1. Summary of the portion of the Institutes.
In chapter
XVI of the Institutes Calvin writes about God’s providence, where God provides overseeing
care of all of creation directing nature to unfold in accordance with God’s
plan and guiding humanity especially to live in it and for it. He writes, “God the ruler and governor of all
things, who in accordance with his wisdom has from the farthest limit of
eternity decreed what he was going to do, and now by his might carries out what
he has decreed. From this…. the plans
and intentions of men, are so governed by his providence that they are borne by
it straight to their appointed end. “
(Calvin, Institutes Chapter XVI, 8, p. 207). In crafting this
argument, Calvin subdivides the chapter into sections which not only define his
overriding principle but counter the objections by philosophers and an ancient
reliance of fortune First, he discusses
the relationship between Creation and providence claiming that God not only
made the world but continues to provide for it, sustain it and guide it. While a fleeting knowledge of God might lead
to an understanding of a God who created the heavens, it is through faith that
we recognize God’s constant care of the universe. (Calvin, 197) It is God’s “special
care” for creation. Second, he teaches
dispels the belief in fortune and chance.
He recognizes that humans have
believed in fortune in “all ages,”
but that such an incongruous with not only providence but creation
itself for to do so is to “defraud God of
his glory.” (Calvin, 200) He does recognize, however,
that we do not know God’s “special plan” and may therefore assume events
may seem random, but even in this, God had authority. (Calvin, 209) Finally, he shows that despite the apparent
randomness of the world, the providence of God is revealed in scripture.
2. Reflection on why
that portion is important and relevant.
In the overall scheme of theology, understanding God’s role
in creating and purpose for the universe is central to how we live. If we believe that all of life is left to
fortune, would we not become obsessed with superstition and be paranoid about
every event? We would not live freely in
God’s love but remain fearful. If we
believe that God merely created the word and left it to run, would we feel
abandoned? Is it not God’s love for ours
for God, our faith, that holds us up that directs us to love and kindness for
others? So, when we understand and have
faith that God has not only created us but continues to guide our world, we can
live in God’s love.
3.
Lane: Does God’s
providence leave any room for chance or uncertainty?
No. According to
Calvin, there is NO room for chance.
However, because we are unaware of God’s larger plan, we are unable to
understand events which might seem like chance.
It is important for us to know in our hears that God is carefully guiding the events in the
world.
4.
One question you have about the material
How do we as pastors make sense of genocide or
suicide bombings in accord with God’s providence? How can we say, “oh that was part of God’s
greater plan?” How do we deal with it from
the pulpit?
