Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - The Knowledge of God Shines Forth in the Fashioning of the Universe and the Continuing Government of It

The ultimate goal of the blessed life is the knowledge of God, which the Creator has made universally accessible. God reveals himself daily and clearly throughout the "workmanship of the universe," which functions as a mirror reflecting his invisible power, wisdom, and glory. He has engraved unmistakable marks of his grandeur upon all creation, compelling everyone who opens their eyes to see him. Man himself is a "microcosm," containing internal signs of divinity and feeling heavenly grace within, further testifying that God is near. Furthermore, God's sovereign providence governs human affairs, demonstrating clemency and severity, and his power is evident in seemingly chance occurrences. This pervasive self-disclosure strips all humanity of every excuse for ignorance.

However, humanity exhibits a profound spiritual flaw driven by stupidity, dullness, and foul ingratitude. Instead of offering praise, people become swollen with pride, claiming God’s heaven-given gifts as their own and actively corrupting the truth. The human mind acts as a "labyrinth" where vanity and evil imaginings flourish, leading to a boundless mire of error, the creation of false idols, and the substitution of concepts like "nature" or "blindly indiscriminate fortune" for the true Artificer. Even the most acute philosophers stumble and wander, resulting in fragmented and profane systems of belief.

While the testimony of creation makes men inexcusable, this natural light is insufficient for achieving a pure or saving knowledge of God. These sparks are quickly smothered because humans lack the inner illumination of faith necessary to truly perceive the divine. Therefore, the perfect way to seek God is not through bold investigation of his essence, but through humble contemplation of his works, which should stir the heart to worship. The knowledge that God’s justice is often incomplete in this life compels the belief in a final judgment and reward in the future life.

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