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Why We're Protestant: An Introduction to the Five Solas of the Reformation
How do you discern true vs. false Christianity? In the days of the Protestant Reformation, the core tenets of the faith were strenuously examined. In the end, the Reformers maintained that at the heart of the Christian faith stood five main credos: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria. This book examines these five "solas" and makes a definitive case for why we're Protestant.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2017
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About the author
Nate Pickowicz
27 books52 followersNate Pickowicz (B.A., Muhlenberg College, M.A., Trinity Theological Seminary) is the pastor/planter of Harvest Bible Church in Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire. He also writes for EntreatingFavor.com and Servantsofgrace.org. He and his wife, Jessica, have two children.
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July 19, 2019
Nate Pickowicz’s “Why We’re Protestant: An Introduction to the Five Solas of the Reformation” is a short, readable primer to reformation theology. He unpacks the theological ideas that are at the core of Protestantism, which he sees as being in decline in most churches today due to lack of emphasis on sound teaching, and calls for a recovery and renewal of appreciation for these doctrines. He also argues that many of the doctrinal divides between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism are still relevant today, and should not be put aside for the sake of ecumenism.
In Chapter 1, Pickowicz gives the historical background behind the Reformation, explaining how movements to reform the Church according to the Word of God (such as the Waldensians, Lollards and Hussites) already existed during the Middle Ages, but that it took Martin Luther and the sixteenth century reformers for this reforming spirit to really catch on. He gives a brief summary of the life of Luther, and how his rediscovery of the doctrine of Justification, coupled by his indignation over the corruption of the clergy and the sale of indulgences, led to the events that would fan the flames of reformation throughout Europe.
Chapter 2 deals with the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Using 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as his springboard, he launches into a discussion of what Sola Scriptura means. He cites W. Robert Godfrey, who states, “The Protestant position… is that all things necessary for salvation and concerning faith and life are taught in the Bible with enough clarity that the ordinary believer can find them there and understand.” He then contrasts this with the Roman Catholic idea of scripture and sacred tradition being of equal authority, and shows how this has led to many unbiblical practices being instituted.
Chapter 3 then details the doctrine of Sola Gratia. He begins by recounting the life of Augustine (c. 4th-5th centuries), and how Augustine taught the bondage of the will to sin and the power of grace to overcome that bondage. This teaching would then be picked up by Luther in his disputations with Erasmus over the freedom of the will. Luther uses supporting texts such as Romans 3:10-18, and Pickowicz follows that up with a long litany of scripture texts that showcase man’s deadness in sin and need for regeneration in order to seek God.
Chapter 4 discusses the doctrine of Sola Fide. Here, Pickowicz launches into a discussion of Galatians, and shows from the text that we are justified by faith apart from works of the law. He then goes into Romans, and how this text sparked Luther’s realization that the righteous live by faith. Then, he unpacks the word “justify,” showing how the New Testament uses it in a forensic sense—sinners are declared righteous before God through faith, apart from any merits of our own. Because God sees that we cannot obtain any merit on our own, he credits to us Christ’s perfect righteousness.
Chapter 5 covers the doctrine of Solus Christus. After a brief discussion of the Reformers’ attempts to combat the veneration of images and statues in the church (with emphasis on the life of Ulrich Zwingli), Pickowicz talks about the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, who as God and man is uniquely placed to be our one mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). This is placed over against Roman Catholic views regarding the mass, the papacy, the cult of the saints, the treasury of merit, and the exalted views of Mary in particular—views which are not only unbiblical, but threaten to undermine the uniqueness and sufficiency of Christ as mediator.
