Summary

Erasmus's *On Free Will* argues that while God's grace is primary and indispensable for salvation, humans retain a degree of free will, making them responsible for their choices and the cooperation with grace. He refutes the extreme predestinarianism advocated by Martin Luther, asserting that God's foreknowledge does not negate human agency. The work seeks a balanced understanding, preserving both divine sovereignty and human accountability within Christian doctrine.

Erasmus emphasizes that understanding the precise mechanism of free will is less important than acknowledging its existence and the moral imperative to act virtuously. He maintains that Scripture supports a position where faith, works, and divine assistance work in tandem. Readers are encouraged to embrace a nuanced theological perspective that avoids fatalism and fosters a sense of personal responsibility in their spiritual lives.

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Key concepts

Divine Grace — The unmerited favor of God, considered essential for salvation and human good works.
Free Will (Liberum Arbitrium) — The capacity of human beings to make choices, particularly in relation to moral and spiritual matters, which Erasmus affirms exists.
Predestination — The doctrine that God has foreordained all events, which Erasmus argues against in its absolute form.
Cooperation with Grace — The idea that human free will can actively respond to and work with God's grace.
Scripture Interpretation — Erasmus's method of analyzing biblical texts to support his theological arguments.