βFor by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boastβ (Ephesians 2:8,9).
On October 31, 2017, we Bible believers celebrate the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation!
The third Reformation principle, βsola fideβ (Latin, βfaith aloneβ), protests the well-known Roman Catholic mishandling of James 2:24. βA man is justified by faith and worksβ is clearly written to Israel (chapter 1, verse 1). Following Godβs instructions to others is surely destructive. Lost people wake up in eternal hellfire quoting Scripture (including James 2:24!).
In this the Dispensation of Godβs Grace, salvation is by grace through faith plus nothing. Romans chapter 3: β[26] To declare, I say, at this time [Godβs] righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.β
Our Apostle Paul (Romans 11:13) continues in chapter 4: β[3] For what saith the scripture? [Sola Scriptura!] Abraham believed God [Sola Fide!], and it was counted unto him for righteousness. [4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace [Sola Gratia!], but of debt. [5] But to him that worketh not [Sola Fide!], but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly [Sola Fide!], his faith [Sola Fide!] is counted for righteousness.βRather than having religious self-righteousness (Romans 10:1-3), remember that Heaven is gained by faith alone in Christβs righteousness alone! βChrist died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third dayβ (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).
The Reformers, while lacking the more perfect Bible understanding we enjoy, nevertheless walked in the spiritual light they had. They understood justification by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Romans chapters 1-5). In the 500 years since, we have recovered the rest of the Book of Romans that religious tradition had stifled (chapters 6-16βvictorious Christian identity and living, differences between Israel and the Body of Christ, and grace principles for various life situations). Brethren, let us walk in the light we have, further building on the Reformersβ efforts! source
