5 Marks of an Evangelical

Church and MinistryEcclesiology
5 Marks of an Evangelical

1. Scripture Alone

In Scripture we learn how to have a saving relationship with God. Our authority for faith and practice is found only in the Bible. The church’s authority is limited to what Scripture teaches, which is to be tested by other passages in the Bible and plain reason.

2. Grace Alone

From beginning to end, salvation is a work of God’s grace. The only thing humans bring to the relationship is resistance and sin. God works faith into us by his Word and makes us willing and able to love him.

3. Faith Alone

Salvation is received by trusting in God’s promise given in Jesus Christ. God takes no consideration of our works or merits when saving us from sin, death, and hell.

4. Christ Alone

Christ is the one mediator between the Father and us. The work of Christ alone merits salvation.

5. God’s Glory Alone

We have no right to boast either in our works or character. All that we have is a gift of God’s grace. We have no right to claim any glory or think that our works add to God’s glory.

Silverio Gonzalez is a husband and father. He earned his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his Master of Divinity from Westminster Seminary California.

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