Common to all mankind is the basic search for meaning and purpose. We want to discover the meaning behind it all. We long to know why we exist and what we exist to accomplish. Beneath it all, we all desire to know what is at the center of it all.
There are two ways that we can see our world:
Anthropocentric – A worldview which regards humankind as the central or most important element of existence, especially as opposed to God or animals. An anthropocentric worldview will in most cases morph into self-centrism in that individuals will naturally place themselves as the center of their own universes.
This stands in contrast to Theocentrism…
Theocentric – A worldview which regards God as the central focus of all things.
As followers of Christ, we know that the Biblical worldview is a Theocentric worldview. We understand that our God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfect. We know that He is eternal and sovereign over all things. The Bible reveals our God as the transcendent Creator who is over all and central to all of His creation. As followers of Christ, we understand that we exist to bring Him glory. However, as with the other Sola’s, the key to understanding “Soli Deo Gloria” (for the glory of God alone) lies in the word “Soli” (or Alone).
Our temptation is to combine Theocentrism with Anthropocentrism. To merge Theocentrism with self-centrism. To live for the glory of God and for the glory of ourselves. It was because of this that the reformers made the radical statement, “Soli Deo Gloria!” We are created and saved for the glory of God alone. We live, breath, and move for the glory of God alone. Our God has no equal, and there is nothing and no one worth to share His throne. He alone is worthy of glory, honor, and praise.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. – Psalm 145:3 (ESV)
As we are able to better realize the fact that we are not the center of the universe, we are better able live our lives following the sacrificial example of our Savior, who counted others as more significant than himself (Philippians 2:1-11). Jesus, who had every right to glorify himself, chose instead to humble himself in order to glorify the Father and save all humanity. Not only is He the single greatest example of humility, but He is the single greatest example of a Theocentric life devoted to bringing glory to God, and God alone!
The five Sola’s are foundational to our belief as Christians, and we should stand on them today! On the basis of the authority of Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura), we are saved by Grace Alone (Sola Gratia), through Faith Alone (Sola Fida), in Christ Alone (Solus Christus), for the Glory of God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria)!