The Five Solas are a summation of the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation. They are:
- Sola scriptura -- "Scripture Alone." This is in opposition to the teaching of the Catholic Church, that scripture is interpreted through Holy Tradition. It expresses a conviction that scripture is perspicuous and self-interpreting. Catholicism also maintains that other rules of faith than scripture exist, namely the infallible Councils and Popes.
- Solus Christus -- "Christ Alone." Salvation is by (or through) Christ alone. There are no other persons (such as Mary or the saints) that come between ourselves and Christ.
- Sola gratia -- "Grace Alone." Salvation comes not through any goodness on our parts. This is a response to the Catholic doctrine of merit.
- Sola fide -- "Faith Alone." Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone -- neither the church nor any other party is an actor therein.
- Soli Deo gloria -- "Glory to God Only." The reformers believed that human beings (such as the Catholic saints and popes) and their organizations (the Church) were not worthy of the glory that was bestowed on them.
