The opening movements of this chapter press the reader into an uncomfortable but necessary clarity: Scripture leaves no corner of the human soul untouched by corruption, neither intellect nor will, neither desire nor judgment. Calvin walks carefully but relentlessly through the biblical witness, showing that what Scripture calls “flesh” is not merely bodily appetite but the whole unregenerate person—mind included—set in opposition to God. Even the apparent virtues of the best pagans cannot overturn this verdict. What looks like moral excellence is restrained corruption, not healed nature. God’s providence curbs evil for the sake of order, but only regeneration restores what sin has ruined. Until then, human righteousness remains externally impressive yet internally misdirected, lacking the fear and glory of God that alone give actions true worth. Sections 1–4 together establish the hard ground on which the rest of the doctrine must stand: if salvation is to be grace, human nature must truly be lost.

Readings:

John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion Book 2, Chapter 3, Sections 1–4

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