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Romans 6:5–23
“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed?” (Rom. 6:20–21a).
The true severity of man’s fallen condition has been a source of great controversy throughout church history. One who wrestled mightily with this issue was the fourth-century bishop of Hippo, St. Augustine. On the one hand, he knew from Scripture that God commands perfection. But on the other hand, he knew, also from Scripture, that human beings are born in a state of corruption that makes it morally impossible for them to do what God commands. Therefore, God must extend His grace and help if mankind is to be obedient. Augustine expressed the tension between these two truths in a famous prayer: “O God, grant what you command, and command what you desire.” But when the prayer was published, a monk named Pelagius reacted strongly against its implications. He said that God never commands His people to do the impossible. Therefore, since God commands perfection, human beings must have the ability to achieve perfect righteousness. Pelagius eventually was condemned as a heretic, but the controversy he sparked did not end. Indeed, it continues to rage even in our own time.
The question Augustine, Pelagius, and their successors were debating is this: To what extent has the fall affected man’s will? They were arguing over whether fallen man still possesses some ability to make righteous choices.
For his answer, Augustine looked to Scripture, where he found an emphasis on bondage in natural man. Human beings are in serious trouble, he said, for they are bound to their own sinful predispositions. In short, they are slaves to their wicked desires. As we saw from Romans 3 in yesterday’s study, there is no righteousness among fallen people; none of them can do good. But Augustine did not believe this meant that man’s will is not free. He distinguished between “free will” (liberium arbitrium) and “liberty” (libertas). Natural man’s will is free, he argued, but he does not choose without a reason. In fact, he always chooses according to his desires. The problem is that his desires are altogether wicked. While he is free to choose what he wants, in his heart there is no desire for God. He will never want God.
Tomorrow we will look briefly at Pelagius’ thoughts on free will, then evaluate them in light of Scripture.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
If you are a believer, reflect back to the time before you embraced Christ. Did you desire God at that time? If not, how can it be that you desire Him now? What sparked the change? Scripture answers that God changed your heart to desire Him. Praise and thank God that He did not leave you in bondage to your wicked desires.
For Further Study
- John 8:34
- Romans 8:15