THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
We assert that God possesses complete knowledge of all events prior to their occurrence, and we act according to our will, recognizing our actions as voluntary. However, we do not claim that everything is governed by fate; in fact, we affirm the absence of fate altogether. We contend that the term "fate" loses its significance in common usage, particularly when referring to the alignment of stars at one’s birth or conception. While we acknowledge the ordered nature of causes through which God’s supreme will is revealed, we refrain from labeling this as fate, unless we consider the term "fate" (fatum) to originate from the word "speak" (fando).
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In this instance, we can see that scripture states: ‘God once said, and twice have I heard it, that God has power, and You, O Lord, have mercy, for You reward each one according to his deeds’ (Psalm 61:12-13). The phrase "once said" conveys a message delivered firmly, as God unchangingly knows all that is to come and what He will bring to fruition. Thus, if we derive "fate" from "speak," it’s possible to use that term, but we prefer to avoid any unintended associations that could arise from its common understanding.
The notion that a specific order of causes implies a restriction on our free will does not follow logically. Our will itself exists within this framework of causes, which is part of God's foreknowledge; the human will indeed contributes to the causes of our actions. Therefore, God, who knows the causes of all things in advance, cannot fail to be aware of our will, as He comprehends the roots of our actions.
One day, God inquired, "What do you say, Iditun?" If you, who have transcended boundaries, suggest that once God spoke, I must direct our attention to another Scripture passage: "In many ways and at various times, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets." (Hebrews 1:1) What is meant by God speaking "once"? Isn't He the same God who communicated with Adam at the dawn of humanity? (Gen. 3:17) Did He not also converse with Cain, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, all the prophets, and Moses? God engaged with Moses not just once, but repeatedly as He did with each of those figures. Moreover, He affirmed to the Son, "You are My beloved Son." (Matt. 3:17) God spoke to the Apostles and all the saints—not with an audible voice from the heavens but within their hearts, where He resides as the Sovereign. What, then, does it imply that "God once spoke"? The individual who leapt to the conclusion of a singular divine utterance overlooked many aspects. I have shared this insight with you. God has spoken among humanity, often and in various fashions, through His creation. God indeed uttered a single proclamation, for the One Word was generated by Him... It follows that God, who is aware of what He created through the Word, had in Him that which existed before creation. If He did not possess that foreknowledge, how could He know what He crafted? It cannot be suggested that God created without awareness of His creation. Thus, God understood what He brought into existence. But how could He know prior to creation, given that knowledge depends on creation? His creation exists in a realm that only He comprehends. Thus, all things were known to Him, even before they were manifested, because of the Word through which they came into being. In that Word, all things resided before their creation, exist after their creation, varying in their very nature and in the manner of their creation. Who can clarify this? We may attempt to understand it by following Iditun... For the Lord has indicated, "I have many things to share with you, but you cannot bear them now." (John 16:12) What does it mean to have heard "two things"? These two insights I convey are not based on my own authority, but what I have received. God spoke once, for He, the only-begotten Son, encompasses one Word. In that Word resides all things, since everything was formed through it. There is one Word in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are concealed. (Col. 2:3) He has one Word, which is that which God once declared. These two insights I share are derived not from myself, but from truth that I have received. (John 8:26) The Friend of the Bridegroom patiently listens, ensuring that nothing misleading is spoken. Thus, do not belittle the one who imparts two essential truths; he who has surpassed all creation has arrived at the only-begotten Word, unveiling what God proclaimed. Therefore, let him now articulate these two truths, as they substantially concern us. Power derives from God, and to You, O Lord, belongs mercy. Are these two pillars: power and mercy? It is clear—recognize the power of God and the mercy of God. These themes permeate nearly all Scripture. The prophets, the Patriarchs, the Law, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Apostles all center around these two divine