Week #4: Every Believer’s Call to Serve

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is part of the series “Am I Called?” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Every believer is called to serve others in love, reflecting Jesus’s sacrificial life and advancing His Kingdom.

Key Scriptures

Mark 10:45 (ESV)

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Summary: Jesus models servant leadership, emphasizing that His mission was to serve others selflessly, culminating in His sacrificial death for humanity’s salvation.

Galatians 5:13 (ESV)

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Summary: Believers are freed from sin to serve others in love, choosing selflessness over selfishness as they live out their faith.

Why it Matters:

• Service Mirrors Christ: Small, selfless acts reflect Jesus’s love.

• Love in Action: Service flows from love, glorifying God.

• Advances the Gospel: Opens hearts to Christ.

• Strengthens Community: Builds trust and unity.

• Glorifies God: Demonstrates His presence.

Go Deeper:

God calls every Christian to serve as a reflection of Christ’s humility and compassion. Service is not just a task or an occasional act; it is a way of life modeled by Jesus Himself. In His ministry, He demonstrated that greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in putting others first, whether by meeting practical needs or offering spiritual encouragement. Embracing this call allows believers to reflect Christ’s love to a watching world and invites others to experience the transformative power of the Gospel.

Service is central to our faith because it embodies the heart of the Gospel message. Practical acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor or supporting someone in need, demonstrate God’s care in tangible ways. At the same time, encouraging others spiritually—praying with them, sharing God’s Word, or walking with them through difficult times—extends the hope of Christ. These acts, however small they may seem, have eternal significance, advancing God’s Kingdom through our daily lives.

This week, we focus on how ordinary acts of service fulfill our calling as followers of Jesus. Serving others may not always feel extraordinary, but it is deeply impactful in God’s eyes. Whether it’s showing compassion to someone in distress or quietly supporting a church ministry, every action done in love glorifies God and points others to His Kingdom. By embracing a life of service, we step into our calling to reflect Jesus’s love and participate in His mission to bring hope and restoration to the world.

Key Insights from Serving Others

1. Service Reflects Christ’s Character

Jesus’s life was marked by selfless service, from washing His disciples' feet to giving His life on the cross. When we serve others, we mirror His humility, showing the world what His love looks like in action. Service isn't limited to grand gestures; small acts, done with great love, carry eternal significance.

2. Service is Love in Action

The call to serve stems from God’s command to love our neighbors (Mark 12:31). Love is the driving force behind service, making even mundane tasks an opportunity to glorify God. When we serve willingly, we embody the gospel’s transformative power.

The Call to Serve is for Everyone

Breaking Down Barriers

God uses all believers, regardless of status or skillset, to serve others. From teachers to tradespeople, every vocation provides a platform for serving in Jesus’s name. Just as the early church thrived through the contributions of all members (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), today’s church depends on diverse acts of service.

Finding Opportunities to Serve

Everyday interactions provide countless opportunities to serve. Look for ways to meet needs in your community, whether through acts of kindness, mentoring, or simply listening to someone who needs encouragement. God often works through small, faithful actions to accomplish great things.

Stories of Impact

Jesus: The Ultimate Servant

Jesus’s earthly ministry consistently prioritized serving others. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and uplifted the marginalized, demonstrating that service is a cornerstone of Kingdom living. His example challenges us to ask, “How can I serve others as Jesus did?”

The Early Church: Service in Action

The early church grew because believers served each other and their communities. Acts 2:44-45 describes Christians sharing their possessions to meet others’ needs, showing that service fosters unity and reflects God’s love to the world.

Why Service Matters

1. It Advances the Gospel
   Service creates opportunities to share the good news of Jesus, as love in action opens hearts to the message of salvation. Meeting physical needs often paves the way for addressing spiritual needs.

2. It Strengthens Community
   Acts of service build trust, deepen relationships, and unify believers. A church that serves together reflects God’s Kingdom on earth.

3. It Glorifies God
   When we serve with a Christlike attitude, we magnify His love and demonstrate His presence to a watching world.

Practical Steps to Serve

1. Start Where You Are

Look for needs in your immediate context—family, neighbors, or coworkers. Serving doesn’t always require significant resources; even small gestures like offering encouragement or helping with a task can reflect God’s love.

2. Use Your Unique Gifts

Every believer has God-given talents and abilities. Ask God to reveal how you can use your gifts—whether teaching, hospitality, or acts of mercy—to bless others and advance His Kingdom.

3. Commit to Sacrificial Service

True service often involves cost, whether in time, energy, or resources. Following Jesus’s example means putting others’ needs above our own and trusting God to replenish what we give.

4. Engage with Your Church

Plug into service opportunities within your local church. Whether through outreach programs, small group initiatives, or mission projects, serving alongside others builds unity and amplifies impact.

How does this help me understand, “Am I Called?”

Living Out the Call

The call to serve is both a privilege and a responsibility. As followers of Jesus, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to love others through practical acts of kindness and compassion. By serving, we embody the Gospel, build community, and glorify God.

This week, ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to serve. Pray for courage to step out in faith, humility to serve selflessly, and wisdom to reflect Christ’s love. Serving is not just something we do—it’s who we are in Christ.

Challenge: Identify one specific way to serve someone this week. Reflect on how this act can demonstrate God’s love and pray for opportunities to share the hope of Jesus through your service.

Week #3: Using Influence to Fulfill Your Calling

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is part of the series “Am I Called?” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

God calls us to use our unique resources and influence to spread His message of love and hope.

Lydia’s Story (Acts 16:13-15): Lydia’s story in Acts 16:13–15 offers a clear example. Lydia, a successful businesswoman, embraced her calling by welcoming Paul and Silas into her home, using her resources to support the gospel and build community. A seller of purple goods, Lydia was a person of influence who opened her home to Paul and his companions. Her hospitality and leadership established a foundation for the early church in Philippi.

Why it Matters:

• Recognize Your Sphere: Your workplace, home, and community are mission fields.

• Practice Hospitality: God uses open hearts and homes to share His love.

• Be Intentional: Small acts of service and generosity can have eternal impact.

• Takeaway: Open your life and resources to advance God’s Kingdom. Every believer’s influence matters.

Go Deeper:

God calls every Christian to use their influence—whether through resources, relationships, or leadership—to advance His Kingdom. Influence is not confined to prominent platforms or large-scale achievements; it starts where God has already placed you. Your workplace, school, or neighborhood is a mission field ripe with opportunities to reflect Christ’s love. Influence can be as simple as a kind word, an act of service, or consistent integrity in daily interactions. When you steward these opportunities with faithfulness, you become a vessel for God’s transformative work.

God also uses influence to build His Church and spread the gospel in unique and personal ways. For Lydia, her resources and relationships became tools for Kingdom work, as her home became a meeting place for believers. Like Lydia, Christians are called to use their gifts—hospitality, leadership, encouragement, or generosity—to support God’s mission. Whether through financial giving, mentoring others, or offering practical help, your influence can create ripple effects that advance the gospel and nurture spiritual growth in those around you.

Key Insights from Lydia’s Calling

Lydia, a successful businesswoman, leveraged her influence, resources, and relationships for Kingdom work. Her story demonstrates that no role or context is too small for significant impact when surrendered to God. Lydia’s faithfulness in her daily life opened doors for gospel advancement, showing that every Christian—regardless of status or profession—is called to align their unique gifts and circumstances with God’s purposes. Here are som Key insights:

Influence Comes in Many Forms:
Lydia’s wealth, business acumen, and hospitality were tools she used to serve God’s purposes. God places each of us in unique spheres—whether in business, education, or the home—to spread His love. Lydia’s story reminds us that influence is not defined by wealth or prominence but by faithfulness. Whether in a high-profile career or a quiet community role, God can use anyone who is willing.

Reflection:

• Where has God placed you to make an impact?

• How can you use your talents and resources to honor Him?

Hospitality Creates Opportunities:
Lydia’s open home became a place of spiritual transformation. Simple acts of hospitality often serve as catalysts for gospel-centered relationships and community growth. Lydia’s invitation to Paul and his companions was more than an act of generosity; it was a commitment to God’s mission. Hospitality doesn’t require wealth—just a willing heart.

Reflection:

• How can opening your home or sharing a meal create opportunities to share the gospel?

• Who in your community might need an invitation into your life?

• How can you invite others into your life to experience God’s grace?

A Heart for God Drives Generosity:
Lydia’s actions stemmed from her devotion to God. Her generosity wasn't just financial—it was personal. God uses open hearts to multiply His Kingdom. Lydia’s story illustrates how generosity, driven by a heart for God, has a multiplying effect. Her openness created a space where faith could grow and spread.

Reflection:

• Are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of others’ spiritual growth?

• What steps can you take to reflect God’s generosity in your daily life?

• How does your heart reflect God’s love to others?

Practical Steps You Can Take

• Leverage Your Sphere of Influence: Wherever God has placed you—your workplace, neighborhood, or family—is a mission field. Start with small, intentional steps to share your faith and serve others. Your workplace, school, or neighborhood is a mission field. Begin by being present and intentional in conversations and relationships.

  • Example: Share a testimony during a casual discussion at work or school.

  • Tip: Ask God to highlight people in your life who are ready to hear about Him.

• Prioritize Hospitality: Open your home or schedule for meaningful interactions. Whether hosting a meal or starting a Bible study, invite others into the space God has given you. Hospitality breaks down barriers and builds trust. Consider hosting a small group, sharing a meal, or mentoring someone who needs encouragement.

  • Example: Start a weekly coffee hour with friends or coworkers where faith discussions are welcome.

  • Tip: Make your invitations intentional but natural, emphasizing community.

• Commit to Generosity: Generosity is more than financial giving—it’s offering your time, skills, and encouragement. Seek ways to meet tangible needs. Look for ways to give sacrificially, whether through time, finances, or encouragement. Ask God to use your resources for His glory.

  • Example: Volunteer with a ministry that supports families or organizes community events.

  • Tip: Pray for God to direct your giving to areas that align with His Kingdom purposes.

How does this help me understand, “Am I Called?”

Lydia’s story teaches us that influence is not about fame or fortune but about faithfulness. God has uniquely positioned you to advance His mission. Whether through acts of generosity, intentional hospitality, or everyday influence, your faithfulness can leave a legacy for generations.

God has placed you where you are for a reason. Like Lydia, your influence—however big or small—can leave a lasting impact for Christ. Open your heart and resources to advance His mission. This week, commit to identifying one area where you can use your influence to serve God’s purposes. Pray for the courage to act and the wisdom to steward your resources well.

Week #2: Embracing Transformation in Our Calling

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is part of the series “Am I Called?” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #2:

Following Jesus calls us to transformation—a life that reflects His love and priorities. Our calling is evidenced by ongoing, visible change.

Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus)

In Luke 19:1-10, we find the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector whose life was radically changed after meeting Jesus. His transformation illustrates that calling isn’t just about where we begin, but how we allow God to reshape us. His actions—repenting, restoring, and giving generously—demonstrate that real calling involves radical change.

Why it Matters:

• Openness to Change: Transformation begins with a desire to know Jesus.

• Repentance: Following Jesus means letting go of old ways.

• Generosity and Justice: Transformed lives show Christ’s love through action.

• Takeaway: Practice confession, generosity, and service to reflect God’s heart.

Go Deeper:

Last week, we explored how calling begins with following Jesus and prioritizing His presence. This week, we’ll dive into the next step: transformation. Following Jesus is not just a decision; it’s an invitation to ongoing change. Transformation is evidence of a genuine calling, marked by growth and a life that reflects Jesus.

In Luke 19:1-10, we find the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector whose life was radically changed after meeting Jesus. His transformation illustrates that calling isn’t just about where we begin, but how we allow God to reshape us.

Zacchaeus: A Portrait of Radical Change

Zacchaeus was a wealthy man and chief tax collector, a role that made him despised in his community. Yet, his encounter with Jesus shows that no one is beyond transformation. When Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus, he demonstrated a deep desire to know Christ, despite his status. Jesus saw Zacchaeus, called him down, and declared He would stay at Zacchaeus's house, shocking those who witnessed it.

What happened next highlights the transformative nature of calling. Zacchaeus, touched by Jesus’ acceptance, repented and declared, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold” (Luke 19:8, ESV). His actions were a response to the love and mercy Jesus showed him. Zacchaeus’s story reveals three principles about the transformation calling brings.

Desiring to See Jesus: Openness to Transformation

Zacchaeus’s willingness to climb a tree and make himself vulnerable demonstrated his deep desire to know Jesus. Despite his wealth and power, he recognized his spiritual need.

Transformation begins with desire—an openness to change and a willingness to pursue Jesus even when it disrupts our comfort. The heart that truly follows Jesus doesn’t seek Him merely for personal gain but out of a longing for life change.

Application: Consider your own level of openness to God’s transformation. Are you willing to let go of comfort and status to seek Him fully? Ask God to reveal areas in your life where you may be resistant to change.

