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Heresies & Errors
Heresy
Early 5th century · Sin and grace

Pelagianism

Pelagius taught that Adam's sin harmed only Adam, that every person is born able to obey God fully, and that grace consists mainly in God's law, Christ's example, and the forgiveness of past sins rather than an inward power that frees the will.

The central claim

People are born able to obey God perfectly without inward help from His grace.

ClassificationHeresy
PeriodPatristic
DatesEarly 5th century
Doctrine affectedSin and grace

A heresy denies the Gospel or the God it reveals (Galatians 1:8).

Historical origins

Where It Began

Pelagius, a British ascetic teaching in Rome around 400, was troubled by the moral laxity of nominal Christians. Augustine reports that Pelagius was disturbed by a prayer in the Confessions asking God to give what He commands. Pelagius and his disciple Celestius taught that what God commands, people are able to do.

Major figures

The People Involved

PelagiusBritish ascetic teacher · c. 354–c. 418Augustine of HippoBishop of Hippo; theologian of the catholic church · 354–430

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In a sentence

Why This Is Dangerous

It tells sinners they can obey God in their own strength, so it leaves them without the Savior they truly need. Scripture says we were dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1), and by grace ye are saved (Ephesians 2:5).

Visit The Pelagian Controversy · AD 411–431