Reformation Day Sale

Today is Reformation Day “a religious holiday celebrated on October 31, alongside All Hallows’ Eve, in remembrance of the Reformation. It is celebrated among various Protestants, especially by Lutheran and Reformed church communities” [Wikipedia].  498 years ago Augustinian Monk, priest and Bible scholar, Martin Luther, nailed 95 theses to the church door in Wittenbug, Germany. These published points to debate challenged the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. He did not anticipate where his insistence on the authority of the Bible and salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone would take him–a trip of excommunication from the Roman church and the beginning of a history-changing movement which became labeled “Protestant.”

The Five Solas [ Latin] are:

• Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.[2 Tim. 3:16,17]
• Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.[Rom. 3:34-27]
• Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.[Eph. 2:8,9]
• Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King. [John 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:15]
• Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone.[1 Cor. 10:31]

A few years ago Dr. Charles Solomon wrote a small book entitled Completing the Reformation. He issues a call to take the 16th century Reformation to fruition by giving an equal emphasis to sanctification by faith. Today only it is available through GFI’s online store for only $4.95 (retail $8.95) with free postage and handling! Be prepared to use the history of the Reformation as a springboard to discuss the Abiding Life.