 "If you will attack my doctrine, why not at least show candour enough to quote my own language." John Calvin |
 We look at the case of Job below with Calvin's comments quoted, explained and endorsed |
 We look at the case of Judas below with Calvin's comments quoted, explained and endorsed |
DID JOHN CALVIN TEACH THAT GOD IS THE AUTHOR OF EVIL?
(This page is a work in progress, but with sufficient material to post immediately)
(This page is a work in progress, but with sufficient material to post immediately)
|
THE STORY SUMMARISED FROM THE FULL QUOTES GIVEN BELOW:
The clear answer to the above question is "No - he did not." As seen in the quotes given below, he outrightly denied it to be the case: "I deny that God is the author of evil" (Comment/Acts 2:23) Calvin identified two "absurdities" in his comments on James 1:13 including the idea that God is the author of sin, which he called an"vain evasion." Calvin further claimed that "every evil proceeds from no other fountain other than the wicked lusts of man" and that it is Satan who allures men to sin. (ibid) The whole of Calvin's comment on James 1:13 is rich in clear quotes on this matter, which cannot be misunderstood in any way, concluding with the words: "But God does not desire what is evil: he is not, therefore, the author of doing evil in us." We
reproduce, in full, Calvin's section from the Institutes (2:4:2) where
he takes on the scenario from Job and shows how the three separate
players (God, Satan and the Chaldeans) all had a totally different
impute into the trouble afflicted upon Job and shows how that only God
could walk away without any blame and why i.e. His purpose and manner differed greatly
from that of Satan and the Chaldeans. Calvin's comments on Isaiah
10:7 further enlarge upon these things. Here he points out that the
wicked are obliged to take their orders from the revealed law of God
and cannot complain if God uses their self produced wickedness for His
own holy ends. In his comments on Genesis 8:22, Calvin points out that
no man is compelled to sin by outside force, but always does not
voluntarily by his own wicked lusts. On several occasions, Calvin
pointed out that man is the author of his own damnation - and so could
claim: "Accordingly,
we should contemplate the evident cause of condemnation in the corrupt
nature of humanity—which is closer to us—rather than seek a hidden and
utterly incomprehensible cause in God’s predestination." (Institutes
3:23:8)
We also reproduced in full Calvin's comments on Judas Iscariot and how the wicked (not the innocent or the neutral) are sometimes bridled by God and used to accomplish his holy will. Again, Calvin carefully explains how Judas can be and is guilty. We follow this up with a partial quote from Calvin on Matthew 27:3 relating to how Judas refused the gospel offer made to him by God and so increased his wickedness. Calvin also deals with how God hardening/blinding the reprobate does not indict God's character. It is seen to be judicial - a response to light refused. God does not begin the hardening. (Comments/Isaiah 6:10) |
DID JOHN CALVIN TEACH THAT GOD IS THE AUTHOR OF EVIL?
If Calvin did so
teach, then he is a false teacher and blasphemer who should be exposed
and shunned by all right thinking Christians. if John Calvin did not so teach, then such a heinous charge should never be laid against his name.
The
facts are that there are those - even professing the name of Christ -
who have been very quick to lay this charge against Calvin. That some
of them are merely parroting others is no excise. If I repeat a
slander, then I am as guilty (in a court of law) as the one who first
begat the vicious rumour. It is expected that I should check my facts
first, ascertain the truthfulness of any report and then repeat only
what is verifiable and true. The rest ought to be buried in the
shameful oblivion where it belongs. Calvin is not the hardest man to research. His commentaries and other writings are readily available on the Internet and greatly aided by the Google search engine.
First of all, Calvin did make some statements which, if left to stand alone and void either of context or other qualifying or explanatory statements look bad. However, any one seizing them without checking is either a knave (and so morally incapable of discussing the matter at hand) or a fool (and therefore intellectually incapable of the same.)
For example, in his "Institutes of the Christian Religion" Calvin discussed how Providence extends to all matters, both wicked and good. He used the illustration of a poor man in a forest who unwisely wandered from his companions and was found murdered in a thieves den. Calvin concludes: "His death was not only foreseen by God’s eye, but also determined by his decree." (Institutes 1:16:9) Again, Calvin writes of the reprobate: "They have been given over to this depravity because they have been raised up by the just but inscrutable judgment of God to show forth his glory in their condemnation." (Institutes 3:24:12)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
The best way to interpret Calvin's view on these things is to read his great explanation in 2:4:2 which deals with (to quote Calvin) the calamity inflicted by the Chaldeans upon the holy man, Job." My edition of the Institutes (McNeill) puts a heading over this paragraph as: "God, Satan and Man active in the same event." Let us see what Calvin says. We have put the paragraph concerned in the left hand side in BLACK with my comments in red in the right hand side.
This is surely a defining paragraph from Calvin's own pen? It ought to qualify every statement that Calvin made on this subject, even when he does not go at such length into any explanation.
Let us take on another scenario i.e. the part which Judas Iscariot played in the betrayal of Jesus Christ. In his comments on Matthew 26:24-25 "The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.) Calvin again does not pull any punches. As above, we have Calvin's full quote in the left hand side in BLACK with my comments in red in the right hand side.
