Have you ever searched for the 5 solas in Scripture?
A very intriguing article and thanks for posting it. As a evangelical pastor and former Catholic, I find this topic to be a provocative and critical one actually. In fact, I might add a major surprise that was omitted.
I believe reasons 7 and 8 are actually linked and by reverse order in a sense. In other words, many evangelicals that begin to study and learn more about Catholicism are questioned about their conversion to that faith, precisely because of the irreconcilable gospel difference that exists between Rome and what I would call, Biblical Christianity. The reformers and their successors articulated this well over five centuries ago.
Though evangelicalism is a more modern term, its Protestant roots which separated from Rome, did not spring up primarily due to ecclesiological differences over Mary and the Eucharist, or the Lord’s Supper. Rather, the protestant reformation occurred fundamentally, over the gospel- salvation itself. My surprise – a 13th if you will, is that more evangelicals and Catholics do not understand that which theologically divides them. The five solas of the reformation: sola scriptura (scripture alone), solus Cristus (Christ alone), sola fide (Faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone) and soli deo gloria ( for God’s glory alone). A true understanding of these doctrines will reveal to the discerning student that evangelicalism and Catholicism is incompatible and not merely a case of separate denominations.
I respectfully recommend to Mr. Lencioni and any other person seeking truth – historical and Biblical on the matter, to search and mediate on this great divide that exists. My church elders and I preached a series on the five solas on this issue this past summer in South Florida. Anyone willing to investigate it, can find it at:http://www.christcomchurch.org/roots_of_the_reformation I would love to engage with the author and anyone at all seeking to dialogue on this critical issue in love and with grace.
MY REPLY
That is true, Bernie. But have you ever looked for the five solas in Scripture? I have. Here’s what I find.
Sola Fide, by faith alone.
James 2:224 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Sola Scriptura, by Scripture alone.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
Solus Christus, through Christ alone.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Sola Gratia, by grace alone.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Soli Deo Gloria, glory to God alone.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
The five solas are traditions of men which contradict the Word of God. That is why they are also incompatible with the Teachings of the Catholic Church.
I believe reasons 7 and 8 are actually linked and by reverse order in a sense. In other words, many evangelicals that begin to study and learn more about Catholicism are questioned about their conversion to that faith, precisely because of the irreconcilable gospel difference that exists between Rome and what I would call, Biblical Christianity. The reformers and their successors articulated this well over five centuries ago.
James 2:224 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.