Of the Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy of
The work explores the profound struggle between human nature, corrupted by sin, and the necessity of divine grace for salvation. It begins with a plea for assistance to overcome the inherent wickedness that leads to sin and destruction. The author reflects on the duality of human experience, where the mind recognizes the law of God yet is often enslaved by sensual desires. This internal conflict highlights the weakness of human will, which, despite understanding the good, frequently succumbs to temptation. The text emphasizes the fallen state of humanity, tracing the corruption back to original sin and the consequent impact on nature. It portrays human reason as clouded and limited, capable of discerning good from evil but powerless to act upon that knowledge without divine intervention. The author acknowledges the necessity of grace for any meaningful progress toward virtue, asserting that without it, human efforts are futile. Grace is depicted as an essential, transformative force that empowers individuals to pursue goodness and perfection. The author extols the virtues of grace, stating that it surpasses all natural gifts and is the true source of merit before God. The work underscores that faith, hope, and other virtues are rendered ineffective without the foundation of love and grace. The text concludes with a fervent appeal for grace, recognizing it as the source of strength, wisdom, and comfort in the face of life's challenges. It portrays grace as a guiding light, a source of consolation, and a means of overcoming fear and sorrow. The author expresses a deep reliance on divine grace for the ability to engage in good works and achieve spiritual fulfillment, reinforcing the central theme of the necessity of grace in the journey toward salvation.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1518 · Genre: Theological, Spiritual, Philosophical · 892 words
First lines
O Lord my God, who hast created me after thine own image and similitude, grant me this grace, which Thou hast shown to be so great and so necessary for salvation, that I may conquer my wicked nature, which draweth me to sin and to perdition. For I feel in my flesh the law of sin, contradicting the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the obedience of sensuality in many things; nor can I resist its passions, unless Thy most holy grace assist me, fervently poured into my heart.
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Of the Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy of Divine Grace is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1518 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1518 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Theological, Spiritual, Philosophical, Devotional, Christian Literature
- Length: 892 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Of the Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy of Divine Grace by Thomas à Kempis
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- A Devout Exhortation To The Holy Communion by Thomas A. Kempis
- That Personal Love Greatly Hindereth From The Highest Good by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Meditation Upon The Hidden Judgments Of God That We May Not Be Lifted Up Because Of Our Well Doing by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Desire After Eternal Life And How Great Blessings Are Promised To Those Who Strive by Thomas A. Kempis
- That A Man Should Not Be A Curious Searcher Of The Sacrament But A Humble Imitator Of Christ Submitting His Sense To Holy Faith by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Theological — The text explores deep theological themes regarding divine grace, human nature, and sin, making it primarily a theological work.
- Spiritual — The focus on personal spiritual struggle and the necessity of divine assistance for moral improvement categorizes it as a spiritual work.
- Philosophical — The discussion of human nature, morality, and the conflict between reason and sensuality reflects philosophical inquiry.
- Devotional — The text serves as a prayer and meditation on grace, fitting the devotional genre.
Tags
Christianity · Theology · Mysticism · Spirituality · Philosophy · Religion · Faith · Divine Grace · Corruption of Nature · Human Nature · Sin · Redemption
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis