The Five "Solas" of the Protestant Reformation

Following is my current summary of the teaching of the Five “Solas” that arose during the Protestant Reformation as a response to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church whom the reformers believed had usurped the authority of God in various ways.

Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone")

The Bible is the only authoritative word of God and source of teaching for the life and faith of believers. Rejects the claim that the authority of the Majesterium (church embodied in the episcopacy) is equal to Scripture.

The Five Points of Calvinism (TULIP) or The Doctrines of Grace

Following is my shorthand summary of the Five Points of Calvinism with a key memory verse to support each. For a more comprehensive list of verses, go to http://www.cause-of-god.com/proofs.html.

1.     Total Depravity or Total Inability

1.     All men are born "depraved" in their total being. That is, all men are dead in sin and therefore unable to contribute anything to their salvation. 

2.     Contrary to Free Will or Human Ability which enables a sinner to add his faith to Christ's work to effect salvation. 

3.   Romans 5:19 (NAU) For as through the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.