Basic Beliefs of Christianity: Sola Gratia

One of my old ministers used to describe grace to me as Gods riches at Christ's expense (G.R.A.C.E.) and whilst this is a handy way to remember how Christ's death gives us a heavenly inheritance there is more we should say about grace.

Sola Gratia is latin for "Grace Alone", the idea being that Christians are saved by grace alone. But what does this mean and why was it such a big deal?

Basic Beliefs of Christianity: Solus Christus

Today we start with our first of the Sola's (which in this case is actually a Solus). We are looking at Solus Christus which means "Christ Alone". So what do we mean by saying salvation is won by Christ Alone? This (and all of the Sola's) were written by the Reformers against the Roman Catholic Church.

What was the argument about? The Roman Catholic Church believed that Christians were not only saved by the merit (perfect life) of Jesus but also by the good works of Mary and the Saints (people the Roman Catholic Church set apart as extraordinary Christians). Christians therefore should pray to God through Mary and the Saints.

This may seem like a little thing but here is the important take home idea for today which shows why this is an important belief to get right. Any time you add to the Gospel you subtract from the Gospel.

The Institutes of the Christian Religion - Lessons from the Reformation: Calvin (Warning this is hardcore stuff that may need you to think deeply but it will change your life)

Jean (John) Calvin

HOW COOL IS THAT BEARD! It belongs to a guy named Jean (John) Calvin. No he didn't invent Calvin Klein underpants. John Calvin was one of the greatest Christian minds of all history. He wrote a book (well really four books in one) called the Institutes of the Christian religion (over 1000 pages in the English copy I have). But don't let its size scare you, this book is fantastic.

The Prayer Book - Lessons from the Reformation: Cranmer (Warning this is hardcore stuff that may need you to think deeply but it will change your life)

Whilst he may look academic and stuffy the guy on your left is a man who changed the world. Who is he? He is Thomas Cranmer the author of the anglican prayer book (a little book all anglican/church of England churches use to run church).

Writing a little book on how to do church doesn't sound like much but this little book changed the way church was done in England, Europe and even Australia (later on though). Yet despite this claim to fame Cranmer was martyred for Jesus. In England under the reign of Queen Mary he was burnt alive. So what is the story of this Jesus freak?

Cranmer was the archbishop Canterbury (basically the head bishop of England) under King Henry VIII (he is the guy who either divorced or beheaded most of his wives).

Simul Iustus et Peccator - Lessons from the Reformation: Luther (Warning this is hardcore stuff that may need you to think deeply but it will change your life)

Martin Luther

Simul Iustus et Peccator!
No, I haven't lost my marbles. No I am not writing for people of another language. Yet this is one of the most important phrases for Christians to know if they are going to understand the Christian life (so important it is part of my exam prep at the moment). Well perhaps the English is a bit more important to know. But do you know what it means? You might have heard of the guy who said it first, Martin Luther.