I would be so happy if you never spoke of Augustine again.
No other early theologian agreed with much of what he said.
He changed his mind about concepts.
He made a mess with predestination... at least it wasn't double predestination, but I Always get him put in my face.
Also, none of the early Church fathers I know about believed in OSAS.
They believe in WORKS.
A nasty word nowadays.
Cheap grace is what many want.
God has Grace and books could be written on this.
He give us His grace.
Some cheapen it and wish to give nothing in return.
There is a simple question. If easy believism creates people in the image of Christ, walking
in His ways, Amen. But what you tend to get is just the continuation of sinful lifestyles but
with the christian label.
Now those who are honest, the struggle within between the flesh and the Spirit is always
an issue of choice, and indulgence in the flesh, makes it stronger, sucks people in, so
there is no resistance. So it is in the end, you sow to the Spirit or you die.
How you describe this walk, as maintaining salvation, earning it, walking in it, the realities
are you walk the road or you fall off and probably will not return. I know the feelings and
tumult within, and it is always a choice. Now this does produce people who are in the image
of Christ, pure, holy, righteous. So I think the argument is simple. Obey and live, disobey
and fall away.