Augustine vs. Pelagius

Augustine's sin of pride led him to destroy the lives of many simply because he disagreed with another's wording and insight. I would certainly say he was a murderer in his practice.

Pelagius was one man Augustine destroyed using a lying pen and political power.

Pelagius was actually correct about many of his points. They were different men from different theologies.

1. Augustine practiced infant baptism.

2. Pelagius did not.

Most of their squabble over grace and freewill was actually centered around baptism and the Christian's life afterward. Augustine wanted to fashion a grace centered theology whereby grace was given to infants without freewill. Augustine set out to develop biblical precedence for grace without the existence of will. Also grace altering the will.

They used the word "merit" to describe man's actions in doing good and acting toward salvation.

Pelagius taught grace was based upon merit in some cases. Augustine disagreed, saying grace always preceded merit. This verse shows grace following the merit of love.

Eph 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.

One doctrine developed by Augustine, we receive grace to learn love, and to love God. On the other hand Pelagius developed the idea some grace was because we choose to love.Then we use freewill to exercise our love for God. Love becomes a choice and action. Love is a verb..

Paul taught grace was given in a way beyond beginning grace, We receive grace because we love, not simply so we can love.

Augustine was close minded in some respects. Grace is given in different times and for different purposes. Augustine wouldn't accept others concepts about grace.

Consider,

2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

The reward is given to those who love. A type of merit coming through freewill.

Pelagius was indeed correct and Augustine incorrect in denying grace could be based upon man exercising love through freewill.

Augustine denied the precepts of 2 Timothy 4:8,

"When, however, the Pelagians say that the only grace which is not given according to our merits is that whereby his sins are forgiven to man, but that that which is given in the end, that is, eternal life, is rendered to our preceding merits: they must not be allowed to go without an answer."

He failed to acknowledge eternal life was given based upon Love (a merit as they applied it). Justification did flow from our obedient love, final salvation was a gift to those justified.

Not all grace comes through the exercise of freewill, but God has set aside special graces to those who love him and act accordingly. This is a constant theme throughout the bible.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Augustine erred in seeing love only as a grace, when it is a verb of action and a choice.