The Protestant Reformation was a response to Roman Catholic doctrine and theology. That response began with Christians within the Church who sought a return to biblical teachings about salvation, authority, and mediation.
When Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, there was widespread corruption in the Church. But the 95 Theses were a response to a doctrinal teaching–the sale of plenary indulgences, which promised the complete forgiveness of sins in exchange for money. It was the sale of the merit of Christ, a way to buy Jesus’ atonement.
The Reform that began with Martin Luther spread like wildfire across Europe. Theologians and Church officials had been calling for reform for centuries, and they lost no time fighting for true biblical teachings.
The Reformation was messy. There were arguments over biblical theology and over how to regard the Roman Catholic Church and other religions. Many, many people died so that we can have the freedom to worship God as we see fit. In fact, denominations are sort of an outworking of that freedom. You can baptize your infants under Covenantal theology, and I can choose the baptism of believing adults (or children old enough to understand that step) for my family, and we can talk about it as siblings in Christ–and no one dies. We can even still love each other.
The 5 Solas of the Reformation
Protestants read Scripture in the light of other Scripture. If we have a question about a teaching in the Bible, we can return to the rest of Scripture with that question to hash out the answer. The Bible is inerrant, infallible, and inspired. God does not lie, and His Word does not disagree with itself, so we can be confident that we can find the answers in Scripture.
To explain theology in ways that are easy to remember and that help keep us on the right track when reading the Bible, theologians and historians have come up with terms and slogans we can use to help us communicate and teach effectively. The word Trinity is not found in Scripture, but the Bible’s teaching on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the three Persons of the One, Triune God is clear. (This article contains a ton of references if you’re up for a rabbit trail!)
The 5 Solas of the Reformation are slogans that help us remember important Biblical truths. At the time of the Reformation, they helped distinguish the difference between Protestant doctrine and Roman Catholic doctrine. Though the slogans weren’t used together in a group of five consistently until 1958, the Reformers coined the different phrases in their writings. John Calvin emphasized most together in his writings.
Today, the 5 Solas continue to be important as the orthodox (meaning those who hold to biblical faith, so with a little “o”) Church continues to fight to hold to biblical doctrine.
The Five Solas
Sola means alone in Latin. I’ll explain each Sola briefly. I encourage you to go through The Five Solas: Signs to Follow on the Narrow Path seven-day family Bible study and activity pack that my friend Lindsey Stomberg and I put together. It’s out just in time for the 500th Anniversary of Reformation Day, and it offers Bible passages and discussion questions to help your family really understand the Five Solas.
- Sola Scriptura – By Scripture Alone: The Bible is God’s Word, our authoritative, inerrant, and inspired guide. We do not hold any authority–tradition, clerical, political, or otherwise over the authority of the Bible. In fact, we read Scripture in the light of other Scripture.
- Sola Fide – By Faith Alone: We are saved by faith alone, not by works or merit. Faith leads to justification (salvation) and then to good works as a sign of our gratitude for salvation.
- Sola Gratia – By Grace Alone: We are saved by God’s grace through faith. Salvation is a free gift from God. God alone gives the gift of faith and of salvation. We can’t earn grace, nor can we earn greater grace through our actions.
- Solus Christus – Through Christ Alone: We are saved only by the atoning blood of Christ and it’s through Jesus that we know God. We don’t need anyone else to approach the Father on our behalf–Jesus does that for us.
- Soli Deo Gloria – To the Glory of God Alone: We were created and saved to bring glory to God, the King of the Universe. Everything we do should be for His glory. We don’t glorify anyone else, living or dead–only God is to be glorified.
500th Reformation Day Family Resources
This October 31st marks the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day, the day Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. That act began the Protestant Reformation.
We can celebrate the return to the biblical truths that Scripture is our authority and that we are saved by grace through faith. It is only the atoning blood of Christ that accomplishes this wondrous salvation. All glory to God!
Some friends and I are excited to offer you a fun family giveaway in celebration of the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day. Before I tell you what you can win, let me tell you who’s giving the prizes! I love these ladies and I think you’ll enjoy their sites and the resources they offer.