Chapter 6 covers the last of the solas, which is Soli Deo Gloria. Pickowicz gives a brief summary of the life of John Calvin, and shows how, for Calvin, all of the disputes in the reformation are ultimately about “the centrality and supremacy and majesty of the glory of God.” For Calvin, all of life was to be lived “coram Deo” (before God), and all our aspirations are vocations are to be dedicated to that. Pickowicz connects this to Romans 11:36: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
In the final chapter, Pickowicz talks about the urgency of accepting these biblical truths for the sake of our salvation. He also stresses the dangers of believing in a faith that resembles biblical Christianity but falls short of it. Here, he forthrightly states:
“One of the greatest deceptions put forth by Satan is the propagation of almost Christianity—a Christianity that looks and sounds like the real thing, but that is completely antithetical to biblical Christianity. And although Roman Catholicism uses many of the same words, phrases, and Scriptures, as we’ve seen, it does not ultimately lead people in the way of salvation.”
He ends on a positive note by encouraging readers to test everything according to the scriptures, and to hold onto the Gospel of grace that is presented therein.
What I liked most about Pickowicz’s writing is that it is very accessible. He writes for the average layman, who has no specialized knowledge of theology or church history, and assumes no prior background knowledge on the part of the reader. He does his best to present Roman Catholic theology accurately by making reference to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the canons of the Council of Trent whenever possible. Also, the footnotes are a good source of further reading material for those wishing to dive into further study. He does give brief defenses of the doctrinal points he espouses, but they serve primarily to reinforce the point for the already convinced, and are unlikely to convince any Roman Catholics reading the work.
In addition, he does use a few arguments that experienced Protestant apologists would generally avoid. For example, the petros/petra distinction is brought up in the discussion of Matthew 16. As has often been pointed out, the difference between the two words is nothing more than a matter of gender. The text uses petros rather than petra because Peter is masculine, so a masculine form is necessary. Also, if Jesus really wanted to highlight the contrast, He would’ve used the word “lithos” (pebble) in place of “petros.” It would be better to point out other details, such as Jesus’ shift from the 2nd person to the 3rd person when discussing the rock, as well as the fact that the vast majority of patristic interpreters (e.g. Augustine) interpreted the rock as being either Christ or the Peter’s confession of faith.
The same could be said of the alternate numbering of the ten commandments. The truth is, both numbering systems are very old (Augustine came up with and popularized the numbering used by Rome), and that the alternate numbering has obscured the prohibition against graven images, while unfortunate, is more likely to be a historical accident. Plus, some Protestant churches (e.g. the Lutheran churches) use this numbering system as well, so it is not purely a reformational issue.
In conclusion, as a primer on the definition of the Solas of the reformation, this is an excellent work. It details not only the biblical bases for the Solas, but also the historical background behind them. This makes it helpful for anyone who wants to get their feet wet in historical theology. For those seeking to go deeper (especially in apologetics), I would recommend other works that go into greater detail into the issues involved. A good place to start would be the works cited in the footnotes, which I recommend everyone to obtain the works that are cited therein.
In Chapter 1, Pickowicz gives the historical background behind the Reformation, explaining how movements to reform the Church according to the Word of God (such as the Waldensians, Lollards and Hussites) already existed during the Middle Ages, but that it took Martin Luther and the sixteenth century reformers for this reforming spirit to really catch on. He gives a brief summary of the life of Luther, and how his rediscovery of the doctrine of Justification, coupled by his indignation over the corruption of the clergy and the sale of indulgences, led to the events that would fan the flames of reformation throughout Europe.
Chapter 2 deals with the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Using 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as his springboard, he launches into a discussion of what Sola Scriptura means. He cites W. Robert Godfrey, who states, “The Protestant position… is that all things necessary for salvation and concerning faith and life are taught in the Bible with enough clarity that the ordinary believer can find them there and understand.” He then contrasts this with the Roman Catholic idea of scripture and sacred tradition being of equal authority, and shows how this has led to many unbiblical practices being instituted.
Chapter 3 then details the doctrine of Sola Gratia. He begins by recounting the life of Augustine (c. 4th-5th centuries), and how Augustine taught the bondage of the will to sin and the power of grace to overcome that bondage. This teaching would then be picked up by Luther in his disputations with Erasmus over the freedom of the will. Luther uses supporting texts such as Romans 3:10-18, and Pickowicz follows that up with a long litany of scripture texts that showcase man’s deadness in sin and need for regeneration in order to seek God.
