FAQs

The 5 Solas of the Reformation are five essential biblical principles that summarize the core beliefs of the Christian faith. They remind us that salvation is completely a work of God’s grace, received by faith, centered on Christ, and guided by Scripture alone for the glory of God. These foundational truths were at the heart of the Protestant Reformation—a movement that changed the course of church history in the 16th century.

The Protestant Reformation began when Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517. His goal was to call the church back to the authority of Scripture and expose the corruption in the church, particularly the sale of indulgences. Luther and other Reformers such as John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and John Knox believed the church had strayed far from biblical truth and needed a reformation. These five solas became the rallying cry of the Reformers, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, all for the glory of God.

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)

The doctrine of Sola Scriptura affirms that the Bible is the final authority for faith and practice. During the Reformation, the Reformers rejected the idea that church traditions or papal authority were equal to Scripture. They believed that only the Word of God is infallible, sufficient, and binding on the believer’s life. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 declares:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

This doctrine doesn’t mean that Christians should ignore church history or tradition but that every teaching must be tested against the authority of Scripture. The Reformers viewed the Bible as God’s clear and sufficient revelation for salvation and godly living. Psalm 119:105 also reminds us of the guiding role of Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Sola Scriptura calls believers back to the Word of God as the ultimate and final standard.

Sola Fide (Faith Alone)

Sola Fide emphasizes that justification—being declared righteous before God—comes through faith alone. This was one of the most crucial doctrines of the Reformation. The Roman Catholic Church taught that salvation was a process involving both faith and works, but the Reformers insisted that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received by faith alone in Christ. Romans 5:1 affirms: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Faith is not about human effort; it’s trusting in Christ’s perfect life, death, and resurrection for our righteousness. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 2:8-9, makes this clear: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” True saving faith always leads to good works as its fruit (James 2:17), but those works are the evidence of salvation—not its cause.

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)

Sola Gratia teaches that salvation is entirely the result of God’s grace and not human merit. This doctrine is closely tied to Sola Fide, as it emphasizes that our redemption is not something we can earn. God saves us not because of anything we have done but because of His love and mercy. Titus 3:5 says: “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy.”

The grace of God is a humbling doctrine. It reminds us that we bring nothing to the table except our sin and need for rescue. Ephesians 1:7 highlights God’s grace through Christ: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Understanding grace alone gives believers assurance that their salvation is secure because it rests on God’s unchanging promise—not their imperfect performance.

Solus Christus (Christ Alone)

Solus Christus proclaims that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. The Reformers rejected the idea that priests, saints, or religious rituals could mediate salvation. Instead, they pointed to 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Salvation is found in Christ alone—His perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection.

Jesus Himself declared in John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This doctrine calls us to rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s work on our behalf. He is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), Advocate (1 John 2:1), and Savior. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12).

Soli Deo Gloria (To the Glory of God Alone)

The final Sola, Soli Deo Gloria, emphasizes that all of life is to be lived for the glory of God. During the Reformation, this doctrine reminded believers that their ultimate purpose was not to please men or seek their own fame but to glorify God in everything they did. 1 Corinthians 10:31 encourages us: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

This doctrine is a call to live with a God-centered perspective. Whether in worship, work, family, or ministry, our lives should reflect His glory. Romans 11:36 reminds us of this truth: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.” Soli Deo Gloria challenges us to reject self-centered living and embrace a life devoted to God’s praise and honor.

So, the 5 Solas are not just theological slogans—they are a call back to biblical Christianity. In a time when many churches stray from biblical teaching, these principles remain as relevant as ever. They remind us that salvation is God’s work from start to finish, centered on Christ and revealed in Scripture. May the church today continue to proclaim these truths for the glory of God alone.

The church today is experiencing a significant decline, drifting away from the essential principles of the gospel. Entertainment and man-centered teachings have replaced biblical doctrine. Just as the Reformation in the 16th century was necessary to restore the church to the truth of Scripture, today we need a new reformation to call the church back to its biblical foundation. This is not about something new but rather about returning to what was given to us in the Word of God—centered on Christ alone, Scripture alone, grace alone, faith alone, and God’s glory alone.

ChurchToday exists as an online platform to amplify the call for reformation. An online ministry allows us to reach a wider audience, share biblical truth globally, and engage with individuals who may not have access to a local church or may be seeking answers outside traditional spaces. However, our goal is not fame, personal profit, or to supplant the authority of the local church. Instead, it’s driven by the urgent need to address the crisis and decline we see in the church today. Just as Jesus called several churches to repentance and reformation in Revelation 2 and 3, we believe the church today must return to the scriptures and embrace true biblical doctrine for reformation to happen.

