LT If I'm a "HyperCalvinist", does this make you a HypoCalvinist? I believe that the way it went is potentially fairer, and tidier, but it's mere speculation on my part.
Here are some of Calvins words on the topic. INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION
By John Calvin
Book 1 Chapter 15. State in which man was created. The faculties of the soul - The image of God - Free will - Original righteousness.
At present it is necessary only to remember, that man, at his first creation, was very different from all his posterity; who, deriving their origin from him after he was corrupted, received a hereditary taint. At first every part of the soul was formed to rectitude. There was soundness of mind and freedom of will to choose the good. If any one objects that it was placed, as it were, in a slippery position, because its power was weak, I answer, that the degree conferred was sufficient to take away every excuse. For surely the Deity could not be tied down to this condition - to make man such, that he either could not or would not sin. Such a nature might have been more excellent; but to expostulate with God as if he had been bound to confer this nature on man, is more than unjust, seeing he had full right to determine how much or how little He would give. Why He did not sustain him by the virtue of perseverance is hidden in his counsel; it is ours to keep within the bounds of soberness. Man had received the power, if he had the will, but he had not the will which would have given the power; for this will would have been followed by perseverance. Still, after he had received so much, there is no excuse for his having spontaneously brought death upon himself. No necessity was laid upon God to give him more than that intermediate and even transient will, that out of man?s fall he might extract materials for his own glory.
LT, How can you say that you believe in an all knowing, just and mercyfull God and think of speculating on his fairness, or do you think this is not exactly what he planned or had in mind?
D Dog
