“If it (salvation) is by grace, it’s no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” Rom. 11:6
Lord Jesus, right out of the shoot, thank you. Thank you for who you are, for everything you’ve accomplished to redeem us, and for what you give us just too bless us. From you all blessings flow, all good gifts spring, and all grace cascades. As our Creator and Redeemer, you care about every sphere of life.
That’s why a recent conversation with a friend included four things we both love: Fly fishing, the Gospel, sourdough bread, and the “5 Solas”—five short phrases that summarize the heartbeat of the Bible, why we love you, and want to do everything to your glory.
Only Scripture – Only the Bible is our errorless, trustworthy, God-breathed source for what we believe about salvation, God, the world, ourselves and everything in it. And you, Jesus, are the main and only Hero in the whole book.
To take the Scriptures seriously means we receive all things gratefully—things in heaven and things on earth. It’s why my friend and I could talk seamlessly about fly fishing, the Gospel, sourdough bread, and great theology.
Only Christ – Only you, Jesus, can/do save us. Only you will usher in the new heaven and new earth. To add anything to you for our salvation takes away everything. All we bring to our salvation is our absolute need.
Only Grace – Only your grace can “finance” our salvation and the redemption of the entire cosmos—for that is what you are “up to”… redeeming your every-nation bride and making all things new.
Only Faith – Only faith is the “delivery system” for your grace. Even faith is a gift to us (Eph. 2:8-10). We are that needy, and you are that generous.
Only God’s Glory – Jesus, everything exists by you, for your glory, and for our utter enjoyment. May we do everything with grateful hearts to your glory—praying, playing, planting churches, placing a fly in front of a hungry trout.. all things. So Very Amen.