Soli Deo Gloria or Glory to God Alone

Please allow me to remind you one last time, the word “sola” is simply the Latin word for “alone” or “only.” Previously we noted that Scripture Alone should be the final authority of spiritual truth. We then asserted that sinners are saved by grace alone, through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. However, not everyone who identifies as Christian agrees with this. In my opinion, the continental divide in true theology is whether the word “alone” is accurate to employ, or should the word “and” be used to determine these truths? What you believe about this is of utmost importance.

Therefore, let me be clear – this fifth and final sola is not some unnecessary add-on. Rather, a central truth that if misunderstood leaves the Gospel of Christ unfinished. The question we seek to answer by considering this last sola is this – who should receive glory for sinners being saved? Or asked another way, who should be extolled for the redemption of men? Does the glory for salvation belong to God alone? Or should the praise be shared between God and another? Sadly, there is confusion as to how these questions are answered. Yet quite unapologetically, I submit, the answer every Christian should give is Soli Deo Gloria, or the glory for salvation belongs to God alone.

There are any number of Biblical arguments that could be made to prove this. Allow me to summarize just one section of Scripture and then close by using an illustration I hope is helpful.

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul states in unambiguous terms that it was God and God alone who planned, purposed and executed the act of salvation. In fact, Paul does this by employing Trinitarian language that extols the work of the Godhead in redeeming sinners. In chapter one, verses 3-6, the Apostle declares sinners were predestined by God the Father to become heirs of salvation. In verses 7-12 he states these same people were purchased by the sinless shed blood of God the Son. Finally, in verses 13-14 he affirms conversion to Christ was produced by the work of God the Holy Spirit. Then in chapter two, Paul elaborates on these truths by showing regeneration was a necessary act of the Godhead due to the natural sinful condition of fallen men. The unmistakable truth found here is this; salvation is Divine act of sovereign grace upon unworthy sinners for which God alone should be praised.

Folks, Christians are simply not afforded the right to boast about what they (or anyone else) have done to earn redemption. Instead, the Bible makes clear, God has done for the sinner what they cannot and would not do for themselves. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10). These and other Scriptures distinctly reveal, believers should humbly acknowledge God alone deserves the credit for their conversion.

If you think for one moment, the glory for salvation should be shared between you and God, you simply do not understand your own prideful depravity. If you think the glory for salvation should be shared between God and any other person, (alive or dead), you simply do not understand Scripture. If your belief extols men and reduces God, you do not have a theological system based on the Bible. As unpopular as it may be, the old preachers had it right when they said, “when it comes to your salvation, the only thing you add, is the sin that made it necessary!”

Let me close by sharing an illustration that should summarize the truths we have tried to teach in this series.

Imagine someone swimming along the shoreline of some beach. When unexpectedly they are snatched by a riptide and carried out into the ocean. Uncontrollably tossing and tumbling beneath the waves and water, they smack their head on a coral reef and are knocked unconscious. Quicky, this person begins to sink as their lungs fill with seawater. Within moments their heart stops beating and they drown. All hope seems lost. When suddenly, an arm reaches beneath their lifeless body and pulls them above water. A lifeguard has bravely rescued this person from a watery grave. Dragging their limp corpse onto the beach, the rescuer begins to perform CPR. After a few tense moments, the dead person coughs the water from their lungs and gasps for fresh air. Their heart begins to beat again, and they are wonderfully saved from death.

Now … in my imaginary story, could you envision for even one moment, that recently rescued individual lying there … and the first words from their blue lips are, “I am so glad to be alive, but I want you to know … the lifeguard couldn’t have done it without me!?”

This is how foolish some people sound when they act like theological thieves by stealing the glory that belongs to God alone. If you have been rescued from spiritual death and the darkness of an eternity separated from God, then you should give all the praise to the Divine Rescuer of souls.

Friends, every single person that ever walks those streets of gold or enters those pearly gates will do so, by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone … to the glory of God alone!

Soli Deo Gloria