Summary of Book 2 - Chapter 4
The Operation of God in the Hearts of Men
Again, Calvin revisits the idea of God using sinful humans to perform good in the world. Sinful persons can be pitted against other sinners and perform the will of God.
Calvin states : "He makes the evil instruments, which he has in his hand, and can turn as he pleases, to be subservient to his justice". This is also why the scriptures talk of God hardening the hearts of people as he did with pharaoh in the time of Moses.
This may seem as not a nice thing to do from our perspective. However, God is omniscient and knows the final outcome of all actions. And only He knows the exact plans he has for all of us.
Calvin quotes St. Augustine on this matter in this chapter: "The Scripture, if it be diligently examined, shows, not only that the good wills of men, which he turns from evil into good, and directs to good actions and to eternal life, but also that those wills which relate to the present life, are subject to the power of God, so that he, by a most secret, but yet a most righteous judgment, causes them to be inclined whither he pleases, and when he pleases, either for the communication of benefits, or for the infliction of punishments."
Basically, God is in charge, even of sinners, Satan, and His enemies.
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