Soli Deo Gloria | Glory to God Alone
Romans 16:25-27
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began 26 but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. [NKJ]
INTRODUCTION
. NT churches are living in challenging times. Many of the cherished biblical doctrines that we hold dear have been put aside for a more convenient way to please man, not God.
. In many ways we too are facing some of the same challenges as the reformers. This is especially so in regards to the Gospel becoming less and less proclaimed in its purity from the pulpits of today.
. It is particularly sad with us Baptists for we are witnessing the watering down of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ more and more throughout our ranks.
. As the Reformers of old stood up against the Roman oppression (the 15th and 16th centuries) against the truth of God and His word. We in this age also must stand up as stalwarts for God and His truth.
. As the Reformers acknowledge and stood for the Five Solas in defending them represented a fight to return to the biblical teachings of God concerning | Scripture Alone, Christ Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Glory to God Alone | so too today are we to be engaged concerning these same issues.
. Let history show that we too found the courage as those of old and let us stand firm for these Biblical doctrines of the Word of God. Let us too earnestly contend for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints | Jude v. 3.
. To do this: We must first briefly reexamine the Five Solas. Though each of these great Solas stand by themselves and will eventually be looked at individually. It must be acknowledged that Soli Deo Gloria, in a sense, has become the foundation upon which the other 4 stand. This is because the theme of the fifth Sola, Glory to God Alone, has become the basis/purpose of the other four.
. To begin this reexamination of the Five Solas over the next few meetings - let us first look briefly at the Historical Aspect of the Reformers and the Five Solas and then with a closer examination of Soli Deo Gloria - Glory to God Alone.
I. HISTORICAL ASPECT
A. The Reformers
John Hus (c. 1369-1415), Martin Luther (1483-1546), Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531), Henrich Bullinger (1504-1575), and/or John Calvin (1509-1564), and others. Their commonality: The Reformation.
. During the 15th and 16th century these men of God and others were raised up in a time when most of Europe was facing a darkened reality w/o knowledge and an alienated future w/o any hope of God for they were found under the wicked and evil control of papal religious rule enforced through the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church.
. Where the Roman Catholicism dominated throughout Europe, 1) the common man was suppressed, 2) the Scriptures were chained | only the priest were allowed to explain them, 3) Christ the mediator had been replaced by Mary, 4) rhe grace of God depended on confession and indulgences, 5) faith had been replaced by infant baptism, and 6) the glory of God was replaced by the glory of Rome with her idols and images.
. So who knew that on October 31, 1517 when a young monk, Martin Luther, by hammering his 95 theses onto the Castle Church doors at Wittenberg, Germany would ignite a fire of such enormous proportions that history declares this as the official beginning of what is known as the Protestant Reformation against the Roman Catholic Church and that Luther himself would become known as the Father of the Reformation.
. However, as much as we acknowledge and give honor to these great men of God used during the era known as the Reformation, let us not exalt them so high lest we forget that the Protestant Reformation was to them nothing more than an attempt to restore the apostolic Christianity and teaching to the church and so too should it be for us as well. While we dearly so love, preach and defend [what] is called the Reformed Faith, along with its many associate synonyms such as Calvinism, Sovereign Grace, and the Doctrines of Grace [may we as those before us be sure that our goal is to contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints to bring praise to God and not to promote the glory to our ministries]. Anything less will not be a return to biblical and apostolic teaching and practice found within the NT churches of our Lord and among His redeemed saints - [Earl Blackburn, Lest We Forget: The Solas of the Reformation, The Founders Journal, 70, 22-33 (adapted)].
. The Reformation perhaps was not stated at the time under particular names or aspects - but over the centuries there has been found that in its development was (and still is) based on five essential and particular points which we refer to today as the Five Solas of the Reformation.
B. The Five Solas of the Reformation
Theopedia | The Five Solas are five Latin phrases (or slogans) that emerged from the Protestant Reformation intended to summarize the basic theological principles of the Reformers in contrast to certain teachings of the Roman Catholic Church of the day. | Sola is Latin meaning alone or only and the corresponding phrases are:
. Sola Scriptura | Scripture Alone:
When the Reformers use the words Sola Scriptura | It was the Reformation expressing concern for the authority of the Bible, which was the Formal Principle of the Reformation. It meant that the Bible alone is our ultimate authority. | 1) It is not the state, 2) it is not the pope, 3) it is not the church, 4) it is not the traditions of the church or church councils, 5) and/or not the personal or subjective feelings of anyone.
Scripture Alone | has become the cry for the authority of our faith and practice.
. Solus Christus | Christ Alone:
When the Reformers use the words Solus Christus | It was the Reformation calling the church back to faith in Christ alone, as the sole mediator and high priest between God and man. This teaching does not push aside God the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit in salvation, but what it does do - is insist that Christ Jesus, the God/man alone is the only redeemer/mediator of mankind. | 1) It is not the Pope | as the vicar of Christ, 2) it is not the Roman Catholic Church | with its sacraments, 3) it is not the Priest | to hear confessions, 4) it is not the Faithful and Saints | to pray or pay for the departed souls out of purgatory, and 5) it is not Mary | as the co-mediatrix to make intercession on behalf of others.
Christ Alone | has become the cry for the center of accomplishment in the eternal plan of salvation of God.
