Salvation: Doctrines of Men and Sola Scriptura

Today, the doctrines of men have become a convergent force within Christian theology that transforms straightforward biblical teachings into complex interpretations driven by philosophical thought and decorated scholars.

Almost everything that Christians have learned about Jesus has been exposited to them by a mainstream Christian minister who has been indoctrinated into one of the many formal theological training centers known as protestant seminaries. One of the many core teachings taught in protestant seminaries today is the doctrine of salvation by ‘faith alone’. This Protestant doctrine of salvation teaches that by ‘faith alone’ in Jesus Christ, we can be delivered, saved from God Almighty’s wrath, freed from the penalty of our sins, and ultimately granted eternal life in heaven.

‘Faith alone’ (sola fide) is the Protestant’s “bomb.com” moment when it comes to salvation. You can’t trap faith, as Metro Man would say. Faith is an idea, a belief! And now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

Protestantism: The Original “Protest” Movement

Protestantism is the OG ‘peaceful protestor’ movement that believes you cannot earn your way to heaven with good deeds, by obeying God’s commands, doing the will of the Father, or any rule-following. Simply put – Protestantism teaches that salvation is all about putting your faith and trust in Jesus alone. Protestants would agree that salvation isn’t a DIY project; it’s a gift, no strings attached (well, except faith). Just put your faith in Christ’s sacrifice and grace, and you’re good to go.

The Reformers – Powered by Paul

It all began on Halloween when Martin Luther, known as the reformer-in-chief, introduced the concept of “sola scriptura.” Luther rejected the notions of papal, conciliar, and ecclesiastical infallibility, asserting that even popes and councils were capable of making errors.

The Reformed movement, aka the Protestant Reformation, kicked off in the early 16th century, led by disenfranchised trailblazers such as – Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli, who were basically the original disruptors within the Roman Catholic Church. Fed up with the Catholic Church’s questionable practices (looking at you, indulgence sales), Luther hammered his Ninety-Five Theses – a move that nailed the start of the Reformation, sparking debates that set Europe ablaze. Luther’s nail wasn’t just for wood – it was for nailing down a no-frills, back-to-basics Christianity. Think sola scriptura (scripture alone) and sola fide (faith alone)—no fluff, just faith alone. The result? A significant religious transformation that led to the creation of numerous Protestant denominations and fundamentally reshaped Europe’s religious, political, and cultural landscape. Truly a historic shift in power.

The monumental Protestant Reformation movement in Christian history was primarily shaped by the Apostle Paul’s teachings and writings. Martin Luther and John Calvin frequently utilized Paul’s epistles as fundamental texts to support their push for church reforms. The concept of salvation through faith presented in Paul’s letters like Romans and Galatians deeply influenced Protestant reformers who aimed to counter the Catholic Church’s emphasis on traditions and works. The teachings of Paul about grace inspired Martin Luther to publish the 95 Theses which sparked a religious revolution throughout Europe. Through his writings Paul became both a theological guide and spiritual beacon who led Protestant reformers back to what they believed were the genuine teachings of the apostle Paul.

Martin Luther: Nailing Ideas (and Theses)

Martin Luther didn’t hold back when he said, “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” Talk about having it both ways! In 1520, Luther penned The Freedom of a Christian after nailing down (pun intended) the idea of justification by faith alone—and then spent the remainder of his life defending it.

A common criticism of sola fide (faith alone) is that justification by ‘faith alone’ may lead followers of Christ to adopt a lazy mindset, being complacent, believing they are free to live as they wish without any concern for pursuing holiness, or without any regard for remaining in Jesus’ and God the Father’s love. Martin Luther argued the case that it is Christians – who no longer strive to merit salvation – who are actually free to do good. Luther draws upon the apostle Paul’s own reasoning in the book of Romans, which, after Paul’s teaching of justification by ‘faith’, later perceived by Luther to be ‘faith alone’, even tho the Apostle Paul never used the phrase “faith alone”.

According to the apostle Paul, justification by faith isn’t just a ticket to the good life — it’s a call to live a life of worship. Paul puts it this way: “Offer your body as a living sacrifice.” Takeaway: Your whole life becomes the ultimate thank-you note to God Almighty. Also, don’t get too comfy with the world’s way of doing things — let your mind get a God-powered makeover, “renewal of your mind” so that “you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”. (Romans 12:1-2)

Sola Scriptura – Anyone Got a Nail?

Sola Scriptura kicked off when Martin Luther essentially said, “The Church, councils, and pope? They’re not always right,” leaving the Bible to hold the title of the only infallible rule of faith. Talk about cutting out the middleman!

Luther’s 95 Theses (nailed up on Oct. 31, 1517) didn’t exactly spill the tea on this one. But according to Protestant biographer Roland Bainton (Here I Stand), by 1518, Luther “had further declared the pope and councils to be capable of error.” Bold move, right? Then, during his 18-day mic-drop session at the Leipzig Disputation in July 1519 with Johann Eck, he doubled down on those claims. As Bainton tells it – Luther said:

I assert that a council has sometimes erred and may sometimes err. Nor has a council authority to establish new articles of faith. A council cannot make divine right out of that which by nature is not divine right. Councils have contradicted each other, for the recent Lateran Council has reversed the claim of the councils of Constance and Basel that a council is above a pope. A simple layman armed with Scripture is to be believed above a pope or a council without it. …  I say that neither the Church nor the pope can establish articles of faith. These must come from Scripture. For the sake of Scripture, we should reject pope and councils.

The Luther saga and the Reformation gave birth to what we now call Protestants—essentially history’s most famous breakup. They parted ways with the Roman Catholic Church in protest, following the bold ideas of their leader, Martin Luther, who was basically the original “nail your complaints to the door” guy (no pun intended).

