Choices Quote by Bernard of Clairvaux
“It's not as if grace did one half of the work and free choice the other; each does the whole work, in its own peculiar contribution. Grace does the whole work, and so does free choice - with this one qualification: That whereas the whole is done in free choice, so is the whole done of grace.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: On Grace and Free Will, 12th century monastic teaching
Grace and free will each fully accomplish salvation, each contributing its own unique role in the divine process.
In simple terms: Both grace and choice complete salvation together.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both divine help and personal responsibility.
Themes
theology
free will
grace
salvation
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Personal decision making
- spiritual practice
- ethical responsibility
Key Concepts
Divine assistance
human agency
cooperation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance reliance on grace with personal effort?
- Can one act without divine assistance?
A Different Perspective
Grace alone cannot replace personal choice, and vice versa.
