Replacement Theology and Confused Kingdom Theology

Introduction: What Is Replacement Theology?

We are living in a time where theological confusion is not only tolerated—it’s celebrated. At the heart of much of this confusion are two subtle yet devastating distortions: one that misrepresents God’s covenant with Israel, and another that misrepresents God’s work in the believer. Replacement Theology teaches that the Church has permanently replaced Israel in God’s redemptive plan—denying the clear promises God has yet to fulfill. And Confused Kingdom Theology, which often grows out of it, teaches that because we are in Christ, sin is no longer something we need to confess, repent of, or be convicted by. But the Word of God says otherwise.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures reveal a God who is faithful to Israel—and calls His Church to faithfulness through ongoing sanctification. And sanctification, dear friends, is not about claiming identity without the cross—it’s about daily yielding to the Holy Spirit, dying to self, and repenting where the Spirit convicts. Repentance is not for the lost only—it is the daily breath of the surrendered believer. As Jesus said to His own Church in Revelation 3:19: “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.”

Replacement Theology—also called Supersessionism—is the belief that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s redemptive plan. It teaches that because Israel rejected Jesus as Messiah, God has permanently rejected Israel, and all the promises originally given to Israel now belong to the Church.

Instead of expecting a literal future for national Israel, this theology spiritualizes the promises made to Abraham, David, and the prophets. The land, the kingdom, the throne of David—these are no longer seen as physical, earthly realities, but are interpreted as spiritual blessings now fulfilled in the Church.

However, Luke 1:32–33 reaffirms a literal fulfillment, declaring that Jesus “will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” This clearly points to a future, physical reign over national Israel.

1. How Does This Lead to Confused Kingdom Theology?

When Israel’s promises are claimed by the Church, it opens the door to what is called an “over-realized eschatology”—or what we might call Confused Kingdom Theology.

This theology says that the kingdom of God is not only here in part (which is true), but here in full (which is false). Because they believe the Church is Israel, and all kingdom promises apply to the Church now, they begin teaching that we are already reigning with Christ in fullness. Healing, dominion, prosperity, and authority over all things are claimed as rights of the believer today.

This leads to teachings such as:

• “We are kings now.”
• “The Church will usher in the kingdom.”
• “Jesus cannot return until we take dominion.”
• “There is no future for Israel—they missed it.”

These ideas are the fruit of a theology that has confused the present spiritual reign of Christ in the hearts of believers with the promised literal kingdom reign of Christ on earth.

2. Why This Is Unbiblical

• First, the Bible makes it clear that God has not rejected Israel permanently. In Romans 11:1–2, Paul writes, “Has God cast away His people? Certainly not!” He goes on to say in verse 25 that Israel’s blindness is partial and temporary, and in verse 26 declares, “And so all Israel will be saved.” That points to a future national restoration. This future is also outlined in Daniel 9:24–27, where God gives a prophetic timeline concerning Israel and Jerusalem. The final “seventieth week” remains unfulfilled, pointing to a future period in which God will complete His purposes for Israel, including the coming of Messiah to reign in righteousness.
• Second, the promises to Israel were never conditional on their faithfulness alone but rested on God’s eternal covenant. In Jeremiah 31, God compares the permanence of His covenant with Israel to the certainty of the sun and the stars.
• Third, Scripture shows that the Kingdom of God has both a “now” and “not yet” aspect. Yes, we are part of God’s spiritual kingdom today through salvation in Christ. But the full manifestation of the kingdom—including Christ’s reign from Jerusalem, Israel’s restoration, and the fulfillment of prophecy—awaits His second coming (see Revelation 20:1–6 and Zechariah 14). Even after His resurrection, Jesus’ disciples asked, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Rather than correcting their expectation of a future restoration, Jesus responded, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority” (Acts 1:7), affirming that such a restoration remains in God’s appointed plan.

To claim we are reigning fully now denies the plain teaching of Scripture, which says that the Church age is marked not by dominion, but by suffering, witness, and waiting (2 Timothy 3:12; Romans 8:17–25).

