[fortheDeclaration]

I still can't seem to find any idea of how the Reprobate "accept" the Gospel in a meaningful way. Throughout the chapter, it seems that the only value in preaching to the Reprobate that Calvin distinguishes is in how God glorifies Himself and in how the Reprobate are predestined without having any cause since both Elect and Reprobate cannot excuse even one transgression in a thousand. There is also some mention that such preaching increases the damnation of the Reprobate nad hardens their hearts still further though God's purpose in this seems unscrutable since it seems that such hardening would inevitably lead to greater acts of evil than if their reprobation had not been increased by God's will.

What a theology! God's purpose in this seems inscrutable

Calvinism in a nutshell-we don't know!

[George W. Bush]

What a theology! God's purpose in this seems inscrutable

Calvinism in a nutshell-we don't know!

Calvin is very careful. As a methodical theologian and exegete, his efforts to avoid overstatement or understatement of scripture are almost insuperable. I'm speaking here of his methods, not necessarily his conclusions to which you obviously object. He was in this sense, I think, at least the equal of Augustine and more consistent in his methods and principles than Luther proved to be.