Thursday, November 3, 2011
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
SOLA FIDE
It seems natural for Lutheran Christians when celebrating the Reformation to speak of the three "Solas" (Alone) -- Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone). It is good to review the meaning of these things, but it's also important to ask: What does Sola Fide mean to us today?
Are these words a meaningless Latin expression that belongs in a Dogmatics Book? May it never be -- whether we use the Latin or the English.
Faith alone is still a glorious truth of God found in Holy Scripture. It is one that separates true Lutheranism from most every other denomination. Faith alone is the means by which the forgiveness of sins is made our own.
What does Sola Fide mean to us today?
It means that neither you nor I have to spend every day wondering if we have done enough to earn salvation -- because eternal life is already our possession by faith in Christ alone. Rejoice each and every day that you have been given such faith in Jesus and then look for opportunities to serve your neighbor and fellow Christians with a healthy helping of the Gospel -- which brought us to faith and keeps us in faith. What a treasure we have been given!
Sola Fide also means that we will want to come together often to hear God's Word to strengthen that faith He has given us. Don't take for granted the blessings we receive through our fellowship. Each service we confess our sins and are reminded of the forgiveness that is ours SOLA FIDE, by faith alone. These are glorious words: Almighty God, our heavenly father, has had mercy upon us and has given his only Son to die for us and for His sake forgives us all our sins.
These are words that are believed and received by grace through faith alone.
