augustine of hippo: grace

  • summum bonum: the highest most supreme good

  • First mention of grace in Genesis 6:8: "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."

  • Despite warnings, mankind refuses to repent, leading to imminent destruction.

  • The Flood occurs, saving Noah and his family by God's grace.

  • Genesis 8:21: God promises not to destroy the Earth again despite human sinfulness.

  • God's grace is what saves Noah.

grace: God’s free and undeserved love for humanity, epitomised in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross

  • augustine agreed with paul in romans 3:10-12

  • Ideas and ideologies shape political life.

  • Ephesians 2:8-9: Salvation by grace through faith, not works.

  • Augustine's prayer emphasises reliance on God's grace for obedience.

  • Grace is a free gift, not earned through human effort.

  • God empowers obedience through His commands.

  • Grace: God's unconditional love shown in Jesus' sacrifice.

God’s grace:

  1. Humans try to reach God’s standards by doing good deeds. Their divided will and fallen nature is a hindrance.

  2. God’s standard is too high and unattainable by humans because of sin. Humans owe God a debt that they cannot pay. Man deserves punishment.​

  3. Jesus came down and pays and cleared away the debt of sin on the cross. He took the punishment that man deserved

  4. God supplies grace to enables humans to obey him, where they couldn’t before. Only with his help they can meet his standards. Those who accept the sacrifice are given God’s nature of righteousness.

what does Augustine mean by the word ‘grace’?

  • Love and mercy of God:

  • Reaches the heart and will of a person.

  • Provides moral guidance for Christians.

  • Undeserved by humans based on merit.

  • Prompts recognition of offenses against God.

  • Inspires praise for God.

  • Transforms the will for obedience to God.

  • overcomes human pride.

  • offers forgiveness and hope, calming the soul.

  • Evident in Christ's sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's work in the church.