Calvin made other statements, all of which are entirely consistent with what is recorded above:
We must, therefore, acquiesce in the judgment of God, which pronounces man to be so enslaved by sin that he can bring forth nothing sound and sincere. yet, at the same time, we must remember, that no blame is to be cast upon God for that which has its origin in the defection of the first man, whereby the order of creation was subverted. And further, it must be noted, that men are not exempted from guilt and condemnation, by the pretext of bondage: because although all rush to evil, yet they are not impelled by any extrinsic force, but by the direct inclination of their own hearts; and lastly, they sin not otherwise than voluntarily. (Comments on Genesis 8:22)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
2) ALTHOUGH GOD DECREES TO USE THE ACTIONS OF THE UNGODLY TO FURTHER HIS OWN ENDS, YET MAN MUST BE GUIDED BY THE REVEALED WILL OF GOD AND HAS NO EXCUSE FOR HIS CRIMES:
He says that he has given a loose rein to the fierceness of enemies, that they may indulge without control in every kind of violence and injustice. Now, this must not be understood as if the Assyrians had a command from God by which they could excuse themselves. There are two ways in which God commands; by his secret decree, of which men are not conscious; and by his law, in which he demands from us voluntary obedience. This must be carefully observed, that we may reply to fanatics, who argue in an irreligious manner about the decree of God, when they wish to excuse their own wickedness and that of others. It is of importance, I say, to make a judicious distinction between these two ways of commanding. When the Lord reveals his will in the law, I must not ascend to his secret decree, which he intended should not be known to me, but must yield implicit obedience. Now, if any one allege that he obeys God, when he complies with his sinful passions, he is guilty of falsehood, by vainly attempting to involve God in the guilt of his crimes, to which he knows that he is led by the failings of his own heart; for on this point no other witness or judge is needed but a man’s own conscience. God does indeed make use of the agency of a wicked man, but the man has no such intention. It is therefore accidental, so far as relates to men, that he acts by the wicked and reprobate; for they neither know that they serve God, nor wish to do so. Accordingly if they seize on this pretext, it is easy to prove that, when they yield obedience to their own sinful passion, they are at the greatest possible distance from obeying God. They have the will of God declared in his law, so that it is in vain for them to seek it anywhere else. So far as they are concerned, they do not perform the work of God, but the work of the devil; for they serve their own lusts. (Ephesians 2:2.) Nothing certainly was farther from the intention of the Assyrians than to give their services to God, but they were hurried along by their lust and ambition and covetousness. Yet the Lord directed their exertions and plans to an object which was totally different, and which was unknown to themselves. (Comments on Isaiah 10:7)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
3) CALVIN WROTE THAT IT WAS AN ABSURDITY TO TEACH THAT GOD WAS THE AUTHOR OF EVIL OR THAT MEN DO NOT SIN WHEN THEIR WICKEDNESS IS USED OF GOD, SEEING THAT THEY DO NOT OBEY HIS REVEALED LAW:
Because Peter seemeth to grant that the wicked did obey God, hereupon followeth two absurdities; the one, either that God is the author of evil, or that men do not sin, what wickedness soever they commit. I answer, concerning the second, that the wicked do nothing less than obey God, howsoever they do execute that which God hath determined with himself. For obedience springeth from a voluntary affection; and we know that the wicked have a far other purpose. Again, no man obeyeth God save he which knoweth his will. Therefore, obedience dependeth upon the knowledge of God’s will. Furthermore, God hath revealed unto us his will in the law; wherefore, those men do obey God, who do that alone which is agreeable to the law of God; and, again, which submit themselves willingly to his government. We see no such thing in all the wicked, whom God doth drive hither and thither, they themselves being ignorant. No man, therefore, will say that they are excusable under this color, because they obey God; forasmuch as both the will of God must be sought in his law, and they, so much as in them lieth, do God. As touching the other point, I deny that God is the author of evil; because there is a certain nothing of a wicked affection in this word. For the wicked deed is esteemed according to the end whereat a man aimeth. When men commit theft or murder, they offend for this cause, because they are thieves or murderers; and in theft and murder there is a wicked purpose. God, who useth their wickedness, is to be placed in the higher degree. For he hath respect unto a far other thing, because he will chastise the one, and exercise the patience of the other; and so he doth never decline from his nature, that is, from perfect righteousness. So that, whereas Christ was delivered by the hands of wicked men, whereas he was crucified, it came to pass by the appointment and ordinance of God. But treason, which is of itself wicked, and murder, which hath in it so great wickedness, must not be thought to be the works of God. (Comment on Acts 2:23)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
3a) CALVIN TAUGHT THAT THIS IS HOW WE MUST INTERPRET THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD:
Notwithstanding herein is contained a singular doctrine, that God doth so govern and guide all things by his secret counsel, that, he doth bring to pass those things which he hath determined, even by the wicked. Not that they are ready willingly to do him such service, but because he turneth their counsels and attempts backward; so that on the one side appeareth great equity and most great righteousness; on the other appeareth nought but wickedness and iniquity. Which matter we have handled more at large in the second chapter. [My note: See above quote from Acts 2:23] Let us learn here, by the way, that we must so consider the providence of God, that we know that it is the chief and only guider of all things which are done in the world, that the devil and all the wicked are kept back with God’s bridle, lest they should do us any harm; that when they rage fastest, yet are they not at liberty to do what they list, but have the bridle given them, yet so far forth as is expedient to exercise us. (Comments: Acts 4:24-31)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
