Five Solas Murals

In commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, Saddleback Church has made a series of five murals based on the Five Solas. “Sola” is Latin for “only,” and these five were highlighted during the Reformation to guide Christ followers forward. They are essential foundations of our faith. Take a walk around the Worship Center to experience the Five Solas.

Art by @scottthepainter

Sola Fide
Only faith, not works can save us

Picture this small boat as you on your journey of faith in the midst of vast, untamed waters.  It’s a similar situation Jesus’ disciples found themselves in as they crossed the stormy sea with Jesus (Mark 4:35). They were full of fear, wondering how they would possibly survive the voyage.
When they called out to Jesus for help, he answered by calming the storm with a command. Although you may not know how you will face the vast ocean around you, Jesus encourages you to put off your fear and trade it for faith in him (Mark 4:40).

Sola Christus
Only Christ can give us salvation

As Christ was entering into ministry, John the Baptist announced him as the “Lamb who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The wounded lamb pictured here, standing on the book, is rooted in images from Scripture that have been used throughout church history.
Seals are meant to ensure important documents remain closed until the person, with the right authority, opens it. In the book of Revelation, Christ is the only one worthy of opening seven of these seals, which are pictured here under the lamb. This affirms

Sola Gracia
Only by grace are we made right with God

Imagine God’s hands, his whole being, making a complete circle around your life. This is a picture of God’s deep love for us — that he gracefully embraces us into his family. It is only by his grace we are showered with any blessings. It is only by his grace that we get to trade our brokenness for a new life.
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Soli Deo Gloria
Only God gets the glory

Have you had conversations or encounters with God as you look up to the stars and galaxies in the night sky? Nehemiah, a man of God in the Old Testament, did. He wanted to give God all the glory as he looked at his power revealed through nature.
Nehemiah shouts, “May your glorious name be praised! May it be exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars . . . you preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you” (Nehemiah 9:5-6).

Sola Scriptura
Only scripture is our authority for life, beliefs, and practice

Have you ever found yourself in a dark place, needing a little light? What about an uncertain place needing some stability? Peter was a disciple of Jesus that felt like this more than once. But Peter knew the word of God and he allowed it to transform him.
He describes the words of scripture as, “completely reliable, a light shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). God’s word is as reliable as an anchor to our boats. It is as bright as a torch on a dark path.
Peter’s view of God’s word was essential in his transformation into the solid rock Jesus said he would be. How would you like to see God’s word transform you?