Repentance as a Marker of Change: Letting Go of the Old Self

When Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, he didn’t hold onto his wealth and ways. Instead, he repented and restored what he had wrongfully taken. This action demonstrated that he was willing to let go of the person he once was.

True calling requires repentance—a willingness to abandon behaviors, thoughts, and attachments that do not honor God. Zacchaeus’s repentance was a public declaration that his life belonged to Christ. For each of us, repentance is part of transformation, helping us to leave behind sin and live a life that reflects Jesus.

Application: Take time to confess areas where you’ve been holding back from God. Whether it’s pride, selfishness, or dishonesty, repentance allows God to reshape us into who we are called to be. Let go of the past to make room for God’s future.

Embracing Generosity and Justice: Living Out the Transformation

Zacchaeus’s generosity was a direct result of his encounter with Jesus. He not only repaid what he had taken but went above and beyond, giving back fourfold. Transformation always results in actions that reflect God’s character.

Living out our calling means aligning our actions with Jesus’ teachings. Zacchaeus’ transformation was evidenced through his generosity and justice—two values at the heart of God. As Christ-followers, our lives should reflect these qualities, showing that our calling impacts others and not just ourselves.

Application: Seek ways to express generosity and justice in your own life. Consider serving in your community, giving sacrificially, or making amends with those you’ve wronged. Transformation is always visible in how we treat others.

Practical Steps to Live Out Transformation

The transformation of Zacchaeus’s life offers us a roadmap. Here are practical ways to embrace and live out our calling to transformation:

• Daily Surrender: Begin each day with a prayer of surrender, inviting God to change your heart and mind in any way He desires.

• Practice Confession: Make a habit of confessing sin to God regularly, acknowledging areas where you fall short and seeking His forgiveness and strength to grow.

• Engage in Generosity: Look for ways to be generous with your resources and time. Volunteer, give financially to those in need, or find ways to support your community.

• Seek Accountability: Transformation is difficult alone. Surround yourself with others who will encourage your growth and hold you accountable.

• Reflect on Growth: Set aside time to look back at your journey with Christ. Celebrate the ways God has changed you and let this inspire you to pursue further growth.

How does this help me understand, “Am I Called?”

Calling Is Evidenced by a Changed Life

Zacchaeus’s story reminds us that calling is more than a one-time experience. Following Jesus changes us, reshaping our priorities, actions, and heart. Like Zacchaeus, we are called to lives marked by repentance, generosity, and justice. Our transformation is the clearest evidence of our calling.

Our journey with Christ should produce visible change, drawing others to God’s work in us. As we grow in Him, let’s allow transformation to shape us into people who reflect His love and compassion.

God calls us not just to a moment of decision but to a lifetime of transformation. Zacchaeus’s story reminds us that following Jesus leads to a changed life—one that reflects His values and priorities. This week, embrace the call to transformation, letting Jesus reshape your heart, actions, and desires. As we answer His call, our lives will shine as a testament to His power to change and renew.

Week #1: The Foundation of Calling - Follow Jesus

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is part of the series “Am I Called?” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

Every believer’s first and most essential calling is to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Before we do anything for Him, our calling is to know Him deeply.

Luke 10:38–42 (Mary and Martha)

This week, we’ll unpack this foundational calling by exploring the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42. Their interaction with Jesus provides insight into what it means to prioritize God’s presence and how this anchors our entire concept of calling.

Why it Matters:

• Priority of Presence: Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, illustrating that following Jesus begins with seeking His presence above all.

• Avoiding Distractions: Martha’s busyness highlights how even good intentions can distract us from our true calling.

• Ebracing Simplicity in Our Response: Only one thing is needed: Set aside time daily to be with Jesus—this is where calling begins.

• Takeaway: Your primary call is not what you do, but who you are in Christ. Start by being present with Him.

Go Deeper:

Many Christians wrestle with the idea of calling. We often ask, "Am I called to do something specific for God?" or "How do I know if I'm truly following His purpose for my life?" Yet, the Bible emphasizes that our calling starts not with what we do but with whom we follow. Before ministry, career choices, or life decisions, our first and primary calling is to follow Jesus. This foundational calling underpins everything else in our spiritual lives.

This week, we’ll unpack this foundational calling by exploring the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42. Their interaction with Jesus provides insight into what it means to prioritize God’s presence and how this anchors our entire concept of calling.

The Story of Mary and Martha: A Snapshot of Calling

In Luke 10:38-42, we read about two sisters, Mary and Martha, who welcome Jesus into their home. Each sister responds to Jesus' presence differently: Mary sits at Jesus' feet, absorbing His words, while Martha is busy preparing the house and making provisions. Frustrated with Mary’s lack of help, Martha asks Jesus to instruct Mary to join her in serving.

Jesus’ response is surprising. Rather than agreeing with Martha, He gently corrects her, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41-42, ESV).

This passage sheds light on several core principles of calling.

Priority of Presence: Our Calling Begins with Being with Jesus

Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet demonstrates that the essence of calling is relational. Following Jesus begins not with action but with devotion and presence. Her decision to listen to Jesus was, in essence, her way of answering His call.

This doesn’t mean serving is unimportant; however, it shows our first duty is to be with Jesus, knowing Him and drawing close to Him. We see this idea echoed throughout Scripture:

• Psalm 27:4 – "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."

• John 15:5 – Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

To abide in Christ is to embrace the very core of our calling, which is a life deeply rooted in Him. Any meaningful ministry or purpose we fulfill must start from a place of knowing Jesus personally and loving Him deeply.

Application: Make a habit of spending time with Jesus every day. This could be through reading Scripture, prayer, or simply being still in His presence. Building a life of devotion starts with small, consistent steps that prioritize being with Jesus before doing for Jesus.

Avoiding Distractions: The Danger of Busyness in Calling

Martha’s story reflects the temptation to place productivity and tasks above relationship. Her intentions were good—she wanted to serve Jesus. Yet, her desire to serve distracted her from enjoying His presence. Jesus’ response was not a rebuke of her work, but a gentle reminder that her worry and distraction were misplacing her focus.

Martha was “anxious and troubled about many things,” which echoes a common struggle today. In the age of constant activity, even ministry and good works can overshadow our primary calling to know and love God. This “Martha Syndrome” is a trap for many believers who feel that their value or calling is defined by what they produce rather than by who they are in Christ.

• Philippians 4:6-7 – "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

God calls us first to a peaceful, undistracted relationship with Him. Activities and work are not inherently wrong, but if they overshadow our walk with Christ, they become obstacles.

Application: Identify areas where busyness has crowded out time with Jesus. Set aside these distractions intentionally, whether it’s limiting screen time, reducing commitments, or creating moments of quiet. Practicing spiritual disciplines like solitude and silence can help bring our focus back to the presence of God.

Embracing Simplicity: Focusing on "One Thing"

Jesus told Martha that “one thing is necessary,” pointing to a simplicity in calling. Mary chose that “one thing”—being near to Jesus. This echoes King David’s single-minded desire in Psalm 27:4, “One thing have I asked of the Lord.” Our culture often pushes for multi-tasking and busyness, yet calling, at its core, is simple. Jesus invites us to focus on knowing Him fully.

This doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities, but rather aligning them under the priority of following Jesus. When we start with a foundation of devotion, every task, job, or role finds its proper place as a way to honor God.

Application: Practice the discipline of simplicity by focusing on “one thing” each day—meeting with Jesus. Structure your day around this central pursuit. Let everything else flow from that commitment, whether you’re at work, with family, or engaged in ministry.

Practical Steps to Prioritize Our Foundational Calling

The story of Mary and Martha challenges us to evaluate our daily rhythms. Are we filling our lives with tasks and expectations that pull us away from Jesus? Here are some practical steps to help realign with our primary calling to follow Christ:

• Create Daily Devotional Time: Set aside at least 15-30 minutes each day to pray, read Scripture, and listen. Let this become a protected time to connect with Jesus.

• Simplify Your Schedule: Audit your commitments. Are there tasks or roles that detract from your relationship with God? Consider streamlining or pausing those activities.

• Practice Sabbath Rest: Take one day a week to rest from work and focus on God. Use this time to cultivate your relationship with Jesus and find renewal in Him.

• Engage in Worship and Thanksgiving: Regularly thank God for His presence and work in your life. Worship keeps our focus on Him and away from distractions.

• Seek Community and Accountability: Join a small group or Bible study that prioritizes spiritual growth. Having people to encourage you in your journey with Jesus helps maintain focus.

How does this help me understand, “Am I Called?”

Calling Begins with Being

The story of Mary and Martha invites us into a deeper understanding of calling. At its core, calling is about being with Jesus, knowing Him, and drawing life from His presence. Like Mary, we are invited to sit at His feet and listen. This is where our calling begins and finds its purpose. Whether we serve in ministry, the workplace, or at home, it is all a response to a primary calling that is relational, not transactional.

God calls us not just to a mission, but into a relationship with Him. This week, as we consider our own sense of purpose and direction, let’s remember that the foundation of our calling is to be with Jesus. When we prioritize presence over productivity and simplicity over busyness, we position ourselves to fulfill our true calling in Christ.

God has called every believer to follow Jesus as their primary and ultimate purpose. This calling is simple—it begins with being near to Jesus. In a world that often values doing over being, Mary and Martha’s story reminds us that true calling is rooted in a life anchored in Christ’s presence. As we continue this journey, may we each respond to the invitation to follow Him, not just with our actions but with our hearts.

The question of calling answered: We are all called to Jesus first. Everything else flows from this foundation.

Book of the Month - November 2024

Anti-Burnout: A lighter way to live and lead in a heavy world

Alan Briggs - ISBN: 979-8990065215 - 2024

Author:

Alan Briggs

Alan Briggs helps catalytic leaders leverage catalytic moments for systemic change. 

He does this through Leadership Coaching, Sabbatical Coaching, Working Genius training and consulting at Stay Forth. He also connects leaders in meaningful ways through a hub and ecosystem in Colorado Springs called Gather. He has one incredible wife and four incredible kids and loves finding adventures in the Rockies. His next book, AntiBurnout, helps leaders find lightness and longevity.  

He curated the "Right Side up Journal" as a three month journey to find healthy and proactive rhythms, and he uses it every day. His latest book "AntiBurnout; a lighter way to live and lead in a heavy world" invites leaders in any field to resist the pull toward exhaustion and overwhelm and experience lighter leadership. The principles, frameworks and tools in this book stem from 13 years of coaching leaders.

Taken from Amazon and Antiburnoutbook.com

Brief Synopsis:

We live in a heavy world, and leaders feel the brunt of it. We need practical ways to not only avoid the burnout epidemic, but lead well for the long haul. Leadership Coach, Alan Briggs, shares practical steps and tools to help you avoid burnout and reach more impact that come directly from his coaching experience with leaders across sectors.

Taken from Amazon

Insights:

“We desperately need healthy and whole leaders to light a path forward with lanterns of hope and optimism, not torches of fear and outrage.”

“When clarity goes up, overwhelm goes down." 

“Proactivity allows a leader to play defense and offense, protecting their priorities while capitalizing on new opportunities.”

“When we’re confused about our commitments distractions are overwhelming, but when we’re clear about our commitments distractions are manageable."

Should I read it or skip it?

Am I Called?

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-week series helps Christians answer the question “Am I called?” with a resounding “Yes!” By exploring the primary calling of all Christ-followers, we’ll see that we are all called to follow Jesus and make disciples.

This post is the main page of the series “Am I Called?”

• Week #1 - The Foundation of Calling - Follow Jesus

• Week #2 - Transformation and Witness - Live a Changed Life

• Week #3 - Influence and Hospitality - Use What You Have

• Week #4 - Aspiration and Service - Pursue Growth in Christ
  

Week #3: Universalism and Origenism - The Appeal of Universal Reconciliation

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is part of the series “Heresies.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Biblical Vision of God’s Justice and Mercy?

Universalism, the belief that all people will ultimately be saved, is gaining traction in modern Christian circles. This belief is often connected to Origenism—the ideas of early church theologian Origen—who held that God’s love would ultimately restore all souls to Himself. However, while Origen’s views offered a wider vision of God’s mercy, the church has historically rejected universal salvation as a misunderstanding of biblical teaching.

Why it Matters:

• Universalism asserts that God’s love will lead to the eventual salvation of all people.

• Origenism, based on some teachings of Origen, similarly envisions a final restoration of all souls, even those condemned in hell.

• Both beliefs rest on a vision of God’s love and mercy, but they conflict with traditional doctrines about judgment and eternal punishment.

• A historical comparison highlights how the church responded to Origenism and why it continues to caution against Universalism today.

Go Deeper:

The doctrine of universal salvation, or Universalism, is growing in popularity in some modern Christian circles. Rooted in the belief that God’s love and mercy will eventually redeem every soul, Universalism offers a hopeful vision that God’s grace will triumph over human sinfulness. This perspective is not entirely new; it finds resonance in the teachings of Origen, an influential early Christian theologian who suggested that, in the end, God’s love would restore all creation.

