Martin Luther (1483–1546) and the other writers of the Lutheran Confessions were guided by three great principles in their teaching of Christian doctrine. These three principles were Scripture alone (sola Scriptura), grace alone (sola gratia), and faith alone (sola fide). Scripture alone: The Bible is the only source for the doctrines on which faith must rest. It is the only standard by which a Christian’s teaching and life must be judged. The Bible is the only source for the doctrines on which faith must rest. It is the only standard by which a Christian’s teaching and life must be judged. Grace alone: Salvation is by God’s grace alone through Jesus Christ. Human works do not contribute to our salvation. Salvation is by God’s grace alone through Jesus Christ. Human works do not contribute to our salvation. Faith alone: Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive, as our very own, the righteousness and forgiveness Jesus won for all by his holy life and substitutionary death. Those who believe in Jesus have eternal life. Those who do not believe in Jesus reject the forgiveness he won for them on the cross, and they will perish eternally (Mk 16:16). The three principles of Scripture alone, grace alone, and faith alone are at the center of the study of Christian doctrine.Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive, as our very own, the righteousness and forgiveness Jesus won for all by his holy life and substitutionary death. Those who believe in Jesus have eternal life. Those who do not believe in Jesus reject the forgiveness he won for them on the cross, and they will perish eternally (Mk 16:16). The three principles of Scripture alone, grace alone, and faith alone are at the center of the study of Christian doctrine.
