Chad,
The confessional Lutherans deny the doctrine of reprobation. They speak of having a "lacuna" in their theology and they accuse the Reformed of filling it in with human reason. We reply that it is clearly taught in Rom 9 and that their lacuna is a refusal to account for the clear teaching of Scripture.
There are genuine benefits of being in the one covenant of grace, of participating in the administration. We don't know who is an isn't elect or who or won't come to faith. We administer the gospel to all members in Word and sacrament and we trust the Spirit of God to do his sovereign work. We don't judge who, among those who make profession of faith, is or isn't elect. We make a judgment of charity toward all in congregation who are not under discipline (excommunicated). We know that whoever comes to faith does so through the administration of the covenant of grace. That's the benefit! It's how the Spirit has promised to work. It's where the Spirit of Christ operates ordinarily. Therefore, it's of the greatest benefit to be included in the administration of the covenant of grace.
Reformed theology appeals to election and reprobation
a posteriori to explain how one came to faith and why others do not come to faith. There is a certain asymmetry to these two categories since we never know with finality who is reprobate, though we know there are reprobates and hypocrites in the congregation.
Please get the pamphlet and read the other stuff I linked where these lines of argument are sketched more fully.
rsc
Quote:
Originally Posted by spicedparrot  I agree with you that there are two ways of being in the Covenant of Grace.
However, I'm curious then what are the benefits of being a party to that Covenant? Is it Christ and all his benefits? If so, how do we distinguish these benefits from salvation? To put it another way - are you saying that there are two ways of being in "ONE" covenant of Grace, or that there are really two steps, or divisions to the Covenant of Grace. The first step/tier having different benefits than the second tier, and then both having different "entrance" requirements?
Secondly, could you distinguish this position from the Lutheran doctrine of reprobation? |