By Tyson Thorne

November 1, 2017
 
 

As a result of posting his 95 Thesis and extoling a deep belief in the infallibility of the Bible and fallibility of the Pope, Luther was taken to task. He was required to defend his belief in Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”) eventually questioned by his superiors who demanded he recant. Instead of submitting, Luther restated his belief stating, “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason… my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise, God help me. Amen."

Yesterday, on Reformation Day, we examined the similarities of Paul’s ministry and Luther’s role in the reformation, and how both relied on Scripture alone (rather than the religious system of their day) to define their faith. Today, on All Saint’s Day, we see that both were also in agreement on their understanding of salvation. This is not as miraculous as it may first appear, as Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament and it was in those writings that Luther placed his trust. Even so, it shows how the truth of God’s Word – and specifically the Gospel message – breaks through the barriers man and religion erect around it.

The second “sola” of Luther’s reform was Sola Fide, Faith Alone, which states that mankind is saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ. When the apostle Paul came to this conclusion, he touted that no matter how perfectly one may follow the Law of Moses, no one could so righteous as to merit heaven. For Luther, the message was that no number of “hail Mary’s”, donations to the church, or other good works could cover a person’s sin and permit them eternal life. In both cases these men were combatting a system of religion that taught a works-based salvation. Many have arisen throughout history to combat such notions, including Augustine in the early church, Luther of course, and then Calvin and Zwingli all the way up to modern times. We too ought to be able to clearly articulate this doctrine in order to protect the pure Gospel, and to assure that those we tell do not get the wrong impression.

The third “sola” is similar, Sola Gratia, Grace Alone, meaning that we are saved by grace alone. We are saved by God’s grace alone when we exercise faith alone in Jesus. Why is this important? It emphasizes that there is no personal merit, no action or work or self-righteousness that leads to our salvation. We are saved not because God likes or even loves us, rather we are saved because God is gracious. In grace, even people who God might not like can be saved, because grace is open to and sufficient for everyone. Whereas Sola Fide states we are not saved by good works, Sola Gratia says we can be saved despite our evil acts.

All of this is to say, somewhat clumsily, what Paul wrote so succinctly in Ephesians 2.8: “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”.

This is a message that is no less important today. Following yesterday’s terror attack in New York City killing 8 and injuring possibly a dozen others the people of the world need God’s grace. As we’ve said elsewhere on this site, the most effective lasting strategy against Islamic terror is the truth of God’s word and salvation through his Son Jesus. Martin Luther saw the same in Islam all those hundreds of years ago, stating: “Father, Son, Holy Ghost, baptism, the sacrament, gospel, faith, and all Christian doctrine and life are gone, and instead of Christ only Mohammed with his doctrine of works and especially the sword is left.”

 
 
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