Do you remember the Game of Scruples? It came out 36 years ago, so many of you may never have heard of it. Basically, the game challenged the players to respond to a variety of challenging dilemmas which would reveal one’s scruples, ethics and morality. Real life, which is no game, challenges us daily with many dilemmas for which there are a number of alternative responses. How we respond reveals much about our faith, personality and “scruples.” Believe it or not, Martin Luther and the Reformation can help us with these everyday dilemmas!

The Reformers were guided by the conviction that the church of their day had drifted away from the essential, original teachings of Christianity, especially regarding the forgiveness of sins, the grace of God, salvation and the authority of the Word of God. So Martin Luther and the other Reformers sought to re-orient the church and populace on the original and true message of Jesus Christ and the early church. They formulated five basic statements called “Solas” (Latin meaning “alone / only”) to summarize the essential theological convictions of Christianity as revealed in God’s Holy Word. They are still relevant and very helpful to us today in our walk of faith and responding to life’s dilemmas.

1. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) God’s Word, The Bible, is our highest authority and standard!

2. Sola Fide (Faith Alone) We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ and not by our works!

3. Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) We are saved only by the undeserved love and grace of God!

4. Solus Christus (Christ Alone) Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior and King!

5. Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone be all the glory) We live for the glory of God alone!

~ Pastor Dennis Krueger