3. The Dangers of These Teachings

Replacement Theology and Confused Kingdom Theology produce serious doctrinal errors and spiritual confusion. Here’s why they’re dangerous:

• They undermine God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, which reflects on His very character.
• They promote spiritual pride by suggesting the Church has permanently replaced God’s chosen nation.
• They confuse the timeline of prophecy, leading people to ignore or spiritualize end-time events.
• They open the door to dominionism and prosperity theology, teaching that Christians are to take control of governments, nations, and culture as if this is the fullness of the kingdom. Dominionism is the belief that Christians are called to establish God’s kingdom on earth by gaining influence or control over political, economic, and cultural systems before Christ can return. It often blurs the line between the Church’s spiritual mission and political activism, confusing the Church Age with the future Millennial Kingdom.

These false teachings often neglect the cross and the need for perseverance, replacing them with triumphalism and the pursuit of power now. It’s important to note that not all who reject dispensational theology embrace prosperity or dominion teachings; however, by spiritualizing Israel’s promises and blurring the timeline of God’s redemptive plan, these frameworks can create theological room for such errors to take root.

To better understand how this theology manifests in practice—and the long-term consequences of embracing it—let’s consider a modern example that many are familiar with: the rise and fall of Hillsong.

4. A Modern Example of Conformity to this False Theology

There are clear traces of over-realized Kingdom theology and hyper-identity teaching within the Hillsong movement, especially in its later years leading up to its fall—though not every Hillsong pastor or leader necessarily embraced it to the same degree.

Let’s break that down carefully.

a. Traces of Over-Realized Kingdom Theology

Hillsong, particularly through its global influence, emphasized:

• Victory now
• Authority now
• Destiny now
• Kingdom impact now

While much of that can be biblically framed, it often downplayed the “not yet” aspects of suffering, sanctification, and waiting for Christ’s return. The triumphal tone sometimes bordered on dominion-style language without sufficient weight on enduring hardship or carrying the cross daily.

Examples:

• Frequent focus on “changing culture,” “building platforms,” “influencing cities.”
• Music and teaching emphasizing “I am who You say I am” but rarely clarifying that spiritual growth involves conviction, correction, and submission to God’s refining process.

b. Identity Without the Cross

Many of Hillsong’s most popular messages and songs centered on the believer’s identity in Christ—which is a glorious truth. But over time, the message leaned heavily toward:

“You are chosen, powerful, free, whole, strong, redeemed…”

…with less emphasis on:

“Take up your cross… die to self… crucify the flesh… endure hardship… be holy…”

This shift risks promoting what I rightly call “identity without the cross.”

c. Moral Collapse & Weak Theology Connection

The fall of leaders like Carl Lentz and others was not just moral—it was doctrinal erosion over time. When theology prioritizes:

• Image over inward holiness
• Influence over accountability
• Comfort over conviction

…it fosters the very culture that can cover, excuse, or rationalize sin.

When you elevate the “kingdom now” and skip the “carry your cross,” you create leaders who preach power but live unsubmitted.

d. Contrast with Biblical Leadership

• Paul said, “We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord” (2 Cor. 4:5).
• He described himself as a servant who suffered, not a celebrity who conquered.

Many within Hillsong—and churches influenced by it—lost that biblical tension. The result was spiritual triumphalism without spiritual depth.

The danger wasn’t in the passion or music—but in the theology, which gradually lost the weight of the cross, sanctification, holiness, and endurance.

5. Forms, Substance, No Power

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
(2 Timothy 3:5, NKJV)

How can pastors conformed to this theology preach so eloquently and sin behind the scenes?

This is a sobering and deeply important question to be answered—one that has grieved many in the Body of Christ. The tension between eloquence in the pulpit and secret sin behind the scenes is not new. Scripture, history, and personal experience all testify to this painful reality. Here’s a thorough biblical and pastoral look at how and why this can happen.

a. Spiritual Gifts Are Not the Same as Spiritual Fruit

God gives gifts—and they can operate even when the vessel is compromised.

