Blogging the Institutes–1.5.11–Even the Smartest People Don’t See God in His Works

“Blogging the Institutes” is my on-going attempt to paraphrase John Calvin’s work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. You can find out more about the series in the Introduction. For all the posts in this series, check out the Master List

Even the Smartest People Don’t See God in His Works

God’s revelation of Himself and His immortal kingdom shines brightly like the sun. Yet, we are so stupid and blind that we don’t “see” the brightness of His works.  When we see the universe—its vastness and how it runs so orderly—do we think of our Creator? No. Don’t we typically overlook Him and content ourselves to be absorbed in His works rather than Himself?

How many times do we regard the supernatural events, which occur around us every day, as mere spins on the wheel of chance rather than the providential working of God? When we experience these events, we are forced to think about God. Although we may have some vague notion of God through these events, we will immediately interpret them as carnal dreams and depraved notions. We corrupt God’s truth through our pride.

Now, each person is unique so we will all twist God’s truth in our own particular way. Yet, we’re all the same this way: we substitute monstrous fictional stories for the one true and living God. All people do this, not just the “wicked”—but even the smartest and upright. For example, so many philosophers—even Plato himself—show off their spiritual stupidity and lack of sense by not acknowledging God through His works. Why do we expect anything less from the rest of the population when their leaders who should be setting the example make such mistakes?

The actual course of history and the events of the world demonstrate God’s providence beyond doubt. Nevertheless, the practical result is the same as if we believed everything happened by mere chance, because we are so prone to weakness and error. I am saying all of this still in reference to the most distinguished philosophers and not even the rest of the population whose utter foolishness in profaning God’s truth has no limit.

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