Oblate Program at Belmont Abbey, NC

Tag: free will

Excluding God only brings about war

It is only the infinite mercy and love of God that has prevented us from tearing ourselves to pieces and destroying His entire creation long ago. People seem to think that it is in some way a proof that no merciful God exists, if we have so many wars. On the contrary, consider how in… Read More ›

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No one can serve two masters

‘No one can serve two masters.’ What sort of masters? Christ explains it to you when he continues: ‘You cannot serve God and Mammon.’ [Matt. 6:24] It is clear then. Those who make Mammon their master cannot serve God, but they serve the master they have freely chosen. They love to be at Mammon’s disposal,… Read More ›

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Everything flows into the will of God

As a drop of water seems to disappear completely in a big quantity of wine, even assuming the wine’s taste and color; just as red, molten iron becomes so much like fire it seems to lose its primary state; just as the air on a sunny day seems transformed into sunshine instead of being lit… Read More ›

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Our Nature is not the Cause of Evil

Our nature is not the cause of evil; instead, evil is caused by a free will that is voluntarily inclined toward evil. By the same token, our nature is not the cause of righteousness, as if it were incapable of unrighteousness, but the word that we receive [cf. Mark 4:20] makes us righteous. Origen Commentary… Read More ›

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Free Will and God’s Grace are Necessary for Spiritual Progress

Neither that which lies within our own power apart from the knowledge of God, nor mere knowledge of God — if we have not also brought something to the good — compels us to make progress. We do not become vessels for honor or dishonor solely through that which lies within our power apart from… Read More ›

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Every Rational Soul has Free Will and Choice

This also is defined in the preaching of the church: every rational soul has free will and choice. The soul is in a battle against the devil, his angels, and opposing powers, because they endeavor to oppress our souls with sins. If we live rightly and prudently, we should make every effort to rid ourselves… Read More ›

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