4) MAN'S HARDENING IS TO ATTRIBUTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THEIR OWN DEPRAVITY:
It is not the duty of the Prophets, therefore, to blind the eyes, but rather to open them. Again, it is called perfect wisdom, (psalm 19:9) how then does it stupify men and take away their reason? Those hearts which formerly were of brass or iron ought to be softened by it; how then is it possible that it can harden them, as I have already observed? Such blinding and hardening influence does not arise out of the nature of the word, but is accidental, and must be ascribed exclusively to the depravity of man. As dim-sighted people cannot blame the sun for dazzling their eyes with its brightness; and those whose hearing is weak cannot complain of a clear and loud voice which the defect of their ears hinders them from hearing; and, lastly, a man of weak intellect cannot find fault with the difficulty of a subject which he is unable to understand; so ungodly men have no right to blame the word for making them worse after having heard it. The whole blame lies on themselves in altogether refusing it admission; and we need not wonder if that which ought to have led them to salvation become the cause of their destruction. It is right that the treachery and unbelief of men should be punished by meeting death where they might have received life, darkness where they might have had light; and, in short, evils as numerous as the blessings of salvation which they might have obtained. This ought to be carefully observed; for nothing is more customary with men than to abuse the gifts of God, and then not only to maintain that they are innocent, but even to be proud of appearing in borrowed feathers. But they are doubly wicked when they not only do not apply to their proper use, but wickedly corrupt and profane, those gifts which God had bestowed on them. (Comment on Isaiah 6:10)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
5) MAN'S DAMNATION IS ALWAYS ATTRIBUTED TO THE GUILT OF HIS SIN AND NOTHING ELSE:
You shall find throughout all my books, how I have taught, that we must not seek our perdition anywhere else than in ourselves and in our perverse will. (An answer to a libel against Predestination - adjoined to Sermons on Election & Predestination - p312)
First of all, Calvin did make some statements which, if left to stand alone and void either of context or other qualifying or explanatory statements look bad. However, any one seizing them without checking is either a knave (and so morally incapable of discussing the matter at hand) or a fool (and therefore intellectually incapable of the same.)
For example, in his "Institutes of the Christian Religion" Calvin discussed how Providence extends to all matters, both wicked and good. He used the illustration of a poor man in a forest who unwisely wandered from his companions and was found murdered in a thieves den. Calvin concludes: "His death was not only foreseen by God’s eye, but also determined by his decree." (Institutes 1:16:9) Again, Calvin writes of the reprobate: "They have been given over to this depravity because they have been raised up by the just but inscrutable judgment of God to show forth his glory in their condemnation." (Institutes 3:24:12)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
The best way to interpret Calvin's view on these things is to read his great explanation in 2:4:2 which deals with (to quote Calvin) the calamity inflicted by the Chaldeans upon the holy man, Job." My edition of the Institutes (McNeill) puts a heading over this paragraph as: "God, Satan and Man active in the same event." Let us see what Calvin says. We have put the paragraph concerned in the left hand side in BLACK with my comments in red in the right hand side.
| Far different is the manner of God’s action in such matters. To make this clearer to us, we may take as an example the calamity inflicted by the Chaldeans upon the holy man Job, when they killed his shepherds and in enmity ravaged his flock | Notice right away how Calvin puts a clear and strongly worded distinction between the manner in which God is involved in this matter and the others. It is "far different." |
| Now their wicked act is perfectly obvious; nor does Satan do nothing in that work, for the history states that the whole thing stems from him [Job 1:12]. | Here Calvin identifies the wickedness of the Chaldeans and the activity of Satan, clearly saying that the whole matter stemmed from him quoting Job 1:12 where Satan was given all that Job had in his own power (marg: hand) |
| But Job himself recognizes the Lord’s work in it, saying that He has taken away what had been seized through the Chaldeans [Job 1:21]. | It is not merely Calvin's view that God had His part to play, but he quotes Job's own words that God not only gave but God also took away what had been unlawfully seized by the Chaldeans. |
| How may we attribute this same work to God, to Satan, and to man as author, without either excusing Satan as associated with God, or making God the author of evil? | Here is the crux of the matter. Calvin sees it as totally undesirable that Satan should either be excused or God made (and note the words) "the author of evil." |
| Easily, if we consider first the end, and then the manner, of acting. | The use of the word easily is significant. As Calvin explains, the difference that indicts Satan but exonerates God lies in the purpose of the act and the way in which it is carried out. |
| The Lord’s purpose is to exercise the patience of His servant by calamity; Satan endeavors to drive him to desperation; the Chaldeans strive to acquire gain from another’s property contrary to law and right. So great is the diversity of purpose that already strongly marks the deed. | God's purpose is holy. He wants the holy man of God to be even holier by the event. Satan was driven by murderous spite seeking Job's apostasy and destruction while the Chaldeans were driven by greed. There is no overlap (says Calvin) but "so great" diversity which "already strongly marks the deed." |
