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The Use of Means

The almighty working of God whereby he brings forth and sustains this our natural life does not exclude but requires the use of means, by which he according to his infinite wisdom and goodness has willed to exercise his power. (1) So also the aforementioned supernatural working of God whereby he regenerates us, (2) in no way excludes or cancels the use of the gospel, which the most wise God has ordained to be the seed of regeneration and the food of the soul. (3) For this reason the apostles and the teachers who succeeded them, reverently instructed the people concerning this grace of God, to his glory and to the abasement of all pride. In the meantime, however, they did not neglect to keep them, by the holy admonitions of the gospel, under the administration of the Word, the sacraments, and discipline. (4) So today those who give or receive instruction in the church should not dare to tempt God by separating what he in his good pleasure has willed to be closely joined together. For grace is conferred through admonitions, (5) and the more readily we do our duty, the more this favour of God, who works in us, usually manifests itself in its lustre, and so his work best proceeds. To God alone, both for the means and for their saving fruit and efficacy, all glory is due throughout eternity.6 Amen.

1. Is 55:10-11; 1 Cor 1:21.

2. Jas 1:18.

3. 1 Pet 1:23,25;2:2.

4. Acts 2:42; 2 Cor 5:11-21; 2 Tim 4:2.

5. Rom 10:14-17.

6. Jude 24,25.