Predestination Flashcards
Saint Augustine?
Saint Augustine (354-430 CE) was born in Roman North Africa and initially rejected Christianity, finding it incompatible with his philosophical views. He embraced Manichean dualism, which saw a conflict between light and dark, until he encountered Platonist writings and the teachings of Ambrose. These led to his conversion to Christianity in 387 CE. Augustine became the bishop of Hippo in 396 CE, where he merged Greek philosophy with Judaic-Christian traditions. Over time, his views evolved, and he admitted to errors in his writings, making his philosophy complex. Despite this, his ideas greatly influenced later philosophers like Aquinas and Descartes.
Augustine’s influences?
Augustine was initially influenced by Manicheanism, which claimed two ultimate principles, one good and one evil. He was drawn to this belief as it absolved him of responsibility for his sins. However, after being disillusioned with Manicheanism, he turned to Platonism, which helped him reconcile the existence of evil with creation. Augustine argued that evil was a “privation” of good, not a created entity, and that it stemmed from the absence of goodness in the human will. His Christian views were influenced by Platonism, particularly in relation to the soul, though some Platonic ideas, like pre-existence, were rejected by Augustine
The doctrine of original sin?
Augustine’s doctrine of original sin explains that humanity’s nature was initially perfect in the Garden of Eden, with Adam and Eve capable of avoiding sin. However, after their fall, human nature was corrupted and inherited by all subsequent generations. Augustine believed Adam’s sin had profound consequences, introducing a weakened human nature susceptible to sin, death, and concupiscence (disordered desires). Pelagius argued that humans were born without the stain of original sin and could achieve holiness through their own efforts, but Augustine countered that Adam’s sin corrupted all of humanity, leading to a corrupted orientation towards lesser goods.
Augustine’s concept of concupiscence describes the inclination towards sin that humans inherit, though not necessarily as sin itself. Humans are born with a tendency to sin, which can only be overcome through God’s grace. He argued that the fall led to the “massa peccati” (lump of sin), and humanity’s free will was tainted, making us incapable of doing good on our own. True freedom and liberation from sin come only through God’s grace, which is why baptism is necessary to remove original sin. However, baptism does not eliminate concupiscence, leaving humans in need of divine assistance to resist temptation.
God’s grace
God’s grace is the love and mercy God offers humanity out of His desire to give, not because humanity deserves it. Augustine argues that God’s grace changes our hearts, leading us to freely obey Him and find true happiness. This grace secures believers until the final day, known as the perseverance of the saints. Augustine believes in predestination, where God has chosen certain people to be saved and others to be damned. While Pelagius sees this as based on human merit, Augustine teaches that salvation is solely through God’s grace, and that some are elected to salvation, while others are left to perish.
There is debate over whether Augustine believed in single or double predestination—whether God predestines some to salvation and others to condemnation. Some scholars, like McGrath, argue that Augustine’s view is positive, focusing on God’s decision to redeem, not condemn. Others, like Hick, suggest Augustine believed God foreknows who will be saved and who will reject His grace, making their eternal fate a result of divine foresight. Augustine himself acknowledges the complexity of his doctrine, confessing that God’s judgments are beyond human understanding.
John Calvin ( calvinism)
John Calvin (1509–1564) was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation and became a prominent leader after leaving Roman Catholicism. Known for his theological works, including Bible commentaries, Calvin’s central themes focused on the sovereignty of God and the Bible as God’s revealed word. Although Calvin is closely associated with predestination, it was not the main focus of his work and he did not innovate the doctrine. Calvin’s theology was systematically organized, but later Calvinists often had to defend their doctrines based on these first principles. Modern scholars have questioned how much later Calvinism truly reflects Calvin’s own views.
The doctrine of election?
Calvin, aligning with Augustine, believed that humanity fell due to sin and that all humans are born with original sin. He emphasized the sovereignty of God, asserting that God is the supreme cause of all things, and nothing happens without God’s will or permission. Calvin argued that God’s sovereignty explains both election (those chosen for salvation) and reprobation (those damned). He believed that sin corrupted human will and intellect, leading to total depravity, where humanity cannot respond faithfully to God’s grace on its own. This idea of predestination was rooted in Calvin’s understanding of divine omnipotence and human experience, interpreted through scripture.
