THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
We affirm that God possesses complete knowledge of all events before they occur, and we act voluntarily according to our understanding and feelings. However, we reject the notion that everything unfolds solely by fate; indeed, we assert that fate does not exist. We contend that the term 'fate' holds no significance when used in the common language of predicting outcomes based on the alignment of celestial bodies at one’s birth or conception. While we acknowledge the inherent order of causes, demonstrating the immense power of God's will, we do not refer to this as fate unless we consider the etymological connection between ‘fate’ and ‘to speak’.
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In this context, we recognize the truth of the sacred texts: ‘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’ indicates a steadfast declaration, reflecting how God consistently knows all that is to come and what He Himself is destined to fulfill. Thus, if we were to derive 'fate' from its connection to ‘to speak’, it could be applicable, but we prefer to avoid any associations that might mislead or confuse others. The conclusion that God's oversight of a certain order of causes negates the possibility of free will does not follow at all. Our will itself is part of this ordered cause-and-effect chain, which resides within God's foreknowledge; the human will is indeed a cause of human actions. Therefore, the One who foresees all causes cannot omit knowledge of our will, as it is integral to the causes of our deeds.
One day God inquired, "What sayest thou, Iditun?" If you, having surpassed all that came before, assert that God spoke once, I turn to another Scripture which states: "In many parts and in various ways, God spoke in time past to the fathers through the prophets." (Hebrews 1:1). What does it mean that God spoke once? Is He not the same God who conversed with Adam at the dawn of creation? (Genesis 3:17) Did He not also address Cain, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets, including Moses? To Moses, God spoke repeatedly. Even in addressing one individual, God’s voice was not limited to a single utterance. Furthermore, in this very instance, He proclaimed to the Son, “You are My beloved Son.” (Matthew 3:17). God has communicated with the Apostles and all the saints—not with an audible voice from the heavens, but in the depths of their hearts, where He reigns as Master. When we hear the phrase "God once spoke," it seems this individual has bypassed many truths to arrive at this conclusion. I have shared briefly with your love; indeed, among humanity, God has often communicated in various ways through countless forms of creation. God indeed spoke once, for the One Word was birthed from God.
It is inconceivable that God, having created through the Word, would be unaware of what He had made. (John 1:3) If He knew what He had created, then within Him existed that which was conceived before creation. If He had not known what was created, how could He have created it? It cannot be stated that God brought forth what He did not comprehend. Thus, He indeed knew His creation. Yet, how could He have known prior to His act of creation, unless that which was created was already reflected in Him? These revelations come not from within the creation itself, but through the One who established it. Before all creation, He of whom we speak was recognized. In the Word through which He fashioned all things, everything existed before creation, and everything persists after creation; yet they exist differently in nature and in the manner of their formation. Who can truly elucidate these mysteries? Perhaps we should journey with the Iditun.
For even the Lord declared, “I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” (John 16:12). What does it signify that “these two things I have heard”? The two revelations I am about to share do not originate from myself; what I declare is what I have heard. God spoke once—He, the only begotten God, is the source of the one Word. In that Word resides all things, for through the Word all were created. He possesses one Word in which all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge dwell. (Colossians 2:3) He has one Word because God spoke once. These two truths I am about to impart are based on what I have gleaned: not from my own understanding do I speak, but rather, I convey what I have received. (John 8:26). The friend of the Bridegroom stands to hear the truth, for he listens carefully, avoiding self-deception, (John 8:44) and may you too not question the source of my words. I have discerned these two important truths, and I, who share them, understand what God once articulated. Do not dismiss the speaker who conveys these essential truths; he who has transcended creation has reached the only-begotten Word of God, learning what God once declared.
Therefore, let him now proclaim two ideas that are crucial for us. For power emanates from God, and to You, O Lord, belongs mercy. Is it not true that these two concepts, power and mercy, are fundamental? You must understand the might of God and the compassion of God; these principles encapsulate nearly all of Scripture. The prophets spoke due to these truths, the Patriarchs were guided by them, the Law was established through them, as was our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and indeed, the Apostles preached earnestly because of these insights. His power, we should revere, while His mercy is what we should cherish. Do not lean too heavily on His mercy while disregarding His power, nor fear His power while losing hope in His mercy. He possesses both strength and compassion. This man He humbles, while that man He exalts; this humility comes through strength, and that exaltation through grace.
