The Five Solas are five foundational truths that emerged from the Protestant Reformation and were powerfully preached during periods of revival like the Great Awakening. These truths helped shape biblical Christianity and restored a clear understanding of salvation by grace through faith. During the Great Awakening, preachers like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John Wesley emphasized these gospel principles to call sinners to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Let’s explore each of the five solas and how they were emphasized during this revival movement.

1. Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone

This truth affirms that the Bible alone is the final and infallible authority for all Christian faith and practice. During the Great Awakening, revivalists rejected the traditions of men and emphasized the power of God’s Word to convict and convert the soul. They preached straight from Scripture, urging people to read and believe the Bible for themselves.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV): “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

2. Sola Fide – Faith Alone

Salvation is received through faith alone, not by works. This was a strong message during the Great Awakening, where people were reminded that outward religion or moral efforts could not save them. Faith in Christ, not faith plus good deeds is what justifies the sinner before God.

Romans 5:1 (KJV): “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

3. Sola Gratia – Grace Alone

We are saved by grace alone, not because of any merit of our own. Revival preachers taught that sinners are helpless apart from God’s grace. The new birth and true repentance come from the Spirit of God, not from religious rituals or personal strength. Grace awakens the heart and enables faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV): “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”

4. Solus Christus – Christ Alone

Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. During the Great Awakening, the person and work of Jesus Christ were magnified. Salvation was not in the church, the priest, or good behavior—but in Christ alone, who died for our sins and rose again.

Acts 4:12 (KJV): “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

5. Soli Deo Gloria – To the Glory of God Alone

All things, especially salvation, are for God’s glory alone. The preaching of the Great Awakening did not exalt man, but magnified the holiness, justice, mercy, and love of God. True revival always results in worship, humility, and a passion to live for God's glory.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV): “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

The Five Solas summarize the message of the gospel and were central to the spiritual revival of the Great Awakening. They are still just as relevant today. If we are to see genuine revival again, it must be founded on these eternal truths: Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone.

Let these solas shape your understanding of the gospel, your love for truth, and your devotion to Christ.