| There is no less difference in the manner. The Lord permits Satan to afflict His servant; He hands the Chaldeans over to be impelled by Satan, having chosen them as His ministers for this task. Satan with his poison darts arouses the wicked minds of the Chaldeans to execute that evil deed. | Having sorted out the purpose, Calvin tackles the manner, confident that there is no overlap: "no less difference." Calvin himself uses the word permit which is usually used to denote the allowing of something that is sinful. Calvin never quibbled with the use of the word although he usually denied that it was 'mere permission,' as if God had no purpose at all in the matter. |
| They dash madly into injustice, and they render all their members guilty and befoul them by the crime. Satan is properly said, therefore, to act in the reprobate over whom he exercises his reign, that is, the reign of wickedness. | Calvin here indicts the Chaldeans with the guilt of mad haste, injustice, and being under the reign of Satan. The Chaldeans are the agents: They dash - they render their members etc., Satan is indicted as having a reign of wickedness. |
| God is also said to act in His own manner, in that Satan himself, since he is the instrument of God’s wrath, bends himself hither and thither at His beck and command to execute His just judgments. |
Calvin lays no indictment against God but states that God uses the instrumentality of Satan (who is at His beck and command) to execute what Calvin carefully calls God's "just judgements." |
| I pass over here the universal activity of God whereby all creatures, as they are sustained, thus derive the energy to do anything at all. I am speaking only of that special action which appears in every particular deed. | Calvin here carefully closes up a certain potential loophole in his argument, lest we misunderstand what he is getting at. He is not speaking in generalities but of particular deeds i.e. in this case the particular incident of the Chaldeans being led of Satan to murder Job's children and pillage his goods. |
| Therefore we see no inconsistency in assigning the same deed to God, Satan, and man; but the distinction in purpose and manner causes God’s righteousness to shine forth blameless there, while the wickedness of Satan and of man betrays itself by its own disgrace. | Calvin here sums up his position. The deed might be the same (i.e. the killing of Job's children etc.,) but there were two entirely different principles and manner of working in the same act. God's righteous principles shone forth blameless (hence Job could use: "Blessed be the name of the Lord" even in the same breath as "...the LORD took away...") while, at the same time, the disgraceful wickedness of Satan and men betrayed itself. |
This is surely a defining paragraph from Calvin's own pen? It ought to qualify every statement that Calvin made on this subject, even when he does not go at such length into any explanation.
Let us take on another scenario i.e. the part which Judas Iscariot played in the betrayal of Jesus Christ. In his comments on Matthew 26:24-25 "The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.) Calvin again does not pull any punches. As above, we have Calvin's full quote in the left hand side in BLACK with my comments in red in the right hand side.
Matthew 26:24. The Son of man indeed goeth. Here Christ meets an offense, which might otherwise have greatly shaken pious minds. For what could be more unreasonable than that the Son of God should be infamously betrayed by a disciple, and abandoned to the rage of enemies, in order to be dragged to an ignominious death? But Christ declares that all this takes place only by the will of God; and he proves this decree by the testimony of Scripture, because God formerly revealed, by the mouth of his Prophet, what he had determined. We now perceive what is intended by the words of Christ. It was, that the disciples, knowing that what was done was regulated by the providence of God, might not imagine that his life or death was determined by chance. But the usefulness of this doctrine extends much farther; for never are we fully confirmed in the result of the death of Christ, till we are convinced that he was not accidentally dragged by men to the cross, but that the sacrifice had been appointed by an eternal decree of God for expiating the sins of the world. For whence do we obtain reconciliation, but because Christ has appeased the Father by his obedience? |
Calvin takes the clearly devotional end of things. He concerns himself first of all with the Cross of Christ, rather than the controversial matter re: Judas. He sees the great shaking of pious minds in how the Son of God could end up on a Cross unless it had been decreed by God, rather than left to chance. The argument liesthat unless God had decreed it, then it could not obtain the required reconciliation. |
| Wherefore let us always place before our minds the providence of God, which Judas himself, and all wicked men—though it is contrary to their wish, and though they have another end in view—are compelled to obey. Let us always hold this to be a fixed principle, that Christ suffered, because it pleased God to have such an expiation. |
Calvin comes now to the matter that concerns us in this particular study. Wicked Judas (indeed all wicked men) are "compelled" to obey God, even though it is contrary to their wish i.e. they had no pious wish to obey God, having "another end in view" which
(as we know) for Judas was treachery and greed. If Calvin had left it
there, without the following explanation, then we might have room to
murmur, but it is not for us to snatch sentences here and there as if
we were some prosecuting lawyer, determined to get a result, no matter
what. At this point, even though Calvin has introduced the
controversial subject, it is only to reaffirm his first main and very
encouraging thought i.e. Christ suffered because it pleased God to have
such an expiation. |
| And yet Christ does not affirm that Judas was freed from blame, on the ground that he did nothing but what God had appointed. For though God, by his righteous judgment, appointed for the price of our redemption the death of his Son, yet nevertheless, Judas, in betraying Christ, brought upon himself righteous condemnation, because he was full of treachery and avarice. In short, God’s determination that the world should be redeemed, does not at all interfere with Judas being a wicked traitor. Hence we perceive, that though men can do nothing but what God has appointed, still this does not free them from condemnation, when they are led by a wicked desire to sin. For though God directs them, by an unseen bridle, to an end which is unknown to them, nothing is farther from their intention than to obey his decrees. |
Calvin moves to close
any loopholes that he should be thought to affirm that Judas was
then free from any blame or God to be indicted for sin. He affirms that
the judgment of God is righteous in appointing redemption's price to be
through the Cross and also in the way that He dealt with Judas. Calvin
points out that Judas was no innocent - but was full of treachery and
avarice. The key phrase here which answers the overall question of this
page is this: "In short, God’s determination that the world should be redeemed, does not at all interfere with Judas being a wicked traitor." Yes,
admits Calvin, they are under the bridle of God to accomplish His holy
ends, but (as I have written elsewhere) they are not innocent people
who are unfortunate enough in the wrong place at the wrong time. This
is not a stitch up. This is a guilty wretch being taken further than he
wanted to go. See Calvin's comments below on Matthew 27:3 for the
sequel to this story. |
Those two principles, no doubt, appear to human reason to be inconsistent with each other, that God regulates the affairs of men by his Providence in such a manner, that nothing is done but by his will and command, and yet he damns the reprobate, by whom he has carried into execution what he intended. But we see how Christ, in this passage, reconciles both, by pronouncing a curse on Judas, though what he contrived against God had been appointed by God; not that Judas’s act of betraying ought strictly to be called the work of God, but because God turned the treachery of Judas so as to accomplish His own purpose. |
Calvin is not blind to the apparent inconsistencies which arise, but he insists that God is free from any blame. He does so by playing up the sin of Judas. Judas is the reprobate. His act is that of betrayal, which although appointed by God, cannot strictly be called the work of God. All God has done (according to Calvin) is to turn the treachery (already born in Judas' heart) to accomplish His own righteous purpose. |
I am aware of the manner in which some commentators endeavor to avoid this rock. They acknowledge that what had been written was accomplished through the agency of Judas, because God testified by predictions what He fore-knew. By way of softening the doctrine, which appears to them to be somewhat harsh, they substitute the foreknowledge of God in place of the decree, as if God merely beheld from a distance future events, and did not arrange them according to his pleasure. But very differently does the Spirit settle this question; for not only does he assign as the reason why Christ was delivered up, that it was so written, but also that it was so determined. For where Matthew and Mark quote Scripture, Luke leads us direct to the heavenly decree, saying, according to what was determined; as also in the Acts of the Apostles, he shows that Christ was delivered not only by the foreknowledge, but likewise by the fixed purpose of God, (Acts 2:25) and a little afterwards, that Herod and Pilate, with other wicked men, did those things which had been fore-ordained by the hand and purpose of God, (Acts 4:27, 28.) Hence it is evident that it is but an ignorant subterfuge which is employed by those who betake themselves to bare foreknowledge. |
Calvin is also aware of a softer option here which bases the whole matter on what God - as a mere spectator - could forsee rather than decree. However, Calvin keeps to the various Scripture references which he quotes that use the word determine and rightly rejects the lesser option an ignorant subterfuge. |
It had been good for that man. By this expression we are taught what a dreadful vengeance awaits the wicked, for whom it would have been better that they had never been born. And yet this life, though transitory, and full of innumerable distresses, is an invaluable gift of God. Again, we also infer from it, how detestable is their wickedness, which not only extinguishes the precious gifts of God, and turns them to their destruction, but makes it to have been better for them that they had never tasted the goodness of God. But this phrase is worthy of observation, it would have been good for that man if he had never been born; for though the condition of Judas was wretched, yet to have created him was good in God, who, appointing the reprobate to the day of destruction, illustrates also in this way his own glory, as Solomon tells us: The Lord hath made all things for himself; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil, (Proverbs 16:4.) The secret government of God, which provides even the schemes and works of men, is thus vindicated, as I lately noticed, from all blame and suspicion. |
Notice how Calvin keeps referring to Judas (and others of his ilk) i.e. "the wicked" - "their wickedness" - "the reprobate" This is how God dealt with him. Thus if appointed to the day of destruction, it is as a reprobate (and thus judicial) and if made for the day of evil (as in Psalm 16:4) - it is as one who is wicked. Again, never the innocent bystander. Calvin homes in on the nature of their wickedness and shows it to be detestable. This is because they take the good gifts of God and [i] extinguish them and [ii] turn them to their destruction. Calvin claims that have clearly tasted the goodness of God, but their sin makes it such that it would have been better had they not. Judas was wretched in what he did, yet he had been created good in God (cp. Gen 1:1/Eccles 7:29). Calvin concludes this important paragraph by showing that God is vindicated from all blame and suspicion. |