Universalism and Origenism, though separated by centuries, share a similar hope in the universal reach of God’s mercy. However, both beliefs face significant theological challenges, particularly regarding the doctrine of hell, the necessity of judgment, and the exclusivity of salvation through Christ. The historic church has largely rejected both Universalism and Origenism, warning that they distort key teachings about the seriousness of sin and the finality of God’s judgment.

Universalism: God’s Love Without Boundaries

Universalism teaches that all people will ultimately be saved, regardless of their beliefs or actions during their lives. Rooted in the conviction that God’s love and mercy are boundless, Universalism argues that eternal punishment is incompatible with a loving God. Instead, proponents believe that God will redeem all people, either immediately after death or through a process of eventual purification. Here are some key tenets of Universalism:

1. All Will Be Saved
   The central tenet of Universalism is that, eventually, every human being will experience God’s salvation. This can include people of all faiths or no faith at all. According to Universalist thought, God’s love is so encompassing that He will ultimately redeem all of humanity.

2. Hell as Temporary or Nonexistent
   In Universalist theology, hell is either seen as a temporary state where souls are purified or as a metaphor rather than a literal place of eternal torment. This view contrasts sharply with traditional Christian teachings, which affirm hell as a real, eternal consequence for unrepentant sin (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:10-15).

3. God’s Nature as Love
   Universalists emphasize God’s love and mercy over His justice. They argue that a truly loving God would not condemn any soul to eternal punishment. This belief stems from a view of God’s nature that prioritizes love in a way that often overlooks other attributes, such as holiness and justice.

In the past century, Universalism has resurfaced in some Christian communities, particularly in liberal theological circles. Influential voices, such as theologian Karl Barth, who hinted at a “hope” for universal salvation without explicitly endorsing it, and the writings of Rob Bell, who suggested that “love wins” over judgment, have contributed to this renewed interest. However, the concept of Universalism is still considered outside the bounds of orthodox Christianity by most denominations.

The Dangers of Universalism

Universalism poses several theological dangers that conflict with the teachings of Scripture:

1. Undermining the Necessity of Faith in Christ
   Universalism often suggests that people can be saved without faith in Jesus, which contradicts Jesus’ own teaching that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). By minimizing the need for personal faith and repentance, Universalism diminishes the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the exclusivity of salvation through Him.

2. Diminishing the Seriousness of Sin and Judgment
   Scripture teaches that sin separates humanity from God and that God’s judgment is just and necessary (Romans 3:23, Hebrews 9:27). Universalism, however, downplays the gravity of sin and suggests that judgment is either temporary or non-existent, which undermines the biblical teaching on accountability and justice.

3. Encouraging Moral Complacency
   If all people are eventually saved, there is less motivation for repentance and moral transformation. Universalism can lead to a mindset where sin is taken lightly because the consequences are believed to be temporary or avoidable.

Origenism: A Hope for Restoration

Origenism refers to the teachings of Origen (c. 184–253 AD), an early Christian theologian and philosopher who was one of the most influential thinkers of his time. Origen held views that would later be condemned by the church, particularly his ideas about universal restoration. Though Origen himself never advocated Universalism in the modern sense, his theology laid the groundwork for it by suggesting that, through a process of purification, all souls—including Satan and demons—could ultimately be reconciled to God. Here are some key tenets of Origenism:

1. Apokatastasis (Universal Restoration)
   Origen taught the concept of apokatastasis, which is the belief that all creation will be restored to its original state of purity. This idea implies that, through divine purification, even the most rebellious souls will eventually return to God.

2. Purgative Hell
   Origen viewed hell as a place of temporary purification rather than eternal punishment. He believed that the fires of hell would purify rather than punish, leading the soul to eventually turn toward God. This view aligns with his belief in the ultimate restoration of all things but contradicts the traditional view of hell as an eternal, conscious punishment for unrepentant sinners.

3. The Pre-existence of Souls
   Origen taught that all souls existed before their earthly lives, and through a series of choices, they either moved closer to or further from God. This belief is not supported by Scripture and was later condemned by church councils. However, it reflects Origen’s emphasis on the soul’s potential for growth and eventual return to God.

The Church’s Response to Origenism

While Origen’s theological contributions were significant, his views on apokatastasis and other speculative doctrines were controversial. In the Fifth Ecumenical Council (553 AD), Origen’s ideas were formally condemned, particularly his teachings on the pre-existence of souls and the ultimate salvation of all beings, including Satan. The council determined that these teachings were incompatible with Christian orthodoxy, affirming that Scripture presents an eternal consequence for unrepentant sin.

While Origen’s vision of universal restoration was rooted in a desire to emphasize God’s mercy, it presented theological risks that led to its rejection:

1. Incompatibility with Biblical Revelation
   Scripture consistently presents hell as a place of eternal punishment for those who reject God (Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:15). Origen’s view of hell as a temporary, purifying experience does not align with these teachings, creating a distorted understanding of God’s justice.

2. Confusion Over Salvation and Judgment
   By promoting the idea that even Satan and his angels could be saved, Origenism blurs the clear distinctions in Scripture between salvation for the redeemed and judgment for the unrepentant. This confusion risks leading believers to a false sense of security and complacency regarding sin.

3. Encouragement of Speculative Theology
   Origen’s focus on speculative ideas, such as the pre-existence of souls, led to unnecessary theological debates and ultimately detracted from the core message of the gospel. This emphasis on philosophical speculation can divert attention from the practical and transformative aspects of Christian faith.

Comparing Universalism and Origenism: Hopeful Visions with Critical Flaws

Universalism and Origenism share a similar optimism about God’s mercy and desire to reconcile all creation. Both perspectives emphasize God’s love and the transformative power of His grace, envisioning a future where every soul finds restoration and peace with God. However, these beliefs diverge from biblical teachings on several key points, including the nature of hell, the finality of judgment, and the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ. Here are the similarities:

1. Emphasis on God’s Love and Mercy
   Both Universalism and Origenism emphasize God’s love as a central attribute, often to the exclusion of His justice and holiness. This focus on mercy leads both ideologies to deny or reinterpret the reality of eternal punishment.

2. Hope for Universal Restoration
   Both beliefs express hope that God’s love will ultimately restore all people to Himself, with Origen even suggesting that fallen angels could be reconciled. This hope reflects a deep desire for reconciliation but contradicts scriptural teaching on the finality of judgment.

3. Rejection of Eternal Hell
   Universalism and Origenism share a view of hell as either temporary or purgative, diverging from traditional teachings on eternal punishment. This reinterpretation of hell challenges the biblical warnings of eternal consequences for sin.

How does this help me understand, “Heresies?”

While the hope for universal salvation may appeal to modern sensibilities, both Universalism and Origenism overlook essential biblical teachings about the nature of sin, the reality of judgment, and the exclusivity of salvation through Christ. Scripture presents a balanced view of God’s character: He is both loving and just, merciful and holy, offering salvation freely to all who believe in Jesus while warning of the consequences for those who reject Him.

The church today must hold fast to this biblical vision, resisting the allure of Universalism and other ideologies that dilute the truth of the gospel. By embracing the full counsel of Scripture, believers can faithfully proclaim the message of grace and judgment, love and truth, as revealed in God’s Word.

Week #2: Moral Relativism and Antinomianism: A Comparative Study of Two Dangerous Ideologies

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is part of the series “Heresies.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #2:

The Crisis of Moral Absolutes

Moral relativism and antinomianism, though distinct in their origins and expressions, share a common thread: the rejection of absolute moral standards. Both ideologies undermine biblical teachings on righteousness and holiness, promoting subjective and lawless approaches to morality. Today, we explore the roots, development, and dangers of these two beliefs and compares how they distort Christian ethics.

Why it Matters:

• Moral relativism asserts that moral truths are subjective and vary between individuals or cultures.

• Antinomianism denies the relevance of God’s law for Christians, promoting a "lawless" approach to the Christian life based on a misunderstanding of grace.

• Both ideologies reject the existence of absolute, universal moral truths and promote self-determined standards of right and wrong.

• A historical comparison shows that while moral relativism is largely a modern phenomenon rooted in secular thought, antinomianism has existed as a Christian heresy since the early church.

Go Deeper:

Every society faces the challenge of defining right and wrong. Rooted in Scripture, Christians have long held that moral truth is objective and grounded in the character and law of God. However, various ideologies throughout history have sought to challenge this view. Two such ideologies—moral relativism and antinomianism—promote subjective approaches to morality and righteousness that ultimately conflict with biblical teaching.

Moral relativism is a modern, secular worldview that denies the existence of universal moral standards, claiming that ethics are determined by individual preferences or cultural norms. On the other hand, antinomianism is a Christian heresy that emerged during the early church. It argues that since believers are saved by grace, they are no longer bound by God’s moral law.

Despite their different contexts, both moral relativism and antinomianism present a similar danger: they erode the foundations of objective morality and encourage lawlessness. We will examine the key tenets of both ideologies, their theological implications, and the ways in which they distort the gospel and Christian ethics.

Moral Relativism: Subjectivity as the New Standard

Moral relativism is the belief that moral principles are not fixed but vary according to personal opinion, societal context, or cultural circumstances. Rather than seeing morality as objective and grounded in universal truths, relativists argue that each person or culture has the right to determine what is right or wrong for themselves. In this worldview, there is no single moral code that applies to all people at all times.

Key Beliefs of Moral Relativism:

1. Morality is Culturally Determined
   A central tenet of moral relativism is that what is considered "right" or "wrong" depends on the society or culture in which one lives. For example, practices like polygamy or the death penalty might be deemed moral in one culture but immoral in another. According to relativism, there is no objective basis for judging between these perspectives.

2. Individual Autonomy
   In moral relativism, each individual has the right to decide what is morally acceptable based on their own experiences, preferences, and beliefs. This extreme emphasis on personal autonomy denies any external authority, including religious or governmental standards, in determining moral truth.

3. Rejection of Universal Moral Standards
   Moral relativists reject the idea that certain moral truths apply universally to all people. For instance, the prohibition against murder might be viewed as a socially constructed rule rather than an inherent, divinely ordained law. Moral truths are seen as fluid, evolving alongside societal changes.

How did moral relativism get its start?

The roots of moral relativism can be traced back to postmodern philosophy and thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, who famously declared that "God is dead." By rejecting traditional religious and philosophical systems, Nietzsche and others opened the door to subjective morality, where each person becomes the arbiter of right and wrong.

In the 20th century, cultural relativism emerged as a dominant anthropological theory, asserting that no culture's morals should be judged by the standards of another. This view was popularized by figures like Franz Boas, who argued that all moral codes are equally valid within their respective cultural contexts.

Today, moral relativism is prevalent in secular societies, where tolerance for different moral perspectives is often seen as the highest virtue. However, this rejection of moral absolutes poses significant problems, particularly for Christians who believe that God has revealed unchanging moral laws in Scripture. In our culture, the church’s response to issues like LGBTQIA+ rights and abortion highlights the growing disconnect between biblical teachings and society's shifting moral standards. As the church upholds the sanctity of life and traditional views on sexuality, it increasingly finds itself at odds with a culture that promotes personal autonomy and subjective morality. This tension not only challenges the church’s influence in public discourse but also calls for Christians to navigate these complex cultural waters with both truth and grace, standing firm in biblical convictions while engaging a relativistic culture with love and compassion.

The Dangers of Moral Relativism

Moral relativism poses a direct challenge to biblical ethics. Scripture teaches that God’s moral law is eternal and applies to all people (Exodus 20:1-17, Romans 1:18-32). Relativism, however, denies any such absolutes, leaving individuals to determine their own moral code. This leads to several dangers:

1. Moral Chaos
   Without objective standards, society descends into moral chaos. What one person considers right may be deemed wrong by another, with no higher authority to settle disputes. This leads to confusion and division, as seen in debates over issues like abortion, euthanasia, and sexual ethics.

2. Undermining of Christian Witness
   Moral relativism undermines the church’s ability to proclaim the gospel. If there is no absolute standard of right and wrong, the concepts of sin and repentance lose their meaning. The message of salvation becomes irrelevant if people do not believe they are guilty of violating God’s law.

3. Erosion of Responsibility
   When individuals are free to define their own morality, they are less likely to accept responsibility for their actions. Relativism encourages a "live and let live" mentality, where people are not held accountable for their sins. This directly contradicts the biblical call to repentance and holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Antinomianism: Grace Without Law

Antinomianism is a Christian heresy that emerged in the early church and has resurfaced at various points throughout church history. The term comes from the Greek word "anti" (against) and "nomos" (law), meaning "against the law." Antinomians believe that since Christians are saved by grace, they are no longer required to obey the moral law of God. While moral relativism is a secular philosophy, antinomianism is rooted in a misunderstanding of Christian doctrine, particularly the relationship between law and grace.

Key Beliefs of Antinomianism:

1. Rejection of God’s Moral Law
   Antinomians argue that the moral law—summarized in the Ten Commandments and further explained throughout Scripture—no longer applies to believers. Since Christians are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), they are free from the obligation to obey the law.

