The Five Fundamental Doctrines of the Reformation

The Theological Doctrines that Shook the World

Much thanks needs to be given to God for raising up godly men in crucial times throughout history that were willing to faithfully follow his calling on their lives. One such man was Martin Luther who is credited as being the Father of the Reformation. But Luther was not the only godly man that God raised up during this period.

The forerunner of the Reformation, Erasmus of Rotterdam, laid the ground work for the Reformers to do the task God divinely called them. The most noted Reformers of the Reformation are Martin Luther, John Calvin, Phillip Melanchthon, and Huldrych Zwingli.

Out of the biblical, theological thinking of these men of God, a renewed interest in theology arose. There are five fundamental doctrines of the Reformation that shook the world. These five doctrines are still crucial to Christianity in our present age. Furthermore, these doctrines must not be forgotten.

The first doctrine is Sola Scriptura--Scripture Alone. This fundamental doctrine affirms that the Bible alone is the sole authority for all matters of the Christian faith and practice. Thus, Scripture and Scripture alone is the standard by which all teachings and doctrines of the church must be measured.

Listen to the profound words of Martin Luther:

"Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - 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. God help me. Amen."

Sola Gratia, salvation by grace alone, is the second fundamental doctrine of the Reformation. Sola Gratia affirms the biblical doctrine that salvation is by God's grace alone, and that we are rescued from his wrath by his grace alone. God's grace in Christ is not merely necessary but is the sole efficient cause of salvation.

The third great doctrine of the Reformation is Sola Fide--salvation by faith alone. Sola Fide affirms that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. It is by faith in Christ that his righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice.

Solus Christus, in Christ alone, is the fourth of the fundamental doctrines of the Reformation. Solus Christus affirms that salvation is found in Christ alone and that his sinless life and penal substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to God the Father. It is only through Christ's death served as the propitiation that satisfied God's holy wrath towards us. The gospel has not been preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared.

The fifth doctrine of the Reformation that shook the world is Soli Deo Gloria--To God be the Glory Alone. This Reformational doctrine affirms that salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God for his glory alone. Furthermore, Soli Deo Gloria affirms that as Christians we must glorify God always and must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for his glory alone.

The times in which we live are similar to those of the Reformers. If we desire to have a spiritual reformation in our day, we must realize that God and God alone will be the one who brings forth a reformation. The question remains is this, are you willing to be God's vessel if he desires to use you to help bring about spiritual reformation in our day?

Soli Deo Gloria.