For if God, wishing to manifest His wrath and display His might, remains patient with vessels destined for destruction, (Romans 9:22) you have heard of His power; therefore, seek His mercy. He opens the riches of His grace to vessels prepared for mercy. It is within His power to judge the wicked. And to any who inquire, “What have you done?” I ask, “Who are you, O man, to question God?” (Romans 9:20) Thus, you should stand in awe of His power and place your hope in His mercy. The devil exerts a form of power; often, he intends to cause harm, but cannot, for his authority is limited. If he could inflict as much harm as he attempts, none righteous would remain, nor the faithful on the earth. He strikes like a faltering wall, yet only within the constraints of his allowable strength. Should the wall begin to tumble, the Lord supports it; for while He empowers the tempter, He grants grace to those who are tempted. The devil is allowed to tempt, but only within measured bounds.
Fear not the tempter who is permitted to act; for you have a compassionate Savior. He is permitted to tempt you only to the extent that is beneficial, allowing for your testing and fortification. In this manner, those unacquainted with themselves may come to true understanding. Where else could we find refuge but in God’s power and grace? After that apostolic declaration, “Faithful is God, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond your capability.” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Do not fear the adversary; the extent of his actions is limited by the power he has received. Instead, revere the One who possesses ultimate power; fear the One who accomplishes all and does so righteously, for all that He undertakes is just.
Let me pose a question: If anyone were to take the life of an innocent person, would that act be just or unjust? Clearly, it would be unjust. Why does God allow it to happen? I cannot lay out the counsel of God to you, but I must affirm: it was unjust for any man to take the life of an innocent person, and yet it would not have occurred had God not permitted it. Though the action was unjust, God’s permission was not. The reason lies beyond mere human understanding, hidden within that person and whatever circumstances exist that brought the concern to your heart. Perhaps that individual would not have faced death had he not been culpable; you assume his innocence, but you cannot see his heart or weigh his intentions fully to declare it as unjust.
But there is One who is truly Just—who has never sinned—yet was unjustly put to death by sinners. Look to Christ, the Lord Himself, who bears no blame. He is the one who suffered unjustly, yet through His sacrifice, He brought forth a lesson in patience and set forth the model of Resurrection. How great the good that arose from the suffering of this Righteous One! Yet, the Passion of our Lord would not have transpired had it not been for the actions of unjust men. What does this mean? Can we attribute the good we received from the Passion of our Lord to those who wrongfully executed Him? Absolutely not. Their desire was to do harm, yet God allowed it. They would have been guilty had they merely wished to act unjustly; God would not have permitted their actions if they were without justification.
Thus, both Judas, the despicable betrayer of Christ, and those who persecuted Him—all unrighteousness must be condemned. Yet the Father did not spare His Son but delivered Him up for us all. (Romans 8:32). Arrange your thoughts, if you can discern; present your vows to God as you promised. Reflect on the deeds of the unjust and the Just One. One desired ill will, while the Other allowed for a greater purpose. Let the wicked be condemned, while the one who permitted it justly be glorified. The evil that befell Christ was not borne of wrongdoing on His part; the deeds of the wicked were aimed at Him, yet He absorbed no guilt. He brought death to death itself through His own death, teaching us patience and leading the way to Resurrection.
This is the great mystery of God: every good deed you pursue is bestowed upon you by Him, and through your wrongful actions, He brings about good. Therefore, do not be astonished at God’s allowances, for in His judgements, He discerns. All that He permits is measured—neither arbitrary nor arbitrary—He possesses no wrongdoing. Belonging to Him, place all your hopes in Him; let Him be your Helper, your salvation; may He be your stronghold, your refuge. He will not allow you to be tested beyond your capacity. He endures, while also providing means of escape during trials, so you can endure them. The strength you find in your trials will be His support, and His suffering will not exceed your ability to bear.
Remember, strength is from God, and to You, O Lord, belongs mercy, for You reward everyone according to their works. This yearning of the Church seeks the one whom you see. At the same time, consider how many from among the mixed crowd of Christians both bless with their mouths and curse with their hearts. This individual, a Christian and a believer, has returned repentantly, trembling at the might of the Lord while seeking His mercy. For having once strayed under the enemy’s influence and having practiced astrology, he was led away, deceiving and seducing many, speaking lies against God, who empowers men to do good rather than evil. He misrepresented sin as deities—claiming it was under Venus that one indulged in adultery, that Mars incited murder, and that it was not God who delivered justice, but Jupiter, alongside many other blasphemous claims.
How many Christians do you think fell prey to his lies? How many embraced his deceit, to whom we cried, “Sons of men, how long will you allow your hearts to be dull? Why do you cherish vanity and pursue falsehood?” Now, having realized the depths of his deception, he has turned to God, repenting from his past life of seduction. Brethren, we might consider that tremendous fear led him to this change. What shall we conclude? Had the astrologer converted from paganism, it would indeed have ignited great joy; however, if he had been transformed, one might have expected he would seek the priestly ministry within the Church. But he is a penitent, only yearning for mercy. Therefore, let him be esteemed in both your eyes and your hearts.