Saint Augustine of Hippo – Church Fathers

TL;DR

Lived indulgently before dramatic conversion to Christianity
Became Bishop of Hippo, defending orthodoxy against heresy
Developed doctrines of original sin and unconditional grace
Established predecessors to Reformed theology on sin and salvation
Left extensive writings that continue to shape Protestant belief

Early Years and Conversion

Augustine of Hippo lived a life of indulgence and vain spirituality before his dramatic conversion to Christianity late in life (Romans 6:21, Titus 3:3). Born in 354 AD in North Africa to a Christian mother and pagan father, Augustine dismissed the faith as a young man. Like the stubborn fool of Proverbs, he rebelled against his mother Monica’s efforts to lead him to Christ (Proverbs 29:1). Augustine pursued worldly ambition and prestige instead, captivated by secular philosophies and temporal pleasures. He took a concubine as a young adult and fathered a son out of wedlock named Adeodatus, showing little sexual restraint (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). His Confessions chronicles these years of indulgence and empty living without God: “For Thou hast made us for Thyself and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.” Like the prodigal son, Augustine eventually recognized the bankruptcy of his wayward life and turned wholeheartedly to Christ (Luke 15:11-32). His testimony powerfully illustrates God’s relentless, redeeming pursuit of lost sinners (Luke 15, Romans 5:8). Augustine models the path from foolish unbelief to humble submission before God (1 Peter 5:5-7).

After struggling deeply with persistent sin, Augustine was dramatically converted in 386 AD through the prayers of his mother and the ministry of Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. In his garden, Augustine had an intense and immediate experience of giving his whole self unreservedly to God (Isaiah 30:15). This conversion initiated a life of discipleship, ministry, theological development, and defense of orthodox Christianity. Like Saul on the road to Damascus, Augustine’s salvation radically reoriented his path (Acts 9). Having received God’s underserved and irresistible grace, he sought to live fully and faithfully for Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10). Augustine illustrates the mystery and mercy of redemption that reaches even the most ardent opponent of the Gospel (1 Timothy 1:12-17). His narrative parallels the apostle Paul: an improbable turnaround from hostility toward faith to fearless proclamation of biblical truth (Galatians 1:23). As a transformational leader and salt and light influence, Augustine’s continuing impact stems in part from his dramatic conversion from enemy to servant of Christ (Matthew 5:13-16).

Early Ministry and Service as Bishop

Upon entering the catechumenate under Ambrose’s discipleship, Augustine was baptized on Easter Sunday in 387 AD, a symbolic rebirth reflecting repentance and regeneration (Romans 6:4, Titus 3:5). He proceeded to Africa to establish a quasi-monastic community, seeking to live radically for Christ through spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, fasting, simplicity, and confession (Mark 1:35, Luke 18:11-14). After several years in lay ministry, Augustine was consecrated as assistant bishop of Hippo in 395 AD and became full bishop in 396 AD after his predecessor died (Matthew 20:26, 1 Timothy 3:1). Like Paul and Timothy, Augustine shepherded souls and contended for the True Faith delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3, 2 Timothy 4:2). He immersed himself in Scripture and invested deeply in mentoring priests and future church leaders like his biographer and protégé Possidius (2 Timothy 2:2). Augustine modeled the vital role of spiritual fathers in preserving and passing on biblical truth across generations (Deuteronomy 4:9, Psalms 78). As Bishop for over 30 years until his death in 430 AD, he defended orthodox Christianity from dangerous heresies like Donatism and Pelagianism that threatened right doctrine. Through extensive apologetic writings and church councils like the Council of Carthage in 418 AD, Augustine maintained the supremacy of Scripture and exposed false teachings with patience, wisdom and truth (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Like Paul, he used all available platforms to guard the flock from destructive wolves that might lead them from pure devotion to Christ (Acts 20:28-32). Augustine’s faithful service echoes Paul’s commitment to stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).

