The Five Solae
The Five Solae were the five Latin phrases used by Protestant reformers which summarized the Reformation beliefs which were in disagreement with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church at that time.
"Sola" means "alone" or "only". "Sola Scriptura" is the teaching that the Bible is the only inspired and authoritative Word of God, the only source of Christian doctrine, and it should be accessible to everyone. The Bible needs no interpretation outside of itself. The Catholic Church taught, and teaches, that the Bible cannot be interpreted without traditional teaching authority.
"Sola fide" is the belief that justification is received by faith only, without any good works, though good works is an outcome of faith.
"Sola gratia" is the teaching that salvation comes by grace and not because of anything a person has done. This was in opposition to the Catholic doctrine of merit which mixed faith and reward for good works.
"Solus Christus" means that Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind, and salvation is by Christ alone. This opposed priests as being the only mediators to God.
"Soli Deo gloria" means all Glory to God alone. This was a stand against the glorification of saints.
These five items became the basis for disagreement between the Catholic Church and those of the Reformation movement. They are still dividing points today between Catholicism and Protestantism.
"Sola" means "alone" or "only". "Sola Scriptura" is the teaching that the Bible is the only inspired and authoritative Word of God, the only source of Christian doctrine, and it should be accessible to everyone. The Bible needs no interpretation outside of itself. The Catholic Church taught, and teaches, that the Bible cannot be interpreted without traditional teaching authority.
"Sola fide" is the belief that justification is received by faith only, without any good works, though good works is an outcome of faith.
"Sola gratia" is the teaching that salvation comes by grace and not because of anything a person has done. This was in opposition to the Catholic doctrine of merit which mixed faith and reward for good works.
"Solus Christus" means that Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind, and salvation is by Christ alone. This opposed priests as being the only mediators to God.
"Soli Deo gloria" means all Glory to God alone. This was a stand against the glorification of saints.
These five items became the basis for disagreement between the Catholic Church and those of the Reformation movement. They are still dividing points today between Catholicism and Protestantism.