What is the main principle of 'Sola Fide' from the Reformation?

The main principle of 'Sola Fide,' which translates to "faith alone," emphasizes that salvation is attained solely through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through any human effort or merit. This doctrine was a fundamental tenet of the Reformation, highlighting that individuals can only be justified before God through their faith in Christ, who has completed the work of salvation.

This principle underscores the belief that grace is a gift from God, accessible not through rituals or good works, but exclusively through faith. It served as a response to the practices of the time that placed significant weight on the role of the church's sacramental system and personal merit in achieving salvation. By asserting that belief and trust in Christ are sufficient for salvation, 'Sola Fide' laid the groundwork for the understanding of a personal relationship with God, independent of institutional mediation or human accomplishment.