Neha Patil (Editor)

Solus Christus

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Solo Christo (Latin: by Christ alone) is one of the five solae that summarize the Protestant Reformers' basic belief that salvation is obtained through the atoning work of Christ alone, apart from individual works, and that Christ is the only mediator between God and man. It holds that salvation cannot be obtained without Christ.

Contents

Biblical basis of the doctrine

‹See Tfd›

″Jesus saith to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me". Gospel of John 14:6, Webster's Revision.

"Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you sound. This is the stone which was set at naught by you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved". Acts of the Apostles 4:10-12.

″For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus″.1 Timothy 2:5.

"For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like his brethren; that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people". Epistle to the Hebrews 2:16-17.

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but who was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need". Epistle to the Hebrews 4:14-16.

"Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens". Epistle to the Hebrews 7:25-26.

"My little children, these things I write to you, that ye sin not. And if any man sinneth, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world". First Epistle of John 2:1-2.

Catholic response

Although this doctrine was intended to present a contradistinction between the Reformers' teachings and those of the Catholic Church, the latter affirms the truth of solo Christo.

References

Solus Christus Wikipedia