Grace, Free Will, and the Predestination Debate

 

Summary

In the aftermath of the Pelagian controversy, where Pelagius was condemned as a heretic, a new theological debate emerged, primarily in the south of France, led by John Cassian. This debate centered around Augustine's views on original sin and predestination. Cassian, an abbot from a monastery in France, opposed Augustine's theology, particularly his doctrine of predestination. Cassian advocated for the universality of God's grace and maintained that fallen humanity retained some moral ability to choose obedience to God. This theological stance became known as semi-Pelagianism.

The debate between Augustine and Cassian was less contentious than the earlier Pelagian controversy. Church historians note that Augustine's tone was more gentle when engaging with Cassian's followers. The core of the debate revolved around differing views on the fall, human freedom, divine election, and predestination. While Pelagianism was deemed outside the scope of orthodox Christianity, the debate between Augustine and Cassian was seen as an internal Christian discussion.

Augustine's doctrine of predestination, which asserts that God's grace is selective, was challenged by Cassian, who believed in the universality of God's grace. Augustine argued that God's grace is not owed to anyone and that it is God's prerogative to extend grace to some and not others. This selective grace, according to Augustine, does not imply injustice, as all humanity is in defiance of God and deserving of justice, not grace.

The semi-Pelagian view, which is prevalent in contemporary church circles, posits that while humanity is fallen, individuals still possess the ability to cooperate with God's grace. This view contrasts with Augustine's belief in monergism, where God alone initiates salvation without human cooperation. The debate between monergism and synergism continues to be a significant theological discussion within Christianity.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Universality of Grace vs. Selective Grace: Cassian's advocacy for the universality of God's grace highlights the belief that all individuals have the potential to respond to God's call. Augustine, however, emphasized that God's grace is selective, given to some but not all, as a demonstration of divine sovereignty. This distinction underscores the ongoing theological tension between inclusivity and exclusivity in salvation. [06:11]

2. The Role of Human Will in Salvation: Semi-Pelagianism asserts that fallen humanity retains some moral ability to choose or reject God's grace. This perspective emphasizes human responsibility and cooperation in the process of salvation, contrasting with Augustine's view that salvation is solely the work of God, independent of human will. [14:18]

3. Predestination and Evangelism: Augustine's doctrine of predestination raises questions about the necessity of evangelism. Despite the belief that God has predetermined the elect, the command to evangelize remains crucial. This highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the mission of the church. [11:31]

4. Monergism vs. Synergism: The debate between monergism and synergism centers on whether salvation is solely the work of God or a cooperative effort between God and humanity. Augustine's monergistic view emphasizes God's unilateral action in salvation, while semi-Pelagianism supports a synergistic approach, where human cooperation plays a role. [19:27]

5. Historical and Contemporary Relevance: The theological debates between Augustine and Cassian have persisted throughout church history and continue to influence contemporary Christian thought. Understanding these historical discussions provides insight into current theological positions and the diversity of beliefs within Christianity. [23:14]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Aftermath of Pelagian Controversy
[00:35] - Augustine's Views Challenged
[01:06] - John Cassian's Opposition
[02:23] - Tone of the Debate
[03:16] - Pelagianism vs. Semi-Pelagianism
[04:04] - Intramural Christian Debate
[05:21] - Concerns of Cassian and Augustine
[06:24] - Augustine's Scriptural Defense
[07:11] - Is God Unfair?
[08:49] - The Fairness of Grace
[09:43] - Predestination and Evangelism
[12:14] - Semi-Pelagian Concerns
[14:18] - Human Will and Grace
[16:23] - Monergism vs. Synergism
[20:38] - Predestination and Foreknowledge
[23:01] - Historical Condemnations and Future Discussions

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 9:10-18
2. Ephesians 2:8-9
3. John 6:44

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the main theological differences between Augustine and John Cassian regarding predestination and grace? [00:35]

2. How does Augustine use Romans 9 to support his view on selective grace? [06:24]

3. What concerns did Cassian have about Augustine's doctrine of predestination, and how did he believe it affected evangelism? [09:43]

4. How does the sermon describe the tone of the debate between Augustine and Cassian compared to the Pelagian controversy? [02:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Romans 9:10-18 challenge or support the idea of God's selective grace, and what implications does this have for understanding divine justice? [06:24]

2. In what ways does Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasize the role of grace in salvation, and how might this relate to the debate between monergism and synergism?

3. How does John 6:44 inform the discussion on human ability to respond to God's call, and how might this passage be interpreted differently by Augustine and Cassian?

4. What are the potential impacts of Augustine's doctrine of predestination on the church's approach to evangelism, and how might this tension be resolved? [11:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of grace. Do you lean more towards the idea of universality or selectivity, and how does this belief affect your daily life and interactions with others? [06:11]

2. Consider the role of human will in your spiritual journey. How do you perceive your ability to cooperate with God's grace, and what steps can you take to align your will with God's purposes? [14:18]

3. How does the concept of predestination influence your motivation for evangelism? Are there ways you can reconcile the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in your outreach efforts? [11:31]

4. In what ways can understanding the historical debate between Augustine and Cassian enrich your perspective on contemporary theological discussions? How can this knowledge help you engage in respectful and constructive dialogue with others who hold different views? [23:14]

5. Reflect on a time when you felt God's grace in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions, and how can you share this experience with others to encourage them in their faith journey?

6. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with the concept of fairness in God's grace. How can you seek a deeper understanding of divine justice and mercy in this context? [07:11]

7. Think about a person in your life who may have a different theological perspective. How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation that respects both your beliefs and theirs, fostering mutual understanding and growth?

