In the first few centuries after Jesus’ death, the church spent most of its time on defense, protecting the truth against enemies attacking the deity of Christ. After several centuries, God chose a towering figure to go on the offensive.
From the time of the Apostle Paul to Martin Luther 1500 years later, there was no one in the church that better explained salvation by grace alone than Augustine of Hippo. But Augustine’s journey to faith was a winding one, full of obstacles and dangers, no barrier more severe than the 7th commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.”
The Laws God had given his people to help them live holy lives only plunged Augustine deeper in despair. Not until Christ melted his heart of stone could Augustine live a life of purity that God had created him to enjoy.