It’s all about Jesus.
When the Reformation says, Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone—it is referring to the inspired word of God. This is the word of Christ. It brings Jesus to us when we hear it and read it.
When it proclaims Sola Gratia—Grace Alone—it speaks of God’s undeserved mercy and favor towards us for the sake of His perfect Son, Jesus.
When it confesses Sola Fide—Faith Alone—it points to faith in Christ. Saving faith is trust in Him,
So the Reformation solas rightly include one more: Solus Christus—Christ Alone. This summarizes the other three. Christ Alone is our Savior. His sacrificial death and resurrection alone bring us salvation. He is the object of faith. Christ alone is our Redeemer.
As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, it may be easy to fall into the trap of making this a remembrance of a historical event or of specific people. Martin Luther began the Reformation when he posted the 95 theses at the church in Wittenberg in 1517, and he was a very influential historical figure. Yet for all his contributions, Luther was a flawed man. He, too, was a sinner in need of salvation. At times, he said and did things that were wrong. He knew it. He knew he was reliant on Christ or he had no hope. It was only when covered in the righteousness of Christ that he was righteous in God’s sight.
The Reformation is not about Martin Luther. It is about his Savior, and your Savior. Reformation theology is all about keeping Jesus at the center. He is our Lord, our God, and our Savior.
Solus Christus. Christ Alone.