. You cannot travel to a place on this earth where God will not be. You can’t hide from God. He is always there and will never leave you. He is the best friend you can have. Kids4Truth
Recently I received another group of some photos of church signs pasted together into an email and I thought I’d create a fun section to display them periodically. Hope they make you smile or think, whichever is appropriate.
Why do we move out of the loving embrace of our heavenly Father? Why do we get dazzled by the sights and experiences of the empty world? Why don’t we stay where we can be eternally fulfilled? Today I was listening to the Todd Agnew CD – Grace Like Rain. One part of the song Still Here Waiting struck me. Perhaps it will you too.
I don’t know where I turned around
From chasing what I always found completed me
More than I could dream
I don’t know why I can’t remain
Safe here where I always came to meet with you
And You always met with me
And you’re still here waiting
He never moves. He never leaves. He never forsakes. He waits. He listens. He forgives. He loves.
Everyone is looking for peace or to live in peace. What is peace? Does peace mean the same thing to you as it does to me, or to God for that matter? How can we live in peace? Does having peace mean that everything will go right for you all the time?
I looked up peace in the dictionary and it has many meanings – so it’s a complex thing.
peace [pees] -
1 the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.
2 (often initial capital letter) an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism: the Peace of Ryswick.
3 a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, esp. in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors.
4 the normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community; public order and security: He was arrested for being drunk and disturbing the peace.
5 cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.
6 freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity.
7 a state of tranquillity or serenity: May he rest in peace.
8 a state or condition conducive to, proceeding from, or characterized by tranquillity: the peace of a mountain resort.
9 silence; stillness: The cawing of a crow broke the afternoon’s peace.
In John14:26,27 peace is the central theme. Jesus is speaking these words to his disciples.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Which peace is he talking about? The third sentence points us to the peace that is described as freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety or an obsession. Tranquillity or serenity (no 6). I have experienced this peace, most recently last night.
My neighbour is quite deaf and seems to think that his loud music is okay for over an hour at a time blaring so loud it hurts my ears while I’m inside my bedroom with all the windows closed. I am not one to listen to the radio because of the talking inbetween, I find it irritating, so I stick to CD’s or tapes. Last I was trying to get to sleep early last night as I wasn’t feeling well. He turned on his music. The radio. It was not late as I’ve been going to bed early, but it was just so loud. I prayed for something that would make it to stop. Somehow. It kept on going. In the end I just had to thank God for the ability to hear, for the amazing technology we have at our fingetips, that I could choose to go to bed early in a comfy bed. I then prayed for my all my family and friends and whatever else the Holy Spirit led me to pray. In the end I was most focussed on God, not the music or my annoyance. Guess what, I had a peace in my spirit and soul that let me be able to fall asleep.
Another example is when I’m very angry with something or I might be anxious or confused. If I set my mind on God, His Word or things about His Kingdom, not the situation, God comes in and calms me. He truly gives me His peace, not the world’s.
There is another aspect to God’s peace – it’s the second definition from above – treaty. When we become aware of and accept the fact that we have wronged God with our sins and turn to Him, asking for forgiveness, we are ceasing our warring with Him. We are entering into a treaty or a peaceful pact with God. When we enter into His pact we also seem to receive many more of the different definitions of peace. I’m not saying life will be perfect, pain free with no trouble, but that He helps us to be able to handle life better.
In John 14:15-31 Jesus is speaking about the Holy Spirit whom the Father was going to send (which He did). He referred to Him as the Comforter or Counsellor. Someone who brings peace.
My prayer for you today is that you will know God’s peace and have that tranquillity in your mind and spirit, even in the midst of a busy, chaotic, stressful world. Peace that only He can give.
I was reading Our Daily Bread this morning as a part of my morning devotions. The writer was highlighting the ancient city of Sodom whose people suffered God’s judgement, in part because they embraced a self-indulgent lifestyle. “This was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit” Ezekiel 16:49-50. Basically they were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned.
If we are honest with ourselves, we can see many similarities with today’s western lifestyle.
Most people are proud of their cars, houses and other things. (Pride)
Most people don’t have to struggle and toil to put food on the table. (Overfed)
Most people, while not at a paid job, don’t generally do anything to overtaxing. (Idleness)
Most people don’t think of the severe injustice and lack of choice and freedom that the poorest of poor people all over the world and in our country have to face every day. (not strengthening the poor/needy)
This makes me think that perhaps God isn’t too happy with the way we choose to spend our time. Perhaps he has a better way that would profit us as well as Him. In Philippians 2:4 Paul tells us to serve others and desire to please God, this is the antidote to the poison of self-indulgence.
At the bottom of each page in Our Daily Bread is a verse and a summary line. Here are today’s.
Some are discouraged and weary in heart,
Help somebody today!
Someone the journey to heaven should start,
Help somebody today! –Breck
