by Kala Loptien

A Call to Remember

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this Sound Cloud link.

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

On Sunday, we recognized and celebrated the Reformation (which lands on Oct. 31 each year). Where we worshiped, we were given excellent historical context. In addition, located on the back of the bulletin were the five Latin solas:

Sola Gratia: Grace Alone

Sola Fide: Faith Alone

Solus Christus: Christ Alone

Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone

Soli Deo Gloria: To the Glory of God Alone

I remember hearing about the solas during my catechism instruction; but I appreciated that these five critical tenets of our doctrine were highlighted. I started to think about Luther’s quest and the courage it took to protest against one of the largest religious entities. Though he started in law school, he quickly shifted and eventually graduated with a doctorate in theology, starting his professorship soon after. When we read his biography, we can see how God was guiding and preparing him.

The church and followers of Christ were on a slippery slope — believing and teaching that we play a role in our salvation. This belief completely discredits God as our divine rescuer – that He sent His son to die for the sins of all the world. Because of Jesus, we were reconciled, restored, redeemed and made righteous. This has nothing to do with us. (Isn’t it funny how quickly we make things about us?)

The church here on earth is comprised of flawed and sinful humans. There are missteps and mistakes which can lead to serious misguidance. We see this happen throughout the centuries and we see it happening now. While we also recognize Martin Luther as a flawed human, we can celebrate how God used him to restore the integrity of the Word and our doctrine. We are also responsible and called to boldly proclaim the Gospel message, clinging to biblical truths. May we continue to be reminded that it is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, revealed by Scripture alone to the glory of God alone that we are saved.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado