Church History: Heroes of Faith – Thomas Aquinas
When we look back at church history, some figures stand out as voices of clarity in the midst of confusion. One such figure is Thomas Aquinas, a theologian whose influence continues to shape Christian thought centuries later.
The Dumb Ox Who Roared
Thomas Aquinas’ family did not approve of his choice to become a monk. They even went so far as to lock him up in the family castle in an attempt to change his mind. His peers mocked him as a “dumb ox,” but little did they know that his mind would one day shape Christian theology in profound ways. His brilliance was far from foolish—he was deeply rooted in God’s truth.
Human Nature and Supernature
Aquinas wrestled with the questions of human nature and grace. He believed that when humanity fell in the Garden of Eden, our human nature was damaged and our supernature was destroyed.
Human nature, though broken, still carried the capacity to do good.
But without God’s grace, we could never attain the highest good—union with Him.
This is why we need grace. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8–10, salvation is not something we can earn; it is “by grace…through faith—it is the gift of God.”
Grace Restores the Supernatural
Aquinas taught that supernature is restored through grace. Our natural efforts are not enough to bridge the gap between us and God. Only through faith can we receive the grace that draws us into His presence.
Faith is the instrument that taps into God’s grace.
God pursues us first—as Jesus says in John 6:44a, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.”
We don’t climb our way to God. Instead, He extends His hand of grace, and all we have to do is say “yes.”
The Gift of Salvation
Thomas Aquinas reminds us that salvation is a gift—one bought for us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. God’s pursuit of us isn’t rooted in our worthiness, but in His love. As Revelation 21:1–5 paints so beautifully, God is making all things new, and by His grace, we are part of that renewal.
A Hero of Faith for Today
Though Aquinas lived centuries ago, his life still speaks to us:
When mocked or misunderstood, remember God uses even the “dumb ox” to roar His truth.
When wrestling with inadequacy, cling to God’s grace—it is enough.
When striving in your own strength, remember salvation is a gift, not a prize.
🔥 Takeaway: Like Thomas Aquinas, we are called to rest in God’s grace. Our human efforts will never be enough, but through faith, we receive His supernatural gift of salvation.