Every October, the world lights up with pumpkins, costumes, and candy. But October 31 isn’t just Halloween – it’s also Reformation Day, the anniversary of a moment that changed the church and the world.
More than 500 years ago, a monk named Martin Luther took a hammer to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany. What followed wasn’t rebellion for rebellion’s sake – it was a rediscovery of the simple, powerful truths of the gospel. Those truths became known as The Five Solas – five “onlys” that still shape how we live and worship today.
That’s the heartbeat behind our new video, The Five Solas – a short, visual reminder of what the Reformation was all about, and why it still matters.
Why I Created This Video
If you’ve followed my work here or on AnOKBoomer.com, you know I love creating content that helps churches see truth in a fresh way. My video work is all about telling timeless stories through modern visuals – from seasonal openers that reflect God’s faithfulness to short reflections that center our hearts on Christ.
This project, The Five Solas, was born from the desire to give churches something meaningful to show on or around Reformation Day. It’s not flashy or argumentative – it’s reflective. It’s about pausing to remember the foundation of our faith and giving glory where it belongs.
The Five Solas – Simple Truths, Deep Roots
Here’s a quick refresher on what each “sola” means:
Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone
God’s Word stands above every tradition, opinion, or trend. It’s our anchor in an age of noise.
Solus Christus – Christ Alone
Salvation is through Jesus Christ – not through effort, reputation, or ritual. He’s enough.
Sola Fide – Faith Alone
We are made right with God by faith, not by works. It’s trust, not transaction.
Sola Gratia – Grace Alone
Everything we have in Christ is a gift – unearned, undeserved, and completely free.
Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God Alone
All of life – every breath, every act of worship, every creative work – is for His glory, not ours.
These five short phrases flipped the world upside down in the 1500s – and they still turn hearts right-side up today.
Reformation Day vs. Halloween
I don’t have anything against a fun fall night, but it’s worth remembering that October 31 first meant something far richer than costumes and candy. Long before “All Hallows’ Eve” became Halloween, it was the day Luther’s hammer struck that Wittenberg door – a spark that lit the torch of biblical faith.
That’s why I see Reformation Day as a moment for reflection rather than fright. It’s a chance to thank God that the gospel isn’t hidden behind rituals or earned by performance – it’s proclaimed openly and received freely.
Why This Still Matters
For church creatives, pastors, or anyone who wants to help people worship with understanding – the five solas give us language and direction. They remind us that every sermon, every song, every video, and every ministry moment is rooted in God’s truth and grace.
That’s exactly what I wanted to capture visually in this video – the simplicity of faith, the clarity of grace, and the beauty of God’s glory woven through it all.
Watch The Five Solas
You can watch the full video below – it’s short enough to use as a church service opener, small group reflection, or personal meditation for Reformation Day.
The Five Solas
Closing Thought
The Reformation wasn’t just a historical event; it was a spiritual awakening. And that same awakening can still happen today – in every heart that returns to the simple truth of Scripture alone, Christ alone, faith alone, grace alone, for the glory of God alone.
May this video remind you – and your church – that what was true in 1517 is still true in 2025.
Here are a few more videos for your viewing pleasure:
Steven Stoops -- TUCOR Five One Seven Productions 
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