25. And Judas who betrayed him. Though we often see persons trembling, who are conscious of doing wrong, yet along with dread and secret torments there is mingled such stupidity, that they boldly make a fiat denial; but in the end they gain nothing by their impudence but to expose their hidden wickedness. Thus Judas, while he is restrained by an evil conscience, cannot remain silent; so dreadfully is he tormented, and, at the same time, overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, by that internal executioner. Christ, by indirectly glancing, in his reply, at the foolish rashness of Judas, entreats him to consider the crime which he wished to conceal; but his mind, already seized with diabolical rage, could not admit such a sentiment. Let us learn from this example, that the wicked, by bold apologies, do nothing more than draw down upon themselves a more sudden judgment. |
Even the Scripture (from which Calvin always took his lead) now identifies Judas as the one "who betrayed him" because
we should never separate Judas from his sins in speaking of his role in
the death of Christ. Calvin focuses here also on the internal struggles
of Judas with his tormented conscience which he calls his "internal
executioner." Thus, Judas condemned himself. In this verse, as Calvin
points out, Christ indirectly entreats Judas to consider the foolish
rashness of the crime that he was secretly planning. But Judas, seized
by a devilish rage, could not bring himself to admit to such a thing
(even though planning it in his heart) and so brought himself, as a
enboldened wicked person, a more sudden judgment. In this last sentence, Calvin shows that the matter applied more than merely to Judas, applying it to all the wicked, because God did not deal with Judas in any particular novel fashion. |
The
sequel to the Judas incident. When we preach the gospel, we preach it
to elect and reprobate alike. While it might be said that we do
not know who is elect and reprobate (Who would've thought that the
Repentant Thief hanging naked on a Cross would have been numbered among
the elect?) - yet God does. And God, who knows, still wants us to
preach this glorious gospel to everyone without exception or
distinction. Where did Judas stand in regards to this? The verse below
i.e. Then Judas, which had betrayed
him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought
again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
(Matthew 27:3) shows us very clearly. We have Calvin's quote (relevant part pertaining to this particular thought) in the left hand side in BLACK with my comments in red in the right hand side.
If
Judas had listened to the warning of Christ, there would still have
been place for repentance; but since he despised so gracious an offer
of salvation, he is given up to the dominion of Satan, that he may
throw him into despair. But if the Papists were right in what they
teach in their schools about repentance, we could find no defect in
that of Judas, to which their definition of repentance fully applies;
for we perceive in it contrition of heart, and confession of the mouth,
and satisfaction of deed, as they talk. Hence we infer, that they take
nothing more than the bark; for they leave out what was the chief
point, the conversion of the man to God, when the sinner, broken down
by shame and fear, denies himself so as to render obedience to
righteousness. (Matthew 27:3)
Let us therefore learn, that when we see wicked persons, with whom we have any thing in common, filled with alarm, those are so many excitements to repentance, and that they who neglect such excitements aggravate their criminality. (Matthew 27:4) |
Here
Calvin states the Evangelical obvious: Judas was warned by
Christ but refused to listen. Had he done so, then there was
still room for repentance, because none who seek repentance fail
to find it. As a consequence ("since") of despising "so gracious an
offer of salvation" - Judas was therefore judicially given up to
Satan's grip and from there into despair. After he points out the
failure of the RC's to define true repentance, Calvin returns to the
failure of Judas to have been broken down by shame and fear and
consequently "denied himself" (signficiant words) so as to render
[Evangelical] obedience to righteousness. Even these words, moved
from the deeply theological mysteries of the decrees to the more
practical matter of the gospel, show that Judas can blame none but
himself. Calvin's comments on v4 show again that God excites the wicked to repentance and that neglect of these must not only be blamed on the wicked themselves, but actually aggravates their criminality. |
Calvin made other statements, all of which are entirely consistent with what is recorded above:
1) MAN ALWAYS SINS WILLINGLY AND EAGERLY - NOT BY ANY FORCED COMPULSION FROM WITHOUT:
The chief point of this distinction, then, must be that man, as he was corrupted by the Fall, sinned willingly, not unwillingly or by compulsion; by the most eager inclination of his heart, not by forced compulsion; by the prompting of his own lust, not by compulsion from without. (Institutes 2:3:5)
The chief point of this distinction, then, must be that man, as he was corrupted by the Fall, sinned willingly, not unwillingly or by compulsion; by the most eager inclination of his heart, not by forced compulsion; by the prompting of his own lust, not by compulsion from without. (Institutes 2:3:5)
We must, therefore, acquiesce in the judgment of God, which pronounces man to be so enslaved by sin that he can bring forth nothing sound and sincere. yet, at the same time, we must remember, that no blame is to be cast upon God for that which has its origin in the defection of the first man, whereby the order of creation was subverted. And further, it must be noted, that men are not exempted from guilt and condemnation, by the pretext of bondage: because although all rush to evil, yet they are not impelled by any extrinsic force, but by the direct inclination of their own hearts; and lastly, they sin not otherwise than voluntarily. (Comments on Genesis 8:22)
13.
