The Historic Protestant Position
Ordo Luminis recognizes the historic Protestant position.
On the Relation of Faith and Works
The Bible clearly states that we are saved by grace through faith apart from the works of the law.1 The Bible also clearly warns that if we practice lifestyles of sin we will not inherit the Kingdom of God.2 Protestants affirm both statements as true, applying regeneration3—and, at times, sanctification—instead of justification in their interpretation of the “practice verses.”4 In other words, the transformative process is seen as God's work in you, rather than an effort on your part to earn or merit salvation. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit, not human decision and efforts,5 as a consequence of your new nature.6 In essence, “works‑fruit” not “works‑salvation.”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again [regenerated3], you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
In contrast, a legalist applies the concept of justification to the “practice verses,”4 and rejects justification by grace through faith apart from works.1 Meanwhile, an antinomian denies the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles altogether on the “practice verses,”4 adhering instead to a distorted interpretation of faith alone (i.e. a faith that is dead, disingenuine, and fruitless)7 which has no historical basis within Protestantism.
| Legalist |
|---|
| 🚫Applies Justification to practice verses.4 🚫Denies Justification by any faith.1 |
| Protestant |
|---|
| ✅Applies Regeneration to practice verses.4 ✅Accepts Justification by living faith.1 |
| Antinomian |
|---|
| 🚫Denies practice verses.4 🚫Accepts Justification by dead faith.1 |
1. Eph 2:8-10; Gal 2:16,21; 3:10-12; 5:4; Ro 3:20,28.
2. Gal. 5:19-21; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 5:5-6 (cf. Q87).
3. John 3:3; 1Jn. 3:6-10 (cf. A7.41).
4. 1Jn. 2:3-5; 3:9-10; 5:18; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Matt. 3:8,10; 7:21-23; Heb. 10:26-31; 6:4-6; Lk 9:62; Rom. 6:1-2,15; 3:31; Jd 4 NET; Mt 10:38; Lk 9:23; Lk 14:27.
5. Ga 5:22-23 NLT; Jn 15:4-5; 1Cor 3:6-7.
6. 2Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15.
7. Jas. 2:14-26; 2Cor. 13:5 (cf. 2 Peter 1:5–10), John 15:4-5 (cf. Q86.3, A7.41, A12).
Consensus Among Historic Creeds and Confessions of Protestantism
Reformed Baptist & Presbyterian
John Calvin (1509-1564) was the first and most influential theologian in the Reformed tradition.
Therefore Christ justifies no one whom he does not at the same time sanctify. … Thus it is clear how true it is that we are justified not without works yet not through works. — John Calvin, [Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 vols., trans. Ford Lewis Battles, 3.16.1]
It is therefore faith alone which justifies, and yet the faith which justifies is not alone … — John Calvin, [Tracts and Letters: Acts of the Council of Trent, Antidote to the Canons of the Council of Trent, Canon 11.]
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) is the doctrinal standard for Presbyterian and Reformed churches.
11.2: Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification: yet is not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all the other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love. — [The Creeds of Christendom, ed. Philip Schaff, 3 vols. 3:626]
Lutheranism
Formula of Concord (1576) the great summary and consensus of Lutheran doctrine.
III. & VIII. We believe, also teach, and confess that Faith alone is the means and instrument whereby we lay hold on Christ the Saviour … after that man is justified by faith, then that true and living faith works by love, and good works always follow justifying faith, and are most certainly found together with it, provided only it be true and living faith. For true faith is never alone … — [The Creeds of Christendom, ed. Philip Schaff, 3 vols. 3:116, 118]
Anglican and Episcopalian
Thirty-Nine Articles of the Church of England (1571) doctrinal standard for Anglican and Episcopalian churches.
XII. Of Good Works: Albeit that Good Works, which are fruits of Faith, and follow after Justification… do spring out necessarily of a true and lively faith… by them a lively Faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by the fruit. — [The Creeds of Christendom, ed. Philip Schaff, 3 vols. 3:494]
Baptist
New Hampshire Baptist Confession (1833) Statement for Baptist churches.
VII. & VIII. Regeneration … is effected … by the power of the Holy Spirit … its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith, and newness of life. … We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy … — [The Creeds of Christendom, ed. Philip Schaff, 3 vols. 3:744-45]
Methodist
John Wesley (1703-1791) the founder of Methodism.
We are, doubtless, justified by faith. This is the corner-stone of the whole Christian building. … So that if good works do not follow our faith, even all inward and outward holiness, it is plain our faith is nothing worth; we are yet in our sins. — [John Wesley, “The Law Established Through Faith,” in The Sermons of John Wesley]
Pentecostal
Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths (1916) one of the oldest and largest Pentecostal denominations.
Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. … The outward evidence to all men is a life of righteousness and true holiness. (Eph. 4:24; Titus 2:12). — [“Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths,” sec. 5]
Conclusion
This Order holds to a monergistic theology, which rejects works based forms of salvation, and holds to the biblically sound concept of sola fide or justification by faith alone, which once justified or saved, always results in obedience to God. Therefore, Christ justifies no one whom he does not at the same time sanctify.
| Five Solas | |
|---|---|
| Saved by Grace alone (Sola Gratia) | Eph 2:8-10; Ti 3:5; Gal. 2:21;5:4 |
| Through Faith alone (Sola Fide) | Ro 5:1 ESV; Gal. 3:24 ESV |
| In Christ alone (Solus Christus) | Jn 14:6; Ac 4:12; 1Ti 2:5 |
| According to Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura) | 1Co 4:6 |
| For the Glory of God alone (Soli Deo Gloria) | 1Pe 2:24; Is 43:7 |
under construction
- Assemblies of God USA. (n.d.). Statement of Fundamental Truths: Section 5 — Salvation [Doctrinal statement]. Assemblies of God USA. Retrieved August 3, 2025, from https://ag.org/Beliefs/Statement-of-Fundamental-Truths
- Calvin, J. (1960/1559). Institutes of the Christian Religion (F. L. Battles, Trans.; J. T. McNeill, Ed.; Vols. XX–XXI, Library of Christian Classics). Westminster Press.
- Schaff, P. (Ed.). (1931). The Creeds of Christendom: With a history and critical notes (6th ed.; Vol. 3: Evangelical Protestant Churches—includes Formula of Concord [1576], Thirty‑Nine Articles [1571], Westminster Confession [1646], New Hampshire Confession [1833]). Harper & Brothers.
- Wesley, J. (1872). The Law Established Through Faith (Discourses I–II; Sermons 35–36) in Sermons on Several Occasions. Cassell & Co. (Reprinted in The Sermons of John Wesley.)
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