. Sola Gratia | Grace Alone:
When the Reformers use the words Sola Gratia | It was the Reformation declaring a fundamental biblical aspect of the Gospel, that all of mankind is unable in his fallen nature to desire, to understand, or to believe the things concerning salvation in Christ and is utterly dependent upon the sovereign grace of God in all matters as to their salvation. Salvation | 1) is not in any sense a human-centered work | one is not born-again of the flesh, 2) it is not of a relational-centered method | one is not born-again of his privilege position or bloodline, 3) and it is not a works-centered emphasis of techniques or strategies | one is not born-again by the will of man. Therefore man by his own cannot accomplish any transformation from an unregenerate human nature into that of a born-again (regenerated) child of God. Such salvation is only found in the Amazing Grace of God.
Grace Alone | has become the cry that man is totally incapable of saving himself. He merely receives what God has graciously offered. Salvation is by grace alone, not grace plus consent.
. Sola Fide | Faith Alone:
When the Reformers use the words Sola Fide | It was the Reformation stating that justification is the act of God by which he declares sinners to be righteous because of Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. A faith that is a gift of God, authored and perfected by Jesus [Christ], and measured out by merciful grace. | 1) It is not faith by works, for that would give man reason to boast | 2) it is not a faith by declaration because of some authority, for that would give man reason to feel superior | 3) and it is not by free-will of someone, for that would give man reason to feel sovereign. Reformers called justification by faith the material principle of Christianity, involving the very substance of what a person must understand and believe to be saved, declaring that the sinner is justified by faith alone.
Thus - Faith Alone | has become the cry for the standard of the unique instrument in salvation of God. By grace are you saved by faith, the gift of God!
. Soli Deo Gloria | Glory to God Alone:
When the Reformers use the words Soli Deo Gloria | It is the Reformation declaration of reclaiming the Biblical teaching of the Sovereignty of God over every aspect concerning the the life of the believer | 1) whether it is The Scriptures, 2) whether it is salvation, and/or 3) whether it is the Witness of one, no matter what, all of these things are to be done not for man but solely for the distinct glory of God alone.
Glory to God Alone | has become the cry of the whole purpose of our faith and practice.
II. APPLICATION ASPECT
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began 26 but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
A. The Glory of God
1. Is Establish in the Sovereignty of God
25a Now to Him who is able to establish you
A. God Is Sovereign in All Matters
. Romans 8:28 | All events are ordered by God. (cf. Gen. 50:20; Dan. 4:34-35; Acts 17:26.)
. Romans 9:15-24 | The Potter has power over the Clay | one for honor, the other dishonor.
. Romans 11:33-36 | Oh, the depth of the riches both of wisdom and knowledge of God!
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
B. God is Sovereign in Establishing His Own
. Jonah 2:9 | Salvation is of the Lord! Salvation is the work of God from start to finish.
. Romans 9:10-14 | Election stands on the sovereign choice of God!
. Acts 13:48 | as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed
. Acts 16:14 | Lydia heard | the Lord opened her heart
2. Is Established by the Salvation of God
25b According to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ,
.. Paul understood that salvation was only of God from his own experience |
. Acts 9:1-6 / on the road to Damascus; 22:6-11 / the Jewish mob; 26:12-18 / King Agrippa.
. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 | Paul shared at Corinth what he first experienced himself.
. Romans 1:16-17 | Not ashamed of the gospel | power of God to salvation.
. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 | God choose you for salvation | called by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
. 1 Timothy 1:15 | A faithful saying | Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.
3. Is Established by the Scriptures
25c According to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began
26a But now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations,
.. Mystery | here refers to a part of the truth of God that was not revealed, or only partially revealed in the OT / Now w/the coming of Jesus Christ, God has spoken to us through Him | Heb. 1:1-4.
. Ephesians 1:3-14 | having made know to us the mystery of His will [Those who] trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory [v. 9] | cf. vv. 6, 12, 14.
. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-7 | The gospel came to the Thessalonians in power and assurance
. 1 Peter 1:18-21 | Christ was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was
manifest [revealed | marginal note] in these last time for you
. 1 Peter 4:11 | If anyone speaks let him do it as God supplies | that in all things God
may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
4. Is Established by Submitting to God
26b According to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith
. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 | that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. / cf. 1 John 5:1-3.
. 1 Peter 1:7-9 | … in the genuineness of your faith … though it may be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
. Ephesians 3:14-21 | to Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
B. To God Alone be Glory
27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
. Psalm 19:1 | The heavens declare the glory of God
. 1 Corinthians 10:31 | so, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
. 1 Timothy 1:17 | Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
. Jude vv. 24-25 | Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
. Revelation 4:11 | The twenty fours elders fell down casting their crowns | saying, You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things and by your will they exist and were created.
.. Brethren no exegesis is needed here: for all these passages proclaim | Glory to God Alone.
III. Closing Thot
.. May we become like those shining lights of old: Luther, Calvin, Zwingly, Edwards, Spurgeon, and Whitefield | standing firm on proclaiming the full counsel of God to a lost, darkened, sinful world. Making Christ the center of all our doing | for in that alone will we truly be declaring | Glory to God Alone!
BRETHREN | SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Bruce Allen, TH.D.
Sovereign Grace Preachers Fellowship
Monthly Meeting: 02-28-2011 | Calvary BC, Ludowici, GA
bea0210@hotmail.com
http://www.pilgrimskeyboard.wordpress.com
