Rethinking the Five Solae: Sola Fide

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(Edited)

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A Discussion on Sola Fide

During a conversation with a friend who is looking for a church to attend, he told me of a pastor who makes it a point to discuss the foundational principles of Protestantism, which are the five Solae. I've heard of all five touched on in various sermons, but never really questioned why these are considered foundational. I assumed they were systematically listed somewhere in the bible, or in the teachings of Yeshua. If not Yeshua, then surely Paul.

Well... not exactly. These are concepts that come from the late reformers of the Catholic church and are not germane to the original doctrines of the first century believers.

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What Are the Five Solae?

The Five Solae are five foundational principles that protestant reformers established which separated them from the Catholic Church.

They are:
Sola Scripturura (Scripture Alone)
Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
Sola Christus (Christ Alone)
Sola Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God Alone)

So why would there be any criticism of these five foundational principles? The criticism is in their application. Each point requires principles outside of the "alone" of each individual principle and further divorces the faith from it's original form as transmitted by the Son of God. That was a controversial statement. Yes, Christ Himself did not teach the doctrine of the five "onlies" as practiced by the protestant Church, even the doctrine of "Christ Alone" and "For the Glory of God alone" as practiced by the protestant Church.

I am going to go through each one, describe it's intended meaning, it's reasoning for existing and criticism of application.

Sola Fide

Sola Fide is "Faith Alone", stating that justification in the eyes of God is not based on a person's good works or righteousness, but only by their belief (faith). This is in response to the Catholic doctrine of merit based righteousness, that belief will bring about good works (righteousness). Protestant doctrine states that good works (while important) bears no connection with belief. Righteousness comes only from belief (faith).

Catholic Doctrine of Merit Based Righteousness

If anyone says that justification received is not preserved and also increased before God through good works; but that the said works are merely the fruits and signs of Justification obtained and not the cause of the increase thereof: let him be anathema.

The Catholic church would not accept that a person's Justification, if their faith was proven by a single good work (i.e. a charitable donation) and then no further good works, claiming rather that they are now "justified by faith alone", not requiring any more good works. According to the Catholic church, a person who believes this is considered a heretic.

Catholic doctrine continues:

If anyone says that good works of one who is justified are in such manner the gifts of God as that they are not also the good merits of him that is justified... let him be anathema.

This doctrine states that good deeds attributed both to God (as a free gift to the believer) and to the man who performed them. According to the Catholic church, if a person believes the good works are only for the glory of God, with no merit to the believer, they are considered a heretic.

...or, that the said justified, by the good works which he performs through the grace of God and the merit of Jesus Christ, whose living member he is, does not truly merit increase of grace, eternal life and the attainment of that eternal life - if so be, however, that he depart in grace and also an increase of glory, let him be anathema.

This doctrine states that good deeds which are performed through the grace of God will merit the believer with an INCREASE in grace and eternal life.

Sola Fide: Belief Based Righteousness

The Protestant stance on righteousness completely ran opposite of this doctrine. A new form of righteousness was introduce and interpreted from the scriptures, that good deeds are a sign of justification, do not merit the believer, and are not required for the obtaining of the grace of God and for obtaining eternal life. It was taught that since "justification" was a free gift, it would require no intentional good works of the believer (besides as a sign of Justification), but that good works would be compelled by the grace of God outside of the person.

This new form of righteousness is belief based, and requires a mental BELIEF to bring about righteousness. Good works did not play any role in a person's salvation or merit, but rather their "faith alone".

This created an "On/OFF" switch for the saved and unsaved, based on their belief. While the protestant church expected believers to perform good works, the person who believes and performs good works is saved by the grace switch set to ON and the person who believes and does not perform good works is saved by grace, also having the grace switch set to ON. This is the doctrine of "faith alone".

Proof Text

Regarding the entirety of scripture, the Catholic doctrine of righteousness is more consistent, while the Protestant doctrine is new. The idea that the NEW testament would have NEW doctrine, even if it's contrary to the OLD doctrine of the OLD testament, is not outside the realm of possibilities. This new doctrine is attributed to Paul in his epistle to the Romans:

For all did sin and come short of the glory of God - being declared justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God sent forth a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his justification for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare his righteousness at this time, that he might be just and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus. Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without works of law. Romans 3:23-28

A Rewriting of Scripture

Because the above text is interpreted as a new doctrine of scripture that is intentionally contrary to the old doctrine of scripture, the text was modified slightly to help the reader understand the new doctrine. In Luther's translation of the bible to German, he added the word "only" to "faith".

"So halten wir nun dafur, dab der Mensch gerecht werdeohne des Gesetzes Werke, allein durch den Glauben"

"So we now believe that man becomes righteous without works of the law, only through faith." - Martin Luther

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Scripture Doesn't Say That!

Let me say that adding words to scripture for clarity is not the problem, there are many solid translations that add certain words to make the scripture clearer. However, doing this can also corrupt the meaning of the text, if certain incorrect preconceptions are in place. Mostly the definition of "faith" and the definition of "law".

