Let me share to you my first ever experience in attending a Reformed Conference just happened in 2014 on December 30. Yes, this is a late post. But I hope this can help the saints to understand the Five Solas as we celebrate the 500th year of Protestant Reformation.
It was hosted by Berean Protestant Reformed Church and Prof. David J. Engelsma was the speaker. The conference was entitled: “The Five Solas of the Reformation.” Attended by many Reformed believers within and without the denomination of the Federation of Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines. The conference let not the attendees left without gaining more knowledge about the Reformed doctrines that we hold dear especially those Five Solas—“Five Onlys”—of the Great Reformation in 1500s. The Five Solas, as we know, are the following: “Scripture Alone”; “Christ Alone”; “Faith Alone”; “Grace Alone”; and “The Glory of God Alone.” These five, according to Prof. Engelsma, are meant five fundamentally important truths of the gospel that were recovered by the church and restored to the church at the Reformation. Thus, it was very timely to conduct such a Reformed Conference which adheres and promotes the Historic Reformed Confessions amid this degrading Protestantism since the Protestant Reformation.
The conference where divided into three speeches: “Scripture Alone on behalf of Christ Alone”; “Grace Alone by Faith Alone unto the Glory of God Alone—and Assurance of Salvation”; and “The Place of Good Works in our Salvation.” The speaker combined two or more of the truth in order to show their relationship with each other and to show that they are also closely related and inseparable. This is so in the first two speeches which taught and defended the five truths that the Reformation cried. Bear in mind also that the two speeches put God at the highest importance and its implication was that that the place of good works in salvation was not entirely explained. We know for certain that salvation is of the Lord alone; it is apart from any of our works—God doesn’t need any help from us to save us from sin and eternal death. So the speaker gave a separate speech which relates to the five truths of the Reformation. He taught, in light of Scripture, how our good works find a place in our salvation without giving any occasion for misinterpretation of what good works really are and how they serve as fruits of our salvation found in Christ alone.
The speeches were just an exegetical interpretation of the Bible. They were so, for the speaker reminded us that the Reformation was not about the reformers (e.g. Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, etc.). The reformers were just instruments to bring the people of God to the truth of Scripture. They gave the Bible back to the people of God, from whom the false church had taken away. They translated and taught the Bible clearly so that the church of Christ could understand the teachings of Christ. It was the truth of God’s anointing poured out to His people that they might understand the Bible in contrast to the heresy of the Roman Catholic Church that only the ordained ministers can read and interpret scriptures most especially the Pope who is “infallible” in teaching the Bible and the traditions of the Church.
Though the reformers were profoundly promoting the doctrine of God, nevertheless, God Himself reformed the church of Jesus Christ by the power and authority of the Scripture itself. Holy Spirit moved the reformers to ignite the flame of the true faith that was being hindered by the Romish Church.
First Speech
The speaker now defends and explains the first speech by examining John 5:17-47—“Scripture Alone on behalf of Christ Alone.”
The very doctrine of Christ to teaching that Scripture is the very Word of God is very explicit in the text. He teaches that “in them [scriptures] …ye have eternal life.” Though reading the Bible is not salvific (for even the reprobates can read and explain the meaning of the Bible), Christ only teaches that Scripture is the means whereby the elect enjoys the blessings of eternal life. Many today, view the Bible as merely literature by which we can learn a lot about history and other beliefs. Jews themselves have the Scripture but how they understand it is wrong. They think they have eternal life by fulfilling the law (which Christ fulfilled all of them) but never see Christ in all of the Scripture. Simply “because they divorced Scripture from Him [Christ] of whom Scripture testifies,” says Prof. Engelsma. Thus, you can only have life when you come to Christ; when you search and hear the Scripture faithfully set forth before you. In them (scriptures), we have eternal life; God’s testimony concerning His Son is written there; from Genesis to Revelation, Christ is there. Otherwise, Scripture can no longer be the very Word of God.
It is the Word of God because God Himself is speaking concerning His only begotten Son with authority: “The Father Himself…hath borne witness of Me.” There is no conflict within the Triune God. What the Father reveals, there the Son teaches; what the Son teaches, the Spirit puts in every heart of the elect of God. As the Triune God testifies the Son of God, one comes to Christ for salvation but He must first hear the Scripture where Christ is explicitly set forth as the way, the truth, and the life of those who believe—who come to Him. But how about the elect infants of the believers? God saves them in an extraordinary manner; “ordinarily, the Bible is necessary for salvation,” Prof. Engelsma says.
Scripture is sufficient for the salvation of all the elect of God who see the irresistible Christ in it. It is the complete and perfect testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, Christ says, “Search the scriptures.”
