Summary of Book 2 - Chapter 3

Summary of Book 2 - Chapter 3

Every thing that proceeds from the corrupt nature of man worthy of condemnation.

Despite the depressing title of this chapter, there is great hope written therein.

Calvin reemphasizes man's depravity of his flesh, his will, and his natural inclinations.
We are nothing apart from God. The only goodness in us comes from God working through our natures.

We are only saved through God's grace. And God chooses who He will to bestow that grace upon.
Even the free will that we have is due to God's grace, so, ultimately, the decisions we make are not something that we can brag about or take credit for.

God works through each individual, even our sinful actions, to produce overall good in the world.
We need to empty ourselves and make ourselves nothing, so God can live in us.

The perfect example for us is Jesus. Jesus emptied himself, so that the Father's Will could be wrought in the world, and so that the mighty blessing of salvation could manifest in our lives.