Chapter 4 discusses the doctrine of Sola Fide. Here, Pickowicz launches into a discussion of Galatians, and shows from the text that we are justified by faith apart from works of the law. He then goes into Romans, and how this text sparked Luther’s realization that the righteous live by faith. Then, he unpacks the word “justify,” showing how the New Testament uses it in a forensic sense—sinners are declared righteous before God through faith, apart from any merits of our own. Because God sees that we cannot obtain any merit on our own, he credits to us Christ’s perfect righteousness.
Chapter 5 covers the doctrine of Solus Christus. After a brief discussion of the Reformers’ attempts to combat the veneration of images and statues in the church (with emphasis on the life of Ulrich Zwingli), Pickowicz talks about the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, who as God and man is uniquely placed to be our one mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). This is placed over against Roman Catholic views regarding the mass, the papacy, the cult of the saints, the treasury of merit, and the exalted views of Mary in particular—views which are not only unbiblical, but threaten to undermine the uniqueness and sufficiency of Christ as mediator.
Chapter 6 covers the last of the solas, which is Soli Deo Gloria. Pickowicz gives a brief summary of the life of John Calvin, and shows how, for Calvin, all of the disputes in the reformation are ultimately about “the centrality and supremacy and majesty of the glory of God.” For Calvin, all of life was to be lived “coram Deo” (before God), and all our aspirations are vocations are to be dedicated to that. Pickowicz connects this to Romans 11:36: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
In the final chapter, Pickowicz talks about the urgency of accepting these biblical truths for the sake of our salvation. He also stresses the dangers of believing in a faith that resembles biblical Christianity but falls short of it. Here, he forthrightly states:
“One of the greatest deceptions put forth by Satan is the propagation of almost Christianity—a Christianity that looks and sounds like the real thing, but that is completely antithetical to biblical Christianity. And although Roman Catholicism uses many of the same words, phrases, and Scriptures, as we’ve seen, it does not ultimately lead people in the way of salvation.”
He ends on a positive note by encouraging readers to test everything according to the scriptures, and to hold onto the Gospel of grace that is presented therein.
What I liked most about Pickowicz’s writing is that it is very accessible. He writes for the average layman, who has no specialized knowledge of theology or church history, and assumes no prior background knowledge on the part of the reader. He does his best to present Roman Catholic theology accurately by making reference to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the canons of the Council of Trent whenever possible. Also, the footnotes are a good source of further reading material for those wishing to dive into further study. He does give brief defenses of the doctrinal points he espouses, but they serve primarily to reinforce the point for the already convinced, and are unlikely to convince any Roman Catholics reading the work.
In addition, he does use a few arguments that experienced Protestant apologists would generally avoid. For example, the petros/petra distinction is brought up in the discussion of Matthew 16. As has often been pointed out, the difference between the two words is nothing more than a matter of gender. The text uses petros rather than petra because Peter is masculine, so a masculine form is necessary. Also, if Jesus really wanted to highlight the contrast, He would’ve used the word “lithos” (pebble) in place of “petros.” It would be better to point out other details, such as Jesus’ shift from the 2nd person to the 3rd person when discussing the rock, as well as the fact that the vast majority of patristic interpreters (e.g. Augustine) interpreted the rock as being either Christ or the Peter’s confession of faith.
The same could be said of the alternate numbering of the ten commandments. The truth is, both numbering systems are very old (Augustine came up with and popularized the numbering used by Rome), and that the alternate numbering has obscured the prohibition against graven images, while unfortunate, is more likely to be a historical accident. Plus, some Protestant churches (e.g. the Lutheran churches) use this numbering system as well, so it is not purely a reformational issue.