Unlike the false churches which add anything to the Holy Writ, we maintain the sufficiency of the whole Scripture, and it alone, for our doctrine and life. It is not a dark book which others cannot understand. All who are able to read and hear can understand the Bible, by their own language, but the difference is whether God is pleased to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom to them or not. Though it’ll be of God, still the command of Christ: “Search the scriptures!” stands. We must understand the Holy Writ, and God will hold us guilty for not understanding it. We are the ones who corrupt ourselves; we are the ones who fall short of the glory of God; we are the ones who bind ourselves to the depravity of our own souls; we are the ones come under the judgment of God right after the fall. God’s command stands forever. He alone is righteous to will whatsoever He has pleased to do—both the blinding and hardening one’s heart. Thus the call to search Scripture must be our lifelong calling unto the day of Christ. “To be derelict in searching Scripture is to be disobedient to Jesus,” says Prof. Engelsma.
Christ does not leave us to what He commands. He gives a reason why it is necessary to search the Scripture. Though the prophets, disciples, and the apostles testify of Jesus, and also all His mighty deeds before the eyes of others, Scripture is not the least of them. Meaning, Scripture bears witness of Christ. Scripture points us to Christ. It is authoritative and infallible when it comes to testifying the living Son of God at whom the Father points us: “Behold My Son in whom I am well pleased, the Savior of the world!” To whom therefore do we look unto? Scripture says, “To Christ alone!” This is the very reason why we must search the Scripture—for it is the very Word of God which the central message is Christ Himself. Its power, by the Spirit of God, draws all the elect to Jesus. As a living Word of God, it is able, by God-given faith, to unite us to Christ by hearing and hearing the Word of God. But though many will reject the testimony of Scripture, God is not mocked. The Word will fulfill what God has ordained in eternity past—whether to save the elect or to harden the reprobate—according to His eternal decree of divine predestination. Thus, the witness of Scripture to Jesus is effectual in all implications. Never will God be mocked because of unbelief and rebellion. God is sovereign to save and to damn those He predestined in eternity, and His Word is the means to realize, in time, His eternal counsel established in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Head of the covenant and of the Church.
By Scripture alone, Jesus is being testified as the only begotten Son of God and the only Savior revealed in due time by the Father to save His people from their sins; Emmanuel!; the God-incarnate—Solus Christus! All the doctrine of Christ is in the Bible and to hear its witness is life everlasting—“He that hath an ear, let him hear!” Thus, Search the Scripture alone and come to Him alone!
Second Speech
After a few minutes of break, we resumed to continue to the 2nd speech of the conference with the Scripture text: Romans 4 especially verse 16. This is all about the connection between faith and grace to the end that God’s name be glorified alone. What amazes me, is that the speaker included the subject of Assurance of Salvation which comes up as the fruit of the three combined truths. It is very easy to perceive that salvation is by grace alone, appropriated by true faith alone, that Jehovah’s name and works will be glorified and not ours. But do these truths apply in our hearts? Or they are just mere knowledge? So this is my ardent appreciation to Prof. Engelsma that the subject was added in order that these truths will be appropriated rightly and we’ll not be left unsure whether these truths are true for us or not.
Prof. Engelsma first established, by Scripture, that salvation is “of faith” so that it is “by grace.” If that so, then the glory must be given to God alone! For according to Scripture, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Grace and faith are of God alone! They are God-given gifts to us all so that no one should boast.
First, we examined the chapter of what is “of faith” and “by grace.” Verse 16, doesn’t answer the question but verse 13 tells us that “it” in verse 14 pertains— “IT is of faith, that IT might be by grace..” —to being an “heir” (v.13) of the world. That is, “of faith” and “by grace” is being an “heir of the world.” According to the promise of God to Abraham and his seed, they would inherit the world. And it is by faith that we become heirs of the world; it is clear that the promise came to Abraham by the “righteousness of faith.” “The heir,” says Prof. Engelsma, “will live in this new world; they will own it and rule it under Christ.” One day, the world will be ours, our inheritance. Being an heir, it implies that we must be adopted by God as His children in Christ and we, all the elect, will be resurrected as glorified bodies and souls together with Christ, our risen King. We must be first adopted as His own and together with Him we will live in eternity. Thus, it is salvation! And salvation is being righteous as we can see explicitly in verses 5 and 13. No one who is unrighteous can inherit God’s kingdom and live with Him in eternity. Faith is being righteous and it is of faith alone. We are declared righteous, according to verse 5, because of faith. It is “of faith” that we receive all the blessings of salvation that flow from the finished work of Christ on the cross but it is not “of faith” itself that we receive them; it is because faith unites us to Christ Jesus.
“Of faith” alone we know God and it is life eternal. It is a certain knowledge of God and His Son that we are saved. Not only a certain knowledge but a confidence that the object of our faith is the true and living God—Jehovah—who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless (righteous) before the presence of His glory. It is by faith that we are saved in the service of His sovereign, particular grace. “All of salvation is gracious. Nothing of salvation contradicts grace. Salvation is due, ultimately, to grace—God’s grace.” All the blessings of salvation that we receive from Christ are appropriated by faith alone but God decides to give them by His mere grace—unmerited favor. And the deepest origin of that grace is God’s eternal, unconditional election of us in the Lord Jesus Christ. According to His eternal counsel, He now works faith in us to unite us to Christ; it is all of grace that we are saved even unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; by grace, He sent His only begotten Son while we were yet sinners He died for us.
