[ksen]

I am not sure why you are asking.

I am asking because Calvin, in this opening chapter, talks about us being urged by our evil natures to consider the “good things of God.” He hasn’t said anything, yet, about God having to break through our evil nature in order to get us to consider Him. I know this is only the beginning, but I thought the way Calvin phrased that argument was peculiar, given everything I’ve heard on this forum from my Calvinist FRiends.

(Have you been reading too much stuff by Dave Hunt [grin]?)

Ha! I haven’t picked his book up for a couple of days. ;^)

[drstevej]

***Ha! I haven’t picked his book up for a couple of days. ;^)***

I suggest you set Hunt aside and read Calvin more extensively. You will more likely understand Calvin better by reading Calvin than by reading Dave Hunt.

[CCWoody]

I am asking because Calvin, in this opening chapter, talks about us being urged by our evil natures to consider the “good things of God.” ~ ksen

Well, not having ever read the Institutes (or much Augustine) I'd say that with a chapter title of Book I: The Knowledge of God the Creator Calvin would not focus on the nature of man.

Nevertheless, it seems to me that, given the title and the context of what he is saying, that Calvin is more presenting the free offer of the gospel than he is the Depravity of man. It really makes no difference that, with his evil nature, the unregenerate man doesn't ever want to repent of his evil, even as/if he considers the "goodness of God".

Woody.

Romans 2:4
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?