2. Grace as a License to Sin
   A key aspect of antinomianism is the belief that grace permits Christians to live however they choose, without fear of judgment or consequences. This belief misinterprets Paul’s teaching on grace, particularly in Romans 6:1-2, where he explicitly rejects the idea that grace should lead to lawlessness: “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!”

3. Distortion of the Doctrine of Justification
   Antinomians often emphasize justification by faith alone to the exclusion of sanctification. They argue that since Christians are declared righteous through Christ, there is no need for ongoing obedience to the moral law. This creates a false dichotomy between justification (being declared righteous) and sanctification (growing in holiness).

Whose idea was Antinomianism anyway?

Antinomianism first appeared in the early church, as some believers misinterpreted Paul’s teaching on grace. The apostle John warned against such thinking in his letters, urging Christians not to use their freedom in Christ as an excuse for sinful behavior (1 John 3:4-10).

Throughout history, antinomianism has resurfaced in various forms. In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther opposed the antinomian teachings of Johann Agricola, who argued that Christians were not bound by the Ten Commandments. Later, in the 17th century, Anne Hutchinson was accused of promoting antinomian views in Puritan New England, claiming that believers were not required to obey moral laws.

The Dangers of Antinomianism

Antinomianism is a dangerous distortion of the gospel because it undermines the call to holiness and obedience. While Scripture teaches that believers are saved by grace, it also emphasizes the importance of following God’s commandments (John 14:15, James 2:14-26). Antinomianism leads to several key dangers:

1. Moral Lawlessness
   By rejecting the moral law, antinomianism encourages lawless behavior. Without the guidance of God’s commands, Christians are left to follow their own desires, which often leads to sin and moral decay. This lawlessness contradicts Jesus’ teaching that he came to fulfill the law, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17-19).

2. Cheapening of Grace
   Antinomianism cheapens grace by turning it into a license for sin. The New Testament consistently teaches that grace is not an excuse to live in sin but rather the power to overcome it (Titus 2:11-12). True grace transforms the believer’s heart, leading to a desire for obedience, not lawlessness.

3. Distortion of the Christian Life
   Antinomianism creates an imbalanced view of the Christian life, focusing solely on justification while ignoring sanctification. Scripture teaches that salvation is a holistic process that includes both being declared righteous and growing in righteousness (Philippians 2:12-13). Antinomianism neglects this process, leading to a shallow and incomplete understanding of salvation.

A Comparative Analysis of Moral Relativism and Antinomianism

While moral relativism and antinomianism arise from different contexts, they share a common rejection of objective moral standards. Both ideologies deny the necessity of moral absolutes, whether by claiming that morality is subjective (relativism) or that believers are no longer bound by moral laws (antinomianism). In this way, both systems of thought promote a form of lawlessness that undermines the biblical call to righteousness and holiness.

Similarities:

1. Rejection of Absolute Morality
   Both moral relativism and antinomianism deny the existence of absolute, universal moral standards. In relativism, morality is seen as subjective and culturally determined; in antinomianism, believers are seen as free from the constraints of God’s moral law.

2. Emphasis on Autonomy
   Both ideologies place a high value on individual autonomy. Moral relativism asserts that each person has the right to determine their own moral code, while antinomianism teaches that Christians are free to live as they please without regard to God’s commandments.

3. Erosion of Responsibility
   Both moral relativism and antinomianism encourage a lack of personal responsibility for one’s actions. Relativism denies that anyone can be held accountable to external moral standards, while antinomianism teaches that believers are not accountable to the law.

How does this help me understand, “Heresies?”

Moral relativism and antinomianism present significant challenges to Christians today. Both ideologies undermine the biblical foundation of moral truth, leading to lawlessness and moral confusion. However, Scripture calls believers to uphold God’s commandments as an expression of their love for Him (John 14:15). While Christians are saved by grace, they are also called to a life of holiness, walking in obedience to God’s moral law.

In a world increasingly influenced by relativism, Christians must stand firm in the truth of God’s Word, proclaiming the message of grace that transforms lives and empowers obedience. Similarly, in the face of antinomian tendencies within the church, believers must remember that grace is not a license to sin but the power to live in righteousness.

By understanding and rejecting these dangerous ideologies, the church can continue to uphold the truth of the gospel and live out the moral calling that God has placed on His people.

Week #1: Pelegianism and Prosperity Gospel

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is part of the series “Heresies.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

A Call to Defend the Gospel of Grace

The Prosperity Gospel and Pelagianism are two heresies separated by centuries, yet their shared emphasis on human effort and material gain undermines the core message of grace central to the Christian faith. Understanding the historical and theological parallels between these two movements offers valuable insight into how they distort the gospel and how the church can respond to their dangerous teachings.

Why it Matters:

• The Prosperity Gospel teaches that faith guarantees wealth, health, and success, placing an overemphasis on material blessings.

• Pelagianism denied original sin and taught that humans could achieve salvation through their own efforts without the need for grace.

• Both heresies overestimate human ability, downplay God’s grace, and distort the Christian understanding of suffering, humility, and divine provision.

• Tracing their theological roots reveals their shared focus on self-reliance and their failure to grasp the depth of human sinfulness and the necessity of God’s grace.

Go Deeper:

One of my favorite movies, King Arthur (2004 staring Clive Owen), contains a short discussion of Pelagianism. Arthur’s beliefs, shaped by Pelagianism, emphasize the value of free will and the idea that all people, regardless of their social standing or heritage, have the capacity for goodness and deserve freedom. He argues against the rigid hierarchy of Roman and Christian rule, asserting that people should be free to determine their own fate rather than being bound by birth or imposed structures. While the discussion really speaks to the philosophical implications of Pelagianism and not the theological implications, the discussion serves to introduce Pelagianism to a modern audience.

Let’s review: Heresy in the Christian faith refers to any teaching or belief that distorts or contradicts the essential doctrines of Scripture. These deviations often arise when human reasoning or desires override the truth revealed by God. Two heresies, that have led many astray in the same way even though separated by time and context, are the Prosperity Gospel and Pelagianism.

The Prosperity Gospel is a modern movement that promises material wealth, physical health, and success to those who have enough faith. It teaches that God rewards believers in this life with prosperity, framing financial success and personal well-being as signs of God’s favor.

Pelagianism, a 5th-century heresy, taught that humans were born morally neutral and could achieve salvation through their own efforts, without the need for divine grace. Pelagius, its founder, denied the doctrine of original sin and argued that people could choose good or evil based on their free will.

Despite their different historical contexts, both heresies elevate human effort and minimize the role of divine grace. This post will examine the core teachings of the Prosperity Gospel and Pelagianism, highlight their theological similarities, and discuss how they distort the gospel of grace.

The Prosperity Gospel: Health, Wealth, and Success

The Prosperity Gospel, also known as the "Word of Faith" movement, emerged in the 20th century, particularly in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles. It gained popularity through televangelists who promised viewers that faith in God would lead to financial abundance, physical healing, and overall success in life. At its core, the Prosperity Gospel teaches that material wealth is a sign of divine blessing and that Christians can "claim" these blessings through positive confession and strong belief.

Key beliefs of the Prosperity Gospel include:

1. Faith as a Formula for Success
   The Prosperity Gospel teaches that faith is not just trust in God but a means to manipulate spiritual laws that guarantee prosperity. According to this view, if believers have enough faith and speak positively about their future, they will experience success and wealth.

2. Material Blessings as a Sign of Favor
   Proponents of the Prosperity Gospel argue that God desires all believers to be financially prosperous. They misinterpret biblical passages like Malachi 3:10 (“bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you”) to claim that financial giving guarantees financial return.

3. Suffering as Evidence of Lack of Faith
   In contrast to biblical teachings on suffering, the Prosperity Gospel asserts that hardship or sickness is a result of insufficient faith. Suffering is viewed as something to be overcome by stronger belief, rather than a part of the Christian life that shapes character (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4).

At its heart, the Prosperity Gospel distorts the biblical doctrine of blessings by prioritizing material wealth over spiritual growth and eternal rewards. It reduces God to a cosmic vending machine, offering rewards to those who follow the right formulas.

Pelagianism: Salvation Through Human Effort

Pelagianism originated with the British monk Pelagius in the early 5th century. Pelagius taught that humans were born without a sinful nature and that they had the inherent ability to choose good or evil without the need for divine grace. According to Pelagianism, original sin did not corrupt human nature, and Christ’s role was merely to set a moral example for humans to follow.

Key beliefs of Pelagianism include:

1. Denial of Original Sin
   Pelagius rejected the doctrine of original sin, which holds that all humanity inherited a sinful nature from Adam (Romans 5:12-19). He argued that each person is born in the same moral state as Adam before the fall and thus capable of living a sinless life through free will.

2. Self-Salvation
   Pelagius taught that humans could achieve salvation through their own efforts, without the need for God’s grace. He viewed grace as God’s guidance, but not as essential for overcoming sin or attaining salvation. This directly opposed the biblical teaching that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not something humans can earn (Ephesians 2:8-9).

3. Christ as a Moral Example
   Instead of seeing Christ’s death and resurrection as atoning for humanity’s sin, Pelagianism viewed Jesus as primarily a moral teacher. Christ’s role, according to Pelagius, was to show people how to live a good life, rather than to save them from the consequences of sin.

Pelagianism was condemned as heresy at the Council of Carthage in AD 418 and later at the Council of Ephesus in AD 431. The church upheld the biblical teaching that humans are born with a sinful nature and that salvation is only possible through the grace of God.

Theological Parallels Between the Prosperity Gospel and Pelagianism

While the Prosperity Gospel and Pelagianism arose in different contexts, they share several key theological errors that distort the Christian faith.

1. Overemphasis on Human Effort

Both the Prosperity Gospel and Pelagianism place a significant emphasis on human effort as the key to success, whether that be material prosperity or spiritual salvation.

• In the Prosperity Gospel, believers are taught that their level of faith determines their wealth and health. They must work hard to build their faith, speak positively, and give financially in order to receive God's blessings.

• In Pelagianism, salvation is achieved through human effort, with individuals relying on their own willpower to follow God’s commands. Grace is seen as optional guidance, rather than essential for overcoming sin.

Both heresies place the burden of achievement on the individual, rather than recognizing that everything—including salvation and blessings—comes from God’s grace. Scripture teaches that it is God who enables both spiritual growth and material provision (Philippians 2:13, Matthew 6:33).

2. Minimization of Grace

Both movements downplay the importance of grace in the Christian life.

• In the Prosperity Gospel, God's grace is often portrayed as something believers activate through their faith. Prosperity preachers rarely emphasize the unmerited nature of grace or the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice for our eternal well-being. Instead, the focus is on achieving blessings through human faith and actions.

• In Pelagianism, grace is seen as unnecessary for salvation. Pelagius believed that humans could obey God’s commands through sheer willpower, with Christ serving only as an example, not as a Savior.

The Bible, however, presents grace as the foundation of the Christian life. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states that salvation is by grace through faith, “not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Grace is the unearned, undeserved favor of God, given to humanity through Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for our sins.

3. Distortion of the Doctrine of Sin

Both the Prosperity Gospel and Pelagianism demonstrate a misunderstanding of the doctrine of sin.

• The Prosperity Gospel fails to account for the reality of suffering and the fallen nature of the world. By teaching that faith automatically leads to success, it suggests that those who suffer or face hardship are at fault for their lack of faith. This contradicts the biblical understanding of sin’s pervasive impact on the world (Romans 8:22), as well as the role of suffering in the Christian life (James 1:2-4).

• Pelagianism denies original sin altogether, claiming that humans are born morally neutral and capable of choosing good without divine intervention. This heresy undermines the biblical teaching that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and that only God’s grace can save us from the consequences of sin.

Both heresies underestimate the gravity of sin and its effects on the human condition, leading to a false sense of self-reliance and a diminished view of Christ’s atonement.

4. Misinterpretation of Scripture

Both movements rely on selective readings of Scripture to support their claims.

• The Prosperity Gospel misuses passages like Malachi 3:10 or John 10:10 to justify its emphasis on material wealth, while ignoring the broader biblical teachings on suffering, contentment, and the dangers of riches (1 Timothy 6:9-10, Matthew 6:19-21).

• Pelagianism similarly twists Scripture to support its view of human ability, ignoring passages that clearly teach the necessity of grace for salvation and the sinful nature of humanity (Romans 5:12-21, Titus 3:5).

In both cases, the heresies arise from a failure to interpret Scripture in its full context, leading to a theology that emphasizes human effort over divine grace.

How does this help me understand, “Heresies?”

The Prosperity Gospel and Pelagianism, though separated by centuries, share a common flaw: they both overestimate human ability and underestimate the need for God’s grace. The Prosperity Gospel teaches that faith is a tool to unlock material blessings, while Pelagianism teaches that salvation can be earned through good works. Both distort the biblical message that salvation and blessing come by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

As the church continues to encounter these and other heresies, Christians must remain rooted in the truth of Scripture. The gospel is not about self-reliance or personal success, but about God’s unmerited grace toward sinners. In Christ, we find the true riches of eternal life—not the fleeting treasures of this world, but the unshakable hope of salvation by grace through faith.