Let no man, when he is tempted. Here, no doubt, he speaks of another
kind of temptation. It is abundantly evident that the external
temptations, hitherto mentioned, are sent to us by God. In this way God
tempted Abraham, (Genesis 22:1,) and daily tempts us, that is, he tries
us as to what are we by laying before us an occasion by which our
hearts are made known. But to draw out what is hid in our hearts is a
far different thing from inwardly alluring our hearts by wicked lusts. He then treats here of inward temptations which are nothing else than the inordinate
desires which entice to sin. He justly denies that God is the author of
these, because they flow from the corruption of our nature. This
warning is very necessary, for nothing is more common among men than to
transfer to another the blame of the evils they commit; and they then
especially seem to free themselves, when they ascribe it to God himself. This kind of evasion we constantly imitate, delivered down to us as it is from the first man. For this reason James calls us to confess our own guilt, and not to implicate God, as though he compelled us to sin. But
the whole doctrine of scripture seems to be inconsistent with this
passage; for it teaches us that men are blinded by God, are given up to
a reprobate mind, and delivered over to filthy and shameful lusts. To
this I answer, that probably James was induced to deny that we are
tempted by God by this reason, because the ungodly, in order to form an
excuse, armed themselves with testimonies of Scripture. But there are
two things to be noticed here: when
Scripture ascribes blindness or hardness of heart to God, it does not
assign to him the beginning of this blindness, nor does itmake him the author of sin, so as to ascribe to him the blame: and on these two things only does James dwell. Scripture asserts that the reprobate are delivered up to depraved lusts; but is it because the Lord depraves or corrupts their hearts? By no means; for their hearts are subjected to depraved lusts, because they are already corrupt and vicious. But since God blinds or hardens, is he not the author or minister of evil? Nay, but in this manner he punishes sins, and renders a just reward to the ungodly, who have refused to be ruled by his Spirit. (Romans 1:6.) It hence follows that the origin of sin is not in God, and no blame can be imputed to him as though he took pleasure in evils. (Genesis 6:6.) The meaning is, that man in vain evades, who attempts to cast the blame of his vices on God, because every evil proceeds from no other fountain than from the wicked lust of man.
And the fact really is, that we are not otherwise led astray, except
that every one has his own inclination as his leader and impeller. But
that God tempts no one, he proves by this, because he is not tempted
with evils. For it is the devil who allures us to sin, and for this reason, because he wholly burns with the mad lust of sinning. But God does not desire what is evil: he is not, therefore, the author of doing evil in us. (Commentary on James 1:13)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
2) ALTHOUGH GOD DECREES TO USE THE ACTIONS OF THE UNGODLY TO FURTHER HIS OWN ENDS, YET MAN MUST BE GUIDED BY THE REVEALED WILL OF GOD AND HAS NO EXCUSE FOR HIS CRIMES:
He says that he has given a loose rein to the fierceness of enemies, that they may indulge without control in every kind of violence and injustice. Now, this must not be understood as if the Assyrians had a command from God by which they could excuse themselves. There are two ways in which God commands; by his secret decree, of which men are not conscious; and by his law, in which he demands from us voluntary obedience. This must be carefully observed, that we may reply to fanatics, who argue in an irreligious manner about the decree of God, when they wish to excuse their own wickedness and that of others. It is of importance, I say, to make a judicious distinction between these two ways of commanding. When the Lord reveals his will in the law, I must not ascend to his secret decree, which he intended should not be known to me, but must yield implicit obedience. Now, if any one allege that he obeys God, when he complies with his sinful passions, he is guilty of falsehood, by vainly attempting to involve God in the guilt of his crimes, to which he knows that he is led by the failings of his own heart; for on this point no other witness or judge is needed but a man’s own conscience. God does indeed make use of the agency of a wicked man, but the man has no such intention. It is therefore accidental, so far as relates to men, that he acts by the wicked and reprobate; for they neither know that they serve God, nor wish to do so. Accordingly if they seize on this pretext, it is easy to prove that, when they yield obedience to their own sinful passion, they are at the greatest possible distance from obeying God. They have the will of God declared in his law, so that it is in vain for them to seek it anywhere else. So far as they are concerned, they do not perform the work of God, but the work of the devil; for they serve their own lusts. (Ephesians 2:2.) Nothing certainly was farther from the intention of the Assyrians than to give their services to God, but they were hurried along by their lust and ambition and covetousness. Yet the Lord directed their exertions and plans to an object which was totally different, and which was unknown to themselves. (Comments on Isaiah 10:7)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
3) CALVIN WROTE THAT IT WAS AN ABSURDITY TO TEACH THAT GOD WAS THE AUTHOR OF EVIL OR THAT MEN DO NOT SIN WHEN THEIR WICKEDNESS IS USED OF GOD, SEEING THAT THEY DO NOT OBEY HIS REVEALED LAW:
