The Conservative Reformation and Its Theology - Saint Mary ...

The doctrines which the Formula was meant to settle, were settled aright.
As preliminary to the whole discussion proper, the Formula
1. Lays down, more sharply and clearly than had yet been done, the
principle, that Holy Scripture is the only and perfect rule of faith. The Rule
sets forth the credenda--the things that are to be believed.
2. It defines the proper functions of the pure Creed as the Church's
testimony and Confession of the truth derived from the rule. The Creed
sets forth the credita--the things that are believed.
In consonance with this Rule, and by necessity in consonance with
the pure Creeds of the past, the Formula determines over against the errors
of the time:
i. In regard to original sin, that it is not the essence, or substance, or
nature of man, (Flaccius,) but a corruption of that nature.
ii. Of free will, that there are not three efficient causes of conversion,
of which one is man's will, (Philippistic,) but two only, the Holy Spirit,
and, as His instrument, the Word.
iii. Of justification, that Christ is our righteousness, not merely
according to his divine nature, (Andrew Osiander,) nor merely according
to his human nature, (Stancar,) but according to both natures: and that
justification is not an infused righteousness, (Osiander,) but a pardon of
our sins -is not physical, but forensic.
iv. Of good works. Here are rejected the phrases: that good works
are necessary to salvation, (Major,) and that good works are injurious to
salvation, (Amsdorf,) and the truth is taught First, that good works most
surely follow true faith, as the good fruit of a good tree; that it is the
necessary duty of regenerate men to do good works, and that he who sins
knowingly loses the Holy Spirit; but that, nevertheless, men are neither
justified nor saved by their good works, but by "grace through faith." In a
word, justification and its consequent salvation are necessary to good
works, not the converse. They precede, the good works follow. Second:
"We reject and condemn the naked phrase,'that good works are injurious
to salvation,