BACICS 101 SOLA FIDE FAITH ALONE 5 SOLAS 5 SOLAS ARE • Sola Scriptura / Scripture Alone • Sola Fide / Faith Alone • Sola Gratia / Grace Alone • Solus Christus / Christ Alone (Christ as King) • Soli Deo Gloria / For the Glory of God Alone For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 FAITH, A Simple definition FAITH IS THE MEANS BY WHICH BELIEVERS COME TO GOD AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM FOR SALVATION. Strict Bible definition of FAITH Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1 POINT 1 THE PARADOX OF SOLE FIDE FAITH ALONE he faith which alone justifies is never alone, but always T bearing transforming fruit. Faith Alone to SAVE: In justification, FAITH receives the finished work of Christ performed outside of us and counted as ours — imputed to us. In sanctification, FAITH receives an ongoing power of Christ that works inside us. Especially as it pertains to final salvation, so many of us live in a fog of confusion. James, one of the writers of the New Testament, saw in his day those who were treating “faith alone” as a doctrine to claimed one could be justified by faith which produced no good works. James, vehemently said No to such “faith”. James intended an adherence to FAITH ALONE but accompanied by action: • Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). • It is like a body with no breath (James 2:26). • It is like an energy with no effect (James 2:20), and no completion (James 2:22). • If there is justifying faith, it has works (James 2:17). • “I will show you my faith by my works” (2:18). James insists that, while we are not saved by works, our faith-life can’t be void of good works.. The “works” (or corresponding actions) will come from faith. POINT 2 THE ONLY TYPE OF FAITH THAT COUNTS FOR JUSTIFICATION IS THE KIND THAT PRODUCES LOVE FAITH THAT BEARS THE FRUIT OF LOVE cripture is the only and final, decisive authority for S decreeing, teaching, and defending the truths of the gospel. Paul, who wrote tho-thirds of the New Testament, would afirm faith-filled actions motivated by love. In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. -Galatians 5:6 THE FAITH WHICH ALONE JUSTIFIES IS NEVER ALONE, BUT ALWAYS BEARING TRANSFORMING FRUIT. When James says these controversial words, “a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24), we take him to mean not by faith which is alone, but which shows itself by works. Remember the 5 Solas are not “bible” but they explain a biblical perspective. Sola Fide / Faith Alone, but, faith expressed in the very life of God we display by our works. NEXT, SOLA GRATIA We hope you experience the life changing power of the Gospel as you journey through Basics at Grace Family Church. Each step is an advancement in knowing God and yourself more intimately and deeply. If at any time you have questions regarding the teachings, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our ofices can be reached at [email protected] or at (563) 277-0030. Form more information please visit, graceqc.com. In Christ Stead, Pastor Nathan Hurst .