In every generation, the church is called to defend the gospel against distortions. By recognizing the dangers of heresies like the Prosperity Gospel and Pelagianism, we can stand firm in the truth, proclaiming the message of grace that transforms lives and glorifies God.

Special Edition: What makes a Good Heresy?

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is part of the series “Heresies.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into this Special Edition:

Heresy, a deviation from orthodox Christian beliefs, has been a persistent challenge throughout church history, from early theological disputes to modern-day controversies. Understanding heresy requires us to trace its roots, explore how the church has responded, and recognize the importance of safeguarding biblical truth.

Why it Matters:

• Heresy is the belief or teaching that deviates from established Christian doctrine.

• The early church encountered numerous heresies, prompting the development of creeds and councils to preserve orthodoxy.

• Key historical heresies, such as Gnosticism, Arianism, and Pelagianism, shaped Christian theology and the church’s responses.

• Defending the faith requires understanding heresy’s history and the foundational truths of Scripture.

Go Deeper:

Heresy refers to beliefs or teachings that deviate from the core doctrines of Christianity, as defined by the Bible and affirmed by the historic church. The term originates from the Greek word hairesis, meaning “choice” or “faction.” In the New Testament, heresy was used to describe divisions or departures from apostolic teaching (Galatians 5:20; 2 Peter 2:1). During the early centuries of the church, “heresy” became a term for any doctrine that strayed from the apostolic faith.

Orthodoxy, on the other hand, refers to the correct or sound belief—those teachings that align with the foundational truths of the Christian faith, such as the nature of God, Christ, and salvation. The distinction between heresy and orthodoxy has been important throughout history, as heresies have repeatedly threatened the integrity of the gospel and Christian practice.

The Early Church and Heresy

The early church faced a number of heresies, each challenging different aspects of Christian doctrine. These theological deviations were addressed by church councils, which clarified and defended orthodox beliefs.

1. Gnosticism (2nd–4th Century)

Gnosticism was one of the earliest and most pervasive heresies. This movement claimed that secret knowledge (gnosis) was the key to salvation. Gnostics believed that the material world was evil, created by a lesser god, and that spiritual enlightenment could only be achieved by escaping the physical body. This view directly contradicted the Christian understanding of creation, the incarnation, and redemption.

Response to Gnosticism:
The church countered Gnosticism by affirming that creation is good (Genesis 1:31), Christ’s incarnation was real (John 1:14), and salvation is available to all through faith, not secret knowledge (1 Timothy 2:3-4). The Apostle’s Creed, an early Christian confession, directly opposed Gnostic ideas by declaring faith in “God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,” and affirming the physical resurrection of Christ and believers.

2. Arianism (4th Century)

Arianism, named after the priest Arius, denied the full divinity of Christ. Arius taught that Jesus was a created being, distinct from and subordinate to God the Father. This heresy threatened the heart of Christian theology by challenging the doctrine of the Trinity.

Response to Arianism:
The church convened the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 to address Arianism. The result was the Nicene Creed, which affirmed that Jesus is "begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father." The phrase “of one substance” (Greek: homoousios) emphasized that Jesus is fully divine, coequal, and coeternal with the Father. The council defended the doctrine of the Trinity, safeguarding the essential Christian belief in the deity of Christ.

3. Pelagianism (5th Century)

Pelagianism, a heresy named after the British monk Pelagius, denied the concept of original sin and taught that humans could achieve salvation through their own efforts without the need for divine grace. Pelagius believed that people were born morally neutral and had the inherent ability to obey God's commands.

Response to Pelagianism:
The church, led by theologians such as Augustine, condemned Pelagianism at the Council of Carthage in AD 418. Augustine emphasized that humans are born with a sinful nature and are incapable of saving themselves apart from God’s grace (Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9). This debate shaped the church’s understanding of grace, sin, and the need for Christ’s atoning work.

How does this help me understand, “Heresies?”

Throughout church history, heresy has challenged the truth of the gospel, prompting the church to define and defend its core beliefs. From Gnosticism and Arianism to modern distortions like the Prosperity Gospel and Universalism, heresies have sought to undermine the foundations of Christian faith. The church’s response—whether through councils, creeds, or Scripture—has been to safeguard orthodoxy and ensure that the truth of Christ is preserved for future generations.

In every generation, Christians must contend for the faith (Jude 3) by studying Scripture, knowing the history of heresy, and standing firm in the gospel. As heresies continue to emerge, the church must remain vigilant, upholding the unchanging truth of God’s Word in an ever-changing world.

Heresies

Blog Series Intention Recap

This four-part series deals with common heretical beliefs held by those in society—and many in the church. Through examining some of these beliefs through a biblical lens and seeing the struggles Christians have had throughout the centuries, we can see the truth of God’s Word and how to gain a better appreciation of the importance of correct doctrine.

This post is the main page of the series “Heresies.”

• Special Edition - What makes a Good Heresy?

• Week #1 - Pelagianism & Prosperity Gospel

• Week #2 - Antinomianism & Moral Relativism

• Week #3 - Origenism & Universalism
  

Week #6: Soli Deo Gloria

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series looks at each of the five solas (“onlys” or “alones”) drawn from theology revived in the era of the Reformation: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. The series will define them and show how they work themselves out in our doctrine and lives. By thinking about the Bible, grace, faith, Christ, and God’s glory, we are better able to understand God’s gift to the world and how to live as we follow him.

This post is part of the series “The Five Solas.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #6:

Soli Deo Gloria declares the purpose behind all creation, redemption, and life: to bring glory to God alone. This doctrine reminds us that all honor, praise, and worship are due to God alone and that every aspect of human life is meant to reflect His glory.

Why it Matters:

• Soli Deo Gloria means "to the glory of God alone," affirming that everything, including salvation, exists for God’s glory without sharing it with any other.

• Historical Background: During the Reformation, reformers like Luther and Calvin rejected the Catholic Church’s practices (e.g., indulgences, veneration of saints) that detracted from God's glory. The focus was restored to God alone.

• Meaning of Soli Deo Gloria:

  • God's Glory in Creation and Redemption: All creation and history exist to display God’s majesty (Psalm 19:1, Ephesians 1:6).

  • Exclusive Glory: God’s glory is not shared with others (Isaiah 42:8).

  • Human Purpose: Humans exist to glorify God in every part of life (Westminster Shorter Catechism).

  • God’s Glory in the Cross: The cross is the ultimate revelation of God’s glory in salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18).

• Implications for Christian Living:

  • Worship: Must be centered on God alone, not human entertainment or leaders.

  • Service and Vocation: All work, whether in the church or secular life, should be for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).

  • Humility: Recognizes that salvation is a gift of grace, eliminating pride in human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9).

  • Evangelism and Mission: Driven by the desire to make God's glory known across the earth (Habakkuk 2:14).

Go Deeper:

The phrase Soli Deo Gloria comes from Latin, meaning "to the glory of God alone." It affirms that everything in the universe, including salvation, exists for God's glory, without sharing His glory with any human, institution, or object of worship. Though this theological principle came to prominence during the Reformation, its roots go back to Scripture itself and have echoed throughout Christian history. In this post, we will explore the historical background of Soli Deo Gloria, its meaning, implications for Christian life, and its enduring significance today.

The Reformation and Soli Deo Gloria

If you have been reading these posts you know, the Reformation was a time of theological upheaval. Spearheaded by figures such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli, the reformers sought to correct what they viewed as distortions in the theology and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. The medieval church had, in their eyes, placed too much emphasis on human institutions and practices, obscuring the centrality of God’s glory in both salvation and life.

Before the Reformation, the Catholic Church held a dominant place in Western Europe. The Church emphasized a hierarchical structure that involved the clergy, saints, and the papacy in the spiritual lives of believers. While there was no official denial of God's glory, many Reformers saw practices like the veneration of saints, indulgences, and excessive reliance on church authorities as detracting from the ultimate glory of God. Instead of directing people to see God's glory alone, these practices, the Reformers argued, led people to place their hope in human beings or earthly institutions.

The reformers sought to recenter the focus of the Church and individual believers on God alone.

The Meaning of Soli Deo Gloria

At its core, Soli Deo Gloria is a theological declaration that God alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.

• God's Glory Is Central to Creation and Redemption: Everything exists for the glory of God. The natural world, human beings, and history itself are all orchestrated by God's sovereign will to display His majesty. As Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (ESV). Similarly, the purpose of redemption—God’s saving work in Christ—is to bring glory to His name: “to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6, ESV).

• God's Glory Is Exclusive: God's glory is not to be shared with anyone or anything else. In Isaiah 42:8, God says, “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols” (ESV). Soli Deo Gloria serves as a safeguard against any human institution, individual, or object receiving the glory that belongs only to God.

• Human Beings Exist to Glorify God: The Westminster Shorter Catechism famously begins with the question, "What is the chief end of man?" and answers, "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever." Human beings were created to reflect God's glory in everything they do—whether in worship, work, relationships, or service. Every aspect of life is an opportunity to glorify God.

• God's Glory Is Most Clearly Seen in the Cross: The ultimate display of God's glory is seen in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the cross, God's love, justice, mercy, and holiness converge, showcasing His glory in a way that humans could never have conceived. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18 that “the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (ESV). Through Christ's sacrifice, God's glory is revealed in the plan of redemption, showing that salvation is a work of God from start to finish, for His glory alone.

Implications of Soli Deo Gloria for Living

The doctrine of Soli Deo Gloria carries significant implications for how Christians live their lives. Here are a few key areas where this doctrine shapes our thought and practice:

• Worship: Soli Deo Gloria demands that worship be centered on God alone. Christian worship should not seek to entertain or exalt human leaders but should focus entirely on glorifying God. Every prayer, song, sermon, and sacrament in a worship service should direct attention to God's majesty and greatness. The Reformers emphasized simplicity in worship to remove any distractions from the glory of God.

• Service and Vocation: The doctrine also teaches that all of life—whether in the church, at work, or at home—should be lived for God's glory. The Reformers rejected the idea that only clergy or those in "spiritual" vocations were glorifying God. Instead, they argued that every legitimate vocation, whether a farmer, teacher, or politician, was an opportunity to serve God and bring glory to Him. Paul encapsulates this principle in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (ESV).

• Humility: Soli Deo Gloria humbles believers by reminding them that salvation is not about their own accomplishments or merit, but about God's grace and power. It removes any possibility of pride or boasting in human effort, for it is God who saves, sanctifies, and sustains. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (ESV). This produces a life of humility, gratitude, and dependence on God's strength rather than self-reliance.

• Evangelism and Mission: The mission of the Church is ultimately about making God's glory known to the ends of the earth. Christians are called to share the gospel not only for the salvation of souls but also for the spread of God's glory among all peoples. Habakkuk 2:14 gives a vision of this ultimate goal: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (ESV). Missionary work, therefore, is driven by a desire to see God's name glorified among every nation.

How does this help me understand, “The Five Solas?”

Soli Deo Gloria serves a powerful reminder that the central purpose of the Christian life is to bring glory to God. This truth permeates every aspect of theology and practice, from worship to work, from salvation to service. Rooted in Scripture and championed by the reformers, Soli Deo Gloria continues to call Christians to live for God's glory alone, rejecting any attempt to share that glory with human beings or institutions.

In a world that often encourages self-promotion and the glorification of human achievement, the message of Soli Deo Gloria remains a deep call to be counter-cultural. It redirects our focus from ourselves and our accomplishments to the One who alone is worthy of honor and praise. Whether in the beauty of creation, the majesty of redemption, or the everyday activities of life, all things are to be done to the glory of God. Soli Deo Gloria!

Book of the Month - October 2024

Apostle: Travels Among the Tombs of the Twelve

Tom Bissell - ISBN: 978-1538707944 - 2023

Author:

Tom Bisell

Tom Bissell is the author of Chasing the Sea: Lost Among the Ghosts of Empire in Central Asia. Born in Escanaba, Michigan, he attended Michigan State University before teaching English as a Peace Corps volunteer in the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan. He returned stateside and worked for several years in book publishing, first for W. W. Norton and later for Henry Holt & Company. Among his editorial endeavors was the restoration to print of Paula Fox’s novels and editing her memoir Borrowed Finery, conceiving and editing The Collected Stories of Richard Yates, and conceiving A Galaxy Not So Far Away: Writers and Artists on Twenty-five Years of Star Wars. His criticism, fiction, and journalism have appeared in Agni, The Alaska Quarterly Review, The Boston Review, BOMB, Esquire, Harper’s Magazine, Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, and Salon. He is currently finishing a collection of Central Asia-themed short stories entitled Death Defier. He lives in New York City and has returned to Uzbekistan four times since completing Chasing the Sea.

