Institutes of the Christian Religion (John Calvin) - Book 1, Chapter 16

How can a loving, all-powerful God allow suffering? Are our choices truly ours if God controls everything? These are questions that have haunted humanity for centuries, and John Calvin doesn’t shy away from tackling them head-on. In this episode of The Deep Dive, titled "Providence Paradox," we dive deep into Calvin’s thought-provoking exploration of divine providence—God’s absolute sovereignty over every detail of life, even the darkest moments.

Join us as we unpack Calvin’s distinction between God's hidden will and revealed will, his nuanced perspective on human free will, and why even evil actions can’t escape God’s ultimate plan. We’ll explore stories like Judas’s betrayal and the trials of Job, where divine purpose collides with human suffering in ways we may never fully grasp. Whether you're questioning how faith and suffering can coexist or simply seeking to understand the profound mysteries of God’s sovereignty, this episode offers a lens through which you can find hope, trust, and purpose in life’s toughest questions.

Sources Cited:

• Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
• Works by D.A. Carson on God's sovereignty and human freedom

Biblical References:

• Job 1-2 (Satan's permission to test Job)
• Matthew 26:14-16 (Judas’s betrayal of Jesus)
• Romans 5:3-4 (Suffering produces endurance, builds character, and gives hope)
• Psalm 23:4 (Valley of the shadow of death)
• Isaiah 55:8-9 (God’s thoughts and ways beyond human understanding)

Disclaimer: Created using AI, based on the original writings of the theologians referenced.