It is therefore a close relationship that faith and grace is inseparable. You cannot believe one without believing the other—faith and grace is inseparable. It is easy to perceive that all of salvation is gracious and unconditional only if faith is not a condition for us to be saved. Thus, the only means by which salvation will render glory to God’s grace alone is by faith; faith that is not from us or something in us but God has graciously works in us so that we can enjoy the salvation which He made possible by Christ alone. “Faith is not just another human work, but the renouncing of all human effort, all human merit, and the casting of oneself on the grace of God alone for salvation,” says Prof. Engelsma. Faith alone can guard the wonderful and sovereign works of His grace. That is why it was the cry of the 16th century Reformation. To extinguish the boasting of men and to rekindle once again the flame which burns only to glorify God; it is by faith alone that all mouth shall be stopped and begin to glorify God for His own works of saving us. “Of faith” and “by grace” are fundamental truths to ascribe the highest praise to God. Though we are passive in our salvation, we must be thankful. For if it be by our works or by our cooperation with God, we will continue in doubting whether we are really saved or not. Worse yet, we will doubt the power of God unto salvation—both to save and to preserve. God forbid.
Last Speech
So the last part of His speech in relation to the five great truths of the Reformation pertains to the assurance of the believers of their salvation.
As Romans 4:16 states, “to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed,” God thus assures us that all the elect will be saved—all the spiritual children of Abraham by faith are eternally secured. This promise can shut all the doubts we have about our election. Like John Bunyan cried his struggle whether he is elected or not, God directed him to the word of His faithfulness even to the old dispensation church: “Look at the generation of old, and see; did ever any trust in God, and were confounded?” The whole Word of God is very explicit and implicit to say that all the believers are kept unto eternal life. And the comfort can only be found in Scripture itself. “By this gospel of faith and grace, we who believe on Jesus Christ for our salvation have assurance of our salvation,” says Prof. Engelsma. God’s promise is sure! For the surety of the covenant is Christ Himself. It is therefore sure that God will fulfill it and will certainly assure us, by His Spirit, that that promise is true for us eternally. What must we do? Nothing but to thank Him by bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit—good works. Spurgeon says, “If we are no more under the law, but free from its curse, let our liberty be practically exhibited in our serving God with gratitude and delight.” Faith and grace is not a license to continue in sin, rather, it is a blessedness of salvation whereby we continue to glorify God in our good works; it [faith and grace] is the power unto salvation and righteousness.
Good works have no place in our salvation. “Good works are not the source, or basis, of our salvation, and that, therefore, salvation is by grace alone, of faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone, as the Bible testifies. For even our performance of good works is the gracious gift of God to us and the gracious work of God in us,” as Prof. Engelsma started the last speech in light of Ephesians 2:1-10. To make it clear, God didn’t ordain salvation to be done accompanied by works of men or merely by works of men. It is according to His own good pleasure, God ordained us to be conformed to the image of His only begotten Son. God ordained that we walk in them, good works, as He has created us in Christ. “Describing our salvation as creation implies certain truths concerning salvation. First, our salvation is the work of God, altogether without any cooperation on our part. A second implication of the description of God’s work of salvation as creation is that salvation, the salvation of one sinner, is a work of the most tremendous power,” says Prof. Engelsma. Salvation is an act of the infinite Being which can do whatsoever He has pleased. He is the eternal God who created us in Christ and that implies that our creation happened in eternity to the end that His name be glorified alone and that we are saved unto good works.
This is clear that only the elect, God’s workmanship, can perform good works. The reprobate wicked cannot perform any unlike what the advocates of the Theory of Common Grace teach. Good works are of faith, thus accepted by God as a living sacrifice of us Christians. We worry not about performing them. First, the Spirit enables us to do them willingly. Second reason is that God has determined our good works and we must be ready always to walk in them whenever God has pleased to open doors of doing them. Thus, the boasting of us by doing them is excluded. The willingness and the good works themselves are of God alone.
Blessed Experience
This ends the conference led by Prof. Engelsma on December 30 of 2014. We are grateful to be reminded of the five truths of the Reformation and the importance thereof. We must be reminded; otherwise, the flame of the very truths of what the fathers had set forth and had shed their blood would no longer be burning at the heart of all Protestant Churches here and abroad. Thus, this conference is very timely to remind us the faith that was once delivered unto the saints since God reformed the church of Jesus Christ in 16th century.
After the event, we had the opportunity to buy discounted books by the Reformed Free Publishing Association, subsidized by the Berean PRC, and to receive a free book written by the speaker himself: Reformed Faith of John Calvin (Summary of the Institutes). We thus grabbed the opportunity to have his signature on some of his books. God be praised to this rare event and the fellowship of believers from other Reformed Churches. Hope to have again such an enlightening studies to the end that our souls may be reminded of the goodness of God toward His elect people throughout the ages even unto this day. God be praised!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Here's the links for the conference videos:
Scripture Alone On Behalf Of Christ Alone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jweEEDnkepg
Grace Alone By Faith Alone Unto The Glory Of God Alone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgLt7XYymLs
The Place Of Good Works In Our Salvation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i8VwiW3e8Q
