Johann Gerhard on Calvinists erecting an "idol" by denying the WMO

[Reformed Covenanter]

Granted, Johann Gerhard was probably being less nuanced than he should have been when he made this statement, but it is interesting to note how this Lutheran scholastic viewed the denial of the well-meant offer as at least an acceptable opinion among the Reformed orthodox:

Rather, our opponents [Calvinists] should look to see whether or not they themselves are erecting an idol in the hearts of their hearers (Ezek. 14:7) when they impress upon [their listeners] an image of God different from that which He Himself has manifested in His Word by teaching that He, by an absolute decree, has vowed eternal destruction for the majority of humanity; that He offers His Word to many whom He nevertheless does not seriously want to be converted; that there never was a time when He wanted to have mercy on all.

Johann Gerhard, Theological Commonplaces: On the Law of God, on the Ceremonial and Forensic Laws, trans. Richard J. Dinda, ed. Benjamin T. G. Mayes and Joshua J. Hayes (1613; St Louis MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2015), XV.4.9.1. § 62 (emphasis added).

 

[Relztrah]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is WMO?

 

[RamistThomist]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is WMO?

Well-meant offer of the gospel.

 

[Alexander Suarez]

Granted, Johann Gerhard was probably being less nuanced than he should have been when he made this statement, but it is interesting to note how this Lutheran scholastic viewed the denial of the well-meant offer as at least an acceptable opinion among the Reformed orthodox:

Rather, our opponents [Calvinists] should look to see whether or not they themselves are erecting an idol in the hearts of their hearers (Ezek. 14:7) when they impress upon [their listeners] an image of God different from that which He Himself has manifested in His Word by teaching that He, by an absolute decree, has vowed eternal destruction for the majority of humanity; that He offers His Word to many whom He nevertheless does not seriously want to be converted; that there never was a time when He wanted to have mercy on all.

Johann Gerhard, Theological Commonplaces: On the Law of God, on the Ceremonial and Forensic Laws, trans. Richard J. Dinda, ed. Benjamin T. G. Mayes and Joshua J. Hayes (1613; St Louis MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2015), XV.4.9.1. § 62 (emphasis added).

This is also an objection the Arminians will raise. As you know, the Reformed will respond in general the same and in certain particulars uniquely.