Some of the greatest dangers facing the church today include the rise of man-centered teachings, prosperity gospel, and the dilution of biblical truth for the sake of cultural relevance. Many churches have become more focused on pleasing people rather than faithfully proclaiming the Word of God. This leads to shallow theology, spiritual compromise, and a departure from the sufficiency of Scripture. These dangers must be addressed with love and boldness to protect and nurture the church.

We call the church back to sound doctrine by proclaiming the gospel clearly and faithfully. This includes teaching the 5 Solas of the Reformation, encouraging a return to expository preaching, and equipping believers to study and live by God’s Word. It also involves lovingly challenging false teachings while pointing people back to the truth of Scripture. Personal repentance, prayer, and a commitment to stand firm on biblical principles are crucial in our mission.

The 5 Solas form the foundation of ChurchToday’s mission. Each Sola is a crucial reminder of what it means to follow Christ faithfully:

• Scripture Alone guides everything we teach. God’s Word is the ultimate authority.
• Christ Alone reminds us that Jesus is the center of our faith and salvation.
• Grace Alone and Faith Alone emphasize that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn.
• To God’s Glory Alone sums up the purpose of our lives—to glorify God in all that we do.

These principles define the ministry’s message and drive its goal to call the church back to the truth of God’s Word.

We do evangelism because Jesus commanded it in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). As His followers, we are called to make disciples of all nations, proclaiming the gospel for the glory of God and the salvation of lost souls. Evangelism is driven by love for God and compassion for the lost, urging people to repent and believe in Christ. As Paul said, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16), knowing that the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

The essential points in preaching the gospel are:

1. God’s Holiness – God is perfectly holy, righteous, and just (Isaiah 6:3).
2. Human Sinfulness – All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
3. Jesus’ Sacrifice – Jesus, the Son of God, died for our sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
4. Call to Repentance – We must turn from our sins and seek forgiveness (Mark 1:15).
5. Faith in Christ – Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

So, preaching the gospel means declaring that God is holy, humans are sinful, and judgment is certain, but God in His mercy sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins as a substitute, bearing the wrath and cruel death that we deserved. Jesus then rose from the dead, and He calls all people to repent and believe in Him for eternal life. The gospel is an urgent call to turn from sin and trust in the only Savior, Jesus Christ, who alone brings salvation and reconciliation with God.

Through years of evangelistic work, we have reached out to people in Cuba, Jamaica, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Turkey, and Brazil. Each of these nations has its own rich cultural identity, diverse beliefs, and unique languages, but the gospel message remains unchanged and has the same power to save, no matter the place or people. In every setting—whether it is an island in the Caribbean, a bustling Turkish city, or a rural Brazilian town—God’s truth transcends cultural boundaries, offering hope and salvation to all who hear, repent, and believe.

The doctrine of election teaches that God has chosen His people before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), but the means by which God saves His elect is through the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:13-15). God has not only ordained the end (the salvation of His elect) but also the means to that end—our evangelism and faithful proclamation of the gospel.

Not everyone is called to be a missionary in the sense of going to distant lands or serving cross-culturally, as missionary work involves a specific calling, gifting, and preparation for that task. However, every Christian is called to evangelize—to proclaim the gospel and bear witness to Christ’s saving grace wherever God has placed them. The Great Commission is not limited to missionaries; it’s a call for all believers to share their faith in their daily lives, whether in their families, workplaces, or communities. Compelled by love for Christ and the joy of salvation, we evangelize not out of duty, but out of a deep desire for others to experience the same grace we have received. While God sends some as missionaries to unreached people groups, He calls all of us to be faithful witnesses where we are, trusting that He is sovereign in using our words to bring others to faith.

A biblical church is recognized by its unwavering commitment to the authority of Scripture in all aspects of faith and practice. It faithfully preaches the Word of God, exalts Christ alone, and proclaims the true gospel of salvation by grace through faith. A biblical church practices the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, engages in heartfelt worship, and demonstrates genuine love among its members. It equips believers for discipleship and emphasizes holiness, prayer, and a deep desire for God’s glory. Above all, a biblical church centers everything on Christ and seeks to remain grounded in sound doctrine. (Acts 2:42, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:18).