Let me summarize my point so far. When you survey the human race, one distinguishing mark of humans is the ability to reason. This reasoning ability distinguishes us from animals, just like animals are distinguished from inanimate objects. While some individuals are born with reason, their defect does not impair the general kindness of God. Instead, it serves to remind us that whatever good gifts we retain can only be attributed to God’s kindness. If God did not spare us, our rebellion against him would causes the entire destruction of our nature.

Some people are very intelligent. Some people are very wise. Some people have great aptitude and talent for some peculiar art. The great diversity of human talents and abilities demonstrates that God places his favor upon us. No one should claim abilities for themselves which can only come from God. Why is one person more talented than another? No one is really better than anyone else because we all have a common nature. But God doesn’t give the same gifts to everyone. Sometimes he passes by others and gives his gifts to another. Instead of a world based upon human merit, our giftedness is based on God’s gracious choice. God does not owe us anything; but chooses to dispenses his gifts as he sees fit.

Those God calls for his purposes, he also equips. For example, in the book of Judges, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon those who he has called to govern his people (Judges 6:34). In every special act, there is a special inspiration. Men went with Saul because the Lord touched their hearts (1 Samuel 10:26). When Saul is installed as king, Samuel tells us that the, “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and you will be turned into another man” (1 Samuel 10:6). The endowment of the Spirit extends to the whole history of Israel’s government. It is spoken of David, “The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 6:13). The same thing is said elsewhere about different movements. Even in the writing of Homer, people are said to be excel in their intelligence because Jupiter not only gives them great ability but also leads and directs them. Our experience also testifies that when the smartest and most skillful amongst us are dumbfounded, their minds must be under the control of God who rules them every moment. What does Scripture say? “God pours out contempt upon princes and causes them to wander in the wilderness where there is no way” (Psalm 107:40). Still, in the diversity of human abilities, we can still see some remains of the divine image stamped on all people, which distinguishes the human race from all other creatures.

“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.