Salvation and the 3 Solas

In Martin Luther's day in the early 1500's, the church of his day taught that a person could be saved by their good works.  The church even sold pieces of paper called indulgences, which offered forgiveness of sins for a price.  They did these sales on the authority of the Pope.

In reply, the Lutherans developed three Latin phrases known as the 3 Solas.  Worship was in Latin in those days.   The teachings were Sola Gratia.  We are saved by grace alone.   Then Sola Fide.  This means faith alone.  The object of our faith is Jesus Christ.  Through Him we are saved.  Finally, Sola Scriptura.  Our authority is the Holy Scriptures and not the Pope or any other human authority.

These words accurately reflect the words of Ephesians 2:8-10:  "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Can we be certain that we are forgiven by God?  The answer is a resounding "Yes!"

Why?  We can be certain trusting in God's promise, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16