Theological Term of the Week: Solus Christus
Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 3:30AM 
One of five Latin statements that summarize the core teachings of the Protestant Reformation. It means “Christ alone,” and refers to the truth that salvation is based exclusively on the mediatorial work of Christ. His sinless life and substitutionary death are the sufficient and sole grounds on which those who are being saved receive all the benefits included in their salvation.
- From scripture:
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time (1 Timothy 1:5-6 ESV).
- From The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 8:
Of Christ the Mediator
I. It pleased God, in His eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man, the Prophet, Priest, and King, the Head and Savior of His Church, the Heir of all things, and Judge of the world: unto whom He did from all eternity give a people, to be His seed,and to be by Him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.
V. The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, has fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for those whom the Father has given unto Him.
VIII. To all those for whom Christ has purchased redemption, He does certainly and effectually apply and communicate the same; making intercession for them, and revealing unto them, in and by the word, the mysteries of salvation; effectually persuading them by His Spirit to believe and obey, and governing their hearts by His word and Spirit; overcoming all their enemies by His almighty power and wisdom, in such manner, and ways, as are most consonant to His wonderful and unsearchable dispensation.
- From Living For God’s Glory by Joel Beeke, page 144:
If you are a true son or daughter of the Reformation, Christ in His threefold office as Prophet-Priest-King will mean everything to you. The gospel is a gospel of solus Christus because, from beginning to end, it has everything to do with who Christ is and shat He accomplished outside of us, for us, in our stead. Do you love and live solus Christus? Do you love him in his person, offices, natures, and benefits? Is he your Prophet to teach you; your priest to sacrifice for, intercede for, and bless you; and your King to rule and guide you?
Have you learned to know Christ personally and experientially as your Savior and Lord? Have you learned that He is more than an example whom we should emulate, more than a martyr who is heroic, more than a psychotherapist who gives you health and wealth? Have you learned that, in terms of salvation, Jesus Christ is everything to you, a sinner?
Learn more:
- Got Questions: Why is solo Christo important?
- Logonier Ministries: Christ Alone
- Steven Lawson: Solus Christus
- D. Blair Smith: What Does “Solus Christus” Mean?
- Steven Wellum: The Five Solas: Christ Alone
- Steven Wellum: 5 Reasons Solus Christus Is at the Heart of the Five Solas
Related terms:
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