5 Points, 5 Solas, What's the Difference?

We started a new series on the "Foundations" of our faith yesterday. It's based on the 5 Solas of the Reformation. 

I think most folks understandably confuse the 5 Solas of the Reformation (The glory of God alone, Faith alone, Grace alone, Scripture alone and Christ alone) with the 5 points of Calvinism (Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and The Preservation of the Saints). They are not the same list of values but many think they are synonymous. 

The 5 points of the Reformation state, in the order listed above, that everything is for the Glory of God alone, we are justified by faith alone, we are saved by grace alone, all spiritual authority is found in Scripture alone and salvation is available through Christ alone. These are the basic tenets of Evangelical churches all over the world; Calvinist, Arminian, conservative, liberal, independent and any other categorization that may exist. These values rose up out of protest over the ways the Reformers believed the Catholic church had; given glory to a man (the Pope), taught justification by works instead of faith, demanded the participation in the sacraments as essential to salvation, ascribed authority to the words of the Pope over the Scriptures and encouraged prayer and gave authority to the Saints and Mary.    

The 5 points of Calvinism state, in order, that Man is totally depraved and unable to save himself, God chooses His followers (they do not choose him), Christ died only for those who are chosen, the chosen are unable to resist God's call on them and that salvation cannot be lost. 

These are very brief, very broad outlines of these two concepts. As we roll out each Sola, it should become clear that we are talking about the things we all share in common as Evangelicals. Perhaps they will help us keep our focus and gain clarity as our series progresses toward Christmas.