Access Quote by John Calvin
“We say, then, that Scripture clearly proves this much, that God by his eternal and immutable counsel determined once for all those whom it was his pleasure one day to admit to salvation, and those whom, on the other hand, it was his pleasure to doom to destruction. We maintain that this counsel, as regards the elect, is founded on his free mercy, without any respect to human worth, while those whom he dooms to destruction are excluded from access to life by a just and blameless, but at the same time incomprehensible judgment”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book III, 1559
Calvin argues that God's eternal decree determines salvation and damnation, based on divine mercy for the elect and just judgment for the reprobate, independent of human merit.
In simple terms: God decides who is saved or condemned, not based on human worth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize divine sovereignty and humility.
Themes
theodicy
divine sovereignty
salvation
judgment
human merit
Mood
solemn
reflective
Type
theological
doctrinal
When to use this quote
- theology discussions
- personal reflection
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
predestination
free will
grace
justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect personal moral responsibility?
- Can divine justice coexist with unconditional predestination?
A Different Perspective
Human responsibility may seem ignored.