Unconditional election?
The elect are chosen by God to have their sins forgiven through Jesus’ atonement. While no one can be certain of being among the elect, Calvin believed that the elect would persevere due to Christ’s power. If a believer falls away, it suggests they were not part of the elect. Calvin argued that individuals could have assurance of their election through a sense of God’s calling and an inward certainty. He also believed the elect would display godly characteristics, even during times of sin.
The elect?
Unconditional election, according to Calvin, is the belief that God actively chooses to either redeem or damn individuals, independent of their merits. Predestination, described by Calvin as “the eternal decree,” means God has predetermined each person’s fate. Like Augustine, Calvin argued that humanity deserves God’s wrath and cannot save themselves. The elect receive grace through justification (being granted righteousness through Christ) and sanctification (growth in holiness). Calvin believed that justification and sanctification are inseparable. His view of double predestination posits that God has chosen both the elect for salvation and reprobates for damnation before creation, demonstrating that election is solely based on God’s grace and not on individual choices.
The reperates?
The reprobates are those not chosen for salvation by God, sentenced to eternal death. This decision, made before creation, is not based on their merit but on God’s will. The reprobates sin by their free choice, resisting grace because they are not among the elect. Calvin supported this with scriptural references, like Romans 9:11-13. The doctrine of limited atonement holds that Christ died only for the elect, and no atonement was made for the reprobates. While Calvin didn’t use the term “limited atonement,” he believed Christ’s sacrifice was intended for the elect, not everyone. This belief is sometimes called definite or particular redemption.
Irresistable Grace?
Irresistible Grace is the belief that once God has chosen the elect and regenerated their hearts, they are guaranteed to be kept in faith until the end, entering heaven. The elect are eternally saved by God’s power and cannot lose their salvation. The change of heart brought by the Holy Spirit ensures the believer will continue to love Christ, though they may not be perfect. This grace leads believers to follow God’s commands, not out of selfish desire for salvation, but from love and gratitude toward God.
The Synod of Dort
The Synod of Dort was an assembly organized by the Dutch Reformed Church in the early 17th century to address the controversy between Calvinism and Arminianism. After Arminius’s death, his followers proposed five points on predestination, atonement, faith, grace, and perseverance, which conflicted with Calvinist teachings. The Synod rejected Arminianism and responded with the famous Five Points of Calvinism, directly countering the Arminian views.
Five points of Calvinism
The Five Points of Calvinism are:
Total Depravity: Due to original sin, every part of a person is affected, making them spiritually helpless and unable to understand or respond to God (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Unconditional Election: God’s choice to save individuals is not based on their actions or merits but solely on His will and grace.
God has divided humanity into 2 groups?
God divides humanity into two groups:
The Elect: Chosen by God for salvation, not based on merit, but solely by His will before creation.
The Reprobates: Those who remain in sin and face eternal condemnation.
Limited Atonement: Christ’s atonement was made only for the elect, not for everyone.
Irresistible Grace: The elect cannot resist God’s call, leading to their salvation.
Perseverance of the Elect: The elect will be kept by God and will not lose their salvation, undergoing sanctification until they reach heaven.
Comparisons between Augustine + Calvin?
Both Augustine and Calvin share many theological similarities, especially on the doctrine of predestination and God’s grace. Calvin admired Augustine’s writings, stating he could fully express his faith based on them. However, there are differences:
Grace: Augustine views God’s grace as an integral part of the Holy Spirit’s work, while Calvin sees grace more as God’s benevolent and merciful character.
Predestination: While both believed in predestination, Calvin is often interpreted as teaching double predestination (God predestines some to eternal life and others to damnation). Augustine, though, did not explicitly teach double predestination, but some of his writings suggest it indirectly, implying that God’s election for mercy could lead to others facing judgment.
In conclusion, while their views overlap significantly, Calvin’s views on grace and predestination carry a more definitive and exclusive stance compared to Augustine’s more nuanced approach.
