We commemorate the reformation in its 500th anniversary by affirming sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, soli Deo gloria. The reformation was only necessary and the first four Sola’s are only valid when they arrive at the ultimate sola. For our relationship with God attained by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as made known to us by the Word of God alone falls short if it is not all accorded to the Glory of God alone.

The reformers were scandalized by the intent of religious practices of that day to rob God of His glory. The usurping of; the authority of God’s Word by the rules of man, the provision of faith by the rituals of religion, the power of grace by the imposition human doctrine, the sufficiency of Christ replaced by the works of man, all to strip God of glory and exalt the hand of man.

The reformation brought enlightenment to the “Body of Christ,” the church, that neither we, the recipients of God’s grace, nor any other entity upon this world, above this world, or below this world is due any recognition, any honor, any glory for that which God alone has done!

He attains glory as Creator:

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)

He alone is praised by His creation:

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1)

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. (Romans 1:20)

Johann Sebastian Bach completed his musical scores with “S.D.G.”, Sola Deo Gloria. The beautiful music that he knew was a gift from God he gave to mankind for the glory of God.

It is God’s glory alone as Sovereign over the salvation of His people.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)

He is to be praised for He shines His glory upon His elect for all eternity.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. (Revelation 21:3)

We commenorate the 500th anniversary of the reformation by affirming both in our hearts and with our voices the Truth of what God has made known in His Word alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone.

Amen!