[Jean Chauvin]

Way back when we started this discussion (chapter 1), I noted that we need to make the distinction between the sinless perfect nature we would have had if Adam did not fall, and the fallen sinful nature we do have as a result of that fall. In other words, God put the light in men's minds before the fall.

That "light" is still there. However, since the creation, men fell. We no longer have a perfect sinless nature. We have a fallen sinful nature.

Now, that "light" which was clear to sinless man, has been "put out" by our sinful nature and the resulting enmity men have with God.

Jean

[ksen]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but I think you are reading into what Calvin is saying.

Here is the quote I pulled, broken down:

Whether they will or not, they cannot but know that these are proofs of his Godhead, and yet they inwardly suppress them.

Man knows, today, not just in the Garden, that what he is seeing is proofs of God's Godhead. I would even argue that the way Calvin has this worded that he means Man specifically knows it is the God of the Bible.

They have no occasion to go farther than themselves, provided they do not, by appropriating as their own that which has been given them from heaven, put out the light intended to exhibit God clearly to their minds.

God has intended to provide a light that will exhibit Himself clearly to Men's, all men's, minds. Not just spiritually alive Man, and not just Pre-Fall Man, but all Men today.

Then according to Calvin, Man's nature has snuffed that light out. Thereby thwarting a thing God has intended.

Do you think I am really that far off track with my interpretation of what Calvin has said?