Chemnitz
18th June 2006, 11:13 AM
"Universal Grace" and "Predestination" from a Lutheran perspective:
As I understand it, Gratia Universalis can be described thus:
The Grace of Justification is not only for all men, in some sense it has been actually applied to all mean really, but this does not mean that all men are actually and really (subjectively) justified. This justification must be received and it can only be received by faith (because that is was saving faith does; it receives). This faith is, itself, the gift of God.
WRT Predestination:
Does anyone really read and accept Walther's posiiton on Predestination anymore? Because while I know that the charges of "Crypto-Calvinism" can't really stick, I do see a divide between what he actually taught and what most Lutherans today appear to teach and believe.
As I understand it, Gratia Universalis can be described thus:
The Grace of Justification is not only for all men, in some sense it has been actually applied to all mean really, but this does not mean that all men are actually and really (subjectively) justified. This justification must be received and it can only be received by faith (because that is was saving faith does; it receives). This faith is, itself, the gift of God.
WRT Predestination:
Does anyone really read and accept Walther's posiiton on Predestination anymore? Because while I know that the charges of "Crypto-Calvinism" can't really stick, I do see a divide between what he actually taught and what most Lutherans today appear to teach and believe.