Section 49
Notes
Pelagius (c. 354-420) His supporters cited Deu 24:16 to deny original sin: "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall the children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin.” He was declared a heretic by the Council of Carthage (419). Pelagius spent time as an ascetic and was widely admired; even Augustine described him as a "saintly man.” Pelagius had been appalled by the wanton behavior of Christians at Rome. They so abused their liberty in Christ, and freedom from the Law, that they brought Christ’s name into condemnation (Rom 2.24; 6.1). To correct this lack of self-control, Pelagius emphasized Sanctification by godliness under the Law, over Justification by grace under the Gospel. That led to a general misunderstanding of the roles of the Law and the Gospel in Salvation. Pelagianism adds works to grace as a means of Justification, rather than works being the indispensable evidence of God’s justifying grace. Augustine proves that we are justified (saved) by God’s grace alone, and that we are also sanctified (we live to God) by God’s grace alone, even though we work out our salvation in fear and trembling (Phil 2.12) — it is God’s grace at work in us by His Spirit (Col 1.29; Eph 3.7; 1Pet 1.2), through faith (Eph 2.8-9; Act 2.38). This is the great truth rediscovered at the time of the Reformation, but known since the beginning.