Philip Melanchthon

 

Philip Melanchthon, 16^th century theologian and

Luther's close colleague in Wittenberg,

produced the Reformation's first general treatment

of Christian doctrine in his 1521 Loci Communes [his theological work].

As he expounded on justification, Melanchthon urged,

"Why is it that justification is attributed to faith alone?

I answer that since we are justified by the mercy of God alone,

and faith is clearly the recognition of that mercy

by whatever promise you apprehend it,

justification is attributed to faith alone."

He goes on to explain,

"Therefore, when justification is attributed to faith,

it is attributed to the mercy of God;

it is taken out of the realm of human efforts, works, and merits.”

Jesus said: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Peter said, “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43

Paul said, “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.” Romans 3:21-22

John said, “But as many as received Him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13