Augustine book XV
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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes a 'citizen of the city of God' from a 'stranger in this world'?

  • The citizen of the city of God is chosen by God for salvation, while the stranger in this world is not. (correct)
  • The citizen of the city of God is born of the free woman, while the stranger in this world is born of the bond woman.
  • The citizen of the city of God is a vessel of mercy, while the stranger in this world is a vessel of wrath.
  • The citizen of the city of God is predestinated by grace, while the stranger in this world is not.

    • What is the significance of the comparison between God and a potter?

  • It illustrates God's ability to work with both the righteous and the wicked.
  • It highlights God's power to create and shape individuals.
  • It demonstrates that God chooses some individuals for honor and others for dishonor. (correct)
  • It emphasizes God's ability to transform individuals from wicked to good.

    • What does the text suggest about the presence of evil in individuals?

  • Evil is a consequence of sin, and individuals must strive for redemption.
  • Evil is an inherent part of human nature, but individuals can choose to overcome it. (correct)
  • Evil is a result of external forces and cannot be fully controlled by individuals.
  • Evil is a temporary state and is not necessarily a permanent characteristic.

    • What is the primary difference between the city of the saints and the earthly city, according to the text?

    <p>The city of the saints is eternal, while the earthly city is temporary. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, in the text?

    <p>They symbolize the contrasting destinies of those who are born of the flesh and those who are born of the spirit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of earthly cities in the text?

    <p>They are a reflection of the true city of God, symbolizing the ultimate destination of believers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate end for the citizens of the heavenly city?

    <p>To rule over the world along with their prince, the King of the ages. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text suggest about the relationship between freedom and grace?

    <p>Grace is a divine force that liberates individuals from the constraints of sin and bondage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the meaning of the phrase "Cast out the bond woman and her son" in the text?

    <p>A plea for the separation of the earthly city from the heavenly city. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the central theme of the text?

    <p>The contrasting natures of the earthly city and the heavenly city. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the phrase "the son of the bond woman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman" in the text?

    <p>It underscores the separation between those who are bound by earthly laws and those who are free by divine promise. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the citizen of the heavenly city become a citizen?

    <p>By undergoing a spiritual transformation through the grace of God. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the text describe the relationship between citizens of the earthly city and the heavenly city?

    <p>The earthly city is subservient to the heavenly city, reflecting and foreshadowing its reality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's main point of view regarding the differences between the earthly city and the heavenly city?

    <p>The earthly city is a reflection of the heavenly city, offering a glimpse into the possibilities of divine grace. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate destination of those who are citizens of the heavenly city?

    <p>To rule over the world with the King of the ages, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the passage, what distinguishes the two cities of men?

    <p>Their allegiance to God or man. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the passage suggest about the relationship between Cain and Abel?

    <p>They represented different paths, one seeking God and the other worldly desires. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does the author mention the apostle's statement about the natural and the spiritual?

    <p>To illustrate the principle of a spiritual journey from earthly to heavenly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?

    <p>To discuss the history of the human race and the two cities of men. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The author's tone in this passage is best described as

    <p>Analytical and objective. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the intended audience for this passage?

    <p>Those who are interested in theological and historical debate. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the author's view on the role of free will in human destiny?

    <p>He acknowledges both predestination and the potential for free choice. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key concept discussed in the passage?

    <p>The importance of human reason in understanding faith. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    City of God

    A spiritual realm where citizens are predestined by grace.

    Potter analogy

    God as a potter who shapes vessels of honor and dishonor.

    Vessels of honor

    Individuals chosen by grace to embody goodness.

    Vessels of dishonor

    Individuals who embody sin and serve as a warning.

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    Children of the Promise

    Individuals born of grace, symbolized by Isaac.

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    Children of the Flesh

    Individuals born through natural means, like Ishmael.

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    Symbol of the holy city

    An earthly city that foreshadows the heavenly city.

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    Two covenants

    The Old Testament law versus the New Testament grace.

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    Galatians 4:21-31

    A biblical passage illustrating the contrast of two covenants.

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    Agar and Sarah

    Symbolic figures representing law and promise.

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    Eternal Kingdom

    The promise of everlasting life with God.

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    Ishmael's birth

    Born of human action, symbolizes the earthly struggle.

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    Isaac's birth

    Born of divine promise, symbolizes hope and grace.

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    Bondage of the law

    The enslavement felt under strict religious laws.

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    Legacy of the earthly city

    Reflects a transient format of human existence.

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    Two lines of the human race

    The division of humanity into those living according to man and those living according to God.

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    Two cities

    Symbolic representation of the two communities: one destined for God, the other for the devil.

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    First parents

    Refers to Adam and Eve, the progenitors of the human race.

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    Cain and Abel

    The first two sons of Adam and Eve, representing the two cities.

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    Natural vs Spiritual

    The concept that man is born carnal and becomes spiritual through Christ.

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    Regeneration

    The process by which a person is grafted into Christ and transformed spiritually.

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    Eternal punishment

    The fate of those who do not align with the heavenly city.

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    Human generation

    The ongoing propagation of humanity since the first parents.