“For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” — Romans 11:29

Many pastors are genuinely gifted speakers, charismatic communicators, or visionary leaders. They may have gifts of teaching, persuasion, or musical anointing. But gifting is not fruit.

• Gifts are given by grace for the sake of others.
• Fruit is grown by obedience and abiding in Christ (Gal. 5:22–23).

So, someone can speak truth powerfully while living a double life if their gift is active but their heart is no longer submitted.

b. Unchecked Ego, Fame, and Platform

Large platforms often bring:

• Applause that replaces accountability.
• Influence that outgrows humility.
• Isolation that shields sin.

Without real elders, transparency, and submission, even good men drift. Pride creeps in. Temptation becomes normalized. Ministry becomes performance. And repentance gets replaced with image management.

“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” — 1 Cor. 10:12

c. Deceived by Their Own Theology

Many of the pastors you’re referencing preach identity-based, grace-only messages that dismiss ongoing conviction, repentance, and holiness.

If you convince yourself:

• “God doesn’t see my sin.”
• “I’m always righteous, no matter what.”
• “Calling out sin is shame-based or religious…”

…then your conscience can be seared, even while you preach Jesus. You begin to justify hidden sin instead of confessing it.

“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him…” — Titus 1:16
“Having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” — 1 Tim. 4:2

d. 4. They May Be Unregenerate or Hardened

Let’s speak plainly. Some preachers, elders, church leaders:

• Never truly knew Christ.
• Are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15–23).
• Have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Tim. 3:5).
• May have started well, but are now disqualified (1 Cor. 9:27).

They learned the language. They know the Scriptures. But like Judas, they betray Christ behind the scenes while outwardly keeping company with Him.

e. God Allows It—for a Time

God, in His longsuffering, may allow a leader’s sin to go unexposed for a season to:

• Give room for repentance.
• Test the hearts of followers.
• Ultimately reveal what is hidden (1 Tim. 5:24).

When judgment comes, it’s not always immediate—but it’s always just.

What Should We Learn from This?

1. Never confuse charisma with character.
2. Test all things—even gifted leaders. (1 John 4:1)
3. Guard your own heart. (Prov. 4:23)
4. Stay rooted in the cross, not just identity.
5. Submit to community and accountability.

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” — 2 Cor. 13:5

6. The Biblical Alternative: A Rightly Divided View

The Bible teaches that God has one plan, but two peoples: Israel and the Church. Each has a distinct role in His redemptive timeline. While Israel and the Church have distinct roles in God’s plan, salvation has always been by grace through faith in Christ alone. As Paul teaches, “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28), and both Jew and Gentile are reconciled to God through the cross (Ephesians 2:8–16). This ensures unity in the gospel without erasing the unique identities and purposes of Israel and the Church.

The Church is a mystery revealed in this age—called out from every nation, including Jews and Gentiles alike, as one body in Christ.

Israel remains God’s covenant nation, and His promises to her—about land, kingdom, and Messiah’s reign—will be fulfilled literally and in the future.

We live today in the Church Age, also called the Age of Grace. We proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and live empowered by the Spirit while awaiting the return of Christ. When He comes again, He will fulfill every promise to Israel, judge the nations, and establish His kingdom on earth.

In Summary

Replacement Theology lays the foundation for Confused Kingdom Theology by taking the promises made to Israel and transferring them to the Church. This leads to a distorted understanding of God’s plan, blurs the line between this present age and the age to come, and often results in false teachings centered on power, prosperity, and dominion.

The true hope of the Church is not in taking over the world now, but in the soon return of Jesus, who will fulfill every promise exactly as God has spoken. As Paul concluded his discourse on God’s plan for Israel and the Church, he broke into praise:

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?’
‘Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?’ For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33–36)

This scripture reminds us that sound theology should always lead to worship, humility, and trust in God’s perfect plan. Jesus is not impressed by stage lights, conference reels, or social media followers. He said:

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied… cast out demons… done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me…’” — Matthew 7:22–23

The answer is always the same: Return to the Cross. Remain in Christ. Be real before God. Walk in the Light.

