After recounting his childhood Augustine confesses that he sinned as a child in that he willfully disobeyed his parents and sought after vain glory. This confession is paired with the plea "Look down with mercy upon these things and save us who call upon you!"
This chapter is very short but it is of tremendous theological value. The so called "Sinner's Prayer" that we Evangelicals hold in high esteem comes from this vein which has its source in the Father, flowing through Word of God into our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Here it is in Augustine as it will be in every true Christian.
Here is the acknowledgement of God's justice and mercy. Justice in that all sin is sin and that any sin separates us from God, even that of a child. (Romans 3:23) Mercy in that God has made a way for us and will save us if only we call upon him and put our faith in him (John 3:16-18).
What I find interesting is his plea that continues: "deliver those also who do not call upon thee, that they may call upon thee, and thou mayest deliver them." My heart throbs with this plea. He is praying for all who have not called upon God, that God may move their hearts by circumstances natural or supernatural so that they may call upon God and be saved.
Amen and Amen. Lord show mercy upon my sins and save us now who call upon you. And Lord, show mercy also to those who have not called upon you but bring them to a point where they may call upon you and be saved.
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