The Five Solas: By Faith Alone

In this series of the Five Solas, we are going to be forced to touch on some sensitive topics that are taught in some churches. We are in no way trying to alienate ourselves. We have good friends that follow some of these teachings. All we are trying to do is break down the truths of the Word of God, and let the chips fall where they may. We love you guys, and appreciate deep friendships from people that disagree with us.

Out of the heart of the Reformation, that started October 31, 1517, came the Five Solas. Sola being the latin word for "alone." The first of the solas is by faith alone.

During the Tudor Age, the Catholic Church owned everything. Tenant farming was a popular thing during this time. Tenant farming is where farmers would rent property from the church to grow vegetables, raise animals, etc. Often times, the local monastery would be the only ones who owned a weaving loom, or other large machines needed to make everyday necessary things. Basically, the Catholic Church, the largest and richest organization in the world, was involved in every aspect of everyday life. 

On top of the economic monopoly, the Catholic Church was the sole interpreter of the Bible since the Bible was only translated into latin. Most people had no idea how to read latin, therefore, they had to put all of their trust in the interpretation of the church. The problem was that the church was adding so many works based actions to gain salvation. Sure, the Catholic Church would agree that faith was needed, but it was faith plus works equals salvation.

Martin Luther, a highly educated Catholic monk, was studying in his office. God opened His eyes to the errors of the interpretations of the church. He realized that the words of Jesus and Paul were built on faith, and faith alone. 

The Catholic Church was in an uproar, because one of their own has turned against them. They knew how dangerous it was to have someone who could legitimately interpret the scriptures to be among the people.

Now, let's turn our attention to modern day. "Word of Faith is a movement within charismatic Christianity which teaches that Christians can get power and financial prosperity through prayer, and that those who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection have the right to physical health (Wikipedia)."

Similar to the Catholic Church in buying eternal penance, the Word of Faith leaders ask people to sow a seed offering to raise the chances of us having physical health. Nowhere in God's Word does it give any indication that believers are guaranteed physical health. In fact, it says the opposite. In Genesis, God says to Adam in Genesis 2:17, "If you eat from this tree you will die." Sickness is a byproduct of the curse in Genesis 3.

The Bible also never tells us that we will be rich. Jesus was born in a stable. He slept wherever he could during His ministry (Luke 9:58). He died a lowly death on a cross, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. Jesus, the Creator of the universe, gave us the opposite example of a rich man. Paul took it a step further in Philippians 4: 10-13 "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

The Word of Faith leaders basically ask you to put your faith in your faith, and this is where is gets weird. At this point, you begin to believe in yourself, and make yourself an idol (This goes directly against the first commandment). If you do not have good health or riches, then you need to sow a seed of faith. What exactly is this faith that they are asking you to have? Faith in the leadership, faith in yourself, faith in anything but the author of faith. 

No matter if it is from the 1500's or today, false teachers are trying to draw our faith away from Jesus Christ. They want us to place our faith on the church, the pastor, and our works. This is simply unbiblical. Scripture tells us that God is a jealous God. He continually punished Israel for placing their faith in anything but Him. He called the Jewish leaders vipers for thinking that the law brought salvation. Martin Luther said, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.”

R. C. Sproul said, "Look to the Bible and not your feelings as the basis of the Christian life." Just because we don't like something doesn't give us the green light to ignore God's Word. At the end of the day, we all meet at the foot of the cross.