Formula of Concord

Overview

The Formula of Concord is a significant confessional document of Lutheranism, formulated in the late 16th century to resolve doctrinal disputes within the Lutheran Church following the Reformation. It was developed to address controversies that arose after the death of Martin Luther, particularly those concerning the interpretation of Lutheran theology. The Formula of Concord is part of the Book of Concord, a collection of Lutheran confessional writings.

Historical Context

The period following the Reformation was marked by theological disputes among Lutherans. After Luther's death in 1546, various factions emerged within the Lutheran Church, each interpreting his teachings differently. These disputes threatened the unity of the Lutheran Church and necessitated a comprehensive theological statement to clarify and unify Lutheran doctrine.

Major Controversies

Several key controversies led to the creation of the Formula of Concord:

Adiaphoristic Controversy: This debate concerned the nature of adiaphora, or matters indifferent, which are practices not explicitly commanded or forbidden by Scripture. The controversy arose over whether certain religious practices could be altered or maintained during times of persecution.

Majoristic Controversy: This involved a dispute over the role of good works in salvation. George Major argued that good works were necessary for salvation, which was seen as a challenge to the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Osiandrian Controversy: Andreas Osiander posited that justification involved the indwelling of Christ's divine nature, rather than being solely a forensic declaration of righteousness.

Antinomian Controversy: This controversy revolved around the role of the law in the life of a Christian, with some arguing that the law was no longer necessary for believers.

Crypto-Calvinistic Controversy: This involved disputes over the Lord's Supper and the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, with some Lutheran theologians accused of holding Calvinistic views.

Development of the Formula

The Formula of Concord was developed through a series of meetings and discussions among Lutheran theologians. Key figures in its creation included Jakob Andreae, Martin Chemnitz, and Nicholas Selnecker. The process began with the drafting of the Torgau Book in 1576, which served as a preliminary document outlining the theological positions to be addressed.

The Epitome and the Solid Declaration

The Formula of Concord consists of two main parts: the Epitome and the Solid Declaration.

Epitome: This is a concise summary of the theological positions agreed upon by the Lutheran theologians. It provides a clear and accessible overview of the key issues and resolutions.

Solid Declaration: This is a more detailed and comprehensive exposition of the theological positions outlined in the Epitome. It provides in-depth explanations and scriptural support for each position.

Content of the Formula

The Formula of Concord addresses several key theological issues, providing resolutions to the controversies that had divided the Lutheran Church.

Article I: Original Sin

This article affirms the doctrine of original sin, emphasizing its pervasive impact on human nature and the necessity of divine grace for salvation.

Article II: Free Will

The Formula asserts that human free will is limited in spiritual matters and that salvation is solely the work of God's grace.

Article III: The Righteousness of Faith Before God

This article reaffirms the doctrine of justification by faith alone, rejecting any notion that human works contribute to salvation.

Article IV: Good Works

While affirming the necessity of good works as a fruit of faith, the Formula rejects the idea that they are necessary for salvation.

Article V: Law and Gospel

The distinction between law and gospel is clarified, emphasizing the role of the law in revealing sin and the gospel in offering salvation.

Article VI: The Third Use of the Law

This article addresses the ongoing role of the law in the life of a believer, affirming its use as a guide for Christian living.

Article VII: The Lord's Supper

The Formula affirms the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, rejecting both transubstantiation and Calvinistic interpretations.

Article VIII: The Person of Christ

This article emphasizes the union of Christ's divine and human natures, affirming the communication of attributes between them.

Article IX: Christ's Descent into Hell

The Formula affirms the descent of Christ into hell as a victorious proclamation of his triumph over sin and death.

Article X: Church Practices (Adiaphora)

This article addresses the issue of adiaphora, affirming that certain practices can be maintained or altered, provided they do not compromise the gospel.

Article XI: Election

The doctrine of election is affirmed, emphasizing God's grace and the assurance of salvation for believers.

Article XII: Other Factions and Sects

This article addresses various sects and factions that had arisen, reaffirming the unity and orthodoxy of Lutheran doctrine.

Impact and Legacy

The Formula of Concord played a crucial role in unifying the Lutheran Church and resolving theological disputes. It provided a clear and comprehensive statement of Lutheran doctrine, which helped to solidify the identity of the Lutheran Church in the face of external and internal challenges.

Adoption and Reception

The Formula was adopted by a significant number of Lutheran territories and churches, though not universally. It was included in the Book of Concord in 1580, which became the definitive collection of Lutheran confessional writings.

Influence on Lutheran Theology

The Formula of Concord has had a lasting impact on Lutheran theology, serving as a foundational document for Lutheran confessional identity. It continues to be a reference point for theological discussions and debates within the Lutheran tradition.