Protestants hold several core beliefs that distinguish their faith within Christianity:
- Authority of Scripture (Sola Scriptura): Protestants believe the Bible is the ultimate and sole infallible authority for faith and practice, above church traditions or clergy authority
- Salvation by Faith Alone (Sola Fide): They teach that salvation and justification come through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by human works or merits
- Grace Alone (Sola Gratia): Salvation is understood as a free, unmerited gift from God’s grace, which humans cannot earn
- Christ Alone (Solus Christus): Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humans, rejecting any other intermediaries such as priests or saints
- Glory to God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria): All glory for salvation and holiness is due to God alone, not to any human or institution
- Universal Priesthood of Believers: Every Christian has direct access to God without needing a human priest; all believers can communicate personally with God
- Monotheism and the Trinity: Protestants believe in one God in three persons - Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit
- Human Freedom and Faith: God offers freedom to respond to His love, and faith arises from a personal encounter with God, which individuals are free to accept or reject
These beliefs originated from the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, which sought to reform perceived errors in the Catholic Church, emphasizing a personal relationship with God based on scripture and faith
. In summary, Protestantism centers on the Bible as the highest authority, salvation through faith and grace alone, Christ as the sole mediator, and the direct relationship of each believer with God