Doctrines of Sin and Grace

Augustine’s extensive theological writings explored the human condition and God’s redemptive work, emphasizing human depravity and dependence on divine grace. He developed seminal concepts like original sin and irresistible grace that became pillars of Reformed belief. Augustine maintained that all people inherit a corrupt sinful nature from Adam’s disobedience, not just a tendency toward sin (Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:12). Humanity’s fall in Eden utterly ruined moral capacity; people are not born good at the core then corrupted by society (Genesis 3). This differed from Pelagius, who argued that humans could achieve righteousness through their own efforts without special assistance from God. Augustine’s view of universal human sinfulness implied an unconditional election in which God alone determines the recipients of saving grace. Salvation relies wholly on God’s initiative since humans cannot initiate reconciliation with Him or earn merit through good works (Romans 3:10-12, Ephesians 2:1-9). Like Paul in Romans, Augustine explored the wretchedness and radical corruption of sin contrasted with the glory and utter necessity of grace for redemption (Romans 3:23-24, Romans 7:24-25). He articulated key Reformed doctrines of predestination and irresistible, efficacious grace that regenerates dead sinners. These ideas arose from Augustine’s personal narrative, pastoral experience and extensive study of Scripture, particularly Paul’s letters on law, sin, flesh, grace and salvation. Building on Platonic thought, Augustine proposed that God exists outside of time in an eternal present while humans experience time sequentially with memory of the past and anticipation of the future. This philosophy of time lent support for predestination as the timeless God’s foreknowing of events. Ultimately, Augustine taught that salvation depends completely on the sovereign work of the triune God who elects, redeems and sanctifies lost souls (John 6:37-40, Romans 8:29-30).

Enduring Legacy as a Monumental Theologian

As one of Christianity’s most substantive theological voices, Augustine left an indelible impact through his prodigious body of writings. He authored over 100 influential books and tracts that helped shape Western Christianity. Concepts like original sin, unconditional election and irresistible grace stem directly from Augustinian thought. According to Warfield, Augustine “gave us…a conception of the kingdom of God, its genesis, development, slow progress to its final and full establishment, such as was never attained before…under the influence of which we still live.” His seminal work The City of God contrasts the earthly, sinful city that dishonors God with the heavenly city of righteousness where redeemed humanity will dwell with Christ (Revelation 21:2). This classic text explored core themes like the fallen world, the Kingdom of God, divine judgment, redemption and ultimate renewal. Augustine discussed the mystery of evil’s existence in God’s good creation. He upheld doctrines of hell and eternal punishment for unredeemed souls who continually reject God’s mercy. At the same time, Augustine celebrated the certainty of eternal life for followers of Christ (John 3:16). He assured believers of their indestructible hope and coming inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5). Throughout his works, Augustine integrated innovative Christian philosophy arguments with dedicated biblical study to articulate doctrines foundational to Reformed thought. His teachings influenced pivotal leaders like Martin Luther, John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards who further developed Reformed theology. While not without imperfections, Augustine laid crucial groundwork for central tenets held by conservative Reformed Christians today regarding human depravity and divine grace, the Church, the Kingdom, and amillennial eschatology. Through prolific writing and strong defense of orthodox Christianity, Augustine rightly deserves the title of church father par excellence.

Conclusion

As theologian, philosopher and bishop of Hippo for nearly 40 years, Augustine of Hippo dramatically shaped the landscape of Christianity through his far-reaching theological and pastoral legacy. His personal narrative embodies a profound early life transformation through God’s irresistible grace, modeled after the apostle Paul’s radical conversion. Doctrines of human depravity, unconditional election and efficacious grace build directly on Augustine’s teachings derived from Scripture and personal experience. His extensive writings underscore humanity’s inherent sinfulness contrasted with God’s unmerited favor that redeems and restores. Augustine laid crucial groundwork for Reformation beliefs about salvation as God’s sovereign initiative rather than a human achievement. As a pastoral theologian invested in spiritual formation and defending truth, Augustine still influences conservative Reformed Christianity profoundly today. For his extensive contributions as an innovative philosopher, formative church leader, and theological pioneer, he rightly deserves recognition among Christianity’s most monumental thinkers.

Confessions by Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo by Peter Brown
The Legacy of Sovereign Joy by John Piper