His short fiction has won two Pushcart Prizes and has been published in multiple editions of The Best American Series. He has also written eight works of nonfiction, including Apostle and (with Greg Sestero) The Disaster Artist, as well as many screenplays for video games and television. Bissell lives in Los Angeles with his family.

Brief Synopsis:

A profound and moving journey into the heart of Christianity that explores the mysterious and often paradoxical lives and legacies of the Twelve Apostles—a book both for those of the faith and for others who seek to understand Christianity from the outside in.

“Expertly researched and fascinating… Bissell is a wonderfully sure guide to these mysterious men.… This is a serious book about the origins of Christianity that is also very funny. How often can you say that?” —The Independent

Peter, Matthew, Thomas, John: Who were these men? What was their relationship to Jesus? Tom Bissell provides rich and surprising answers to these ancient, elusive questions. He examines not just who these men were (and weren’t), but also how their identities have taken shape over the course of two millennia.

Ultimately, Bissell finds that the story of the apostles is the story of early Christianity: its competing versions of Jesus’s ministry, its countless schisms, and its ultimate evolution from an obscure Jewish sect to the global faith we know today in all its forms and permutations. In his quest to understand the underpinnings of the world’s largest religion, Bissell embarks on a years-long pilgrimage to the supposed tombs of the Twelve Apostles. He travels from Jerusalem and Rome to Turkey, Greece, Spain, France, India, and Kyrgyzstan, vividly capturing the rich diversity of Christianity’s worldwide reach. Along the way, he engages with a host of characters—priests, paupers, a Vatican archaeologist, a Palestinian taxi driver, a Russian monk—posing sharp questions that range from the religious to the philosophical to the political.

Written with warmth, empathy, and rare acumen, Apostle is a brilliant synthesis of travel writing, biblical history, and a deep, lifelong relationship with Christianity. The result is an unusual, erudite, and at times hilarious book—a religious, intellectual, and personal adventure fit for believers, scholars, and wanderers alike.

Taken from Amazon

Insights:

“Were we not standing atop the birthplace of a certain kind of religious nationalism? Zion lay all around us. See where the Prophet left this earth, where Christ rose from the dead, where the Messiah would, finally, appear. Which of us, in this war, was not Judas to someone?”

“Sitting there, I remembered two things about going to mass with my father: he never took Communion because of his and my mother's divorce, and he always tapped his heart three times, with solemn insistence, after the recitation of the Apostles' Creed. I asked him about his ritual once. His eyes filled with such alarm that I instantly knew his heart tapping had something to do with a loss or devastation: his parents' early death, his divorce, his wounding in Vietnam. There was no reason for me to invade that space. Maybe that was the best simple explanation for religion: it filled our spaces.”

“Even after I lost my religious faith, Christianity remained to me deeply and resonantly interesting, and I have long believed that anyone who does not find Christianity interesting has only his or her unfamiliarity with the topic to blame.”

“What Christianity promises, I do not understand. What its god could possibly want, I have never been able to imagine, not even when I was a Christian.”

“Scribes working throughout Christianity’s first five centuries were troubled by the New Testament’s discrepancies...In time, a process called harmonization emerged within Christian thought, which involves taking contradictory passages from different gospels and explaining away the differences by creative imagining.”

Should I read it or skip it?

First, I appreciate Tom’s viewpoint as someone who claimed Christianity and now has recanted his claims. He grew up in the Catholic tradition but has deconstructed his faith. He makes this clear which I think predisposes him to a specific approach any time he discusses any theological topics. He immediately discards any supernatural or faith based assessment.

Second, he can be graphic. When visiting Thomas’ tomb in India, he experienced explosive diarrhea and stomach issues. He uses curse words to discuss other times. Not the worst way to do this book but often language is used when you can’t imagine other words in their place.

Finally, I feel like he took much time dealing with certain topics. Because of this fact, he doesn’t spend enough time on James’ grave. Overall, the book is fourteen hours and seventeen minutes of listening time. He could have used that time better.

Should you read this book? The travel portions contained great descriptions and humor. The theological portions focused on heterodox positions and wrote off most orthodox positions. I gave the book three stars on Goodreads. If you are looking for a travel book and that is your jam, sure. But if you are looking for something to give you better insight into the development of Scripture or how the apostles spent their last hours, I would say you can spend 14 hours in a better way.

Week #5: Solus Christus

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series looks at each of the five solas (“onlys” or “alones”) drawn from theology revived in the era of the Reformation: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. The series will define them and show how they work themselves out in our doctrine and lives. By thinking about the Bible, grace, faith, Christ, and God’s glory, we are better able to understand God’s gift to the world and how to live as we follow him.

This post is part of the series “The Five Solas.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #5:

Solus Christus: No need for anything other than Christ

The doctrine of Solus Christus asserts that salvation is found exclusively in Jesus Christ, without the need for mediation by saints, church authorities, or any other intermediary.

Why it Matters:

• Solus Christus (“Christ Alone”) is a central Reformation doctrine, affirming the sufficiency of Christ for salvation.

• The medieval Church believed salvation depended on participation in its system; Reformers rejected this view.

• Solus Christus teaches that:

  • Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

  • Christ’s sacrifice is fully sufficient for salvation (Hebrews 10:10).

  • Salvation is received by faith in Christ alone, not works (Romans 3:28).

  • Christ is the sole authority for faith and practice (John 14:6).

• Implications of Solus Christus include:

  • Assurance of salvation through Christ’s finished work (Hebrews 7:25).

  • Direct access to God without human mediators (Hebrews 4:16).

  • Christ-centered worship and a life focused on Christ’s preeminence (Colossians 1:18).

  • Motivation for mission, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation (Acts 4:12).

Go Deeper:

Solus Christus, or “Christ Alone,” is one of the five solas that emerged from the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Along with Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone), Solus Christus stands as a central affirmation of Reformation theology. This doctrine represented a bold departure from the Roman Catholic teachings of the time, where salvation was understood as mediated through the Church’s sacraments, the intercession of saints, and the authority of the papacy. The Reformers, particularly figures like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli, strongly opposed this view, emphasizing instead the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work for the redemption of humanity.

The Historical Context: The Late Medieval Church

To fully grasp the significance of Solus Christus, it is important to understand the religious and theological environment of the late medieval period. In the centuries leading up to the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church held a central role not only in the spiritual lives of individuals but also in the political and social structures of European society. The Church’s teachings emphasized the necessity of its mediation between God and humanity, particularly through the sacraments, which were believed to be channels of grace.

For instance, the Mass, in which the Eucharist (Holy Communion) was celebrated, was regarded as a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The belief that Christ’s sacrifice was made present in the Mass reinforced the idea that salvation came not solely through Christ, but through participation in the Church’s sacramental system. Additionally, the veneration of saints and the concept of intercessory prayers further complicated the idea of Christ’s sole sufficiency for salvation. Saints were viewed as holy individuals who could intercede on behalf of believers, and the Church promoted the practice of asking for their intercession to help secure salvation.

Papal authority also played a significant role in the theological landscape. The Pope was regarded as the Vicar of Christ on earth, holding ultimate authority over the Church’s doctrine and practice. This included the authority to grant indulgences—remissions of the temporal punishment for sin—through which believers could receive grace by making financial contributions or performing acts of devotion. These practices were based on the belief that the Church, as the institution established by Christ, held the treasury of merit from which believers could draw.

The result was a system in which the Church acted as an essential mediator of grace, and believers were left with the impression that salvation depended on their participation in this system, rather than on faith in Christ alone.

Martin Luther and the Beginnings of Solus Christus

The doctrine of Solus Christus became a rallying cry for Martin Luther and other Reformers as they sought to recover the gospel message from what they perceived as the distortions of medieval Catholicism. Luther himself struggled deeply with the question of salvation, feeling that no amount of penance, confession, or good works could ever make him righteous before God. His anxiety led him to study the Scriptures intensely, and it was through his reading of the Apostle Paul’s letters that he discovered the concept of justification by faith in Christ alone (sola fide).

Luther’s “tower experience” (so-called because of the location where it occurred) was a pivotal moment in his theological development. As he meditated on Romans 1:17—“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” (ESV)—Luther came to understand that righteousness is a gift from God, received by faith in Christ alone, not something that could be earned by human effort or mediated through the Church.

This realization formed the basis of Luther’s doctrine of Solus Christus. He began to reject the idea that the Church’s sacraments, the intercession of saints, or papal authority were necessary for salvation. Instead, he emphasized that Christ’s death on the cross was fully sufficient to atone for the sins of humanity, and that salvation was available to all who placed their faith in Him.

Luther’s bold declaration of Solus Christus was most famously articulated in his 95 Theses, which he nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517. Among the many theological objections he raised, Luther attacked the Church’s practice of selling indulgences, arguing that these could not provide true forgiveness of sins. In his view, only the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ could offer forgiveness, and no human intermediary was necessary.

The Theological Meaning of Solus Christus

At its core, Solus Christus is a declaration of the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ for salvation. It affirms that:

• Christ Alone is the Mediator: According to Solus Christus, Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity. This is drawn from 1 Timothy 2:5, which states, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (ESV). The Reformers insisted that the mediation of saints, priests, or even the Pope was not only unnecessary but also undermined the centrality of Christ’s unique role as the Savior.

• Christ’s Sacrifice is Fully Sufficient: The doctrine teaches that Christ’s death on the cross is fully sufficient to atone for the sins of all who believe in Him. Hebrews 10:10 underscores this point: “And by that will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (ESV). There is no need for repeated sacrifices (such as those in the Mass) or any additional acts of merit to achieve salvation. Christ’s work is complete, and nothing can be added to it.

• Salvation is Through Faith in Christ Alone: Solus Christus emphasizes that salvation is not earned through good works, church participation, or any form of human merit. Instead, it is received solely by faith in Jesus Christ. This aligns with Sola Fide, which holds that justification comes through faith apart from works (Romans 3:28). The Reformers taught that human beings contribute nothing to their salvation but are saved entirely by trusting in Christ’s finished work.

• Christ is the Sole Authority for Faith and Practice: The Reformers also contended that Christ is the final authority in all matters of faith and life, which challenged the authority of the Pope and Church tradition. This emphasis on Christ’s authority was closely related to Sola Scriptura—the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for the Christian faith. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (ESV), reinforcing the idea that Christ is the exclusive source of truth and salvation.

The Implications of Solus Christus for Christian Life

Some of the key implications of “solus Christus” include:

• Assurance of Salvation: Solus Christus provides believers with the assurance that their salvation rests entirely on the work of Christ, not on their own efforts or the mediation of the Church. This assurance brings peace to the believer, as they can trust that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient and complete. Hebrews 7:25 confirms this truth: “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (ESV). Knowing that Christ’s intercession is ongoing gives the believer confidence that they are secure in His grace.

• Direct Access to God: Through Solus Christus, believers are reminded that they have direct access to God through Christ. There is no need for a human mediator or institution to stand between them and God. This concept is reinforced in Hebrews 4:16, which invites believers to “draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (ESV). The doctrine frees believers to approach God in prayer and worship, confident that Christ is their advocate.

• Rejection of Human Mediators: The doctrine also calls for the rejection of human mediators in the process of salvation. While the Church and its leaders play an important role in the teaching and edification of believers, they do not mediate salvation. This distinction is critical because it reorients the believer’s focus away from human authorities and back to Christ. As the sole mediator, Christ is the one to whom believers should turn for forgiveness, guidance, and salvation.

• Christ-Centered Worship and Life: Because Solus Christus emphasizes Christ’s unique and sufficient role, it directs believers toward a Christ-centered life and worship. Everything in the Christian faith—whether it be personal devotion, corporate worship, or the mission of the Church—flows from the person and work of Christ. Colossians 1:18 speaks to Christ’s preeminence: “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (ESV). In light of this, all aspects of Christian worship should exalt Christ as the sole source of salvation.

• Motivation for Mission: Lastly, Solus Christus motivates believers to share the gospel, as it underscores the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. If Christ is the only way to be reconciled to God, then sharing the message of Christ becomes an urgent and essential task for Christians. This evangelistic zeal is grounded in the belief that no one can be saved apart from faith in Jesus (Acts 4:12).

How does this help me understand, “The Five Solas?”

Solus Christus—“Christ Alone”—serves as a bold affirmation of the sufficiency of Christ’s work for the salvation of humanity. Emerging from the Reformation as a response to the perceived overreach of the medieval Church, Solus Christus re-centers the Christian faith on the person of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection are the sole basis for salvation, and no human institution or work can add to or replace what He has accomplished.

As Christians, Solus Christus calls us to place our faith entirely in Christ, to reject any form of mediation other than Him, and to live lives that reflect the centrality of Christ in all things. It invites us to approach God with confidence, knowing that through Christ alone we have access to the Father and assurance of eternal life.

In a world filled with competing messages about where we find truth, purpose, and salvation, Solus Christus remains a timely reminder that in Christ, and Christ alone, we find everything we need.

