THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
The Almighty Lord, who is devoid of any injustice, influences the hearts of individuals and guides their intentions to realize His divine purpose through them. Consider the counsel given to King Amaziah by the Man of God: “O king, let not the army of Israel accompany you, for the Lord is not with the Israelites, with all the children of Ephraim. But you go alone, do your work; be courageous in war. Otherwise, God will cast you down before your adversaries, for He is able to support or to topple” (2 Chron. 25:7-8). How is it that the Lord’s strength and virtue assist some in battle, instilling them with the necessary courage, while others flee in the face of fear, unless the Creator of all within heaven and earth maneuvers the hearts of people according to His will?
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We also learn of the words Joash, king of Israel, directed to his messenger about King Amaziah, who sought to engage him in conflict. Among other statements, he remarked: “Stay home and be prudent. Why engage in a perilous venture? You and Judah will surely fall” (2 Chronicles 25:19). The narrative continues, noting: “But Amaziah did not heed, for it was ordained by God to deliver them into Joash’s hand, as they had turned to the gods of Edom” (2 Chronicles 25:20). Here, we see the Lord, desiring to discipline King Amaziah for his idolatrous sins, influenced the heart of the sinner, prompting him to disregard wise counsel, leading instead to his ill-fated endeavor in war, resulting in his downfall and that of his forces.
Is not sin its own penalty, as illustrated by King Amaziah of Judah, who ignored the prudent advice of Joash of Israel not to engage in battle? (2 Chronicles 25:20.) Numerous other instances can be cited, exemplifying that, through the hidden judgment of God, there exist afflictions of the soul that impair one’s ability to heed the truth. This deafness leads to the act of sin, and the subsequent sin becomes punishment for previous transgressions. To trust in deception while rejecting the truth is a sin, a fault stemming from the heart's blindness imposed by the secret decree of the righteous judgment of the Lord as a consequence for sin.