attributes, as does the entire mission of spreading the Gospel in the Church, rooted in the power of God and His mercy. Fear His power, and embrace His mercy. Do not trust solely in mercy, nor disdain His power; instead, revere His authority. He humbles some and exalts others, utilizing strength to humble and grace to elevate. For if God, wishing to demonstrate His wrath and make His power known, endures with patience the vessels destined for destruction (Rom. 9:22)—you have heard of His power, so seek His mercy. He opens the riches of His grace to those He chooses. Thus, it is within His power to judge unjust individuals. To the one who inquires, "What have you done? Who are you, O man, to answer God?" (Rom. 9:20) It is fitting to fear and tremble at His might while placing hope in His mercy. Although the devil embodies a certain power, he is often restrained from causing harm because his authority is limited. Were he to unleash all his malice, none of the righteous would endure, and no faithful soul would remain. He may strike, but only within boundaries. Yet, lest the foundation falter, the Lord upholds it; for while He grants power to the tempter, He equally supplies grace to the tempted. The enemy is permitted to test according to God's design. Therefore, take heart, as your merciful Savior knows your trials. He limits temptation to what is beneficial for your growth, revealing those who remain unaware of their own limitations. Our safety lies solely in God’s power and grace. As stated in the apostles’ wisdom, "Faithful is God, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can endure." (1 Cor. 10:13) Do not fear the foe; his actions are bound by the authority he has received. Fear instead the One whose power is supreme, who acts in perfect justice. We may perceive certain actions as unjust, yet all that God does is fundamentally just.
Consider this: if someone murders an innocent person, is that just or unjust? Clearly unjust. So, why does God permit such actions? His counsel remains a mystery, but I can assert that while it was wrongful for a person to take an innocent life, such an act would not have transpired without divine allowance, which is itself just. The individual’s deeper motives may be concealed, yet you may concern yourself solely with perceived innocence. You cannot measure his guilt through external observation alone. Therefore, I could easily respond regarding the Just One, who without doubt embodies righteousness, punctuated by His death at the hands of sinners. Is it not Christ, who contains no sin, but was nonetheless betrayed and slain? You question me, yet I stress that Christ’s righteousness amidst this injustice underscores a divine truth. It is through His revelation that we grasp God's will, allowing His innocent Son to suffer at the hands of the wicked. Recognizing this reality leads one to consider whether God operates similarly in other injustices beyond this particular instance, which may escape our understanding. Indeed, it required the blood of a righteous man to wipe away our sins; it necessitated patience, humility, and ultimately the cross to conquer evil and its influence; the Passion of the Lord was vital for redemption. The immense good accomplished through Christ's suffering would not have happened had not unrighteous agents executed Him. Yet, can the blessings of redemption attributed to the Lord's Passion be blamed upon those who unjustly took His life? Certainly not. They acted upon their own desires, but God permitted it with divine wisdom... Hence, brothers, both Judas, the despicable betrayer, and Christ’s persecutors—all that is wicked, ungodly, and unrighteous must face condemnation. However, the Father did not spare His Son but delivered Him for our sake. (Rom. 8:32) Consider these truths: discern what the unjust has wrought against the Just One. One wished harm, while the other rightly allowed it. Let the unjust face their due condemnation; let the One who was unjustly permitted be exalted. For ultimately, what was the harm done to Christ? His death is marked by both the malice of those who sought evil, yet nothing evil was imposed upon Him who suffered. In confronting mortality, Christ overcame death, setting forth an example of perseverance, showcasing the glory of the Resurrection. This paradox reveals how the Righteous Good may emerge from the actions of the wicked. This profound mystery of God reveals that the good you do is a gift from Him, and by your wrongdoing, He ultimately brings forth good. Thus, be mindful—God permits and ordains judgment in precise measure. He is devoid of wrongdoing. Place your faith in Him; depend on Him as your support and salvation. He is your stronghold, a refuge in times of trouble, and He will not allow you to face more than you can endure. He will provide a way through trials, ensuring His grace empowers you to withstand. (1 Cor. 10:13) His mercy encompasses you, for power is from God, and unto You, O Lord, is mercy, rewarding all according to their deeds.