Song Highlight: Reformation Song
In light of this being Reformation Week, our hymn highlight this week is Reformation Song by Bob Kauflin & Tim Chester from Sovereign Grace. As you can tell from the title of the hymn, it is based on the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation. Sola means “only” or “alone”, and the doctrine of the Five Solas developed as a response to the false teaching found in the Catholic Church.
Verse 1 addresses Sola Scriptura or Scripture Alone. One of chief cries of the Reformation that is often forgotten was a battle over authority. The Reformers argued that our ultimate authority on matters of doctrine and instruction came from the inerrant Word of God first and foremost, not from the Pope or teaching of the Catholic Church. Verse 2 addresses Sola Fide or By Faith Alone. The Reformers, going against the Catholic Church, argued that we are justified before God, not by any work of ours (ie. the Sacraments), but rather by the grace and mercy of God that is received through faith alone. Verse 3 sings of Solus Christus or Christ Alone. This doctrine sought to correct the error that the Catholic Church acted as the mediator between God and man in dispensing God’s grace and interceding on man’s behalf. The Reformers redirected the focus back on Christ’s work, His mediation, and intercession on behalf of the sinner. In verse 4 we come to Sola Gratia or Grace Alone. Like the church in the 5th Century arguing against a heretic known as Pelagius, the Reformers argued that, being dead in our sins, we can do nothing to earn God’s favor. Unlike the Pelagians who argued that one has the capacity to do both good and evil by their own will and therefore can accept God by his own volition, the Reformers recognized that it is only by God’s grace alone that we are made alive. Thus, we are able to receive the free grace He so graciously offers through faith because has given us a new heart. Lastly, the chorus resounds with Sola Deo Gloria or The Glory of God Alone. Why does all this matter? Why is it important what we believe and how we live? Because in all that we do, we are to bring Glory to God and to Him alone. The work is done by Christ alone so that He alone may receive that honor and Glory. He is most worthy of it.
Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, and Soli Deo Gloria. According to God’s ultimate and authoritative word alone, it is Christ's work alone that purchases our redemption and it is imputed to us by grace alone through faith alone all for His glory alone. Let’s sing “Glory to God alone” in light of such a magnificent salvation.
For more on the Five Solas, visit this summary article where I drew some of the information above: https://reformationbiblecollege.org/blog/the-five-solas
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