Spiritual Growth Beyond Self-Help

In 'The Grace of Christ,' Augustine defends the necessity of divine grace for human salvation and moral action. He argues against Pelagianism, which asserts that humans have the capacity to choose good and achieve salvation through their own efforts, without God's supernatural aid. Augustine emphasizes that while humans possess free will, their will is weakened by original sin, making them dependent on God's grace to perform good works. The book explores the nature of grace, its role in conversion and sanctification, and its relationship to human freedom and responsibility. Augustine appeals to Scripture and reason to support his claims, emphasizing the transformative power of grace in enabling believers to live virtuous lives pleasing to God. This work is a foundational text in the development of Western Christian theology, particularly regarding the doctrines of grace and salvation.

Written originally as a letter of spiritual counsel to a friend, 'The Life of God in the Soul of Man' by Henry Scougal explores the essence of true religion. Scougal argues that true religion is not merely about external observances or moral actions, but rather a vital, inward principle of the divine life. He describes this divine life as a union of the soul with God, a real participation in the divine nature, and the formation of Christ within the believer. The book has been influential in the evangelical movement, guiding readers to understand and desire a living, loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.