Page 19 - History of Christianity II- Textbook

Lutheranism and Calvinism differed greatly on the doctrine of predestination. Lutherans affirm neither
“double predestination” (some chosen for salvation and others chosen for damnation) nor “limited
atonement” (Christ died for only the sins of the elect) as many Calvinists do. Lutheranism promoted a
higher view of the free will of man to make a choice about salvation according to God’s grace. During
this period of time, each Protestant group wrote to distinguish differences between their beliefs, giving
rise to various denominations.

Have you ever heard the song, “They will know you are Christians by your love.” Christ
told us that he desired for believers to be united in love. His desire is for one universal
church where there is total unity. That’s what Heaven will be like, but not now.

Today, so many religious leaders have inserted false beliefs into their teachings. Pastors will tell
people to bring a bottle of water in, pay some money, and the bottle will be “blessed.” Drinking
blessed water will provide jobs, wealth, and health. Such teaching is totally foreign to the Word.
When a religious leader takes such a position, those who seek to live by the pure teachings of the
Word will end up separating themselves from fellowship with such false teachings.
Along the course of history, various denominations have risen over teachings about baptism, church
polity, communion, and even over what a preacher should wear when presenting the sermon. Some
of the divisions are over major doctrinal areas in the Bible. But some are over insignificant petty
things.

“Major on the majors and minor on the minors” is good advice for believers today. We can fellowship
with anyone who claims the name of Christ, but we have to be weary of what the actual doctrines are
that others hold to. They need to be centered in God’s Word! If a person believes that the rapture will
happen before the Tribulation, and another believes it will happen mid-way through the Tribulation,
and another at the end of the Tribulation, is that worth separating fellowship? No! But if a person
claims to be a Christian, but denies the deity of Jesus Christ, then that is a significant difference that
calls for separation.

Johann Gerhard, 1582-1637

Johann Gerhard was the premier Lutheran theologian of the early seventeenth century.
Combining his profound understanding of evangelical Lutheran theology with a broad
interest in ethics and culture, he produced significant works on biblical, doctrinal,
pastoral, and devotional theology. His Loci Theologici are regarded as the standard
compendium of Lutheran orthodoxy, with topics ranging from the proper understanding
and interpretation of Scripture to eschatology. They interact with the writings of the
Church Fathers, Luther and his contemporaries, and the Catholic and Calvinist theologians
of his day.

In his Loci, Gerhard addresses the doctrines of the Lutheran faith with skill and precision.
His series remains a classic of Lutheran theology and offers contemporary church workers and
researchers a wealth of material on the distinctive of Lutheran doctrine.
(https://www.logos.com/product/28179/theological-commonplaces-by-johann-gerhard)

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