God Quote by John Calvin
““God (says he), who created all things very good, foreknew that evil would arise out of that good; and He also knew that His glorious and omnipotent goodness would be the more highly exalted by His producing good out of evil, than by His not permitting evil to be at all. He ordained the life of angels and of men, that He might first of all make it manifest by that life what free will could do, and then afterwards show what the blessing of His grace and the judgment of His justice could do.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book III, 1559
Calvin argues that God permits evil to exist so that His goodness can be displayed by overcoming it, and that free will allows humans to experience both sin and grace.
In simple terms: God allows evil to show His greater goodness through redemption.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that challenges can reveal deeper virtues.
Themes
theodicy
free will
divine justice
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Personal trials
- Societal conflicts
- Theological debate
- Ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
Grace
Redemption
Moral agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How does suffering reveal divine purpose?
- Can we reconcile free will with a benevolent deity?
A Different Perspective
The view may downplay human responsibility for preventing evil.
