Tuesday, March 8, 2022

From the Lutheran Librarian








From “The Formula of Concord on Predestination” in The Columbus Theological Magazine. Vol. 1, Matthias Loy, ed.

Do not the words of our Savior, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him,” John 6:44, suggest… only a few elect are effectually drawn by Him(?) But our Confession gives a clear and decided answer to the question by declaring that this drawing takes place in the ordinary means of the Word and Sacraments not otherwise, and that “to the preaching of this Word each miserable sinner should betake himself, hear it diligently, and not doubt the drawing of the Father; for the Holy Spirit with His power will accompany the Word and operate through it; and this is the drawing of the Father.” § 76, 77. The means are for all, and they bring the same grace with the same energy to all men alike.