II.

Pelagius and Augustine

The first theological conflict over the nature of sin and grace occurred in the late 4th century between St. Augustine and the British theologian Pelagius. Pelagius argued that every person is free to obey or disobey God. Everyone sins from time to time and needs the grace of God. In Pelagius's view, however, grace consists of God's having given the teachings and the example of Jesus, so that by grace one can know the right and good. One might further pray for God's grace as assistance in performing the good. Such grace is “resistible,” however; one is free to refuse it. Pelagius regarded salvation as God's reward given for a life of freely chosen obedience.

Augustine agreed that God had created humanity free to obey or disobey him, but argued that the taint of original sin is transmitted to succeeding generations by the act of procreation. Humanity is therefore unable not to sin. Only the irresistible grace of God can free his creation from the power of sin, and that grace was given in Christ. It is made accessible to individuals through the ministry of the church and especially through baptism and the other sacraments (see Sacrament). Believers may still sin, but those whom God elects persevere and finally achieve salvation, not by their merit or good works, but by the triumphant grace of God (see Predestination).