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2. I also remain convinced that, although all the concepts/terms in which the particula exclusiva is operative do indeed function to exclude, what they are rightly understood to exclude is not all other relevant factors simply as such, and as playing any role at all, but only all other relevant factors as primary factors, and as playing any primary role. Thus, for example, sola scriptura is rightly understood to exclude, not all authorities other than scripture simply as such, but all other such authorities as in any way primary authorities, as distinct from being secondary authorities authorized (and that means also, always to be authorized!) by scripture. Or, again, if we are said to be saved sola gratia, what is rightly understood to be excluded is not that things other than grace are or may be somehow involved in our salvation, but only that it involves something other than grace having the same primacy, as distinct from being a means of grace such as faith is said to be when it is called the medium salutis apprehensivum, or when we are said to be saved through faith (per fidem), not by or because of it.

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