Chapter Six. Unio Cum Christo In The Theologies Of The Other Contributors To The Formula Of Concord

Abstract

This chapter analyses Jacob Andreae, David Chytraeus, and Nicolaus Selnecker, the other second-generation Reformers and formulators of Formula of Concord (FC). Although their views concur with the christological thinking of Luther and Chemnitz they also use language typical of Melanchthon and Flacius. It briefly discusses three other well-known theologians of lesser influence. The views of Tileman Hesshus, Johannes Wigand and Jacob Heerbrand illustrate contemporary thinking on justification, although they did not influence FC directly. The effects of the Osiandrian controversy are evident in Andrea's texts, in which God's inhabitation are related to good works. Chytraeus's outline of the doctrine of justification is especially interesting. Selnecker identifies the former way of imputation as the Roman Catholic teaching on infused virtues, which function meritoriously. It is plain at any rate that 16th-century Lutheran theology did not employ a purely forensic doctrine of justification, except for Flacius.Keywords: christological thinking; David Chytraeus; forensic doctrine of justification; Formula of Concord(FC); Jacob Andreae; Johannes Wigand; Lutheran theology; Martin Chemnitz; Matthias Flacius; Nicolaus Selnecker