Confessions - Book Xii - Chapter Xviii
St. Augustine emphasizes that the true purpose of the law is love expressed through a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith, urging believers to seek divine truth beyond mere literal interpretation.
In this profound exposition, St. Augustine explores the ultimate purpose of the law as rooted in love, faith, and conscience. He highlights Christ’s teaching that all the Law and the Prophets depend on two great commandments. Augustine also addresses the nature of scriptural interpretation, encouraging believers to seek divine truth beyond literal readings. This sermon invites listeners to embrace a deeper, more loving understanding of God’s word.
Text
27. When all these things have been said and considered, I am unwilling to contend about words, for such contention is profitable for nothing but the subverting of the hearer.[484] But the law is profitable for edification if a man use it lawfully: for the end of the law \"is love out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and faith unfeigned.\"[485] And our Master knew it well, for it was on these two commandments that he hung all the Law and the Prophets. And how would it harm me, O my God, thou Light of my eyes in secret, if while I am ardently confessing these things--since many different things may be understood from these words, all of which may be true--what harm would be done if I should interpret the meaning of the sacred writer differently from the way some other man interprets? Indeed, all of us who read are trying to trace out and understand what our author wished to convey; and since we believe that he speaks truly we dare not suppose that he has spoken anything that we either know or suppose to be false. Therefore, since every person tries to understand in the Holy Scripture what the writer understood, what harm is done if a man understands what thou, the Light of all truth-speaking minds, showest him to be true, although the author he reads did not understand this aspect of the truth even though he did understand the truth in a different meaning?[486]
Sermon Outline
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I
- Avoid contention over words that leads to confusion
- Recognize the law’s purpose for edification
- Understand the law’s end as love from a pure heart
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II
- Christ’s summary of the Law and Prophets on two commandments
- The importance of love, conscience, and faith
- The law’s fulfillment in love
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III
- The diversity of scriptural interpretation
- Seeking divine guidance in understanding Scripture
- Respecting different but truthful understandings
Key Quotes
“The law is profitable for edification if a man use it lawfully: for the end of the law "is love out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and faith unfeigned.” — St. Augustine
“Our Master knew it well, for it was on these two commandments that he hung all the Law and the Prophets.” — St. Augustine
“What harm is done if a man understands what thou, the Light of all truth-speaking minds, showest him to be true, although the author he reads did not understand this aspect of the truth?” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Focus on cultivating love and sincere faith rather than merely following rules.
- Approach Scripture with humility, seeking God’s guidance for understanding.
- Avoid contentious debates over words that distract from the core message of love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the law according to Augustine?
The law’s main purpose is to promote love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.
Why does Augustine discourage contention over words?
Because such disputes are unprofitable and can confuse or subvert the hearer.
How should believers approach differing interpretations of Scripture?
Believers should seek the truth as revealed by God, recognizing that different interpretations can still hold true aspects.
What two commandments did Christ emphasize?
Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.