Acts 15:18 *Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world*.
*THE HEART OF PROTESTANT REFORMATION: THE SOLAS*(b)
Counter reformation historians see Martin Luther as rebellious. A church historian once told us that some priests believe Martin Luther's reformation happened because he fell in love with a nun. This is laughable because nothing in history suggests such.
Is it not better for him to marry than to burn with passion? Is it not better for him to marry than to keep secret mistresses and child(ren) like some did? I think he was a sincere man of different persuasion. Even If the allegation was true, we can say that falling in love made him realize the truth written in scriptures.
The second doctrine the reformers promulgated was:
ii. *SOLA FIDE - FAITH ALONE*
Romans 3:28 says, “*a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law*”
The medieval church did not put their faith in Christ alone for salvation. Rather, they added works (of tradition) and indulgence to faith. As far as they were concerned, believing in Jesus was not enough, some other things must be done.
A believer is made right with God by trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross not by buying masses, pilgrimages, or being “good enough”. No man is good enough to earn salvation. It is only for those that put their faith in Jesus.
Titus 3:5 says, *"He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit*"( ESV).
We can liken the rituals of the medieval church to the rituals of Mosaic law that demanded works to be made right with God yet they fell short of God's glorious standard. Apostle Paul made it clear that those laws could not save any man except faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:16: "Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ."
Religion will prescribe a long list of what to be done to earn salvation but the true Christian faith will say "believe in Christ's atoning sacrifice and you shall be saved". It is easier to believe in the sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice than to subscribe to works. The latter is burdensome.
Some religion prescribes good works like charity to be saved but they are mistaken. Works are the result of faith, not the price of it. That is, we do not do good works to be saved but because we are saved.
On the issue of faith alone as the criteria for salvation, Luther says, “This article is the chief article of all Christian doctrine.He said the church stands or falls on this."
Go tell sinners Christ has paid for their sins. No need to buy relics, pay for masses or indulgence, or go on pilgrimage. All they need to do is to put their faith in Christ who paid the sacrifice for their sins.