From Ben, Guest Blogger

The Simple Beauty of the Solas.

This week I was given a wonderful opportunity to witness to a friend of mine. In so doing I was reminded of the beauty of the Gospel and the center of our faith.

My buddy and I were talking about religious things and he asked, “So what are the central tenets of the Reformed faith?” (How often does one get an opportunity like that?!) I'm thinking, hmm, I could either be very elaborate or very simple. The simple route was taken. I started by boasting in God – he is supreme over all and my precious treasure. From there, I was reminded off the Solas and without speaking in Latin was able to clearly and gladly articulate what I believe. I didn't use all the solas: Man is in need of salvation, salvation is all of grace, nothing we can do, only faith in Christ alone will save. The conversation moved on.

Later, when I reflected on the conversation, I thought how good it is that we have simple truths like these to explain the Gospel. We don't need to use “Christian e's”. And it is such good news! I don't have to say, well, it's by faith, and by doing things like going to church. All grace! Someday I will understand that...

Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone
Solus Christus – By Christ Alone
Sola Gratia – By Grace Alone
Sola Fide – By Faith Alone
Soli Deo Gloria - The Glory of God Alone

Our meditation on these simple yet absolutely amazing truths ought to lead us to such wonder and praise as it did Paul. When Paul finished teaching the doctrine of salvation to the Romans, he begins soaring in a doxology in 11:33-36. It's as if he has reached the end of a trail and he now sits at the edge of a bottomless cliff and just peers down and out into the expanse – at the infinite depth and riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or, WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36