Nailing Down The Idea of Salvation – One Thesis at a Time

The concept of salvation through works theology continues to resonate as a common belief among multiple Christian denominations even though the Roman Catholic Church popularized it during the Middle Ages. According to “works-based” salvation theology, people reach heaven through their good deeds and service while obeying God’s biblical commands in addition to their faith. Faith alone does not guarantee salvation according to believers of this doctrine because faith needs to be demonstrated through concrete actions that showcase commitment to a God-centered and virtuous life. Theological discussions throughout history have pondered around this perspective which remains influential in shaping Christian faith practices today.

The “Can You Earn Your Way to Heaven?” Debate

The salvation by works theology proposes that people need to earn their way into God’s favor through their deeds and obedience to secure heaven instead of depending only on God’s grace and forgiveness. According to works-based salvation theology, mankind must perform good deeds and follow religious laws as essential steps toward eternal life. Saint Augustine’s teachings from the 4th century established the doctrine which highlighted mankind’s necessary effort and merit to achieve salvation. According to Augustine, God’s grace was necessary for salvation, however our cooperation and active righteousness were also essential to make the soul conform to God’s divine plan. The theological perspective evolved into substantial controversies within Christianity during the Reformation period. Prominent theologians such as Martin Luther, who championed the reformed movement, opposed works-based salvation and promoted the belief that faith alone leads to salvation.

The Roman Catholics Ultimate Arch-Nemesis

No, not that Luther you’re thinking of — this Luther has an entirely different plot twist. Martin Luther argued that adding anything to faith undermines fundamental Christian principles, such as the doctrine of original sin and the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice for mankind’s sins. While he bolstered the concept of salvation through faith alone, Luther also believed that genuine faith naturally manifests in good works and obedience.

We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.

~ Martin Luther

Christian doctrine agrees that every person enters the world with a sinful nature, which prevents them from entering heaven through good works or obedience to God’s commands alone. Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus, who knew no sin, needed to sacrifice himself on the cross to offer the perfect payment for mankind’s sins.

Martin Luther: Nailing It Since 1517

Martin Luther had a nail, a purpose, and a vision to spark change. With his 95 Theses, he challenged the practices of the Church, paving the way for the Reformation and forever altering the course of history.

Additionally, Martin Luther emphasized the importance of obedience to God’s commands coupled with faith. Luther’s efforts to reconcile “Christian sinners” with their ongoing sins reflected a unique, larger theological understanding. Luther believed that mankind are naturally sinful and that true salvation comes through faith in God’s grace alone, not through the absence of sin or sinless perfection.

This gave rise to Luther’s famous sentiment that if one is going to sin, they might as well “sin boldly” but trust even more boldly in God’s forgiveness. Luther emphasized the importance of faith and grace, while underscoring mankind’s inherent, never-ending imperfection. This strongly contrasts to Jesus’ call for perfection, a theme reiterated all throughout scripture.

Be a sinner and sin strongly, but more strongly have faith and rejoice in Christ.

~ Martin Luther

The Reformers – Luther Giving “The Man” a 95-Point Reality Check

Furthermore, reformed theology teaches that “salvation by works” theology can lead to legalism and self-righteousness, creating a distorted view of the gospel. This approach places the emphasis on personal achievements and our effort rather than on God’s unmerited, infinite grace, mercy, and unconditional love for His people, according to reformed theology.

Reformers challenged the mainstream Christian idea of faith plus works for salvation, arguing instead for faith alone — but they were quick to point out that true faith is never really alone. This revolutionary concept, initiated by Martin Luther, shifted the focus from man’s effort to God’s grace.

They warned that focusing on works could distort the gospel, leading to pride, discouragement, and harmful comparison among believers. This mindset, they argued, could create division in the church, whereas faith alone fosters unity in humility and God’s grace.

Hopeful Thoughts

According to Jesus, salvation is based on faith — a deep trust and belief in Him, who leads us to God the Father. Believing in Jesus by faith is really just believing in the one who sent Him, the creator of all. Faith in Jesus, is a living faith that should naturally produce faithfulness to God’s commands and a commitment to endure till the very end, no matter how difficult the journey becomes.

This living faith is not passive but active, reflected in how we live our lives, demonstrating our allegiance and dedication to God Almighty. Our salvation is described as a new birth, often referred to as being “born again,” where we experience complete regeneration and transformation through God’s Spirit.

If you keep My commandments you will continue in My love, as I have kept My Father’s commandments and continue in His love. 

~ John 15:10

This process is met with true repentance, which involves turning away from any sins and making a conscious decision to rise every day and follow God’s path. According to Jesus, Salvation means consistently seeking and doing the will of God the Father, dedicating our desires with the Father’s desires, and obeying His commands as laid out in Scripture. It’s a lifelong journey of spiritual growth, trust, and obedience, leading us closer to the life that God has planned for us.

If you are looking to go deeper in your faith, meditate on these truths and how they effect your relationship with God. Read and ponder over scripture that highlights these elements of salvation, and ask God for the spirit of wisdom and revelation as you walk in your spirituality. Just remember that faith is something that grows over the course of a lifetime, and God is always there to lead you through the way.

We are here for you!

We commit our lives to God the Father and His Son – the Lord Jesus Christ! We are in the business of spreading the good news, to inspire hope, share the message of deliverance, and ultimately plant the seed of saving faith.” Our desire is to extend and share with others the love, mercy, grace and forgiveness of God which is available to all through faith in Him. Our goal is to encourage others to hold on to this message, to enjoy the peace that comes from His promises and to find the pathway to life as we learn the Father’s ways and live by them.

If you are in need of prayer, encouragement, assistance of any kind – whether spiritual or otherwise – please let us know. It would be our pleasure to help and bless you any way we can!

Let us close in prayer:

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)