John Calvin on Gods Divine Providence Essay - 1360 Words

John Calvin on Gods Divine Providence In John Calvins Institutes of the Christian Religion he spends a great deal of time expounding his doctrine of Gods Divine providence in all of creation. He explains not only how God continually governs the laws of nature, but also how God governs mans actions and intentions to bring about His own Divine Will. Calvin believes that Gods providence is so encompassing in creation that even a mans own actions, in many ways, are decreed by God. Because of this belief there arises the question, Does Calvin leave room for the free will of man? At the outset I must make clear that Calvin defines Providence as this: providence means not that by which God idly observes from heaven what†¦show more content†¦He believes that Gods act of creation did not stop after He created man, but continues all throughout the past, present and future. Calvin not only believes that God cares for all of man and animals, but directs the weather and excersises His power over inanimate objects. Calvi n even goes so far as to argue that the movement of the sun, moon, stars, and planets is continued by Gods power and not by some energy that was given to them at the beginning of creation, which carnal sense would tell us (Calvin 197). He does not believe that God sits back and watches or allows things in nature to happen, but actually causes them to happen. For example, if there was a drought one summer it was caused by God, possibly part of His vengeance or wrath. Or, if the crops flourished the next summer it was also His plan. Likewise, let us say per chance (no pun intended) a man is walking along a mountain pass and some rocks fall and kill him. For Calvin this was not an accident, but a determination and the Will of God. Calvins ideology of Gods Providence in nature is summed up in this quote: And truly God claims, and would have us grant him, omnipotence -- not the empty, idle, and almost unconscious sort that the Sophists imagine, but a watchful, effective, active sort, engaged in ceaseless activity. Not, indeed, an omnipotence that is only a general principle of confused motion, as if he were to command a river to flow through its once-appointed channels, but one thatShow MoreRelatedThe Theological Definition Of Providence1280 Words   |  6 Pagesthat are heavily debated. One in particular, is the providence debate. The theological definition of providence is, â€Å"God’s governing of the universe. â€Å"God’s support, care, and supervision of all creation, from its beginning to all eternity. The terms comes from Latin providentia, which in turn derives from the verb provideo, â€Å"to foresee,† but far more is meant than foresight or foreknowledge.† Some evangelicals hold that God’s providence is meticulous: He governs eac h and every detail. OthersRead MoreAn Analysis Of Calvin s Argument For Providence1363 Words   |  6 PagesAN ANALYSIS OF CALVIN’S ARGUMENT FOR PROVIDENCE Calvin on Providence In a time of chaos, the words, â€Å"God is in control,† can bring peace to believers and non-believers alike. This phrase has found its way to bumper stickers, Hallmark cards, and Facebook post, and in many ways it has become a junk drawer phrase – one that we pull out when we need a comforting clichà ©. 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AreRead MoreThe Essence Of The Debate1712 Words   |  7 PagesThe Essence of the Debate Divine Election according to Calvin One of the most valuable key sources of information on the subject of divine election is John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. He began weaving doctrinal revelation and explanation together in 1536 and finished the text in 1559. The initial composed manuscript presented comprehensive perspectives aligning with the four points of the Apostle’s creed. As time passed, Calvin decided to instruct readers in the rudiments of ChristianityRead MoreThe Working Life Essay1355 Words   |  6 Pagesreasons. Although a carpenter by trade, Christ had preached that work was irrelevant. The problem with work was that people sometimes used it to accumulate wealth and glory. For the most part the Christians attitude toward work was to trust in divine providence and do only what was necessary to get by. 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But Protestantism broke this tension by helping to organize and regularize work as one of Gods ways to test the individuals response to grace (Weber). Although this theory may not fully explain how two vastly different social systems--religion and economics--could be deeply interconnected, it does point to some fundamental links. Two especiallyRead MoreHistory of Baptists Essay2039 Words   |  9 Pagesdoctrines. Divine Providence With the doctrine of divine providence one can see the differences concerning God’s activity in the world between these two confessions. The Philadelphia Confession declares that God is in control of all things and sustains the universe at all times. God is the creator and governs His creation at all times by His providence. God is free to do as He pleases for the glory of His wisdom and power (PCF V.1). The Confession also declares that from eternity past, by God’s own will