Week #4: Sola Fide

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series looks at each of the five solas (“onlys” or “alones”) drawn from theology revived in the era of the Reformation: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. The series will define them and show how they work themselves out in our doctrine and lives. By thinking about the Bible, grace, faith, Christ, and God’s glory, we are better able to understand God’s gift to the world and how to live as we follow him.

This post is part of the series “The Five Solas.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Sola Fide: The Heart of Salvation

Rooted in the Reformation, the doctrine of Sola Fide, or "faith alone," asserts that salvation is granted solely through faith in Jesus Christ, not through any human effort or merit.

Why it Matters:

• Origins of Sola Fide: Tracing back to the Protestant Reformation.

• Luther’s Influence: Martin Luther's struggle with guilt and the discovery of justification by faith alone.

• Biblical Foundations: Key verses such as Romans 1:17 and James 2:17 and their interpretation.

• Implications for Christian Life: The balance between faith and good works.

• Catholic Critiques: Concerns over "cheap grace" and the neglect of good works.

• Bridging Differences: Efforts to find common ground between Protestant and Catholic understandings.

Go Deeper

The doctrine of Sola Fide, or “faith alone,” is a central belief of Protestant Christianity. It holds that salvation is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and not by any human effort or merit. This doctrine has been a point of contention between Protestant and Catholic theology for centuries, with Martin Luther being one of the most vocal proponents of Sola Fide. In this blog post, we will explore the history and significance of this doctrine, as well as its implications for the Christian life.

Origins of Sola Fide

The doctrine of Sola Fide emerged as a central tenet of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Prior to this time, the Catholic Church taught that salvation was achieved through a combination of faith, good works, and participation in the sacraments. This teaching meant salvation was not entirely a gift of God, but rather something that could be earned through human effort.

The Protestant reformers, including Martin Luther, challenged this view, arguing that salvation is a free gift of God that can only be received by faith in Jesus Christ. Luther’s views were heavily influenced by his study of the Bible, particularly the writings of the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:17, NIV). This passage became a cornerstone of the Protestant understanding of salvation.

Martin Luther’s Views on Sola Fide

Martin Luther was one of the most vocal proponents of Sola Fide. His studies of Romans 1 led him to question all he had been taught. What did it mean the Just shall live by Faith? In his famous Ninety-Five Theses, Luther wrote, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” Luther believed that salvation could not be achieved through human effort or good works, but only through faith in Jesus Christ. He wrote, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.”

Luther’s views on Sola Fide were heavily influenced by his own struggles with sin and guilt. As a young monk, he had been tormented by the idea that he could never be good enough to earn salvation. But through his study of the Bible, he came to understand that salvation is a free gift of God that can only be received by faith. This understanding brought him great peace and became a central theme of his preaching and writing.

Implications of Sola Fide for the Christian Life

The doctrine of Sola Fide has significant implications for the Christian life. If salvation is a free gift of God that can only be received by faith, then it follows that good works are not necessary for salvation. However, this does not mean that good works are unimportant. Luther believed that faith and good works are inseparable, writing, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.”

In other words, while good works are not necessary for salvation, they are an inevitable result of true faith. As Christians, we are called to live a life of love and service to others, not to earn salvation, but as a response to the grace we have received through faith. As the Apostle James wrote, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17, NIV).

Critiques of Sola Fide

The doctrine of Sola Fide has been a point of contention between Protestant and Catholic theology for centuries. Catholic theologians argue that the Protestant view of salvation through faith alone leads to a "cheap grace" that allows believers to ignore the importance of good works and moral living. They raise concerns that the emphasis on faith alone might create a passive faith devoid of any transformative power in a person's life. Critics contend that without the necessity of good works, believers might become complacent, feeling that their actions have no bearing on their salvation, leading to a potential neglect of social responsibilities and ethical obligations.

Furthermore, opponents of Sola Fide claim that this doctrine can be prone to misunderstanding and misapplication. Some individuals might misinterpret faith as a mere intellectual agreement or a one-time declaration, without genuine repentance or ongoing commitment to following Christ. This misinterpretation could lead to a distorted understanding of Christianity, where a mere claim of faith is considered enough for salvation, regardless of one's actions or lifestyle.

In response to these critiques, proponents of Sola Fide maintain that the doctrine does not promote a shallow faith or disregard for good works. Instead, they argue that true faith naturally leads to a transformed life characterized by good works, love for others, and moral responsibility. In their view, the grace of God working through faith produces genuine fruit in the lives of believers, inspiring them to actively live out their faith in practical ways.

Despite these disagreements, there have also been attempts to bridge the gap between the two theological perspectives. Some theologians have sought to emphasize common ground, acknowledging that both faith and works play essential roles in the Christian life. They propose that faith and works are not mutually exclusive but rather intricately connected aspects of a holistic Christian faith.

How does this help me understand, “The Five Solas?”

The doctrine of Sola Fide has been a subject of intense debate and disagreement between Protestant and Catholic theology. While critics express concerns about the potential pitfalls of emphasizing faith alone, defenders of Sola Fide contend that genuine faith inevitably results in a life marked by good works and righteous living. As Christians continue to explore and discuss these theological matters, the focus remains on fostering unity amidst diversity and maintaining a shared commitment to following Christ's teachings and spreading His message of love and redemption to the world.

Week #3: Sola Gratia

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series looks at each of the five solas (“onlys” or “alones”) drawn from theology revived in the era of the Reformation: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. The series will define them and show how they work themselves out in our doctrine and lives. By thinking about the Bible, grace, faith, Christ, and God’s glory, we are better able to understand God’s gift to the world and how to live as we follow him.

This post is part of the series “The Five Solas.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #3:

Sola Gratia: Understanding Grace Alone in Salvation

Sola Gratia, or "Grace Alone," refers to the belief that salvation is solely a gift of God's unmerited favor, given freely without any human effort or merit, and is foundational to understanding how we are saved through Christ.

Why it Matters:

• Definition of Grace: Grace is God’s unmerited favor, not earned or deserved.

• The Need for Grace: Since humanity is fallen, grace is essential for salvation, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve.

• What Grace is Not: Grace is not a free pass; it comes at a cost, ultimately paid by Christ’s sacrifice.

• Key Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10 emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, not by works.

• Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification: Justification is the one-time act of God declaring a sinner righteous. Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. Glorification is the final stage of salvation.

Go Deeper

By Grace alone… Sola Gratia. 

Grace.  We have such a hard time with the concept.  For those of us who want to save ourselves, this concept can do violence to who we are.  While we could follow many tracks and trails about grace, I would like to keep this exposition on “grace” simple.  Grace simply defines as God’s unmerited favor.  Please remember we are discussing the statement, “According to Scripture, salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone to God’s glory alone.  

What is grace?  Growing up, I remember my dad loving this phrase “Grace is God’s unmerited towards humans.”   He was enthralled by the concept.  The idea that God would show him grace would rapture his soul.     To my 12-year-old mind, I equated salvation and grace together.  However, as an adult, I have come to understand the subtle nuance between the two.  To get the concept we have to start by asking, "Why do we need grace?"

“They hid behind some trees.  They had done their best to cover the parts that now brought them shame.  They had used leaves and mud to stick them as best they could.  They knew He would return and after what they did they couldn’t face Him.  Together, they bore the blame for doing the one thing He had asked them not to do.  While she had been deceived, he couldn’t risk losing her for any reason.  They had their reasons.  Maybe He would understand.”  

Then God shows up and things get bloody and messy.  God kills two animals and fashions clothes to help with the shame.  They would never be the same but God decides to save them and uses grace to do it.  Grace takes sin and transforms it.  It’s not merited or deserved.  He protects them from themselves and moves them outside the garden.  

What grace is not…. Grace is not a free pass.  Grace is not God turning away from the rebellion of those he created.  Grace is not free for God.  Grace costs God something every time he dispensed it.  Grace would ultimately cost Jesus his life.  

Paul states "But God”.  This moment of grace pops up throughout Scripture.  Adam and Eve…. Cain… David… Peter… Paul…

Scriptures we trust: 

Ephesians 2:1-10 {empahsis on 8} (ESV): 

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace, you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): 

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Titus 2:11-14 (ESV):

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Grace… Salvation… What does it all mean? 

Justification and Sanctification… Glorification?

God saves mankind by grace alone. What a thought! Not only do I not have to do something to earn my salvation from my brokenness of sin but I cannot do anything to earn it. God has done it all! But what exactly has God done in salvation?

Justification is when God forgives sins and initiates a new relationship with them. When God declares an individual justified, He imputes His righteousness to them through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 states this was done by God and God alone so no human would be able to take credit for their state before God. God applies saving grace and saves an individual. This work cannot be undone or altered. Normally, the ancient legal system used the word, “justification.” The legal system used the word to denote someone’s state of innocence or that proof had been given of innocence.

On the other hand, Sanctification proves to be the ongoing application of God’s grace to our lives. Sanctification moves our life to be more holy like Christ. Sanctification means to set apart and make something sacred. In the OT, sanctification often referred to the temple items used. In the NT, sanctification references displayed our position as a priest or the temple where God resides now, for instance in I Thessalonians 4.

I Thessalonians 4:3-8 (ESV)

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgresses and wrong his brother in this matter because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Sanctification does not impact our justification. I had to work to accept this concept. I had trouble with the idea I could fail and sin and not lose my justification in Christ. God’s grace impacts my failures and keeps them from being fatal or final.

Glorification comes when God consummates history. God glorifies the believer and completes the realization of all salvation processes. We see this concept in I Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Sources:

Elwell, Walter. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Volume 2, pg. 1252

Trueman, Carl. Grace Alone: Salvation as a Gift of God. ISBN: 978-0-310-51576-0

Important Concepts

The Lord’s Supper or Communion

Implemented by Jesus and endorsed by the disciples, we take elements and remember Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus took his disciples and during the Passover meal gave them a new meal to celebrate together. He took bread and used it as a symbol of His body. Then He took a cup of wine and used it as a symbol of His blood. He made a commitment to drink the wine one day with them in His Father’s kingdom. In I Corinthians 11, Paul added some commands about eating from the Lord’s table worthily. He describes how the early church had begun to eat bread and drink wine in remembrance of Jesus. He uses the words, “as often as you do this,” referring to the fact they were already doing this on a regular basis. We should look to meet with other believers and do this as well.

Matthew 26:26-29 (ESV):

26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”

I Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV):

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Baptism

Jesus was baptized to begin his ministry. He was fully immersed in the river he was baptized in by John the Baptist.

Matthew 3:13-17 (ESV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Because of the way this story is written, I am a credobaptist. Credobaptists believe we should not be baptized until we believe and make a profession of faith. another type of baptist is paedobaptist. Catholics are not the only paedobaptists. For more information, you can check out an article here: https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2020/04/paedobaptism/.

Transmission of Grace for Salvation

For the Catholic church, grace is dispensed through the administration of the sacraments.  The sacraments provide through the Holy Spirit an issuance of the divine life promised through Christ. The seven sacraments were finalized in the 11th or 12th centuries. Here we could follow those trails I mentioned earlier and dive into the transubstantiation of the communion elements into the blood and body of Christ.  Are the elements indeed the blood and body of Christ or are they simply symbols as the protestants believe?

Protestants do not believe in sacraments but in ordinances. We take communion or be baptized as part of our sanctification process in obedience to Christ. We participate with the body of Christ as symbols. They symbolize the Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection while reminding us of the importance of meditating on Jesus’ sacrifice.

Sources:

https://catholiccourier.com/articles/sacraments-are-signs-of-gods-grace/

How does this help me understand, “The Five Solas?”

Sola Gratia, meaning "Grace Alone," is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology that emphasizes that salvation is entirely a gift of God's unmerited favor. It teaches that human beings can do nothing to earn or deserve salvation; instead, it is freely given by God through His grace. This grace is not dependent on human works, efforts, or merit but is bestowed solely through God's love and mercy. Sola Gratia underscores the belief that, without God's intervention, humanity would remain lost in sin, making grace the only means by which salvation is possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

Week #2: Sola Scriptura

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series looks at each of the five solas (“onlys” or “alones”) drawn from theology revived in the era of the Reformation: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. The series will define them and show how they work themselves out in our doctrine and lives. By thinking about the Bible, grace, faith, Christ, and God’s glory, we are better able to understand God’s gift to the world and how to live as we follow him.

This post is part of the series “The Five Solas.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #2:

SOLA SCRIPTURA ~ SCRIPTURE ALONE

Sola Scriptura holds that the Bible is the ultimate and final authority in matters of faith, doctrine, and practice, superseding all other sources such as Church Tradition, central authoritative figures (like the Pope), or church councils. Evangelical Protestantism asserts that while traditions and leaders may provide guidance, they must always be subject to and aligned with Scripture.

Why it Matters:

• The Bible is the sole revelation of God and essential for salvation and life.

• Scripture’s unity, from creation to redemption, reveals God's plan for humanity.

• Right understanding of Scripture (orthodoxy) leads to right living (orthopraxis).

• Protestant authority rests on Scripture alone, unlike the Catholic Church's three-legged structure of Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium.

