morality?
Calvin's Response to Pighius's Seven
Arguments
Since Pighius insists on arguing both issues—human choice and God's providence—at once, I'll address them together.
1. If everything is controlled by God, why make any effort? Pighius questions why we work, plan, and take precautions if everything happens according to God's will. But Scripture teaches that human effort and divine providence work together. Solomon reminds us that while we make plans, it is the Lord who directs our steps (Prov. 16). God has given us means to preserve our lives—work, care, and prudence—and has also warned that neglecting these leads to trouble. Wisdom and foolishness, both guided by God, still influence our outcomes.
2. If crimes are necessary under God's providence, why punish them? Pighius argues that punishing wrongdoers is pointless if they act by necessity. Yet, while God may use their actions to fulfill His purposes, this does not make them innocent. They act out of their own evil intent, even if God uses their deeds to bring about His justice. Just as a sword in a hand has no blame, the Holy Spirit compares wicked people to tools in God's hand (Isa. 10). God's purpose and human guilt coexist in His governance.
3. Does this doctrine undermine political authority and morality? Pighius claims that if God controls all, then laws and government are meaningless. But we affirm that God established