JAN 14

Romans 3:21
Memorise Romans 3:21
“…a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

The five ‘solae’ are the pillars of the 16th Century Reformation Movement. They are phrases in Latin that encapsulate what the Reformers stood for in their fight against the Roman Catholic Church. They are: Sola Scriptura - By Scripture alone; Sola Gratia- By grace alone; Solus Christus – Christ alone; Sola Fide – By faith alone; Soli Deo Gloria – glory to God alone.

Together they form the central truths of the Reformation. The authority of the Scripture needs to be upheld against the tide of worldly philosophies and false beliefs. God’s grace in Christ as the sole efficient cause of salvation must be clearly taught as fallen human nature often forgets. Justification is by grace alone, through faith alone because of Christ alone. As Romans 3:20-21 shows us, the law cannot bring about righteousness. The Old Testament (“the law and the prophets”) proves that one could only be justified by the law through perfect obedience, yet none of us can do so. Rather, God gave His only begotten Son to die for us to fulfil His righteousness. This must be received by faith alone, so that we may be justified in His sight. Before and after the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church has never shied away from their heresy that one must also do good works to earn a place in heaven.

Dear teen, do you know that the tide is now against the light of the Reformation? Many of your friends who attend ecumenical churches in Singapore are not even aware of Reformation Sunday, especially if they are attending those actively trying to ecumenically unite the Protestants and Catholics. To the leaders of these churches, the Reformation should never have happened, and the past should be forgotten! The spirit of our age rather than the Spirit of Christ is now dominating Christianity, believing that world peace can only be brought about through religious harmony, even at the expense of what the truth is. It is imperative that you not only know your Protestant Reformation heritage but treasure and hold fast to it. Let us remember Reformation Sunday and soberly recall the wonderful way in which God has guided history through the ages, such that His truth will always prevail.

Thought: The past is as important as the future.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for opening my eyes to the great heritage that I have in the Reformation and may I defend this precious faith.