As Christians, there are basic tenets of what we believe, and every generation must rediscover from Scripture and the saints before us what really matters. Sola fide guides us through this process.
We speak a great deal about faith in Christianity. From theological articles on what it means to throwing it out as a magic incantation, we use the word “faith” a great deal.
But faith is real. Faith possesses substance, according to the Scriptures. And this gift of faith from God doesn’t bend to our will or manipulation.
Sola fide comes from the historical period called the Protestant Reformation. What does this phrase mean, and why is it crucial today?
What Does Sola Fide Mean?
Sola Fide, a Latin phrase meaning “by faith alone,” is one of Protestant Christianity’s central tenets. It asserts that justification, or being made right with God, is solely through faith in Jesus Christ and not by any of our own works or merits.
What is faith? The famous Scripture from Hebrews tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith isn’t a vague belief or wish but contains evidence and reality. My mentor defined faith as “the perception and pursuit of the unseen heavenly realm.” In other words, faith allows us to see beyond the physical into what is unseen, which the Bible tells us is more powerful since it created this world. From that inspirational vision of what is true, faith empowers us to act. Faith without works isn’t faith (James 2:17). The ability to obey is also a gift from God in faith, not by our own strength.
Faith’s importance in Christian doctrine is underscored throughout the New Testament. In Ephesians 2:8-9, the apostle Paul writes, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and not something that can be earned through human effort or achievement.
Similarly, in Romans 3:28, Paul declares, “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Here, Paul emphasizes that justification before God is not based on adherence to religious rituals or observing the religious law but is attained solely through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith is further highlighted in Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith” chapter. This chapter recounts various Old Testament figures who demonstrated unwavering faith in God, such as Abraham, Moses, and Rahab. Verse 6 states, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” This verse emphasizes that faith is foundational to our relationship with God and is essential for receiving His blessings and favor.
Jesus Himself emphasized faith’s significance in His teachings and interactions. In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus tells His disciples, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This passage highlights faith’s power to move mountains and the importance of believing in God’s promises with unwavering confidence.
What Protestant Reformer Said Sola Fide?
The Protestant Reformation, a significant movement in the sixteenth century, was sparked by a desire to reform the Roman Catholic Church and address various theological and institutional issues. One of the Reformation’s central figures was Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian credited with initiating the movement. Luther’s groundbreaking ideas and teachings played a pivotal role in shaping Christianity’s landscape, which we celebrate on Reformation Day.
Born in 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, Martin Luther was initially trained as a lawyer but later became disillusioned with the legal profession and entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt. During his time as a monk, Luther grappled with feelings of guilt and inadequacy before God, leading him to delve deeply into the Scriptures to find answers. Through studying the Bible, particularly Paul’s letters, Luther came to the revolutionary realization that salvation is not achieved through human effort or good works but is received as a free gift of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Sola Fide, or “by faith alone,” became one of the Reformation’s rallying cries, encapsulating Luther’s central theological insight. Luther’s emphasis on Sola Fide was a direct response to the Roman Catholic Church’s prevailing teachings at the time, which emphasized the necessity of performing good works and observing religious rituals to obtain salvation. Luther rejected this notion, arguing salvation is a gift of God’s grace received through faith in Christ apart from any human effort or merit.
In 1517, Luther famously challenged the sale of indulgences, certificates purported to grant forgiveness of sins in exchange for donations to the Church. His 95 Theses, posted on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, sparked widespread controversy and ignited a theological firestorm leading to the Reformation.
Luther’s teachings on Sola Fide were further expounded in his writings, particularly in his famous work “On the Freedom of a Christian” and his commentary on the book of Romans. In these works, Luther emphasized that true faith is not merely intellectually assent to a set of beliefs but a living trust in the promises of God revealed in Christ. He wrote, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man would stake his life on it a thousand times.”
How Does Sola Fide Fit with the Other Reformation Solas?
Sola Fide is one of the five solas of the Protestant Reformation:
- Sola Scriptura (“by Scripture alone”)
- Sola Gratia (“by grace alone”)
- Solus Christus (“through Christ alone”)
- Soli Deo Gloria (“glory to God alone”)
None of these five were meant to stand alone; they fit into a comprehensive and interconnected doctrine.
