The five solae (from Latin, sola,
means "alone"; occasionally Anglicized to five solas) of the
Protestant Reformation are a foundational set of Biblical principles held by
theologians and clergy to be central to the doctrine of salvation as taught by
the Lutheran and Reformed branches of Protestantism. Each sola represents a key belief in the
Lutheran and Reformed traditions in contradistinction to the teaching of the
Roman Catholic Church.
Sola Scriptura
Sola Scriptura asserts that the Bible
can and is to be interpreted through itself, with one area of Scripture being
useful for interpreting others. That scripture can interpret itself is a means
by which to show the unity of Scripture as a whole. As all doctrines are formed
via scriptural understandings, all doctrines must be found to align with
Scripture and as such are then subject to scripture before the believer can
begin to apply them.
Sola fide
Sola fide, or "faith
alone", asserts that good works are not a means or requisite for
salvation. Sola fide is the teaching that justification is received by faith
alone, without any need for good works on the part of the individual.
Sola gratia
Sola gratia, or "only
grace", specifically excludes the merit done by a person as part of
achieving salvation. Sola gratia is the teaching that salvation comes by divine
grace or "unmerited favor" only, not as something merited by the
sinner. This means that salvation is an unearned gift from God for Jesus's
sake.
Solus Christus
Solus Christus, or "only
Christ", excludes the priestly class as necessary for sacraments. Solus
Christus is the teaching that Christ is the only mediator between God and man,
and that there is salvation through no other
Soli Deo gloria
Soli Deo gloria is the teaching that
all glory is to be due to God alone, since salvation is accomplished solely
through His will and action – not only the gift of the all-sufficient atonement
of Jesus on the cross but also the gift of faith in that atonement, created in
the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit.