Confessions - Book Vii - Chapter IV
St. Augustine explores the nature of God as incorruptible and the highest good, affirming that true evil arises from corruption which cannot touch the divine substance.
In this profound exposition, St. Augustine delves into the nature of God as incorruptible and the ultimate good. He argues that God's essence is immune to corruption, which is the root of all evil. Through careful reasoning, Augustine invites listeners to understand the divine will and power as perfectly unified and sovereign. This sermon challenges believers to seek God as the source of all goodness and to recognize the limitations of corruption in the created world.
Text
6. For in my struggle to solve the rest of my difficulties, I now assumed henceforth as settled truth that the incorruptible must be superior to the corruptible, and I did acknowledge that thou, whatever thou art, art incorruptible. For there never yet was, nor will be, a soul able to conceive of anything better than thee, who art the highest and best good.[179] And since most truly and certainly the incorruptible is to be placed above the corruptible--as I now admit it--it followed that I could rise in my thoughts to something better than my God, if thou wert not incorruptible. When, therefore, I saw that the incorruptible was to be preferred to the corruptible, I saw then where I ought to seek thee, and where I should look for the source of evil: that is, the corruption by which thy substance can in no way be profaned. For it is obvious that corruption in no way injures our God, by no inclination, by no necessity, by no unforeseen chance--because he is our God, and what he wills is good, and he himself is that good. But to be corrupted is not good. Nor art thou compelled to do anything against thy will, since thy will is not greater than thy power. But it would have to be greater if thou thyself wert greater than thyself--for the will and power of God are God himself. And what can take thee by surprise, since thou knowest all, and there is no sort of nature but thou knowest it? And what more should we say about why that substance which God is cannot be corrupted; because if this were so it could not be God?
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Incorruptible Nature of God
- God is the highest and best good
- Incorruptibility distinguishes God from creation
- Corruption cannot affect God's substance
-
II. The Relationship Between Will and Power in God
- God's will is not greater than His power
- God acts in perfect harmony with His nature
- Nothing can surprise or compel God
-
III. Understanding the Source of Evil
- Evil arises from corruption
- God's substance remains untainted by evil
- Seeking God means seeking the incorruptible
Key Quotes
“For there never yet was, nor will be, a soul able to conceive of anything better than thee, who art the highest and best good.” — St. Augustine
“Corruption in no way injures our God, by no inclination, by no necessity, by no unforeseen chance--because he is our God, and what he wills is good, and he himself is that good.” — St. Augustine
“The will and power of God are God himself.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Trust in God's unchanging and incorruptible nature amidst life's challenges.
- Recognize that evil stems from corruption and does not originate from God.
- Align your will with God's perfect will and power for spiritual growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does St. Augustine mean by 'incorruptible'?
He refers to God's nature as unchanging, perfect, and immune to decay or moral corruption.
How does this sermon explain the existence of evil?
Evil is understood as corruption, which cannot affect God but exists in the created, corruptible world.
Why is God's will not greater than His power?
Because God's will and power are unified as God Himself, ensuring perfect alignment and sovereignty.
What is the significance of recognizing God as the highest good?
It directs believers to seek God as the ultimate source of goodness and truth beyond all else.