The original text says:

We conclude that a man is justified by faith without works of law.

"So we now believe that man becomes righteous without works of the law, only through faith." - Martin Luther

Understanding the Different Laws

What the reformers did not discern from the text is that Paul is explaining the concept of multiple laws and Paul doesn't explain them all clearly before applying them in his epistles.

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The Law of Sin (and death) VS the Law of God:

The Law of God is the standard of righteousness, while the law of sin (and death) is the lack of ability to perform that standard of righteousness.

"It is not the hearers of the Law [of God] who are justified before God, but it is the doers of the Law [of God] who will be declared righteous." Romans 2:13

"I delight in the Law of God according to the inward man, yet I behold another law in my members, warring against the Law [of God] in my mind, bringing me into captivity to the law of sin that is in my members." Romans 7:22-23

"I was once alive apart from the law [of sin], but when the commandment [of the Law of God] came, [the law of] sin came alive [in my members] and I died." Romans 7:9

"I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand." Romans 7:18-21

"Did we not charge both Jews and Greeks with being under [the law of] sin? As it has been written "There is none righteous, no not even one." And now apart from the law [of sin], the righteousness of God has been manifested (testified by the Law and the prophets) and the righteousness of Jesus Christ to all." Romans 3:9-10, 21-22

"If we are found sinners, while we seek to be justified by Christ, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. If I build up the [sinful] things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor [of the Law of God], for through the Law [of God], I am dead to the law [of sin], that I might live unto God. Galatians 2:17-19

"If righteousness is by the law [of sin], then Christ is dead in vain." Galatians 2:21

Works of Law VS Works of Faith

The works of law (also the Law of Works) is the concept that works or deeds (accomplishments) regardless of the Law of God, is required by natural "law" to give reward. This was the teachings of the Saducees, who did not believe in a resurrection and world to come, so "works of law" are performed to enjoy good in this life, outside of "works of faith" that reward in life beyond death.

As for the Sadducees, they take away Fate, and say that there is no such thing, and that the events of human affairs are not at its disposal; but they suppose that all our actions are in our own power, so that we are ourselves the causes of what is good, and receive what is evil from our own folly. Josephus Jewish Antiquities 13.172-173

When Pharisees and Sadducee became believers (called "those of the circumcision" in scripture), they adopted belief in a judgment after death, but retained the "works-law" philosophy, with the understanding the the "law of righteousness" goes beyond the Law of God, requiring the upholding of the "custom of Moses" or the "tradition of the elders" to be justified (saved) at the great judgment.

Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." Acts 15:1

They extended the philosophy to the belief that sin (transgression of the Law of God) is justified (or balanced) by accomplishments or status - that on the day of judgement when all the sins of a person are listed, that boasting in great accomplishments (or status in the flesh) would justify them on the day of judgment, as if God would be impressed.

Circumcision has value if you observe the Law [of God], but if you break the Law [of God], you have become as though you had not been circumcised. Romans 2:25

Those circumcised do not themselves keep the Law [of God], but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. Galatians 6:13

"Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at a law of righteousness. Why? Because [they were pursuing a law of righteousness] as by works of law and not by [works of] faith." Romans 9:31-32

Paul states that this is an indication that they have no fear of God and that it does not justify sin before God.

"There is no fear of God before their eyes - and we know that as many as the Law [of God] says, it it speaks for those in the [works of] law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may come under judgement to God - therefore no flesh shall be declared righteous before Him by works of law." Romans 3:18-20

"We reckon a man to be declared righteous by [works of] faith, apart from works of law." Romans 3:28

This does not mean that "works of law" (accomplishments) shouldn't be upheld, but that "works of law" does not justify sin.

"Do we make [works of] law useless through the [works of] faith? May it not be! Yes, we do establish [works of] law. What should we say about our father Abraham, having obtained [works of law] according to the flesh, for if Abraham was declared righteous by works [of law], he has [much] boasting - but not before God. For what does scripture say? And Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Romans 3:31,4:1-3

How did Abraham live out his faith?

All nations of the earth will be blessed, because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws. Genesis 26:5

The Righteousness by Faith, Which is of God

Righteousness by works of faith, is being a doer of the Law of God, according to Paul:

It is not the hearers of the Law [of God] who are justified before God, but it is the doers of the Law [of God] who will be declared righteous. Romans 2:13

See the contrast between the Law of God and the "works of law". Doing the Law of God is walking in the faith of Christ.

"Knowing that a man is not justified by works of law, but by [works of] the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the [works of] the faith of Christ. But not by the works of law, for no flesh shall be justified by works of law. Galatians 2:16

Works of Faith Are Reckoned as Grace

While under the "works of law" philosophy, all rewards are administered in this life time to settle a debt, rather than stored up as treasure in the world to come. The incentive for good deeds done in faith are not done with the expectation of payment.