In conclusion, as a primer on the definition of the Solas of the reformation, this is an excellent work. It details not only the biblical bases for the Solas, but also the historical background behind them. This makes it helpful for anyone who wants to get their feet wet in historical theology. For those seeking to go deeper (especially in apologetics), I would recommend other works that go into greater detail into the issues involved. A good place to start would be the works cited in the footnotes, which I recommend everyone to obtain the works that are cited therein.
August 19, 2017
This is an excellent primer to the Five Solas of the Reformation. At such a time as this when there is immense cultural pressure to declare all religions the same, Nate's book takes a bold and firm stand. Biblical Christianity is the one true means of salvation, no other false religion can bring forgiveness. Five hundred years ago, the Reformers broke from the false teachings of the Catholic Church and reclaimed what was lost. Their teachings led to the formation of the Five Solas that all Christians need to know and affirm. Get this book and read it so that you can know Christianity stands alone from all others.
February 28, 2019
This was a wonderful introduction to the 5 Solas. It is definitely well worth the read. I learned a lot, was reminded of things I had forgotten, and was greatly encouraged.
October 10, 2024
Very basic level survey of the five solas. Calvanist worldview
January 15, 2022
I picked this up as a Catholic looking to better understand the faith background of my Protestant friends. I was expecting positive, logical arguments for the five pillars of the Reformation that could spur interesting dialog. Instead, I found poorly-cited straw-man arguments against a Catholic Church that I didn’t recognize, presented in a way that a student of persuasive psychology might call manipulative.
To harp on the citations for a moment: First, there are many umbrella statements made that go completely un-cited and unsupported. For example: “Whereas Luther, along with the whole of Christendom, had believed that a person had to become righteous through sheer power of the will…”
If this is a part of our history, I’d like to learn more, but no supporting evidence is given.
Second: Almost all cited accusations against the Catholic Church come from Protestant sources, creating an echo chamber. For example, this passage cites a book called Theology of the Reformers: “But Rome held to an adapted view of Pelagianism— a denial of original sin, and the belief that the human will is able to choose to do good on its own; further, that salvation was “a reward for good works freely performed by human beings”.
The Catholic Church officially condemned Pelagianism at the Council of Orange II in A.D. 529. No evidence for a resurgence in Pelagianism is presented in this book, and it doesn’t even mention its original condemnation.
Third: Any Catholic sources that are cited need to be misread in order to agree with the argument that Pickowicz is making. For example, he cites a Canon from the Council of Trent to support the idea that the Catholic Church reinterpreted the doctrine of justification to include the necessity of works for salvation. The Canon reads, “If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.”
The co-operation to which the canon refers is the free acceptance of Grace. The Church acknowledges that no amount of works can be relied upon for salvation (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2002, 2005). What this canon is condemning is the use of faith as a talisman. It is warning against the tendency to become complacent in our sin because “God will be there when I’m ready to repent.”
As for the charge that this book is written in a manipulative way, Google “Laundry list persuasion”, “Thinking past the sale”, “Mind reading persuasion” and “fake because persuasion” and you will spot the use of these techniques instantly. I can’t prove that the author is purposely using them, but they occur too often for me to accept that he isn’t.
I will look elsewhere for the positive arguments I was originally seeking. I’m sure they exist. If anyone wants to point me to them, I welcome recommendations.
To harp on the citations for a moment: First, there are many umbrella statements made that go completely un-cited and unsupported. For example: “Whereas Luther, along with the whole of Christendom, had believed that a person had to become righteous through sheer power of the will…”
If this is a part of our history, I’d like to learn more, but no supporting evidence is given.
Second: Almost all cited accusations against the Catholic Church come from Protestant sources, creating an echo chamber. For example, this passage cites a book called Theology of the Reformers: “But Rome held to an adapted view of Pelagianism— a denial of original sin, and the belief that the human will is able to choose to do good on its own; further, that salvation was “a reward for good works freely performed by human beings”.
The Catholic Church officially condemned Pelagianism at the Council of Orange II in A.D. 529. No evidence for a resurgence in Pelagianism is presented in this book, and it doesn’t even mention its original condemnation.