When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther
The 5 Solas: Signs to Follow on the Narrow Path, A 7 Day Family Bible Study
- When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther by Danika Cooley ($16.99)
- “Martin Luther’s life was too exciting not to be written for teens and younger readers! In this fast-paced, action-packed novel of Martin Luther’s life, teen readers (and more than a few adults!) will be introduced to a fascinating time when princes ruled Europe and knights roamed the countryside. They’ll learn about a time when powerful forces lined up against each other and believing the wrong thing could get you killed.When Lightning Struck! is far more than just an adventure story, of course. It also tells a theological story. Drawing carefully from Luther’s own words, this book introduces readers to a kindred spirit who struggled with what knowing God through Scripture means for daily life. They will understand what was at stake and how powerfully liberating Luther’s idea of grace through faith was in his time and in ours!In crisp, enjoyable prose, author Danika Cooley conveys both the drama and the meaning of the Reformation for younger readers like no one before her!”
- When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther by Danika Cooley ($16.99)
- The 5 Solas: Signs to Follow on the Narrow Path by Lindsey Stomberg and Danika Cooley ($14.99)
- “The Five Solas are slogans that were popularized by the Reformers during the reformation of the Church (1350-1648). These slogans are based on biblical truths and sound doctrine. Knowing and understanding the Five Solas is important for your children–it will help read and apply Scripture to their lives.
Each day includes:
An overview of a Sola or Scriptural concept.
A Bible passage to study with discussion questions.
Additional Scripture passages to read to better understand the intent of each Sola.
A structured notebooking page to encourage independent thinking and writing skills.
A fun family activity to help creatively cement your child’s learning process.
A memorable craft to encourage creative expression and further your child’s understanding.
Bonus coloring pages for older children and a printable card set for memory games.”
- “The Five Solas are slogans that were popularized by the Reformers during the reformation of the Church (1350-1648). These slogans are based on biblical truths and sound doctrine. Knowing and understanding the Five Solas is important for your children–it will help read and apply Scripture to their lives.
- The 5 Solas: Signs to Follow on the Narrow Path by Lindsey Stomberg and Danika Cooley ($14.99)
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When lightning strikes I am most excited about. Also the cool playmobile!
This is a great give away! So much to learn from the Reformation!
I am excited about “When Lightening Struck” because I am currently reading it to my daughter and it is making Hustory come alive for her!
Looking forward to checking out the resources listed here.
I would love to learn about the reformation myself and want my kids to learn too. It is something I never knew much about, even as someone who grew up in church!
I would love to learn more about the reformation and read”When Lightening Struck”, the story about Martin Luther. It sounds like a fascinating read. We have read Peril and Peace and are now fascinated to learn more church history.
Awesome information!!
I would love to share the story of Martin Luther with my kids. Thank you for offering this great giveaway!
The reformation changed our lives all these many years removed. Our daughter has even planned a conference around the 5 Solas for youth in our community. Thanks for the resources!
I have been following Danika for years and finally decided to purchase the book. It is amazing. So if I win I will be donating the book to the local library.
I didn’t realize the 500th anniversary was this year. Would love the story to share more with my kids.
Looks like some good stuff.
Recently purchased When Lightning Struck! and have incorporated it into our homeschooling curriculum for this month. This giveaway would be an awesome addition to any home!
We enjoyed reading the book and learning about how God preserved his church.
Thanks for sharing the info regarding the Reformation. I plan to share with my kids today 🙂
This is great! We are going to have a reformation party this year and play pin the thesis on the door 🙂
I really don’t know much about the Reformation. Church seems like a big business venture to me. I want to teach my kids without being cynical but I’m not sure what’s true and what’s tradition. I’m thinking this will help.
This is such a great giveaway! I’m looking forward to learning more about the Reformation, winner or not.
Thanks for putting this giveaway together!
Thank you! We can’t get enough good books to read!
Thank you! We 💘 books!
Great! I’m so excited to teach my kids about the Reformation! We live overseas, but we are here in America for a few months! These are wonderful resources- hope I could cram them in our bags! 🙂 I’ll give up clothes space for books any day! 🙂
I Love this give away! If I win I can use them to teach our kids at church about the Reformation. We direct the first through 6th grade children’s ministry and are highlighting the Reformation during our missions moments this year.
I personally don’t know much about Martin Luther so this would be a great resource for all of us
I am studying to join a Lutheran church in my area and the whole story interests me as I am growing in faith.
I’m glad to have found these great resources to use in our homeschool with my jr. and sr. high children.
Wonderful way to highlight this turning point in history!
Wonderful! I love all of the resources! We have When Lightening Strikes already😊we’ll start reading right after the Crescent and the Cross (thanks for telling us about these great books Danika!). I know a family who’d love my extra copy if I win😁Thanks for the chance’
I am excited about When Lightening Struck because it’s a great read, especially aloud to my daughter, who also really loved it. I want to give a copy away !
Awesome thanks
Excited to learn and teach my kids about Reformation Day! Especially this year! The giveaway has wonderful resources I’d love to put to good use! Thanks!!
We have already started When Lightning Strikes and it is SO good!!!
We have already started When Lightning Strikes and it is SO good!!! Would love to read the other resources!
I am excited about When Lightning Struck to refresh my memory of 18 years of Lutheran education.
A living book about Martin Luther- what a great gift that would be to receive! Having the figure for the kids to act out the story is even better. Maybe Playmobil could be convinced to make an entire Reformation set. 🙂
To be able to easily teach my children the basics of the Reformation is what I’m excited about in When Lightening Struck.
I’d really like to read “When lightening struck” and learn more about Martin Luther. I also really like the Bible Road Trip. Thanks for all the great resources!
Thank you for helping our family discover about the Reformation. Looking forward to reading When Lightning Struck.
“When lightning struck” sounds like a great resource for families!
This is an amazing book that makes history so interesting for children!
I’m so excited about this giveaway to not only spend quality time with my kiddos but to learn more myself.
Thank you for sharing the information about the Reformation and the Solas, so interesting. This is an area I don’t have much knowledge in.
Would be such a blessing! Homeschooling next year so this would be great asset for us!
Reading about Martin Luther
I love reading about Reformers and their work and lives.
I am intrigued with the book WHEN LIGHTENING STRIKES–would love to own a copy, along with the other resources listed here. SO IMPORTANT to understand history and the significance of the Reformation!!
Excuse my poor typing!
WHEN LIGHTNING STRUCK !!
We only own one reformation book, so it would be so fun to win!
Hi, Danika! I love that i love church history, and have been looking forward to finally getting to it with my daughter. The thought of Martin Luther nailing those 95 Theses to the door always does something within me… (Go, Luther!) The courage of that man! I hope to win, but as well, can you share some other references you recommend for church history? It seems like this just might be a passion for you, too!
I’m curious about When Lightning Struck because I think highly of Tauna and she’s always recommending it
My husband and I want to teach the kids about the reformation and this would be great to help us!
I’m looking forward to learning more about the Reformation with my punks.
I’m most excited about a resource that explains the Reformation to kids in such an easy way.
I came to Lutheranism as an adult. I now have a grandchild, and I’m excited to share being Lutheran with him starting right from the beginning…..
I enjoyed reading “When Lightning Struck” because showed Martin Luther to be human — only God is perfect (and some people sometimes forget that!). Thank you, Danika Cooley for that! And now I am looking forward to reading it w/ my family. 🙂
I am excited about When Lightning Struck because I enjoy historical fiction and stories about Martin Luther.
Thanks for a great giveaway! I would love to read WHen Lightning Struck- heard great things about it for awhile now!!
These are amazing resources for our family!
I like teaching my children about truth and what’s right. Being able to teach them about leaders from history who stood up for truth and what’s right is very rewarding. Thank you for the contest.
Was just talking about this with my friends. Our whole family would really love and use all of these!
I love church history and would love to have this book on Martin Luther. I have never heard of the 5 solas and am interested in reading about them.
Great give away!
I am excited that When Lightning Struck is the ~story~ of Martin Luther and the Reformation, not just the list of facts. I am looking most forward to seeing the world around him as he submitted himself to God’s Purplose.
While we talk about the Reformation every year in church, I’d love to explore this more with my kids at home!
I am excited about When Lightening Struck because we enjoy reformation stories and this would be great to share with our children.
Everything looks great! I’m excited about the $30 Grace and Truth Books Gift Card. We already have your book and my kids love it! If we win, I will share the book with my friend so her kids can enjoy it, too.
What a cool giveaway!
I want to read When Lightning Struck with my children.
What a great giveaway!! We love history and learning more about Martin Luther and the Reformation.
Everything looks amazing, it’s hard to pick a favorite!
What a great giveway for this anniversary.
I love history, it is so important for our children! The books you are offering provide great insights into Martin Luther and his day. Would like to share these with my grandchildren.
We don’t celebrate Halloween so this is an excellent way of us celebrating something that means something on that day.
Thank you for the wonderful resources for families!
I’m excited about”When Lightning Struck” because we’re getting ready to learn Abby Martin Luther in our homeschool and it looks like an amazing living history resource.
It looks like an amazing resource to add to our library – I love using a biography based approach to history, and this seems perfect!
I love sharing stories about men and women of the faith and this looks like a great resource!
We’d like to have a tool to help take the focus off Halloween and put it on God.
Thanks for all the great info! These resources look fabulous! Would love to add them to our homeschooling day- especially When Lightning Struck.
All of these resources look great. I would love to learn more about the reformation with my children.
This is an awesome post! I was looking for some resources to study the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. I really hope we win the giveaway!
I would like to learn more myself as well as help teach my niece more about the Reformation.
What a great giveaway! I’m always looking for great reformation resources.
I really enjoyed reading When Lightning Struck with my children last fall. It was so cool learning about Martin Luther’s thought processes before his conversion and then seeing how God worked to change him and save him and then used his influence to reform so many in the church. Great story and so well written!
I love this blog.
Great giveaway!
I am really looking forward to teaching my son about the reformation in more detail this year!
This looks like a great family tradition to start. I shared these posts with the head of Sunday school at our church and she is going to use some of it for teaching during the children’s church.
It looks like a wonderful way for my children to learn more about Martin Luther!
I’m excited to reading this story to help my background knowledge and for all these extra resources to use to teach my students in a Lutheran elementary school more about the Reformation!! The reformation cards were a hit with my second graders!!
Becca Eichler
I’m always excited about helping my grands understand what Luther was all about. I’m especially excited about the five solas!
This would be so great for my kids, grandkids and great grandkids.
I am interested in the Reformation, amazed by the men and women who were so confident in the powerful, saving power of Jesus, the Truth of His Word, and the lives they lived as evidence of these convictions. I’ve been piecing together information to share with my children, but see such a wealth of information here. Thank you for passing these testimonies on to the next generation!
Fun giveaway. Thanks for putting it together.
I am always looking for ways to make history come alive for my children.
coming in on the tail end……. LOVE When Lightning Strikes. would LOVE a MLK figure.
I am learning so much about the Reformation, these books will just add to teaching our children!
I have purchased the Bible curriculum and we are enjoying that. We do not have When Lightning Strikes. It sounds like a great read!
What a fun giveaway! I would love a copy of When Lightening Struck!
I have When Lightning Struck! on my book wishlist, I would be very excited to win a copy and read it with my kids.
Love celebrating Christian History!!
Looks like a pack of great resources!
What I love about it is the history behind it
This is a great giveaway and an exciting addition to our family devotional time and home schooling on the reformation.
I love teaching about the Reformation! This is an outstanding giveaway
Great giveaway!
I had no idea about these details on Reformation Day until you guys started posting it. I would love to have resources to teach my kids all about it as a tradition! Thank you for the opportunity!
I’m so excited to bring these important teaching to my children on this monumental 500 year celebration! Thanks for doing the heavy lifting for us!!
This is a great give away! We r studying Martin Luther with our kids along with the song he wrote, “A Mighty Fortress.” We currently read “Martin Luther, a man who changed the world.” It’s a great book but the resources in the giveaway are also great as well! So thank you for doing this. It’s so important to be teaching our kids about such God Fearing people and the impact they made on Christianity!
I studied in Wittenberg one summer, but that was well before I could appreciate the significance of the history there. I hope to educate my children and even our kids at church about this important time in the history of the church. Thanks for sharing these great resources!
When Lightening Struck sounds like a great adventure story for a family read-aloud!
Can’t wait!
What a fun giveaway! There is very little available at my library for kids about the Reformation. Thanks for providing some great resources!
We as a family have recently had our eyes open to God’s sovereignty. It has been thoroughly EXCITING to see God so big after years of commanding God to do what was right in our own eyes. This will be our first celebration seeing God for who He really is and we are really looking forward to celebrating His greatness and His Word for years to come with the children that are still home and as grandparents, with our 7 grandchildren!
What a wonderful list of resources! Thank you!
Christa Small
This is a great giveaway! All these books I would love to have.
My son and I have almost completed “When Lightning Struck” in preparation for a book club discussion at our church. We’d love to expand our study with more material, and share the book with someone else.
This is a wonderful resource thank you!
What an amazing giveaway!
Resources for teaching about the Reformation to this age group are critical; a great addition ~
I’m excited to study the reformation with my kids
The Reformation is a fascinating subject and changed church history. These would be fantastic resources!
Our timing of our history studies just happen to coincide with the life of Marin Luther in time for the big 500th year celebration!
I’m such a Lutheran geek! So excited about this giveaway as I’ve been looking for solid Biblical and historical resources for the kids.
I’m excited about When Lightening Struck to get my son excited about the true gospel reformation.
I’m excited about it because I love history.
I’ve been drooling over these items for a while and would love to bring some meaning to Oct 31st
I think that my kids and I would really enjoy reading “When Lightning Struck”. Sounds fascinating!
What an amazing giveaway. We are also Lutheran so this is extra special!