From these, we learn that a person is declared holy in God's sight by"
God's grace alone (Sola Gratia),
through faith alone (Sola Fide),
in Christ alone.
through faith alone (Sola Fide),
in Christ alone.
The ancient Biblical texts are our sole authority for life and doctrine because Jesus said, "[Father] Your Word is truth" (John 17).
In this Word, God shows us that we are completely unable to please Him by our own efforts; we habitually break His commandments by what we think, say, and do, and by what we leave undone. We are miserable sinners who deserve God's anger and punishment. He says, "by works of the law no human being will be justified [declared "innocent"] in His sight," for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . ." (Romans 3).
The Scriptures also reveal to us the wonderful news that God loved each of us so much that He sent His One and Only Son to suffer the punishment for sin that we deserve. Jesus "was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53).
By His Sacrifice, once for all, God has forever made peace between us and Himself!
His Word tells us also that "to the one who does not work but trusts Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness . . ." (Romans 4).
We no longer live to please our sinful nature, nor do we try to earn God's favor. Instead, we show our thankfulness for His great mercy.
We live by faith in Christ, Who said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me" (John 14).