To begin with, it’s all about Christ. Solus Christus, or “through Christ alone,” emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the only mediator for humanity’s salvation. Salvation is achieved solely through Christ’s atoning work on the cross, and no other intermediary, such as saints or religious rituals, is necessary. This principle reinforces Sola Fide by affirming that faith in Christ is the only way individuals can be justified before God. Acts 4:12 declares, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Faith leads us to the only One worthy of worship. Soli Deo Gloria, or “glory to God alone,” emphasizes the ultimate purpose and focus of all human endeavors—to glorify God. Salvation is ultimately about God’s glory, not human achievement or merit. Sola Fide highlights that faith directs all glory and honor to God for His gracious work of salvation. If salvation isn’t through the gift of faith, then people could glory in their own accomplishments. As believers place their trust in Christ alone for salvation, they acknowledge their redemption is solely through God’s sovereign grace and mercy, bringing glory to His name.
Christians are saved through faith but by God’s favor and power in grace. Sola Gratia, or “by grace alone,” expresses God’s foundational role in the salvation process. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely undeserved and unearned, bestowed by God’s grace as a free gift. Sola Gratia complements Sola Fide by emphasizing faith itself is a gift from God. Faith does not result from human effort or merit but is granted by God’s grace, enabling individuals to receive His salvation through Christ.
These truths have been passed down through the prophetic and apostolic writings in the Bible. Sola Scriptura, or “by Scripture alone,” emphasizes the Bible’s authority as the sole source of divine revelation and ultimate standard for Christian faith and practice. This principle undergirds Sola Fide. It provides the foundation for our understanding of the gospel message, clearly teaching salvation is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. By adhering to Scripture’s authority, Protestants affirm faith is central to salvation, consistent with Sola Fide.
What Can We Learn from Sola Fide Today?
We aren’t immune to the temptations that the early Protestants faced. Learning from history and the saints who’ve come before us, Sola Fide offers timeless insights that continue to shape the understanding of salvation and the Christian life.
- Salvation is a Gift of Grace. We must be humble. Sola Fide reminds us that salvation is entirely a gift of God’s grace, not something earned or deserved through human effort or merit. This truth underscores God’s unmerited favor and undeserved kindness towards humanity, highlighting His initiative in reaching out to save sinners.
- Faith is Central to the Christian Life. We should be good stewards of the gift of faith, and Sole Fide underscores faith’s centrality in the Christian life. Faith is not merely an intellectual assent to certain beliefs but a dynamic trust in God’s promises and a life-transforming commitment to follow Christ. With the heavenly perspective, we must develop and grow our faith and live with the eternal in mind.
- Freedom from Religious Legalism. We can’t earn our salvation. Sola Fide challenges the notion of salvation by religious rituals or law observance. This principle liberates us from trying to earn God’s favor through our own efforts and encourages us to rest in and act from Christ’s finished work on the cross.
- Assurance of Salvation. If faith is from God, then our salvation is secure. Sola Fide offers us assurance of salvation based on God’s unchanging promises. Romans 8:1 reassures, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” By trusting in Christ alone for salvation, we can have confidence that our sins are forgiven and we are declared righteous in God’s sight.
- Unity in Christ. All believers share common ground in our faith in Christ. Regardless of denominational differences or theological nuances, all born-again disciples are united by our shared trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Galatians 3:26 states, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” This unity in faith fosters mutual love, respect, and fellowship among believers, transcending race, culture, and tradition barriers.
- Active Obedience: While salvation is received by faith alone, Sola Fide does not diminish the importance of obedience and good works. Faith empowers us to love and obey through the Spirit. James 2:26 declares, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” A life of obedience, of love for God and others, shows true faith. We are called to live out our faith through acts of kindness, compassion, and service, reflecting Christ’s character to the world.
God hasn’t changed. Neither has humanity. We aren’t immune to the temptations to pride and bad doctrine that Luther faced centuries ago. Let us praise God for his gift of faith and respond by living by the eternal perspective—hope for ourselves and the lost and dying world around us.
Peace.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/lilkar
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