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

in their security, wickedness and wilfulness, then nothing is more sure than
that this article is not taught by him according to the Word and will of
God." 229
7. "Not only the preaching of repentance, but the promise of the
Gospel is also universal, that is, belongs to all men. For this reason Christ
hath commanded ‘that repentance and remission of sins should be
preached among all nations;' 'God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten Son;' 'Christ taketh away the sin of the world;' 'He gave his
flesh for the life of the world;' 'His blood is the propitiation for the sins of
the whole world;' Christ says: 'Come unto Me all ye that labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' 'God hath concluded them all in
unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.' 'The Lord is not willing that
any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.' 'The same Lord
over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.’ ‘The righteousness of God
which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe.'
'And this is the will of the Father that every one which believeth on Christ
should have everlasting life.' And Christ wisheth that in general unto all to
whom repentance is preached, this promise also of the Gospel should be
set forth." 230
8. "This calling of God, which he offereth to us through the word of
the Gospel is not feigned and pretended, but God by that calling revealeth
to us His will, to wit, that in those whom He calls in this way He wisheth
to be efficacious through His word, that they may be enlightened,
converted and saved." 231
9. "The reason why many are called but few chosen, is not the divine
calling, which is made through the Word, as if God's intent were this: 'I
indeed call outwardly to a participation in my heavenly kingdom, all to
whom that word is set forth: but it is not the thought of my heart that all
should be seriously called to salvation, but that a few only should be so
called; for my will is this, that a larger part of those whom I call through the
Word, shall neither be enlightened nor converted, although through my
Word, by which they are called, I signify my mind unto them otherwise,'
for this would be to
229 Formula Concordiae, 728.
230 Ibid. 804.
231 Ibid. 805.