Ratio ineundae Concordiae inter Ecclesias reformatas, sive, quibus modis occurri possit mirificis artibus, quibus pontificii per quosdam imprudentes theologos universas Christi ecclesias potissimum autem et primum Germanicas pessundare conantur

main controversy in this chapter exists between the parties. God hardened the heart of Pharaoh. Because of the interpretation of this phrase, and similar ones which often occur in the Holy Scripture, this controversy has arisen. For some say it happened with God willing it, others with God permitting it: from this it is manifest that this contention consists not in the thing itself, but in words only, as will easily appear from the colloquy.

As far as I am concerned, I believe God has included all under sin, that he might have mercy upon all. I also believe the words of Christ, God omnipotent, are most true, who says: He who will have believed and will have been baptized will be saved, but he who will not have believed will be condemned. Looking to these promises, and believing them, I am persuaded that I am of the number of the elect according to the saying of Paul: Test yourselves whether you are in the faith, prove yourselves, whether you do not recognize yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are reprobates; by this rule I judge regarding my own predestination and that of all the faithful; with this I am content: for to scrutinize the mysteries of God is rashness, but to believe is eternal life.

Concerning the Person of Christ.

Both sides confess Christ the Son of God is everywhere, and also Lord of all things which are above the heavens, in the heavens, and under the heavens, indeed of all things that are of God the Father himself. But if anyone denies these things, let him be anathema. But regarding those controversies which are in this chapter, I cannot think of them without shuddering all over. For to affirm about the natures of Christ in the abstract what some teach, what is it but to divide Christ, and to bring the heresies of Arius, Nestorius, and Eutyches into the Churches of God? Nevertheless, the Evangelical Kings and Princes hear and tolerate these things without any offense. But let them watch out lest they experience Christ the Son of God as a severe avenger of such execrable blasphemies. Let the theologians also remember that those who scrutinize Majesty are overwhelmed by glory, and let them learn to hold the measure in many things.