One of the great foundational principles of the Reformation is sola fide, which is Latin is for "faith alone". The doctrine of sola fide argues that it is solely on the basis of God's grace through an individual’s faith alone that believers are forgiven their transgressions of the Law of God. Sola fide contends that, although all people have disobeyed God's commands, God declares those people righteous who place their confidence, their faith, in what God has done through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ because of His atoning work of redemption at Calvary. The obedience of Christ is appropriated by faith because it is the only meritorious basis of salvation. God's work in Christ is the true commendation for acceptance by God. The doctrine of sola fide can be found in St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The gracious words of Christ to a sinful woman also establishes this doctrine.

Luke 7:50 And he [Jesus] said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

A legitimate growing concern among some thoughtful Christians is that some that profess Christ as Lord and Savior do not act as if they have been born again. There seems to be no discernable difference between those who profess to be a Christian and those who do not. The infighting in the churches, the absence of grace and mercy, the unholy but bold attempts to dismiss pastors over disagreements, the constant threats to discredit ministries, the vicious maligning tongue of deacon’s wives, the demand for a lot of money before continuing in the ministry, the need for recognition, the willingness to write libelous letters, the deliberate mischaracterization of good works, the questioning of sincere gospel motives all begs the question being addressed: "Have you repented of your dead works?"

This is a good question to ask for the Protestants have historically summarized their view of sola fide with the formula: "Justification is by faith alone, but not by the faith that is alone". In other words, true saving faith is always accompanied by good works and not dead works.

Where there is disagreement, preference is to be given to others provided no biblical principle is violated.

Where the tongue of the deacon’s wife once secretly turned women against the pastor it is now seasoned with grace.

Where non gospel motives were ascribed in the face of good works, they are replaced with love which does not think the worse of others.

Professing Christian, "Have you repented of your dead works"? It is a valid question to ask of oneself for this is a foundational principle of being truly converted.

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God .