Soli Deo Gloria

Dear Readers,

You may have noticed something about me. I tend to say “Soli Deo Gloria” a lot. Each time I post a blog, I end it with that statement. Each time I post on the FaceBook page, my post ends with that statement. When I write emails, instead of ending with “sincerely” or “thank you,” I end them with “Soli Deo Gloria.” Why? What does that mean?

The Reformation, which began in 1517, was the movement (or revolution) where Christianity broke away from the Roman Catholic Church. It was led by leaders such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, and John Knox. They led the Church in reforming Christian thinking regarding doctrines and concepts such as salvation, Scripture, christology and theology. Five terms sprung from this reformation and they are listed as follows: Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Christus, Sola Scriptura, and Soli Deo Gloria. They are commonly referred to as “the five solas.” These are all Latin terms and translated to English, they are: By grace alone, by faith alone, by Scripture alone, Christ alone, and glory to God alone.

These five ideas are the heartbeat of the Christian religion. They are the heartbeat of the gospel. Christians are “saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person of Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone.” What beautiful words!

However, one of these phrases has always stuck out to me and I have chosen to assign it as my life’s meaning and very purpose. And that phrase is, “Soli Deo Gloria.” Or, in English, “Glory to God Alone.” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (ESV). This, beloved, is the chief purpose of man: To glorify God. In whatever you do, do for the glory of God. Whether it is preaching the gospel in front of hundreds of people or taking out some smelly trash at your house. Whether you are at Church on Wednesday night or at work on Monday morning. Whether you are having a good day or you are having a bad day. In every second of every day, glorify the Lord. That is your purpose. It was what you were created for. To glorify our sovereign, almighty, gracious Lord. It is not about us. Never was and never will be. It is all about Him. So, next time someone asks you what your meaning in life is, reply to them and say “Soli Deo Gloria.” To the glory of God alone!!

Now you know why I always end my blog posts with this . . .

Soli Deo Gloria,

-Cam