On October the 31st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed to the outside door of the church of Wittenberg a list of 95 grieves he had with the Roman Catholic Church. At the same time, others throughout Europe were becoming upset in the nonbiblical way the church was moving. At that time, you could buy your loved ones out of Hell, you could make payments to find favor with God. The saying at that time was “as soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.” Another major aspect of the reformation was the hope that all people could read God’s Word for themselves. This was an increasing desire. The church at the time felt that only priest should have this privilege. People were killed for printing God’s Word into their own language instead of the scholar’s language of Latin, the language of the Roman Catholic Church. The New Testament book of Hebrews was instrumental in forming the Protestant Reformation. In fact one of the doctrines that convicted Martin Luther so, was the Hebrews doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. Being a priest himself, he felt so convinced that there was no need for priest in the New Testament church, only the office of Elder/Pastor and the office of Deacon are found. Out of the reformation came five doctrines that were formed through scripture and sealed the parting of the Protestant Churches from the Roman Catholic. The Protestants are: Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Methodist, and the list goes on. The five doctrines known as the solas were largely grounded in the book of Hebrews! (Example of two Uncles)
Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority. (Hebrews 2:1; 4:12)
Heb. 2:1 “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Heb. 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Sola Fide (“Faith Alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 11:6) Heb. 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Sola Gratia (“Grace Alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone. (Hebrews 4:14-16) Heb. 4:14-16 “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.” 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, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King. (Hebrews 7:23-25) Heb. 7:23-25 “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 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.” John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”, Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone. (Hebrews 1:3) Heb. 1:3 “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”