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

Luke 18:34:

“But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.” (NKJV)

This verse follows Jesus’ clear prediction of His suffering, death, and resurrection (Luke 18:31–33). Despite His straightforward words, the disciples didn’t understand. Here’s why the text says “this saying was hidden from them”:

1. Divine Sovereignty Over Timing of Understanding

The phrase “this saying was hidden from them” suggests that God, in His sovereignty, veiled their understanding for a time. This wasn’t because they were unintelligent, but because the full understanding of Jesus’ mission—especially His suffering and death—would only be revealed at the right time, particularly after His resurrection (Luke 24:25–27, 45). Until then, their eyes and hearts remained partially closed.

2. Messianic Expectations Were Distorted

The disciples, like most Jews at the time, expected a conquering Messiah, not a suffering one. Their cultural and theological assumptions made it hard to accept that Jesus, as the Messiah, would die such a shameful death. So even when Jesus spoke plainly, His words didn’t fit their framework, and thus remained veiled to them.

3. Spiritual Blindness and God’s Purpose

There’s also an element of spiritual blindness at play, not due to sinfulness alone, but in line with God’s purposeful unfolding of revelation. This concealment ensured that the disciples wouldn’t interfere or try to prevent the cross, which was central to God’s redemptive plan (see Matthew 16:22-23 for Peter’s earlier resistance).

4. A Pattern in Luke’s Gospel

Luke often shows how spiritual truths are not grasped unless God opens the heart. After the resurrection, Jesus “opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45). Until then, even plain words could be misunderstood or missed entirely.

Biblical Insight:

Luke 18:34 points to a temporary, sovereign concealment of truth from the disciples. God was orchestrating events leading to the cross, and the disciples’ full understanding would come after Jesus rose from the dead, when the Holy Spirit would illuminate all things (John 14:26).

Reflection: “Sometimes what blinds us is not sin, but assumption, timing, or pride in our own understanding. True sight comes when we stop trying to see by our own intellect, and start crying out in faith, like the blind man on the road.”

But just a few verses later, in Luke 18:35–43, a blind beggar receives physical sight and demonstrates spiritual insight. When he hears that Jesus is passing by, he cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” — a messianic title that even the disciples were slow to fully grasp. Then Jesus says to him:

“Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 18:42 NKJV)

Here’s the contrast Scripture is drawing out:

1. The Seeing Are Blind, and the Blind See

The disciples could physically see, but spiritually, they were still in the dark about the cross.

The blind man couldn’t see physically, yet he recognized who Jesus truly was — the Son of David, the Messiah — and approached Him with faith.

2. Faith Opens Eyes

Jesus connects the man’s healing to his faith: “Your faith has made you well.” The Greek word used, “sozo”, can mean healed, made whole, or even saved. The blind man didn’t just receive sight; he received salvation.

3. A Living Parable

This healing serves as a living parable right before Jesus enters Jerusalem. Luke places it here to highlight what true sight looks like: a heart that responds to Jesus in faith, even when others are blind to the truth.

While the disciples were still veiled in understanding, the blind man “saw” clearly who Jesus was — and he followed Him, glorifying God.

4. Preparation for the Cross

As Jesus approaches the cross, Luke shows that the way to understand Jesus rightly is not through human reasoning, but through humble faith. Spiritual sight doesn’t come from proximity or knowledge alone — it comes from faith that trusts and cries out for mercy.

Biblical Insight:

The irony is striking — those with eyes (the disciples) didn’t yet see; but the one without sight did. Luke is gently showing that the Kingdom of God is revealed not to the wise and learned first, but to those humble enough to believe — like a blind beggar on the roadside.

