5 Things to Remember on Halloween

As diligent, responsible parents, you don't need to be told to do the following:

* Choose costumes without masks

* Go early -- and there are many benefits to this, not the least of which is that the kids are going to be wound up when they get home, so better to get home at 7 instead of 8:30

* Don't go alone. It's always more fun in a crowd anyway.

But there are other things for Christian parents to remember on Halloween.

If you read last Friday's post, you know October 31, 1517 is the day Martin Luther inadvertently started the Reformation by nailing his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenburg Cathedral. But that was only the beginning.

John Calvin, a French theologian and pastor, continued the call for reform from Geneva, Switzerland. His role as reformer came after a zigzag education. He began his education in Paris to become a member of the clergy, but his father withdrew him so he could study law. John Calvin became a humanist lawyer, until he had a salvation experience in 1533, after a period of inner turmoil and questioning.

Only a few years later, in 1536, Calvin began his work as a reformer. Although Calvin is not credited with originating the 5 Solas, these five ideas nevertheless summarize the teachings of Calvin and other reformers. These five ideas are still essential to what modern Protestants believe.

1. Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone. The Bible is the inspired word of God, unerring, always relevant, always true. Every word is true and Scripture as a whole is true. 2 Timothy 3:16

2. Sola Fide: By Faith Alone. We can get to heaven no other way than through faith in the saving work of Jesus. Romans 3:28

3. Sola Gratia: By Grace Alone. We are saved, not by works, but by grace alone. Romans 3:24

4. Solus Christus: Christ alone. Jesus alone is our savior, lord, and king. 1 Timothy 2:5

5. Soli Deo Gloria: For God's Glory Alone. We were created for God's glory. 1 Peter 4:11

We can be distracted by different teachers, Bible study books, and messages, even Biblical ones. But if you want to boil it down to the basics of Christianity, the 5 Solas are concise and easy to explain.

Enjoy your holiday, but in the next few days, come back and consider, and be encouraged to share what you believe with others.