Five solas facts for kids

In Europe in the 16th century there was a big change in the Christian religion. In this Protestant Reformation, hundreds of thousands of people left the Catholic church to form Protestant churches all over Europe..

"The Five solas" are an important part of the reformed theology of these Protestant leaders:

• Sola Scriptura. This means "The Bible only". The Protestants believed that they should only read the Bible to find out what God wants them to believe. They did this instead of listening to the Pope or the Priests in the Catholic Church.

• Solus Christus. This means "Jesus Christ only". The Protestants believed that the only way to heaven is by Jesus dying on the cross. They did this so they did not have to pray to Mary or saints or angels.

• Sola Gratia. This means "Grace only". This talks about going to heaven. It means that God lets people into heaven who do not deserve it. It also means that no one deserves to go to heaven.

• Sola Fide. This means "Faith only". Protestants believed that people must trust Jesus. They have to trust that Jesus lets people into heaven. Only people who trust Jesus can get to heaven.

• Soli Deo Gloria. This means "Only worship God. He is wonderful". It also means that God is the only one people should worship. People should not worship the Catholic Pope or Priests. People should not trust the Catholic Church to get to heaven. People should only worship God.

The words "Sola Scriptura", "Solus Christus", "Sola Gratia", "Sola Fide" and "Soli Deo Gloria" are not English words. They are words written in Latin.

See also

In Spanish: Cinco solas para niños