Confessions - Book XI - Chapter Vii
St. Augustine elucidates the eternal and immutable nature of God's Word, emphasizing its timeless existence and creative power beyond temporal change.
In this profound exposition, St. Augustine explores the nature of God's Word as eternal, immutable, and the source of all creation. He distinguishes between the timeless existence of the Word and the temporal unfolding of creation, inviting believers to grasp the depth of divine eternity. This sermon challenges listeners to appreciate the unchanging truth and power of God's spoken Word in their faith journey.
Text
9. Thou dost call us, then, to understand the Word--the God who is God with thee--which is spoken eternally and by which all things are spoken eternally. For what was first spoken was not finished, and then something else spoken until the whole series was spoken; but all things, at the same time and forever. For, otherwise, we should have time and change and not a true eternity, nor a true immortality.
This I know, O my God, and I give thanks. I know, I confess to thee, O Lord, and whoever is not ungrateful for certain truths knows and blesses thee along with me. We know, O Lord, this much we know: that in the same proportion as anything is not what it was, and is what it was not, in that very same proportion it passes away or comes to be. But there is nothing in thy Word that passes away or returns to its place; for it is truly immortal and eternal. And, therefore, unto the Word coeternal with thee, at the same time and always thou sayest all that thou sayest. And whatever thou sayest shall be made is made, and thou makest nothing otherwise than by speaking. Still, not all the things that thou dost make by speaking are made at the same time and always.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The eternal nature of God's Word
- Distinction between temporal creation and eternal Word
- God's Word as the source of all creation
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II
- Understanding true eternity and immortality
- The immutability of God's Word
- The relationship between God's Word and time
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III
- The creative power of God's spoken Word
- All things made by God's Word are not made simultaneously
- The ongoing act of creation through God's Word
Key Quotes
“For, otherwise, we should have time and change and not a true eternity, nor a true immortality.” — St. Augustine
“There is nothing in thy Word that passes away or returns to its place; for it is truly immortal and eternal.” — St. Augustine
“Whatever thou sayest shall be made is made, and thou makest nothing otherwise than by speaking.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Trust in the unchanging nature of God's Word as a foundation for faith.
- Recognize that God's creative power is ongoing and present in your life.
- Reflect on the eternal nature of God beyond the limits of time and change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Augustine mean by the Word being eternal?
He means that God's Word exists outside of time, unchanging and everlasting, unlike created things which are subject to time and change.
How does the Word relate to creation?
The Word is the means by which God creates all things; everything that exists is spoken into being by God's eternal Word.
Why does Augustine emphasize the Word's immutability?
Because the Word's unchanging nature guarantees the stability and permanence of God's truth and creative power.
Does Augustine suggest that creation is ongoing?
Yes, while the Word is eternal and simultaneous, the actual creation of things occurs in time and is not all made at once.