Tag Archives: God

The Five Solas

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After the Reformation in 1517, the following five core theological convictions were identified by the Protestant church as the foundation of doctrine and dogma, grounded in the truth of the Holy Bible. These present the source of spiritual authority, the elements of unquestionable salvation, and the reason for all of this.

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) – The Bible is the sole, inerrant, and final authority for faith and practice. It rejects the idea that church tradition or councils hold equal authority to the written Word of God.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2nd Timothy 3:16-17

Sola Fide (Faith Alone) – Justification (being declared righteous by God) is received by faith alone, apart from any human works or merit. Humans are justified solely by God’s unmerited favor rather than their own righteousness or efforts.

For 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 boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) – Salvation is a completely free gift of God, bestowed upon sinners solely by his grace, not earned by human merit. Humans are justified solely by God’s unmerited favor rather than their own righteousness or efforts.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Romans 11:6

Solus Christus (Christ Alone) – Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man, and his sacrifice is the only basis for justification.  Salvation is found in no other name.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone) – Since salvation is of God and from God, all glory belongs to him alone. The purpose of all life and theology is to glorify God, not to promote human beings or church institutions.

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Romans 11:36

 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:11-12

 

 

 

Why All the Suffering?

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We suffer because Earth is not Heaven.

Suffering is inevitable. Everyone experiences common suffering, and some endure extraordinary suffering that stems from one of two sources: natural or malevolent (evil) events. No doubt, this world is a dangerous place, indiscriminate and unforgiving. Natural catastrophes, physical diseases, mental disorders, accidents, or the effects of stupidity can inflict terrible suffering, but in these cases, there is no profound immorality or wickedness. It is just the way things are, though some would say anything that causes unjust pain and death is rooted in the evil of a fallen world. Suffering is also the result, and often the objective, of malevolence. Humankind has proven to be even more proficient at inflicting suffering on its fellow man than Mother Nature. However, this is much more disturbing because it involves willful intent. The presence of evil in our world is self-evident.

Where is God in All This?

When the holy, merciful, and loving nature of God is juxtaposed with the pain and suffering in the world, we often ask, “Why does God allow such things?” Additionally, if God is in total control, being all-powerful and all-knowing, then he must be willfully allowing evil to exist; otherwise, he would stop it. Is God then responsible for the evil and the suffering it causes? The answer is yes if you consider the one who had the power to intervene but did not do so to be responsible.

Though God is not the author, the fact that he allows evil and suffering, and may use it to his advantage, is troubling to some. Many have rejected God because of this, which is ridiculous, as they have chosen an eternity of agony in protest. God is not the perpetrator; he cannot be, but he has his reasons for allowing suffering.

Why Does God Allow Suffering??

Below are three reasons why a loving God would allow evil and suffering not only to exist but to flourish on earth.

Free will trumps intervention. Man is free to make his own choices and decisions. It is free will that validates our humility, obedience, and submission to God. Sadly, free will also presents the opportunity for unspeakable evil. It is the misuse of free will that brings astounding disaster. Man can choose to love his neighbor, or he can decide to murder his neighbor. It is an awesome liberty to have self-determination, but there is a great risk of misuse in the hands of a profane man. Ultimately, everyone will be held accountable for their actions.

God may use the evil of others to accomplish his will. God can and does use evil and suffering to accomplish his will. Jesus is a prime example of this. The sinless Son of God was brutally tortured and killed by hanging on a cross (the worst of evil) to accomplish atonement for our sins and reconciliation with God (the best of good). The murder of Jesus was God’s will.

Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Acts 2:22-23

The stark contrast between good and evil glorifies God. Man’s unrighteousness dramatically demonstrates God’s righteousness. God is glorified by the contrast with evil in the world, not because he is evil, but because he is its perfect opposite.

What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Romans 9:22-23

What about the suffering of the innocent?

Certainly, nothing is more heartbreaking, grievous, or unconscionable than our children suffering or being taken from us. The harsh reality is that no one is exempt from catastrophe in life. Prayer is often the only recourse and can be highly effective; however, ultimately, God’s will prevails.

The fact that children get sick and die is often cited as a reason to conclude that God does not exist or to hate him for allowing it. However, those who persevere in the faith through these awful times will be comforted and will receive their reward in Heaven. But, for sure, when our children suffer, it is the worst of tough times.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

The Christian response to suffering.

Christians are empowered to endure and are comforted in times of suffering. Understanding God’s plan, the conviction of our faith, and complete confidence in his promises carry us through. God wants us to be successful and an example to lost souls in times of trouble. Here are the truths we hold to endure:

God is in control. God is sovereign over evil; evil does not have control over God. We find comfort in knowing that our Father, the almighty God, has our lives in his hands. Trust in God, and though you will have trouble in this life, he will perfect, establish, strengthen, and sanctify you in preparation for the incomprehensible joy of Heaven.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. Peter 5:10

All things happen for our good. We rest in complete confidence that God uses all things for our ultimate good, though it may not seem that way at the moment.  Every experience and circumstance (the good, the bad, and the terrible) is used to accomplish his will for those who belong to him. His will is to mold us to be more like his son, Jesus Christ, and there is no better outcome than we could hope for than to be more like Jesus.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Ultimately, God is going to fix this. God is going to make everything right. There will be no evil or suffering; the wicked will be eliminated and held accountable to face eternal punishment. There will be no disease, war, malice, tears, pain, death, tragedy, or heartbreak. God will fix it, but not until the traumatic end of human history. When Jesus returns, the shit is going to hit the fan. So, until then, we endure this life with faithful perseverance, looking forward to our inheritance: the new Heaven and the new Earth.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:3-5

This life is a test. The goal of this mortal life is not comfort, pleasure, or security. Instead, we are tested and challenged to validate and grow in our faith, build character, and be a witness to the power and love of God in times of difficulty. Suffering is part of the plan, and to endure in the faith is the lot of the Christian; freedom from pain and suffering is later.

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

The Irreligious response to suffering.

For those who live without Christ, trials may build character through suffering and hardship, but there is no benefit beyond the grave. Suffering in the world is a reason for natural man to curse God. Those who live without Christ are on their own, and not all things happen for their good. To suffer alone, with no hope, would seem to be a taste of Hell on earth.