b. The aim of those who have engaged in the foregoing reasoning is to explain why certain persons are converted and others not. Melanchthon solved the question “why Saul was rejected and David accepted” with his facultas se applicandi ad gratiam. The Latermannians make use of self-decision, etc., for the same purpose. However, this explanation is conclusive only on the assumption that conversion is due not to the gracious operation of the Gospel, but to the natural powers of man.54 c. While synergism