God’s Sovereignty over Evil Without Compromise | John Calvin

Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - God So Uses the Works of the Ungodly, And So Bends Their Minds to Carry Out His Judgments, That He Remains Pure from Every StainJohn Calvin argues that God’s sovereignty extends over all human actions, including the wicked deeds of the ungodly, rejecting the notion that God merely permits evil. Instead, God actively directs the malice of the impious to fulfill his righteous judgments, making the distinction between God's doing and permitting a false evasion. Throughout Scripture, examples illustrate this profound control. For instance, while Satan and thieves afflicted Job, God was the ultimate author of the trial. Similarly, the crucifixion of Christ by the Jews and Pilate was carried out exactly according to God’s definite plan and foreknowledge.God accomplishes his purposes by working inwardly upon the minds of men, sometimes blinding them, hardening their hearts, or using Satan as an instrument of his just vengeance, as seen with Pharaoh and King Saul. Despite ordaining these events, God remains entirely pure from any stain of sin. Calvin explains this by distinguishing between God's secret will and his revealed precepts. God's will is unified, though it may appear contradictory to limited human understanding. Men may act against God’s revealed commands, yet simultaneously fulfill his hidden decrees.Crucially, God is not the author of wickedness, and men are not excused for their sinful actions just because they inadvertently carry out God’s decrees. Relying on Augustine, Calvin notes that while God and an evil person might will the same event, such as the death of Christ through Judas's betrayal, their motives are entirely different. God’s purpose is always just, whereas man's intent is wicked. Therefore, humans are judged based on their wicked intentions, not on God's sovereign use of their actions. Ultimately, believers are called to humbly embrace these scriptural truths, even when they exceed human comprehension.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerWorship Music: https://suno.com/playlist/3a498d0f-c90e-4981-8aa7-59834e7239f7https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730