That is not my argument. My argument is that from Calvin's writings, we are puppets. You seemed to have forgotten your OP.
I am trying to understand as I want to get to the roots of the weed of Calvinism. You did not reference the posts where you addressed it - to no surprise to me as your combination of opposition while stone-walling is so typical. The closest thing I have seen to your best argument, other than non-informational dismissals and vacuous accusations, is Calvin never termed God a "puppet-master" in Post 10. Please correct me if I am wrong as I am not interested in arguing against a straw-man - is that your argument? Really?
If you remain unwilling to seriously engage, you should do us a favor and close the thread.
I’ve already addressed your argument in this thread. Just because I didn’t quote your exact post doesn’t mean that I’m ignoring your argument. If you really need me to quote you and respond, I guess I can do that.
This is just another band-aide excuse to cover the holes in Calvin’s theology very much like the effervescent grace excuse used to cover up the holes in his irresistible grace doctrine in response to the verses that indicate that people can fall from grace and lose their salvation. You still haven’t quoted not one single verse that specifically states that God controls everyone’s actions. The only thing you have are verses referring to God intervening on specific individuals and you’re extrapolating what these verses are actually saying by applying them to everyone.
Can you provide a quote from an official Calvinist document that indicates that we are not puppets? You’re putting that restriction on us according to the OP so your argument should be restricted to the same requirements that you’ve placed on us.
1689londonbaptistconfession.com
It doesn’t matter what the reason is. He either interferes or He doesn’t. Both are active actions.
Just so I’m clear, if I can provide one single verse that states God controls everyone’s actions, you’ll be convinced?
I think the issue comes down to what’s meant by governed. It doesn’t mean controlling every action of man, as if pulling strings. It does mean to ordain all things that come to pass. And if you read all of chapter 16, not just a couple of paragraphs that you found on the internet, you’ll see that Calvin in no way presupposes that God sits in heaven and directs every movement as a puppet master. He does use plenty of scripture that indicates that God is in complete control, though.
Some verses to ponder.
You may want to reread Job 1-2.
God never directed anyone do evil as God does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13). All sin comes from rebellion to God's direction.
The "reason" is important, because it must be a help to the willing individual. If a person has continuously refused God's help to the point, he would never of his own free will choose to accept God's help, that person can have his free will taken from them and be a disciple of satan.
God doesn’t need to direct anyone to do evil. He just takes away peace. .