1 Corinthians 8:2, and it fits perfectly with what you’re observing in Luke. Here’s the full verse:

“And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” (NKJV)

How This Ties Into the Theme of Spiritual Blindness:

1. Presumed Knowledge Is Often Spiritual Blindness

In both Luke 18–19 and 1 Corinthians 8, we see a warning against confidence in one’s own understanding.

• The disciples thought they understood the Messiah, the Kingdom, and God’s plan — but they didn’t.
• The people thought the Kingdom would appear immediately — but they were wrong.
• Paul says, thinking you know something can actually be proof that you don’t know it as you ought — meaning, in humility and by the Spirit.

The blind man in Luke 18 illustrates this. He doesn’t approach Jesus with confidence in what he knows. He simply cries out for mercy — and that faith leads to both sight and understanding.

2. Knowledge Without Love or Humility Is Dangerous

In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul is addressing people who are proud of their knowledge about idols and Christian liberty — but their knowledge is cold and arrogant, not rooted in love. That ties directly to the disciples and the crowd in Luke, who had a lot of head knowledge about Scripture, but missed the heart of God’s redemptive plan.

3. God Resists the Proud, Gives Grace to the Humble

This thread runs through the Gospels and Paul’s letters:

The humble receive revelation (like the blind man), and the proud remain veiled (like the disciples and crowds at this point). Jesus praised childlike faith, not theological arrogance. Spiritual sight doesn’t begin with, “I already know,” but with, “Lord, help me see.”

Summary Connection:

• Luke 18:34 – The disciples thought they knew, but were blind.

• Luke 19:11 – The people thought the Kingdom would appear immediately.

• 1 Corinthians 8:2 – Paul warns: thinking you know something can be the very sign that you don’t know as you ought — unless your knowledge is shaped by humility and love.

Key Point: Not All Blindness Is Due to Sin

1. The Disciples Were Not Rebellious — Just Unready

Luke 18:34 says the truth was hidden from them — not because they were in active sin, but because God had not yet revealed it.

• Their blindness was temporary and purposeful, not punitive.

2. Spiritual Blindness Can Be a Matter of Timing, Not Guilt

• Jesus said to His disciples in John 16:12, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.”
• Some truths are withheld until our hearts are ready to receive them.

3. Presumption Can Be a Bigger Obstacle Than Sin

1 Corinthians 8:2 – “If anyone thinks he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.”

• Pride in what we think we know can block spiritual clarity more than failure or weakness.

4. A Blind Beggar Had More Insight Than the Disciples

Luke 18:35–43 – The man had no physical sight but recognized Jesus as the Son of David and received healing.

• His faith and humility gave him the very sight others were missing.

5. God’s Sovereignty in Revelation

Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Hearing and seeing are granted by God (Luke 10:21–24).

• Luke 24:45 – After the resurrection, “Then He opened their understanding that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”

So Why the Blindness Today with us, who have the Holy Spirit?

Because even though the Spirit indwells, He must also be yielded to. The issue is not His absence, but our resistance, our pride, or our misplaced confidence in what we think we already know.

Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, in Christ Alone

YouTube Video: The Man on the Middle Cross Said I Could Come, By Alistair Begg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDl8euKhd3U

The most important eternal truth we must never lose sight of: The doctrines of sola gratia (grace alone) and sola fide (faith alone).

The five Latin solas, key tenets of the Protestant Reformation, are: Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone).

Salvation is not about what we do; it’s about what Christ has already done. Our only claim before God is Christ’s righteousness, imputed to us by faith (2 Corinthians 5:21).

This truth is the heart of the gospel. Our works, no matter how noble, contribute nothing to our justification. As Ephesians 2:8-9 makes clear, salvation is by grace through faith, and even that faith is a gift from God. Christ’s finished work on the cross is our only hope, and His righteousness is what makes us acceptable before a holy God.

