God’s sovereignty and our freedom are not enemies but partners. Origen takes up Paul’s words about the potter and the clay, showing that God shapes vessels for honor or dishonor not arbitrarily but according to how each soul disposes itself (Romans 9; 2 Timothy 2:20–21). Augustine continues to reflect on Genesis 1:2, delighting in how “the earth was invisible” can be understood in many faithful ways, each bringing out the richness of Scripture. And Aquinas explains that the will is moved by God as First Mover, yet never against its freedom, while passion may press hard but cannot compel without consent. Together, these readings hold sovereignty and freedom in harmony, rooted in God’s justice and our responsibility (Philippians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Readings:
Origen, De Principiis, Book 3, Chapter 1 (Sections 19–22)
Augustine, The Confessions, Book 11, Chapter 21 (Section 30)
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Question 9, Articles 1–2
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