Devotional

Day 1: The Tension Between Universal and Selective Grace
Cassian's advocacy for the universality of God's grace emphasizes the belief that all individuals have the potential to respond to God's call. This perspective suggests that God's grace is available to everyone, allowing each person the opportunity to choose obedience to God. In contrast, Augustine emphasized that God's grace is selective, given to some but not all, as a demonstration of divine sovereignty. This distinction underscores the ongoing theological tension between inclusivity and exclusivity in salvation. The debate between these views invites believers to reflect on the nature of God's grace and how it is experienced in their own lives. [06:11]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: Consider how you perceive God's grace in your life. Do you see it as universally available to all, or do you feel it is selectively given? How does this perception affect your relationship with God and others?


Day 2: Human Will and Divine Grace
Semi-Pelagianism asserts that fallen humanity retains some moral ability to choose or reject God's grace. This perspective emphasizes human responsibility and cooperation in the process of salvation, contrasting with Augustine's view that salvation is solely the work of God, independent of human will. The role of human will in salvation is a significant theological discussion, as it touches on the balance between divine sovereignty and human agency. Believers are encouraged to explore how their own choices and actions align with God's grace and purpose in their lives. [14:18]

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you see God's grace at work in that decision? In what ways do you feel you cooperated with or resisted His grace?


Day 3: Predestination and the Call to Evangelize
Augustine's doctrine of predestination raises questions about the necessity of evangelism. Despite the belief that God has predetermined the elect, the command to evangelize remains crucial. This highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the mission of the church. Believers are called to share the gospel, trusting that God uses their efforts to fulfill His purposes, even when the outcomes are not immediately visible. [11:31]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.'" (Mark 16:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Christ. How can you share the gospel with them this week, trusting in God's sovereignty over their response?


Day 4: Monergism and Synergism in Salvation
The debate between monergism and synergism centers on whether salvation is solely the work of God or a cooperative effort between God and humanity. Augustine's monergistic view emphasizes God's unilateral action in salvation, while semi-Pelagianism supports a synergistic approach, where human cooperation plays a role. This discussion invites believers to consider how they experience God's work in their lives and the extent to which they participate in His saving grace. [19:27]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your journey of faith. How have you experienced God's grace as a gift? In what ways do you see yourself cooperating with His work in your life?


Day 5: The Historical and Contemporary Impact of Theological Debates
The theological debates between Augustine and Cassian have persisted throughout church history and continue to influence contemporary Christian thought. Understanding these historical discussions provides insight into current theological positions and the diversity of beliefs within Christianity. Believers are encouraged to explore these debates to deepen their understanding of their own faith and the broader Christian tradition. [23:14]

"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." (Acts 17:11, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a theological belief you hold. How did you come to this belief, and how does it align with historical and contemporary Christian thought? What steps can you take to further explore and understand this belief?

Quotes


In this discussion that ensued between Augustine and the followers of Cassian, the tone of the debate was far less inflammatory. It's been said by church historians that when Augustine interacted with these people who were objecting to his thought, that his operating tone was much more gentle than when he was interacting with the followers of Pelagius. [00:23:56]

Historically, Pelagianism, pure and simple, has been regarded by orthodox Christianity as an unchristian and anti-theology because it rejects the whole idea of the fall and fallen people really don't need to be redeemed, as it were. Their doctrinal error strikes at the very heart of Christian theology. [00:33:42]

Cassian wanted to advocate the universality of God's grace and also that fallen man is morally accountable because he still has some vestigial remnant of moral ability to obey or not obey the law of God. [00:01:54]

Augustine says, well, I want to respect and protect the moral responsibility of man too, but I don't share your concern about the universality of the redemptive grace of God. God's grace is universal in the sense that everybody receives some benefits from his mercy and his kindness, but when it comes to the grace of salvation, according to Augustine, God's grace is selective. [00:06:00]

Augustine's teaching on predestination cripples the force of preaching and of evangelism and results in a kind of fatalism. Now, everyone who's ever taught Augustinian theology has heard that objection over and over and over again. If God from all eternity decrees to save certain people and not others, does that not then destroy the preaching and the purpose of preaching? [00:09:48]

The semi-Pelagian differs from Pelagianism at this point. Remember, Pelagius taught that there was no effect on the human race of the fall of Adam, that Adam's fall affected Adam and only Adam. There was no transmission of guilt or loss of moral power or ability, no real fall to the constituent nature of humanity as a result of Adam's fault. [00:12:52]

The semi-Pelagian said no, there really was a fall, and that men have become corrupt and that we are born in a state of corruption and that the will of man has been severely weakened, weakened to the point that nobody can possibly become righteous or be redeemed apart from grace. [00:13:27]

The debate here is whether man still has some core kernel of moral power to incline themselves to respond to the offer of grace, to cooperate with it, or not cooperate with it. Now, the issue there between classical Augustinianism and semi-Pelagianism is the issue between what we call monergism and synergism. [00:16:09]

Monergism means one working, that is, in a monergistic act, only one single person is performing the work. It is not a co-venture or cooperative activity, but it is a unilateral single action by one party. That's what monergism means. [00:16:38]

Synergism, the prefix "syn" comes from the Greek "sun," which means "with." So the word "syn" prefix means "with," and again the same root "erg" means working, so it is a with working or co-working or a principle of cooperation. [00:17:57]

Augustine is saying that no, the liberation of the fallen person is accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit and the work of the Holy Spirit alone in the initial state of our being made alive in Christ. We are utterly passive, and God and God alone raises us from death to life. [00:19:38]

Cassian and semi-Pelagianism was condemned as heretical at the Synod of Orange in 529. Now, what we want to see in our next lecture is what happens subsequently in church history. One of the ironies here is that the Roman Catholic Church condemned Pelagianism, condemned semi-Pelagianism, and then with Luther in the Reformation condemned Augustinianism. [00:22:54]

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