Pelagianism

Pelagianism is a 5th-century heresy that denies the doctrine of original sin and the necessity of divine grace for salvation. It teaches that human beings are born with the same moral condition as Adam before the Fall, meaning they are capable of choosing good or evil without the necessity of God’s grace. This heresy was named after its founder, Pelagius, a British monk, whose views directly challenged the teachings of Augustine of Hippo on human nature, sin, and grace. Pelagianism was condemned as heretical by several church councils, including the Council of Carthage (418 AD).

History of Pelagianism

1. Pelagius and His Teachings: Pelagius (c. 354–418 AD) was a theologian and ascetic from Britain who moved to Rome and became concerned about the moral laxity he observed in Christian society. He believed that Christians were using the doctrine of divine grace as an excuse for not striving toward moral perfection. Pelagius emphasized the importance of human free will and taught that human beings have the inherent ability to live righteously without the need for divine grace.

2. Opposition by Augustine: The most prominent opponent of Pelagianism was Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD). Augustine argued that Pelagius’ teachings denied the essential Christian doctrine of original sin and the absolute necessity of God’s grace for salvation. Augustine taught that human beings are born with a sinful nature due to Adam’s fall, and without the intervention of God’s grace, no one can choose to do good or come to faith in Christ (Romans 3:10-12; Ephesians 2:8-9).

3. Condemnation of Pelagianism: The debate between Augustine and Pelagius intensified, with many in the church recognizing the implications of Pelagianism for the doctrines of sin, grace, and salvation. Pelagianism was condemned at several church councils, most notably at the Council of Carthage in 418 AD, which affirmed the necessity of God’s grace for salvation and rejected Pelagius’ teachings. Pope Innocent I and his successor Zosimus also condemned Pelagianism.

4. Semi-Pelagianism: After the formal condemnation of Pelagianism, a moderated version of Pelagian thought, known as Semi-Pelagianism, emerged. Semi-Pelagianism accepted the need for grace but argued that the initiative in salvation still lay with human beings—they believed that individuals could make the first step toward God without grace, and then God’s grace would complete the process. This view was also condemned as heretical at the Council of Orange (529 AD).

5. Influence and Rejection by Later Theologians: Pelagianism, though formally rejected by the church, had a lasting influence on various theological debates throughout Christian history, particularly regarding the nature of free will and grace. During the Protestant Reformation, both Martin Luther and John Calvin strongly rejected any Pelagian or Semi-Pelagian doctrines, emphasizing total depravity and salvation by grace alone.

Theology of Pelagianism

Pelagianism is built around a high view of human freedom and moral responsibility. It is characterized by several key theological positions:

1. Denial of Original Sin: Pelagianism denies the doctrine of original sin, which teaches that all human beings inherit a sinful nature from Adam’s transgression (Romans 5:12-19). According to Pelagius, Adam’s sin affected only himself, not the entire human race. Human beings are born morally neutral, just as Adam was before the Fall, and are fully capable of obeying God’s commandments without the need for divine assistance.

2. Human Free Will and Moral Responsibility: Pelagius emphasized the importance of free will. He argued that every human being has the innate ability to choose between good and evil and is therefore fully responsible for their actions. For Pelagius, it is possible for people to live sinless lives through their own effort, without reliance on God’s grace.

3. Grace as Merely a Helper: While Pelagius did not entirely deny the concept of grace, he believed that grace is not essential for salvation. Instead, grace merely assists individuals in their pursuit of righteousness, but it is not necessary for them to begin that pursuit. He believed that grace could help individuals make good decisions, but human beings are fundamentally capable of achieving righteousness on their own.

4. Rejection of Predestination: Pelagius rejected Augustine’s doctrine of predestination, which teaches that God, in His sovereignty, chooses some for salvation while leaving others in their sin. Pelagius argued that this teaching undermined human freedom and moral accountability. Instead, he believed that salvation is open to all, and human beings can earn salvation through their good works and moral choices.

Why Pelagianism is Heretical

Pelagianism is considered heretical because it undermines the essential biblical doctrines of original sin, human depravity, and salvation by grace alone. Several key reasons for its condemnation include:

1. Denial of Original Sin and Human Depravity: Pelagianism contradicts the biblical teaching that all human beings are born with a sinful nature due to Adam’s fall. Scripture teaches that humanity is deeply affected by sin and is unable to seek God or do good apart from His grace (Romans 3:10-12; Psalm 51:5). By denying original sin, Pelagianism minimizes the depth of human depravity and the radical need for God’s intervention in salvation.

2. Undermining the Necessity of Divine Grace: The core issue in Pelagianism is its denial of the necessity of divine grace for salvation. The Bible teaches that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, given freely to sinners who cannot save themselves (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Pelagianism asserts that human beings can achieve righteousness through their own efforts, which contradicts the biblical teaching that human works cannot merit salvation (Romans 11:6).

3. Contradiction of Biblical Teaching on Human Nature: Pelagianism denies the biblical teaching that human beings are slaves to sin and incapable of choosing God or obeying His commandments without the power of His grace (John 8:34; Romans 6:16-18). By placing such a high emphasis on human free will, Pelagianism downplays the profound effect that sin has on human nature, including the will.

4. Rejection of Scriptural Teaching on Grace and Faith: Pelagianism’s view that grace is merely an aid to human effort contradicts the biblical teaching that salvation is a gift of grace and is received through faith alone, not by works (Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16). By elevating human effort and downplaying the role of God’s grace, Pelagianism creates a works-based theology that diminishes the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work on the cross.

5. Council Condemnations: Pelagianism was condemned as heretical by the Council of Carthage (418 AD), where it was affirmed that all human beings are born in a state of sin and need God’s grace for salvation. The Council of Ephesus (431 AD) also confirmed the condemnation of Pelagianism. The church recognized that Pelagius’ teachings undermined the gospel of grace and the biblical understanding of salvation.

Historic Christian Orthodox View

The historic Christian orthodox view, articulated by theologians like Augustine and affirmed by the ecumenical councils, teaches the following key doctrines:

1. Original Sin: The orthodox Christian view holds that all human beings are born with original sin as a result of Adam’s fall (Romans 5:12-19). This means that human nature is corrupted, and people are born with an inherited sinful nature that makes them prone to sin and incapable of coming to God on their own. Humanity’s fallen condition necessitates the intervention of God’s grace.

2. Total Depravity: Orthodox Christian theology, particularly in the Augustinian and later Reformed traditions, teaches that human beings are born in a state of total depravity, meaning that sin affects every aspect of a person’s being, including their will. Because of this, humans are incapable of choosing to follow God or perform good works that are pleasing to God without the work of His grace (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-12).

3. Necessity of Grace: The historic Christian view affirms that God’s grace is necessary for salvation. This grace is not merely a helper but is essential and effectual in bringing people to faith and enabling them to live righteous lives. Augustine argued that human beings are spiritually dead in sin and can only be brought to life through God’s grace (Ephesians 2:4-5).

4. Salvation by Grace Alone: Orthodox Christian teaching emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, and is not based on human works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 11:6). This means that God’s grace is the decisive factor in salvation, and human beings cannot contribute to their own salvation through their efforts. Salvation is entirely a gift of God’s mercy, accomplished by the atoning death and resurrection of Christ.

5. Predestination and Divine Sovereignty: Augustine and later Reformed theologians also emphasized the doctrine of predestination, which teaches that God, in His sovereignty, has chosen some for salvation according to His will and grace (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:4-5). This highlights the utter dependence of human beings on God’s grace for their salvation, as it is God who initiates and completes the work of salvation.

Conclusion

Pelagianism is a 5th-century heresy that denies the doctrines of original sin and divine grace, teaching instead that human beings are born morally neutral and capable of achieving righteousness through their own efforts. It was condemned as heretical by the Council of Carthage in 418 AD and further rejected by the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. Pelagianism undermines the biblical teachings of human depravity, the necessity of God’s grace for salvation, and the gift of salvation through faith alone. The historic Christian orthodox view, as articulated by Augustine and affirmed by the church, teaches that all humans are born in sin and can only be saved by the sovereign grace of God, through the work of Jesus Christ.