Augustine and predestination of the saints: Application for the South African Church

Abstract

Predestination is misunderstood by many believers. It is a theological issue defined by complexity and difference of opinion among theologians. However, it cannot be ignored because of implications that arise depending on the view one adapts. Predestination is discussed extensively by the African theologian St. Augustine (354-430 CE) in terms of his specific historical situation. The questions that Augustine faced were not unique to his day and it will be argued that these questions are posed to the modern church even though the context of the contemporary church differs from Augustine’s day. The attention will focus on Augustine’s exposition of the doctrine and the historical arguments of theologians opposed to Augustine’s view, while the biblical teaching on predestination in both Old and New Testaments will be utilised to evaluate the arguments on both sides, before the conclusions will be applied in the exposition of the basis, purpose and result of predestination as an important part of the biblical plan of salvation presented in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The study will focus on the situation in the black Reformed churches in South Africa and the doctrine will be applied in this specific context.