SFÂNTUL IOAN GURĂ DE AUR DESPRE HAR ŞI LIBERUL ARBITRU
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ABOUT GRACE AND FREE WILL

Summary/Abstract: St. John Chrysostom about Grace and Free Will. The relationship between grace and the free will in the process of salvation is a problem which puzzles the mind of many theologians and simple believers alike. There is an apparent contradiction between the statements contained in the Holy Scripture regarding our salvation: we are required to work for it, to bring our contribution in the process of salvation, but, at the same time, we are told that everything belongs to God, that salvation is an act totally depending on God. Moreover, it is said that salvation has to do with the election of God, and that the act of election itself has been accomplished from all eternity; in other words, it seems that God has elected some for salvation without any consideration to their own deeds, condemning the rest to eternal punishment. The fundamental question: what is the relationship between grace and the free will? is analyzed and answered here by using John Chrysostom’s view in this matter. The works of the great Father of the Church are shedding light on this crucial issue in such a way, that the reader is both comforted in his hope for salvation and encouraged to work hard for it.

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