So what did the Church believe about free will in AD150? About the effects of the Fall? Predeterminism? Monergism?

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What did the Church believe in its infancy about these questions? This is the Church that was basically received the Apostolic faith from the Apostles themselves? Justin Martyr was a literally like a grandchild spiritually of the Apostles. What did he believe? What did he teach?  

It is not a mystery. We have his writings and Calvinists won't like what they find! 

In the beginning, He made the human race with the power of thought and of choosing the truth and doing right, so that all men are without excuse before God.  Justin Martyr (c. 160, E), 1.172.

For if it is predetermined that this man will be good, and this other man will be evil, neither is the first one meritorious nor the latter man to be blamed. And again, unless the human race has the power of avoiding evil and choosing good by free choice, they are not accountable for their actions.  Justin Martyr (c. 160, E), 1.177.

Neither do we maintain that it is by fate that men do what they do, or suffer what they suffer. Rather, we maintain that each man acts rightly or sins by his free choice. ...Since God in the beginning made the race of angels and men with free will, they will justly suffer in eternal fire the punishment of whatever sins they have committed.  Justin Martyr (c. 160, E), 1.190.

It was God's desire for both angels and men, who were endowed with free will...that if they chose the things acceptable to Him, He would keep them free from death and from punishment. However, if they did evil, He would punish each as He sees fit.  Justin Martyr (c. 160, E), 1.243.

He created both angels and men free to do that which is righteous. And He appointed periods of time during which He knew it would be good for them to have the exercise of free will.  Justin Martyr (c. 160, E), 1.250.

#free will #monergism #predestination #determinism #fall

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