Third: Any Catholic sources that are cited need to be misread in order to agree with the argument that Pickowicz is making. For example, he cites a Canon from the Council of Trent to support the idea that the Catholic Church reinterpreted the doctrine of justification to include the necessity of works for salvation. The Canon reads, “If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.”
The co-operation to which the canon refers is the free acceptance of Grace. The Church acknowledges that no amount of works can be relied upon for salvation (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2002, 2005). What this canon is condemning is the use of faith as a talisman. It is warning against the tendency to become complacent in our sin because “God will be there when I’m ready to repent.”
As for the charge that this book is written in a manipulative way, Google “Laundry list persuasion”, “Thinking past the sale”, “Mind reading persuasion” and “fake because persuasion” and you will spot the use of these techniques instantly. I can’t prove that the author is purposely using them, but they occur too often for me to accept that he isn’t.
I will look elsewhere for the positive arguments I was originally seeking. I’m sure they exist. If anyone wants to point me to them, I welcome recommendations.
August 12, 2017
“Justification is the article upon which the church stands or falls.” So said Martin Luther as he battled for reform in the eye of the sixteenth-century storm that we know as the Protestant Reformation. The Reformers rediscovered the truth and beauty of the gospel message and proclaimed it faithfully and forcefully. Their allegiance to the gospel inform and inspire us as we strive to follow in their footsteps.
Nate Pickowicz beautifully summarizes the spirit of the Reformers in his most recent book, Why We’re Protestant: An Introduction to the Five Solas of the Reformation. First, the author clearly describes the “gospel crisis” that emerged in the sixteenth century. The crisis involves a fundamental disagreement on how sinners are justified. The answers proposed by Rome and the sixteenth century Protestants are clear. The answer proposed by Rome falls short of the biblical benchmark and leads sinners to a pathway of destruction. The Protestant reply is faithful to Scripture and leads sinners on a pathway to the Celestial City.
The essential message of the Reformation is captured in the five solas – grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, and to God alone be the glory. Pickowicz guides readers on a journey that unfolds these remarkable truths in a way that is winsome, historically accurate, and faithful to Scripture.
Why We’re Protestant is a veritable battering ram and a boon for the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we draw near to the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation, I commend this fine work and trust that God will use it to fortify a new generation of reformers who exalt the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ!
Nate Pickowicz beautifully summarizes the spirit of the Reformers in his most recent book, Why We’re Protestant: An Introduction to the Five Solas of the Reformation. First, the author clearly describes the “gospel crisis” that emerged in the sixteenth century. The crisis involves a fundamental disagreement on how sinners are justified. The answers proposed by Rome and the sixteenth century Protestants are clear. The answer proposed by Rome falls short of the biblical benchmark and leads sinners to a pathway of destruction. The Protestant reply is faithful to Scripture and leads sinners on a pathway to the Celestial City.
The essential message of the Reformation is captured in the five solas – grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, and to God alone be the glory. Pickowicz guides readers on a journey that unfolds these remarkable truths in a way that is winsome, historically accurate, and faithful to Scripture.
Why We’re Protestant is a veritable battering ram and a boon for the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As we draw near to the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation, I commend this fine work and trust that God will use it to fortify a new generation of reformers who exalt the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ!
May 17, 2019
Really enjoyed this concise and precise summary of the five solas. The bonus material for me were the biographical sketches on men like Luther and Tyndale and Zwingli and Calvin.
October 31, 2020
This book beautifully elevates the gospel while uncovering introductory history of the Reformation. Academics may find that it isn't in depth enough, but this book excels at introducing one to why the Reformation is important in a culture steeped in ecumenicalism. This book was a great read leading up to Reformation Day, and would be a helpful tool for family devotion and teaching the solas to older children. I also liked that the author included Marin Luther's 95 Theses, and encourages the reader to use his book as a jumping off point to study the Reformation deeper. His Bibliography sources will prove useful in doing just that. His conclusion pointing to God's glory and the gospel of Christ was perfect in capturing the motivation for the Christian Life.
"Remember, there were no "protestants" in 1517; only Christians who cared enough about their faith to test all things against the Word of God. Let us be like the noble Bereans in Acts 17:11 and examine everything in light of what God has revealed in the Holy Bible."
"Remember, there were no "protestants" in 1517; only Christians who cared enough about their faith to test all things against the Word of God. Let us be like the noble Bereans in Acts 17:11 and examine everything in light of what God has revealed in the Holy Bible."
October 29, 2017
Decent. A Little bit derivative of other recent and lay-level books on the Reformation ("Theology of the Reformers"/"Why the Reformation Still Matters" are heavily quoted, as well as the penultimate lay-level theology/church history writer, Stephen Nichols, but it is overall good. I won't ever complain about another book about the benefits of the Reformation over and against Catholic theology, but I did feel like this book would have been a good article, instead of a 130 page book. The addition of Luther's 95 theses was unneeded fluff, since his audience wouldn't understand or benefit from it very much.
Great book cover art.
Great book cover art.
November 17, 2017
Not a bad summation
This was a quick and easy read that gives a nice historical and theological overview of the Five Solas of the Reformation, how they contrast with Catholic teaching, and why the Protestant view is correct. The only part of the book I didn't care for was the attack on free will in the chapter on grace; the author seemed to go off on an unrelated tangent here, which was not really necessary to make his argument. Still, this is a good book to read to get a quick overview of the foundational doctrines of Protestantism.
This was a quick and easy read that gives a nice historical and theological overview of the Five Solas of the Reformation, how they contrast with Catholic teaching, and why the Protestant view is correct. The only part of the book I didn't care for was the attack on free will in the chapter on grace; the author seemed to go off on an unrelated tangent here, which was not really necessary to make his argument. Still, this is a good book to read to get a quick overview of the foundational doctrines of Protestantism.
October 30, 2019
The Gospel Explained
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this brief overview of the five solas. The author clearly presents the gospel, the theological goals found within each of the solas and how the reformation sought to establish God’s Word as the authority for mans understanding of God and salvation.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this brief overview of the five solas. The author clearly presents the gospel, the theological goals found within each of the solas and how the reformation sought to establish God’s Word as the authority for mans understanding of God and salvation.
February 17, 2024
Although certain quotes and points are sound, the book is riddled with logical fallacies. This, combined with the incessant attacking of Catholicism, makes the book read as more anti-Catholic than pro-protestant (which is not what the book describes itself to be). I felt that the book should have either been a lot shorter or a lot longer.
January 13, 2019
Best book I read in 2017. I loved the way Nate combined history and modern practical theology and application. Its clear the church in America has a lot to keep fighting for and many don't even realize it. Would recommend to everyone!
June 10, 2022
A Quick Tour Through the Reformation
This book gives a concise explanation of the Reformation and why it was necessary. The book also goes into detail about the sufficiency of Scripture. A great and easy read on an important topic.
This book gives a concise explanation of the Reformation and why it was necessary. The book also goes into detail about the sufficiency of Scripture. A great and easy read on an important topic.
November 12, 2022
As stated, it’s an introduction. I was expecting slightly more detail. Nevertheless, for someone learning these tenets of the Protestant reformation, this book gives a concise accurate starting point.
November 30, 2017
A good overview of the five "Solas" of the Reformation, with Luther's 95 Theses as an appendix.
February 23, 2018
Pickowicz writes with passion. He gives clarity with history and carefully lays out theological foundations of our faith.
February 4, 2019
A must read
But it, read it, do it now. It’s a wonderful book on different aspects as to what lead up to the reformation.
But it, read it, do it now. It’s a wonderful book on different aspects as to what lead up to the reformation.
May 5, 2023
Very helpful understanding of Protestant (as opposed to Catholic) beliefs.