• Scripture is inspired by God, without error, and fully sufficient for faith and practice.

• Protestant leaders and traditions must submit to the authority of Scripture.

• Key concepts include the inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility, clarity, and sufficiency of Scripture.

Go Deeper

According to Scripture alone… Sola Scriptura. 

The Bible contains the only revelation of God and His story of redemption. The story of Jesus Christ in the New Testament explodes conceived notions about God from the Old Testament. The cohesiveness of the entire story allows the reader to understand what God was accomplishing, from the creation of everything to the redemption of humanity. This one book brings into focus for the readers the only necessary information for salvation and living. Orthodoxy or right knowledge spurs on orthopraxis or right action. Without the Bible, we cannot know the absolute truth. On my first day of hermeneutics, my professor had us open the covers of our Bibles and write this phrase: "This Book is my all-sufficient guide for faith and conduct." The Bible has led me well.  

Scriptures we trust: 

2 Peter 1:20–21 (ESV): 

20 knowing that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV): 

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Authority - What's the difference? 

The Catholic church would compare authority in the church to a three-legged stool. The three legs consist of Biblical authority, Church Tradition, and the Magisterium. These three legs work together to keep the church stable. Let's look at each of these legs and see how they are interpreted.  

First, Sacred Scripture forms the first leg of the Catholic Stool of Authority. The Catholic version of sacred Scripture includes 73 books. These books include Apocrypha's seven books. These were finalized at the Council of Trent in 1546.  

The second leg flows from Church Tradition. The church, through practice, could add traditions to the authority of the church. For instance, indulgences were sold to shorten the time Christians would need to spend in purgatory. The church also made kings responsible for the souls they led into battle or the souls taken by the king's army. The church determined the cost of a soul and would accept payment for the indulgence. Church tradition developed from practice and acceptance of this tradition became widespread by the 16th century.  

The third leg of the Catholic stool was the Magisterium. The Pope gathers bishops and cardinals to study the Sacred Scriptures and develop theology accordingly. These gatherings determine church teachings. Catholics are then encouraged to trust what these men have resolved Scripture to say even if they do not fully understand the thought process behind the instructions. Those teachings flow into Church tradition and become accepted for authoritative use.  

The three together keep stability and no one leg should be more important than any other leg.  

Sources: 

Corpus Christi Catholic Church - Website

Family and Respect Life of The Diocese of Fall River 

Feldmeth, N. P. (2008). In Pocket Dictionary of Church History: Over 300 Terms Clearly and Concisely Defined (p. 79). IVP Academic.

Protestant Authority flows somewhat differently. The one thing both types of authority have in common is Scripture. However, where the Catholic Church has a three-legged structure, protestants would say the ultimate source of authority in the church rests in Scripture. Like a marble column, Scripture alone has leading authority over the church, leaders, and the traditions we follow. "Where do you find that in Scripture?" This question stands like a gate determining what theology and dogma look like in the church. For instance, the word, Trinity, does not appear anywhere in Scripture. However, we see the building blocks and understand the roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to be defined in Scripture. We have church traditions, but they are governed by Scripture alone. We have leaders who lead, but they are to submit themselves to the Scriptures.  

Gregg Allison, from Nine Marks, states Sola Scriptura this way: Scripture is the church's sole authority, ultimately determinative for doctrine, practice, faith, worship, and ministry. Scripture leads the way for us. Church tradition submits to Scripture and provides direction for us to heed. Others have faced this path; if their way lines us with the Scriptures, we would do well to learn from them.    

Sources: 

Two views on church authority: protestant vs. roman-catholic

Important Concepts

The Inspiration of Scripture - This idea comes from 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The word inspiration comes from the translation of the Greek word "theopneustos" or God-breathed. We believe the Scriptures to be God's own words. Second, while humans had some role in delivering God's word, God's breathing these words preserved what He wanted those words to be.   

The Inerrancy vs. Infallibility of Scripture - The word inerrancy is defined as without error. The word infallible means incapable of making mistakes or being wrong. Often they are used interchangeably. However, groups will put different emphases on different ideas. Some will view inerrancy and try to use the Bible as a scientific book. Problems arise when they are hard-pressed to deal with scientists who date the Earth's age at around 4.5 million years old. Infallible is often used to describe the Spiritual nature alone. The Bible is infallible in relationship to telling us how to have eternal life. FYI: I am summarizing what I understand and am open to correction by people I trust have studied Scripture.  

The Clarity and Sufficiency of Scripture - Can an individual read Scripture and understand its meaning clearly? This question gets somewhat murky reasonably quickly. Can you hear the Scriptures clearly if you cannot read Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic? Does the English translation provide enough understanding for the Bible to stand on its own? These questions need a fuller fleshing out than I can give them here.  

How does this help me understand, “The Five Solas?”

On the first day of my Biblical Hermenuetics class, Dr. Dan Langston told us to open our Bibles and write the phrase, “This book is my all sufficient guide for faith and conduct.” As a group of young people (future pastors, teachers, business peoples, etc.), we were encouraged to place our faith in the Bible as our authority. I made a choice that day to utilize the Bible as the measuring stick against which my life’s actions would be judged.

Week #1: The Five “Solas” Recap

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series looks at each of the five solas (“onlys” or “alones”) drawn from theology revived in the era of the Reformation: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. The series will define them and show how they work themselves out in our doctrine and lives. By thinking about the Bible, grace, faith, Christ, and God’s glory, we are better able to understand God’s gift to the world and how to live as we follow him.

This post is part of the series “The Five Solas.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #1:

The Five Solas crystalized during a turbulent time in Christanity and became the timeless truths that changed Church Life forever.

Why it matters:

• The Five Solas are the core biblical truths guiding the Christian life.

• Rooted in history, formalized during the Reformation.

• The church's early drift from these truths led to the need for reform.

• Luther's stand against indulgences brought Sola Scriptura into focus.

• Key reformers: Luther, Melanchthon, Hus, Tyndale, Calvin.

• The Five Solas: Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, Glory to God Alone.

• Each Sola reinforces salvation’s reliance on God, not human works.

Go Deeper

Welcome to the first of six individual discussions about the “Solas” or the “Alones” of the church.  Theologians and philosophers spent centuries pondering the ideas of Scripture and the basics of how we would interpret them.   They landed on certain vital beliefs that depended on God alone.  These five “Solas” bring to life the truth of what God has done for us.   

First, the five “Solas” existed throughout history, even when we didn’t have the New Testament. As we review Scripture, we uncover the truths the “Solas” share with us. The “Solas” guide Christians as they experience life transformation and spiritual growth.  

When the early church began to codify thought processes and decide what was orthodox, they developed a list of letters and writings to be the rule or Canon.  The church met in councils where they debated the canon of scripture. We will discuss this next week.   

BTW Orthodox is just a big word for right thinking.   

To sum up, let’s address history in a very simplistic way.  By about 397 AD, the early church leaders settled what books the Bible should contain.  Around the same time, church leaders and government leaders would get entangled.  Beginning with Constantine, the church found favor in the government's eyes.   The church allowed these fundamental truths to erode.  Church tradition or political power replaced the “Solas.”     

Reformation

In the early 1500s, groups of people all over the European continent began to experience a stirring.    

On October 31, 1517, a man walked through town and tacked up a list of issues he saw with the church.  It wasn’t abnormal for Professors and pastors to have an idea and place it on the church door (bulletin board) to be argued and discussed.  The selling of indulgences led Martin Luther to Scripture to figure out what was right and what wasn’t.  

Luther believed Paul, in Romans 1, said: “the “just” would live by faith.  He also started to process thoughts from other passages - Faith comes by hearing God’s word. The mass was only in Latin. How could faith come if people couldn’t hear God’s word in their language, not Latin?   

The first use of the Latin “Sola Scriptura” was Luther's defense against the accusation Pope Leo X made against him in 1520.  

Another reformer, Philip Melanchthon, in 1554 wrote this phrase, “sola gratis jutificamus et sola fine justificamur.”  It means that only through grace do you justify, and only by faith are we justified.  

These inconsistencies with Scripture led many leaders to begin thinking about the truths found in Scripture.  John Hus… William Tyndale… John Calvin… These men who set out to reform the church but became known as Protestors or Protestants would cling to the “Alones” they believed the Bible delivered.   

According to Scripture alone… Sola Scriptura. 

2 Peter 1:20–21 (ESV): 

20 knowing that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV): 

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

God’s grace alone saves humanity…. Sola Gratia 

Ephesians 2:8 (ESV):

8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Through faith alone, not any works… Sola Fide

Romans 1:17 (ESV):

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

The early reformers considered these truths self-evident from Scripture, and when the Catholic Church wouldn’t recognize them and stop selling indulgences, they protested.   They moved into new forms of churches.  Some individuals moved very near to the Catholic liturgy, and others so very far away.   But they both valued Scripture. They loved Jesus for what the Scripture said and not for tradition. Grace and faith alone together.    

Later others would recognize two more Solas.   These two additions clarify the Solas and add more instructions for us.   They remind the believer of two other truths in Scripture.  

Salvation can only come through Christ alone… solus Christus  

John 14:6 (ESV):

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV): 

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

God alone deserves the glory for saving humanity… Soli Deo Gloria 

 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV):

 31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Names like Emil Bruner, Karl Barth, and Lutheran theologian Theodore Engelder would formalize what we know as the five “Solas.”  

When linked together, we say them like this.

According to Scripture alone, we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, by Christ’s sacrifice alone to God’s glory alone.  

How does this help me understand, “The Five Solas?”

The Five Solas—Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, and Glory to God Alone—are foundational truths that emerged from the Reformation, shaping Christian doctrine and practice. Rooted in biblical teachings, these principles reaffirm that salvation is entirely dependent on God’s work, not human effort. Reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin brought these truths to light, challenging the traditions and authority of the Catholic Church. As we explore each Sola in the coming weeks, we will examine their historical significance, why they matter, and how they continue to impact Christian life today.

Book of the Month - September 2024

A Creative Minority: Influencing Culture Through Redemptive Participation

Jon Tyson and Heather Grizzle - ISBN: 978-0692821237 - 2016

Author:

Jon Tyson

Jon Tyson is a New York City based Pastor and Author.. Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Jon moved to the US over two decades ago to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western church. He is the author of "Fighting Shadows" and the bestselling books "The Intentional Father" and "Beautiful Resistance." He graduated from Capital Seminary and serves as the lead pastor of Church of the City New York. Jon has been married to Christy for twenty-five years and has two adult children.

Taken from Amazon

Brief Synopsis:

How should the church engage our culture? The recent political cycle has shattered the lens through which the American church has looked at politics through much of our lifetimes. If we return to the Scriptures, we see Jesus offers us a compelling, alternative vision. His heart was that His followers would be a city on a hill and that people would see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. This was not dependent on the laws on the books, the rulings of the courts, or the leaders in power. His heart was that we would influence culture through redemptive participation, being not just a faithful, but also a fruitful presence. His vision was that the church functions as a Creative Minority in a dominant culture. A Creative Minority seeks not to propose a way to regain cultural dominance, take back our world for God or revisit an unrealistic and nostalgic past. It humbly proposes that if we take on the posture and identity of a Creative Minority, we may rekindle the light in the bushel, and in so doing, cast a hopeful glimmer on the world. A Creative Minority paints a compelling picture of the way the church is called to participate in these challenging and demanding times - seeking neither to control nor abandon the world, but to love it to new life through redemptive participation.

Taken from Amazon

Insights:

“A Creative Minority is a Christian community in a web of stubbornly loyal relationships, knotted together in a living network of persons who are committed to practicing the way of Jesus together for the renewal of the world.”

“If there is no interpersonal conflict in your life, no elements of your character that you are being confronted about, you are networking, you are not in close community.”

“The early church was strikingly different from the culture around it in this way -the pagan society was stingy with its money and promiscuous with its body. A pagan gave nobody their money and practically gave everybody their body. And the Christians came along and gave practically nobody their body and they gave practically everybody their money.”

Should I read it or skip it?

First, the book is not long. It took me an afternoon to get through it. Second, the concept is sound. Christianity is not the majority in the US anymore. How do we interact with society in a way that makes Jesus famous and us less so? WE know we have the answer but sometimes we are so busy guarding it we forget to be creative evangelists. This would be a book I would suggest everyone reads. From reminding us to participate

The Five “Solas”

Blog Series Intention Recap

This series looks at each of the five solas (“onlys” or “alones”) drawn from theology revived in the era of the Reformation: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. The series will define them and show how they work themselves out in our doctrine and lives. By thinking about the Bible, grace, faith, Christ, and God’s glory, we are better able to understand God’s gift to the world and how to live as we follow him.

This post is the main page of the series “The Five Solas.”

• Week #1 - The Five Solas Recap

• Week #2 - Sola Scriptura

• Week #3 - Sola Gratia

• Week #4 - Sola Fide

• Week #5 - Solus Christus

• Week #6 - Soli Deo Gloria