What is a Protestant?

What Is a Protestant?

A Protestant is a Christian who adheres to one of the many branches of Christianity that arose from the Protestant Reformation, a movement initiated by Martin Luther in 1517. The term Protestant originated from the word protest, reflecting the movement’s opposition to the doctrinal and practical errors within the Roman Catholic Church. Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg challenged various practices of the Catholic Church, including the sale of indulgences and the authority of the pope. His primary focus was to return to the authority of Scripture and the purity of the gospel message.

The Protestant Reformation grew into a widespread movement, leading to the formation of distinct Protestant denominations such as the Lutheran Church, the Reformed/Presbyterian Churches (associated with John Calvin and John Knox), and the Anglican Church in England. While some classify the Anabaptist movement as part of Protestantism, others view it as a separate stream of Christianity, distinct from both Protestantism and Roman Catholicism.

Major Protestant Beliefs: The Five Solas

The core of Protestant theology can be summarized in the Five Solas, Latin phrases that highlight the foundational principles of the Reformation. These are:

1. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)
   Protestants hold that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice. This contrasts with the Roman Catholic view, which places sacred tradition and the teaching authority of the Church (Magisterium) alongside Scripture. Protestants believe that God’s Word is sufficient, infallible, and inspired, as affirmed in 2 Timothy 3:16–17:

   “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (NKJV).
   Additionally, 2 Peter 1:20–21 teaches:
   “...knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (NKJV).

2. Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
   Protestants emphasize that salvation is through faith alone, apart from works. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that salvation involves faith plus works (including the seven sacraments). However, Protestants affirm that justification (being declared righteous before God) is by faith in Christ alone, as stated in Ephesians 2:8–9:

   “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (NKJV).
   Romans 4:5 also declares:
   “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (NKJV).

3. Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
   Salvation is entirely by God’s grace, a free and undeserved gift. While the Roman Catholic Church teaches that grace is mediated through the Church and its sacraments, Protestants affirm that grace is freely given by God to all who believe. Romans 3:24 states:

   “...being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (NKJV).
   Titus 3:5 reinforces this:
   “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (NKJV).

4. Solus Christus (Christ Alone)
   Protestants teach that Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and man, rejecting the Catholic view of intercessors such as Mary and the saints. Salvation is found in no one else but Christ, as declared in Acts 4:12:

   “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (NKJV).
   Jesus Himself affirmed this truth in John 14:6:
   “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (NKJV).

5. Soli Deo Gloria (To God’s Glory Alone)
   Protestants believe that all of life, including salvation, is for the glory of God alone. The Roman Catholic Church often ties this glory to the Church and its hierarchy. Protestants, however, emphasize the priesthood of all believers, meaning every Christian can glorify God directly without the mediation of a priest. 1 Peter 2:9 teaches:

   “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (NKJV).
   Similarly, 1 Corinthians 10:31 exhorts believers:
   “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (NKJV).

Protestant Practices and Theology

While Protestants share these common beliefs, there is diversity in their practices and theological emphases. For example:

1. Authority of Scripture:
   Protestants rely on the Bible as the final authority, rejecting the addition of extra-biblical traditions or teachings (Mark 7:8–9).

2. Worship:
   Protestant worship focuses on the preaching of the Word, congregational singing, and prayer, often differing from the more liturgical style of Catholic or Orthodox traditions.

3. The Priesthood of Believers:
   Protestants affirm that every believer has direct access to God without the need for a human mediator, as taught in Hebrews 4:16:

   “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (NKJV).

4. Sacraments:
   Most Protestant denominations recognize only two sacraments—baptism and the Lord’s Supper—as instituted by Christ and symbolic of His grace (Matthew 28:19, Luke 22:19–20). This contrasts with the Catholic Church’s seven sacraments.

5. Evangelism and Missions:
   Protestants emphasize sharing the gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20):

   “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you...” (NKJV).

The Legacy of Protestantism

Protestantism has shaped not only the church but also the course of Western civilization. Its emphasis on individual responsibility before God, universal literacy to read the Bible, and personal freedom contributed to the development of democratic ideals, education, and social reform. Protestant theology remains centered on the transformative power of the gospel, grounded in the Word of God, and motivated by a desire to glorify Him in all things.

In summary, a Protestant is a Christian who holds to the principles of the Reformation—faith in Christ alone, reliance on Scripture alone, and living for the glory of God alone. Protestants are called to proclaim the good news of salvation, contend for the faith (Jude 1:3), and remain steadfast in the truth of God’s Word.