CONTRA FATUM

"[...]Celsus seems to me to be quite wrong, since he does not allow the possibility of a complete change with people who have sinned by nature and who do this out of habit , and thinks that they are not even to be healed by punishment. It seems clear that all men have a natural tendency to sin, and that some not only have a natural tendency, but sin also by habit. But it is not true that all men are incapable of a complete change." (Con. Cel. III,66)

"But sometimes a sinner who realizes his own sin, and on this account comes to repentance and walks humbly for his sins, is preferred before one who is thought to be less of a sinner, and who does not think himself to be a sinner, but is conceited on account of certain superior qualities of which he thinks he is conscious, and on which he prides himself. [...] Therefore, we do not blaspheme God or tell lies when we teach everyone and anyone to realize the smallness of man in comparison with the greatness of God, and to ask Him always for the needs of out nature, since He alone is able to complete our deficiencies." (Con. Cel. III,64)

"Jesus said 'Come unto me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' Accordingly, all men who labour and are heavy laden because of their sinful nature are called to the rest of the Logos of God. For 'God sent forth his word and healed them and delivered them from their distresses'." (Con. Cel. III,63)

”For persons who walk after the flesh all good is impossible. But those should know that they are in falsehood and not truth. In truth the understanding, will, and power of all creatures are God's own and united. Whoever desires a special or another understanding, will, or power contrary to God's will, might well suppose he has what, in truth, he does not have and think he lacks what all creation possesses. And, on account of this lies alone, it is true that the Holy Spirit witnesses through his own that something in man, as understanding, will, power, or whatever, is against God. Let whoever understands this take heed that he truly be nothing against God. Indeed, even this illusion, about which has been spoken, is nothing. But the situation of him who thinks thus is no better. For the more he wishes to be something that he is not, the more God is against him, although He truly never was against anything. Thus it transpires that something which is impossible is, neve...