This is the beauty of sola gratia and sola fide—God alone saves, and we simply receive it by faith, resting in Christ alone. No wonder Paul could say, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) and Sola Fide (Faith Alone) are two foundational doctrines of the Reformation, directly tied to the heart of the gospel. These doctrines emphasize that salvation is entirely the work of God and not of human effort, making them crucial for a right understanding of justification.

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) This doctrine teaches that salvation is purely by God’s grace and not based on human merit. Grace is God’s unmerited favor toward sinners—He saves us not because of anything we have done but solely because of His love and mercy.

Key Aspects of Sola Gratia:

1. Salvation Is a Gift from God – Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “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.” Grace is not earned or deserved; it is a gift freely given by God.

2. God’s Initiative in Salvation – Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We were spiritually dead and unable to save ourselves, yet God acted first to bring us to life in Christ.

3. Grace Excludes Human Boasting – Since salvation is entirely God’s work, no one can claim credit for it. Titus 3:5 affirms, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Thus, sola gratia humbles us, reminding us that our salvation depends on God’s mercy, not on our righteousness.

Sola Fide (Faith Alone) This doctrine teaches that justification (being declared righteous before God) is received by faith alone, apart from works. It is not faith plus works, but faith alone in Christ that saves.

Key Aspects of Sola Fide:

1. Justification Is by Faith, Not Works – Romans 3:28 states, “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” Our righteous standing before God does not come from keeping the law but from trusting in Christ.

2. Faith Is the Instrument, Not the Cause – Galatians 2:16 says, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ … for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” Faith is not a work that earns salvation; it is simply the means by which we receive Christ’s righteousness.

3. Faith Alone in Christ Alone – 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” This is the great exchange: Christ took our sin, and we receive His righteousness, not by our works but through faith.

Sola fide stands in direct contrast to any system of works-based righteousness. It teaches that we are justified by trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross, not in our efforts.

The Relationship Between Grace and Faith

Grace (sola gratia) is the basis of our salvation—God’s unmerited favor toward sinners.

Faith (sola fide) is the means by which we receive salvation—trusting in Christ alone.

Grace and faith work together in salvation. If salvation were based on works, grace would no longer be grace (Romans 11:6). If faith required additional works, it would cease to be faith alone.

Why These Doctrines Matter

1. They Glorify God Alone – If salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, then God alone receives all the glory (soli Deo gloria). No one can boast in themselves.

2. They Provide Assurance – If salvation depends on Christ’s finished work and not our efforts, then we can rest in His promises instead of fearing whether we have done enough.

3. They Keep the Gospel Pure – The moment works are added to grace or faith, the gospel is distorted. Paul warned against this in Galatians 1:6-9.

Conclusion

Both sola gratia and sola fide point us to the sufficiency of Christ. We are saved by grace alone, meaning God is the initiator and provider of salvation, and through faith alone, meaning we receive Christ’s righteousness apart from our works. As Martin Luther said, “The doctrine of justification is the article by which the church stands or falls.” If we lose these truths, we lose the gospel itself.

This is why Paul could confidently say, “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (Galatians 2:21). Praise God that righteousness does not come through the law but through faith in Christ alone!

Special Note:

Charles Ryrie does not explicitly structure his book Basic Theology around the Five Solas (Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus, and Soli Deo Gloria), nor does he devote a specific section to them. However, his teachings align closely with these foundational doctrines of the Reformation.

In Basic Theology, Ryrie strongly emphasizes:

Sola Scriptura: The authority and sufficiency of Scripture as the basis for all doctrine.

Sola Gratia & Sola Fide: Salvation by grace alone through faith alone, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9). He consistently upholds justification by faith and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness.

Solus Christus: Christ’s atoning work as the only means of salvation.

Soli Deo Gloria: The ultimate purpose of salvation being God’s glory.

While Ryrie may not have framed his discussion explicitly in the language of the Five Solas, his theology is deeply rooted in these principles, especially in his teachings on grace, faith, and the sufficiency of Scripture. If you’re looking for a systematic discussion of the Five Solas, his work provides strong biblical support for them, even if they aren’t outlined under that specific terminology.