October 7, 2024
If you are looking for a good lay-level book on Protestant theology, this is it. I pastor in a town that is majority catholic. I plan to hand out this book a lot.
August 1, 2018
This was a good introduction/overview of the protestant reformation. If you are new to Christianity, or are not very knowledgeable of the history of the Christian faith, this is a good place to start. Nate does a good job of not assuming the reader will know and understand theological terms, and is sure to explain them. I think this book would be really good to use in homeschooling, or with a middle or high school youth group as a book study. Recommended.
August 11, 2017
Some things are essentially antithetical to one another—black and white, night and day, right and wrong, heaven and hell, Protestants and Catholics. Not everyone sees it this way. Protestants are often intellectually aloof, ignorant of the gold mine they stand on, taking the truth of the Scriptures for granted and being contented with a minimalistic Christianity. A friend of mine recently told me, “All that matters is that you believe in Jesus and we will figure everything else out when we get to heaven.”
With clarity and fervency, Nate captures the essence of the Protestant Reformation in this primer while making a potent case for its necessity 500 years ago and its significance for today. Using the five solas as a grid, he explains and refutes the errors of the Roman Catholic Church. With a perfect blend of history and theology, he offers a compelling exposition and exaltation of the truth of the Gospel found in the Scriptures. This book is a penetrating light in the dark days of modern Evangelicalism, a passionate plea for Protestants to ardently study the Scriptures and, like Luther, Calvin, Tyndale, and Zwingli, boldly stand up and proclaim the truth. Why? Because we have the truth. Because truth is able to set people free from the strongholds of deception. Because truth is powerful to start another revival. Because truth is the difference between right and wrong, heaven and hell, Protestants and Catholics. This is a must read for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation!
With clarity and fervency, Nate captures the essence of the Protestant Reformation in this primer while making a potent case for its necessity 500 years ago and its significance for today. Using the five solas as a grid, he explains and refutes the errors of the Roman Catholic Church. With a perfect blend of history and theology, he offers a compelling exposition and exaltation of the truth of the Gospel found in the Scriptures. This book is a penetrating light in the dark days of modern Evangelicalism, a passionate plea for Protestants to ardently study the Scriptures and, like Luther, Calvin, Tyndale, and Zwingli, boldly stand up and proclaim the truth. Why? Because we have the truth. Because truth is able to set people free from the strongholds of deception. Because truth is powerful to start another revival. Because truth is the difference between right and wrong, heaven and hell, Protestants and Catholics. This is a must read for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation!
November 5, 2017
When writing reviews, there are lots of thing you can say about a thick book. This is because a bulky volume can cover lots of grounds in a given topic. However in this new book of Nathan Pickowicz it’s not just an introduction to the 5 Solas we affirm. But it’s a mix bag of everything for everyone’s need done in a clear, understandable and orderly manner. This book is for a.) A believer who is confused with what he believes b.) A Catholic who wants to know the difference doctrinally between a Protestant and Roman Catholic church c.) A believer who wants to know the historic background of the 5 solas d.) A believer who wants a concise biblical response to Roman Catholicism’s beliefs and e.) A seeker who wants to know how to get right with God. That’s why I love reading this short book of because every angle is covered to satisfy different readers.
Reading this as we celebrate the 500th of the Reformation will reinforce the biblical and historical belief that we hold as a Christian. And it’s a gentle reminder for us that we should not compromise what believe. I highly recommend this book.
My verdict:
5 out of 5
Reading this as we celebrate the 500th of the Reformation will reinforce the biblical and historical belief that we hold as a Christian. And it’s a gentle reminder for us that we should not compromise what believe. I highly recommend this book.
My verdict:
5 out of 5
October 26, 2017
A well researched and carefully prepared book. Very readable. It is a good first read on the 5 Solas of the Reformation. The author keeps a sound, Biblical approach to each topic. The book was very well organized. This would be an excellent selection for a church or Bible study group that wanted to know
- Why and how are Protestants different from Roman Catholics.