"To him who is working, the reward is not reckoned of grace, but of debt." Romans 4:4

Abraham answered, "Son, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony." Luke 16:25

Paul Combines "works of law" and "law of sin" in His Epistle to the Galatians

Paul is warning the churches of two concepts - that everyone is born in bondage to the law of sin and that the "works of law", performing worldly and religious accomplishments, will not justify a person on the day of judgment. The remedy is the free gift of grace through faith, which was accomplished in Yeshua Messiah. By dying to the law of sin, we are released from the bondage and are now free to walk in the works of faith that Yeshua demonstrated for us. Paul sums this up using Abraham as an example:

Know that those who are of [works of] faith, the same are sons of Abraham. Galatians 3:7

Wait, wait wait. That phrase "works of" was inserted (by me) into the text, what evidence is there that this is accurate interpretation? Who says that sons of Abraham do "works of" Abraham?

Jesus answered them and said "If you were sons of Abraham, you would do the works of Abraham." John 8:39

So "works of Abraham" are "works of faith". This is different than the "works of law" that Paul wrote about in his epistle to the Romans. Paul explains about the faith of Abraham and the blessing of Abraham:

So then, they which be of [works of] faith are blessed with faithful Abraham, for as many as are of works of law are under the curse [of the law of sin], for it is written "Cursed is everyone that does not continue in all things that are written in the book of the Law to do them" For it is evident that no man is justified by [works of] law in the sight of God, for "the righteous shall live by faith" and the [works of] law are not [works] of faith, but "the man who does them shall live in them". Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law [of sin] being made a curse for us for it is written "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" that the blessing of Abraham would come upon the nations through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the spirit through [works of] faith. Galatians 3:9-11

James then backs up the "works of faith" in his epistle, concerning Abraham:

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? You see how faith brought his works and by works his faith was made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which said "Abraham believed God and it was imputed unto him for righteousness" and he was called "Friend of God". You see then how a man is justified by works and not faith alone? James 2:21-22

FAITH ALONE?

In a sense, scripture does teach "faith alone" outside of worldly or religious "works", describing the philosophy of "works of law" as a contrast to "works of faith". This is because throughout all of history, more emphasis has been put on a person's contribution to civilization as a whole, rather than focusing on personal devotion to God and fellow man.

What you have in your mind shall never be, when you say, ‘We will be like the nations, like the tribes in other lands.' Ezekiel 20:32

Paul was warning believers that nobody is going to impress God with their worldly works or religious customs, so a great emphasis is placed on faith and walking in faith as Yeshua walked in faith.

"Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at a law of righteousness. Why? Because [they were pursuing a law of righteousness] as by works of law and not by [works of] faith." Romans 9:31-32

We read in the scriptures that "faith" is not simply belief, but living faith is demonstrated by "works of faith".

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? James 2:14

Abraham believed (had faith in) God and it was accounted to him as righteousness - but that righteousness was proven by his "works of faith". In addition to that, "works of law" are not to be dismissed, but upheld in the understanding that it may be important in this life, but does not gain merit in the life to come. As Yeshua said:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. Matthew 6:19-20

God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21

Many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. Philippians 3:18-19

Faith-Works Based Righteousness

So if "faith" and "works of faith" are bundled together, then SOLI FIDE applies - since Paul makes it clear that fidelity to God and His word is evidence of a believer's belief and expected by everyone sharing in the promise given to Abraham.

Jesus answered them and said "If you were sons of Abraham, you would do the works of Abraham." John 8:39

All nations of the earth will be blessed, because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws. Genesis 26:5

But if the application of SOLI FIDE is "faith" alone (as in belief alone), excluding "works of faith" as attributing to merit for the believer, it runs contrary to the scripture message.

Seeking the Will of God

Works is not contrary to faith and faith is not contrary to works. What is being discussed is what is pleasing to God and what is not pleasing to God. Boasting in worldly works (works of law) is not pleasing to Him.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil. James 4:13-15

Boasting in Yeshua and the transformation He has brought about is pleasing in his sight. Devotion, justice and righteousness, these are pleasing to God.

Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth--for I delight in these things," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9:24

Conclusion

The protestant idea of Soli Fide "faith alone" is partially correct - in that belief and application of that belief through works are one of the great foundation of the Christian walk.

The difficulty is that the doctrine Soli Fide (belief outside works of faith) runs contrary to scripture. I have shown the scriptures that states that good deeds are to be performed in faith ongoing and increasing as evidence of their living faith. These good deeds which are performed in faith are gifts of God merited both to the believer and for the glory of God. Good deeds performed in faith through the grace of God will also merit an increase in grace and eternal life. All of these points run contrary to the doctrine of Soli Fide.


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Benjamin Turner: God fearer. Rooted in Messiah. Husband of @lturner. Father of SIX (!!!) wonderful children. The guy behind the camera. Blockchain enthusiast.

Bless the Most High!

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