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    Study Notes

    Two Cities: Human Race Divided

    • The human race is divided into two cities: the city of man, which aligns with human desires and worldly perspectives, and the city of God, which adheres to divine principles and a relationship with the Creator. This distinction highlights the inherent tension between secular pursuits and spiritual aspirations, illustrating how individuals navigate their lives within these contrasting frameworks of thought and existence. One city is destined for eternal joy and peace with God, embodying the fulfillment of divine promise, love, and harmony, while the other faces eternal punishment and separation from Him, reflecting the consequences of sin and deviation from divine will.

      The origins of these two cities can be traced back to the foundational narrative of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Their choices—specifically, the decision to disobey God's command—established the initial conflict between good and evil, setting the stage for the human experience characterized by moral struggle and the consequences of sin. This narrative underscores the significant impact of sin on humanity's relationship with God, introducing themes of temptation, fallibility, and the need for redemption. As the progenitors of the human race, Adam and Eve's actions illustrate the critical importance of free will and the choices we make, which ultimately determine our alignment with either the city of man or the city of God. Through this lens, the story serves as a profound reminder of the moral and spiritual dimensions that continue to shape human lives today.

    First-born and Significance

    • Within this context, Cain, as the first-born son of Adam and Eve, embodies the characteristics of the earthly city, representing those who allow their base instincts and worldly desires to govern their lives. In contrast, Abel, his brother, belongs to the city of God, exemplifying traits of righteousness and faithfulness to divine will, thereby contrasting sharply with Cain's choices. Their differing paths illustrate the larger narrative of humanity's choice between rebellion against God and surrender to His will.
    • This contrasts significantly with the broader reflection on the human condition: all individuals are initially "born of Adam evil and carnal," suggesting that humanity's nature is compromised by sin from the very outset. This notion emphasizes the need for transformation and renewal through divine intervention, highlighting the belief that spiritual goodness cannot be achieved through human effort alone.
    • True spiritual goodness is believed to come through processes of regeneration and grafting into Christ, which represent a profound shift in identity and purpose, allowing individuals to transcend their original sinfulness and embrace a new life aligned with God's intentions. Such regeneration is considered essential for attaining a rightful place in the city of God, highlighting the necessity of divine assistance in overcoming the natural inclination toward sin.
    • While the earthly city is born first in time, reflecting a temporal existence driven by human aspirations, it is essential to recognize that the city of God preceded it in God's sovereign plan, highlighting the eternal truth that God's purposes ultimately reign above all human endeavors. This theological perspective asserts the supremacy of divine order over chaotic human structures, reminding believers of their ultimate allegiance to God over societal norms.

    City of God and Earthly Significance

    • The city of God is considered to be "above," representing a heavenly realm that transcends earthly existence. However, it is crucial to understand that its citizens, who embody virtues such as love, faith, and righteousness, actively engage in the temporal world, striving to align their lives with the divine purpose.
    • The earthly city, characterized by human institutions and societal structures, serves as a prefiguration of the city of God. This notion implies that the values, relationships, and moral codes observed within the earthly city must reflect a deeper commitment to the ideals of the heavenly city, providing a model for how one might aspire to live according to spiritual truths.
    • The earthly city holds considerable symbolic importance, acting as a representation or foreshadowing of a greater reality. It illustrates the tension between temporal pursuits and eternal promises, highlighting the journey of souls seeking divine connection and ultimate redemption.

    Two Covenants

    • The two sons of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, serve as allegorical figures that symbolize the existence of two contrasting covenants in biblical theology.
    • Ishmael, the firstborn son of Abraham through Hagar, embodies the covenant associated with bondage, which is symbolically linked to Mount Sinai, the site of the giving of the Law, and often interpreted as representative of Jerusalem in its earthly form.
    • On the other hand, Isaac, born to Sarah and heralded as the son of promise, signifies the covenant of freedom, which is associated with the "Jerusalem above," a metaphorical representation of divine grace and spiritual liberation as promised by God.
    • In this theological framework, the earthly city, which represents human struggle and legalism, is perceived to be in a state of "bondage," while the heavenly city, representing faith and the divine promise, is seen as "free" and characterized by spiritual vitality and eternal life.

    Flesh and Promise

    • The earthly city, often characterized by its moral and spiritual decay, produces citizens through a process shaped by inherent human flaws, particularly those resulting from sin. This concept suggests that individuals born into this earthly domain are affected by the corruption of nature, rendering them inclined toward sin and moral failings.
    • In contrast, the heavenly city generates its citizens through the transformative power of divine grace, which liberates individuals from the shackles of sin. This grace acts as a restorative force, enabling believers to overcome their sinful inclinations and attain spiritual enlightenment and righteousness.
    • The narrative of Ishmael and Isaac serves as a profound allegory; Ishmael, representing natural law, symbolizes human effort and the limitations of fleshly existence. In stark relief, Isaac embodies divine promise, illustrating the potential for redemption and fulfillment through God's intervention.
    • The distinction between vessels of wrath and vessels of mercy underscores the theological contrast between those aligned with the earthly city, destined for judgment, and those favored by divine grace, destined for salvation. This differentiation reflects the broader themes of choice, destiny, and divine purpose in the spiritual journey.

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    Description

    Explore the dichotomy between the city of man and the city of God, tracing their origins back to Adam and Eve. This quiz delves into the significance of biblical characters like Cain and Abel while reflecting on the two covenants. Understand how these concepts shape the spiritual journey of humanity.

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