The Five Solas of the Reformation
Cammenga's article expounds on the five solas of the Reformation—sola Scriptura, solus Christus, sola gratia, sola fide, and soli Deo gloria—demonstrating how the single word "only" distinguishes Reformed theology from Roman Catholicism. The resource argues that adherence to these five principles remains the litmus test for whether a church maintains faithfulness to the Reformation heritage or has departed toward Rome. This foundational piece serves as both a historical explanation and a theological standard for evaluating ecclesiastical orthodoxy.
Introduction In the end, one little word divided the churches of the Reformation and the Roman Catholic of the sixteenth century. To borrow Luther's language in his great Reformation hymn, "one little word felled" the corrupt Roman Catholic institute of his day. That one little word was "only," or as it is in Latin, sola. The Reformers said "only" or "alone," while Rome consistently said "and." The Reformers included the word "only" in especially five important doctrines that they taught....
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org
Related Resources
The Gospel And AI: Why God Will Never be Pleased With an AI-Generated Sermon (Nor with the Minister Who Tries)
Barry Gritters
Standard BearerFor it Seemed Good to the Spirit and to Us*
William Langerak
Standard BearerEditor’s Notes
Unknown
Standard BearerSynod 2025 Summary
Joshua Engelsma
Standard BearerThe Minister’s Relation to Christ’s Body*
Douglas Kuiper
Standard Bearer