necessitas consequentiae (necessity of the consequences): this is a hypothetical or non-absolute necessity. It is brought about by a previous contingent act. It refers to the necessity of the finite order. There is no absolute necessity that God decree what he decrees, but since he has decreed so, he is bound to fulfill it.
necessitas consequentis (necessity of the consequent): this is absolute necessity that refers to the opera ad intra.
Practical value of these distinctions: it allows the theologian to intelligently and without confusion speak of both necessary and free acts. Our acts are necessary in the sense that Providence is not subject to change. But our acts are not absolutely necessary, since God was not bound to decree such.
necessitas consequentis (necessity of the consequent): this is absolute necessity that refers to the opera ad intra.
Practical value of these distinctions: it allows the theologian to intelligently and without confusion speak of both necessary and free acts. Our acts are necessary in the sense that Providence is not subject to change. But our acts are not absolutely necessary, since God was not bound to decree such.
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