Abba Paphnutius says, “But it is well for us to be sure that although we practise every virtue with unceasing efforts, yet with all our exertions and zeal we can never arrive at perfection, nor is mere human diligence and toil of itself sufficient to deserve to reach the splendid reward of bliss, unless we have secured it by means of the co-operation of the Lord, and His directing our heart to what is right.”575 He also says, “that we may know that we cannot strive without the help of God, nor can our efforts be of any use in securing the great reward of purity, unless it has been granted to us by the assistance and mercy of the Lord: for ‘a horse is prepared for the day of battle: but help comes from the Lord’ (Prov. 21:31), ‘for no man can prevail by strength’ (1 Sam. 2:9).”576
St. Augustine says of St. Paul: “So it seems he did not labor in order to receive grace, but he received grace in order that he might labour.”577 He also says, “How, then, is God’s commandment accomplished, even with difficulty, without His help, since, if the Lord does not build, the builder is said to have labored in vain (cf. Ps. 127:1).”578
571 St. Athanasius of Alexandria, Four Discourses Against the Arians 3.27.38 (NPNF II/4:415).
572 St. Jerome, Against Jovinianus 2.23 (NPNF II/6:406).
573 St. Augustine of Hippo, A Treatise on Grace and Free Will 12–13 (NPNF I/5:448–449).
574 St. Augustine of Hippo, A Treatise on Grace and Free Will 13 (NPNF I/5:449).
575 St. John Cassian, Conferences 3.12 (NPNF II/11:325–326).
576 St. John Cassian, Conferences 3.15 (NPNF II/11:327).
577 St. Augustine of Hippo, A Work on the Proceedings of Pelagius 36 (NPNF I/5:200).
578 Letter from Alypius and Augustine to Paulinus, in St. Augustine of Hippo, Letters , Volume IV (165–203)
186 (FOTC 12:217).
The Fathers cited
- St. Augustine