Because Peter seemeth to grant that the wicked did obey God, hereupon followeth two absurdities; the one, either that God is the author of evil, or that men do not sin, what wickedness soever they commit. I answer, concerning the second, that the wicked do nothing less than obey God, howsoever they do execute that which God hath determined with himself. For obedience springeth from a voluntary affection; and we know that the wicked have a far other purpose. Again, no man obeyeth God save he which knoweth his will. Therefore, obedience dependeth upon the knowledge of God’s will. Furthermore, God hath revealed unto us his will in the law; wherefore, those men do obey God, who do that alone which is agreeable to the law of God; and, again, which submit themselves willingly to his government. We see no such thing in all the wicked, whom God doth drive hither and thither, they themselves being ignorant. No man, therefore, will say that they are excusable under this color, because they obey God; forasmuch as both the will of God must be sought in his law, and they, so much as in them lieth, do God. As touching the other point, I deny that God is the author of evil; because there is a certain nothing of a wicked affection in this word. For the wicked deed is esteemed according to the end whereat a man aimeth. When men commit theft or murder, they offend for this cause, because they are thieves or murderers; and in theft and murder there is a wicked purpose. God, who useth their wickedness, is to be placed in the higher degree. For he hath respect unto a far other thing, because he will chastise the one, and exercise the patience of the other; and so he doth never decline from his nature, that is, from perfect righteousness. So that, whereas Christ was delivered by the hands of wicked men, whereas he was crucified, it came to pass by the appointment and ordinance of God. But treason, which is of itself wicked, and murder, which hath in it so great wickedness, must not be thought to be the works of God. (Comment on Acts 2:23)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
3a) CALVIN TAUGHT THAT THIS IS HOW WE MUST INTERPRET THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD:
Notwithstanding herein is contained a singular doctrine, that God doth so govern and guide all things by his secret counsel, that, he doth bring to pass those things which he hath determined, even by the wicked. Not that they are ready willingly to do him such service, but because he turneth their counsels and attempts backward; so that on the one side appeareth great equity and most great righteousness; on the other appeareth nought but wickedness and iniquity. Which matter we have handled more at large in the second chapter. [My note: See above quote from Acts 2:23] Let us learn here, by the way, that we must so consider the providence of God, that we know that it is the chief and only guider of all things which are done in the world, that the devil and all the wicked are kept back with God’s bridle, lest they should do us any harm; that when they rage fastest, yet are they not at liberty to do what they list, but have the bridle given them, yet so far forth as is expedient to exercise us. (Comments: Acts 4:24-31)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
4) MAN'S HARDENING IS TO ATTRIBUTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THEIR OWN DEPRAVITY:
It is not the duty of the Prophets, therefore, to blind the eyes, but rather to open them. Again, it is called perfect wisdom, (psalm 19:9) how then does it stupify men and take away their reason? Those hearts which formerly were of brass or iron ought to be softened by it; how then is it possible that it can harden them, as I have already observed? Such blinding and hardening influence does not arise out of the nature of the word, but is accidental, and must be ascribed exclusively to the depravity of man. As dim-sighted people cannot blame the sun for dazzling their eyes with its brightness; and those whose hearing is weak cannot complain of a clear and loud voice which the defect of their ears hinders them from hearing; and, lastly, a man of weak intellect cannot find fault with the difficulty of a subject which he is unable to understand; so ungodly men have no right to blame the word for making them worse after having heard it. The whole blame lies on themselves in altogether refusing it admission; and we need not wonder if that which ought to have led them to salvation become the cause of their destruction. It is right that the treachery and unbelief of men should be punished by meeting death where they might have received life, darkness where they might have had light; and, in short, evils as numerous as the blessings of salvation which they might have obtained. This ought to be carefully observed; for nothing is more customary with men than to abuse the gifts of God, and then not only to maintain that they are innocent, but even to be proud of appearing in borrowed feathers. But they are doubly wicked when they not only do not apply to their proper use, but wickedly corrupt and profane, those gifts which God had bestowed on them. (Comment on Isaiah 6:10)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)
5) MAN'S DAMNATION IS ALWAYS ATTRIBUTED TO THE GUILT OF HIS SIN AND NOTHING ELSE:
You shall find throughout all my books, how I have taught, that we must not seek our perdition anywhere else than in ourselves and in our perverse will. (An answer to a libel against Predestination - adjoined to Sermons on Election & Predestination - p312)
"The fact that the reprobate do not obey God’s Word when it is made known to them will be justly charged against the malice and depravity of their hearts, provided it be added at the same time that they have been given over to this depravity because they have been raised up by the just but inscrutable judgment of God to show forth his glory in their condemnation. Similarly, when it is narrated of Eli’s sons that they did not heed his wholesome admonitions, “for it was the will of the Lord to slay them” [1 Samuel 2:25], it is not denied that their stubbornness arose out of their own wickedness; but at the same time it is noted why they were left in their stubbornness, even though the Lord could have softened their hearts—because his immutable decree had once for all destined them to destruction." (Institutes 3:24:12)
Please note: In his decree, God deals with the reprobate as guilty sinners - not as neutral creatures who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Those who argue that Calvin taught that God raised up men with no other purpose than to damn them miss the mark. Hence Calvin wrote:
Accordingly, we should contemplate the evident cause of condemnation in the corrupt nature of humanity—which is closer to us—rather than seek a hidden and utterly incomprehensible cause in God’s predestination. (Institutes 3:23:8)
(Other statements will be added as time permits.)