I quite enjoyed the authors brief bios of different Reformers in different chapters.
One slight puzzle is that the book is written with very good footnotes and bibliography at a level that is higher than the writing itself or the informality of the book. This not a knock, just a puzzlement.I used the book as supplementary reading for preparing an easy-to-read Spanish book on the 5 Solas and I was entirely pleased.
However, if you are looking for a deeper approach - seminary for example, I wouldn't recommend this book
- Why and how are Protestants different from Roman Catholics.
I quite enjoyed the authors brief bios of different Reformers in different chapters.
One slight puzzle is that the book is written with very good footnotes and bibliography at a level that is higher than the writing itself or the informality of the book. This not a knock, just a puzzlement.I used the book as supplementary reading for preparing an easy-to-read Spanish book on the 5 Solas and I was entirely pleased.
However, if you are looking for a deeper approach - seminary for example, I wouldn't recommend this book
January 3, 2026
“The door to heaven is only as wide as the shoulders of Jesus Christ.”
-page 103
“Over and above all else, the Reformation was an effort to move religion away from a man-centered scheme of self-justification and self-salvation to the God-glorifying, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered religion of the Scriptures. John Calvin maintained, "We never truly glory in [God] until we have utterly discarded our own glory... The elect are justified by the Lord, in order that they may glory in him, and in none else."
But the Reformers realized that this battle would need to be fought in every generation. As soon as we begin to rest on our laurels, complacency and pride overtake us, and we find ourselves sinfully trusting in our own efforts again. That's why we must be committed to semper reformanda—to be "always reforming”.
-page 122
-page 103
“Over and above all else, the Reformation was an effort to move religion away from a man-centered scheme of self-justification and self-salvation to the God-glorifying, Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered religion of the Scriptures. John Calvin maintained, "We never truly glory in [God] until we have utterly discarded our own glory... The elect are justified by the Lord, in order that they may glory in him, and in none else."
But the Reformers realized that this battle would need to be fought in every generation. As soon as we begin to rest on our laurels, complacency and pride overtake us, and we find ourselves sinfully trusting in our own efforts again. That's why we must be committed to semper reformanda—to be "always reforming”.
-page 122
December 31, 2017
Great read worthy of your time and thoughts
Loved being reminded of the truths of the Protestant Reformation's solas and enjoyed being taken to the Scriptures, where support for every word was found. Mr. Pickowicz writes a fantastic quick read that any Christian should be able to enjoy.
Loved being reminded of the truths of the Protestant Reformation's solas and enjoyed being taken to the Scriptures, where support for every word was found. Mr. Pickowicz writes a fantastic quick read that any Christian should be able to enjoy.
September 27, 2017
Most excellent!
I thoroughly appreciate this helpful and concise treatment of these essential truths of the reformation. Such clarity is needed in the muddy waters or Evangelical ecumenism. I praise God for this faithful work.
I thoroughly appreciate this helpful and concise treatment of these essential truths of the reformation. Such clarity is needed in the muddy waters or Evangelical ecumenism. I praise God for this faithful work.
October 27, 2017
Great survey of Protestant-Evangelical doctrine
A great read that quickly summarizes each of the five Solas of the Protestant Reformation and explains why each of them is still important today.
A great read that quickly summarizes each of the five Solas of the Protestant Reformation and explains why each of them is still important today.
December 2, 2017
An Excellent Primer
This book is an easy read, and it is very needed in a time when people seem unable to distinguish between Biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism. It would make an excellent book for a class, a gift, or for yourself.
This book is an easy read, and it is very needed in a time when people seem unable to distinguish between Biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism. It would make an excellent book for a class, a gift, or for yourself.
October 8, 2017
A good rad
I liked the layout of the book and the information. A good book if you want to go a bit more in depth in the 5 Solas of the Reformation.
I liked the layout of the book and the information. A good book if you want to go a bit more in depth in the 5 Solas of the Reformation.
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