Calvin's doctrine and Romans 1

The word of God found in Scriptures teaches us in Romans 1 and Proverbs 1 that God leaves no man without excuse...

Do you hear? Are you willing to sumbit to Scripture?

Romans 1

:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Rom 1:19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Paul recieved this precept from Scripture that is found in Proverbs 1.

Pro 1:20 ¶ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

Pro 1:21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, [saying],

Pro 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Pro 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

The first question comes to mind...

What is the source of this "wisdom"?

The second question comes to mind...

By what means is this "wisdom" conveyed to man?

In Christ
Jeff

Continuing on in this precept which Paul found in Proverbs...

Romans 1:

21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Rom 1:22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

Rom 1:23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Rom 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

Now search this Scripture to "hear" what Paul heard...

Proverbs 1:

Pro 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

Pro 1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

Pro 1:26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

Pro 1:27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

Pro 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Pro 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Pro 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Pro 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Again especially compare these thoughts of Paul with Solomon's

Rom 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves.

Pro 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Pro 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Pro 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Pro 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
earts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,

First question, can you find in Proverbs what it means to men when God gives them up?

Second question what does it mean to us when Scripture says that men...

Pro 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Pro 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Third question, according to the Scriptures above what was God's part in each individuals life?

Fouth question, according to the Scripture above, what did many men "choose to do in light of God's counsel?"

In Christ
Jeff

Continuing on in Proverbs...

Pro 2:1 ¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

Pro 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;

Pro 2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;

Pro 2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;

Pro 2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Pro 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

Pro 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

Pro 2:8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

Pro 2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path.

Pro 2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

Pro 2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

Paul teaches this precept in Romans 1:

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,[fn1] for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Rom 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."[fn2]

As Paul says...as it is written...

Do you see Christ our wisdom given to us by the Holy Spirit is the means by which the "righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith."

In Christ
Jeff

Finally, if you allow these precepts found in Scripture, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to penetrate your hearts...how does this compare to the doctrines of a man named Calvin?

In Christ
Jeff

There are sufficient signs out there within creation that should point fallen man in the direction of his creator. Obviously, these things are ignored as the sinful nature seperates us from God and hence we cannot see his work for what it really is.

A lot of people (specifically secular scholars and pluralists) point to the world's religions and say that this is an evidence of mankind's latent desire and ability to perceive the divine. Yet what Paul says in response within Romans 1 is the opposite: Religion is not a sign of man's ability to comprehend the divine, rather it is a sign of just how far removed he is from knowing the one true God.

God has given man a concience, and it should be sufficient to convict man of his sins:
12For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Romans 2:12-16

The human concience should lead to knowledge of sin and lead us to the savior, yet Paul later writes in Romans 3:9-20

9What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”
18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

So while man was originally designed to perceive the Work of God in creation and know God's standard of righteousness, he obviously doesn't know now in his fallen state. Therefore the question that has to be asked is how is it that we as believers acquire this knowledge and are led to saving faith. Is the process merely intellectual; that we all deep down possess some innate connection to God that we all must relearn how to cling on to, or is it by a work of divine intervention that corrects an obvious flaw, giving us ability to understand what we were originally designed for?

Brother Benjamin wrote:

So while man was originally designed to perceive the Work of God in creation and know God's standard of righteousness, he obviously doesn't know now in his fallen state.

Scripture states this about God's activity in all men....

Proverbs 1:

23 \tTurn at my rebuke;
\tSurely I will pour out my spirit on you;
\tI will make my words known to you.
24 \tBecause I have called and you refused,
\tI have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
25 \tBecause you disdained all my counsel,
\tAnd would have none of my rebuke,

28 \t“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
\tThey will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29 \tBecause they hated knowledge
\tAnd did not choose the fear of the LORD,
30 \tThey would have none of my counsel
\tAnd despised my every rebuke.

But what about those who choose God because He calls all men....

33 \tBut whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
\tAnd will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Proverbs 2

6 \tFor the LORD gives wisdom;
\tFrom His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 \tHe stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
\tHe is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 \tHe guards the paths of justice,
\tAnd preserves the way of His saints.
9 \tThen you will understand righteousness and justice,
\tEquity and every good path.
10 \tWhen wisdom enters your heart,
\tAnd knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
11 \tDiscretion will preserve you;
\tUnderstanding will keep you,

One man disdains God's counsel another heeds it. Faith comes by hearing the word of God...

Brother look more closely to what these Scriptures are saying. By what means does God preserve His saints?

God Bless
In Christ
Jeff

Brother look more closely to what these Scriptures are saying. By what means does God preserve His saints?

By Christ and His intercession for them. Consider 1 Corinthians 1:30 "But of him are ye in [b]Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:[/b]"

Brother Patrick wrote:

By Christ and His intercession for them. Consider 1 Corinthians 1:30 "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"

Yes.

Would you say that the "wisdom" that is spoken of in Proverbs comes from Christ through the Holy Spirit?

20 \tWisdom calls aloud outside;
\tShe raises her voice in the open squares.
21 \tShe cries out in the chief concourses,
\tAt the openings of the gates in the city
\tShe speaks her words:
22 \t“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
\tFor scorners delight in their scorning,
\tAnd fools hate knowledge.
23 \tTurn at my rebuke;
\tSurely I will pour out my spirit on you;
\tI will make my words known to you.

Also
Proverbs 3

11 \tMy son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
\tNor detest His correction;
12 \tFor whom the LORD loves He corrects,
\tJust as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 \tHappy is the man who finds wisdom,
\tAnd the man who gains understanding;
14 \tFor her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
\tAnd her gain than fine gold.
15 \tShe is more precious than rubies,
\tAnd all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 \tLength of days is in her right hand,
\tIn her left hand riches and honor.
17 \tHer ways are ways of pleasantness,
\tAnd all her paths are peace.
18 \tShe is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
\tAnd happy are all who retain her.

Also...

Proverbs 8

Prov. 8:1 Does not wisdom cry out,
\tAnd understanding lift up her voice?
2 \tShe takes her stand on the top of the high hill,
\tBeside the way, where the paths meet.
3 \tShe cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city,
\tAt the entrance of the doors:
4 \t“To you, O men, I call,
\tAnd my voice is to the sons of men.
5 \tO you simple ones, understand prudence,
\tAnd you fools, be of an understanding heart.
6 \tListen, for I will speak of excellent things,
\tAnd from the opening of my lips will come right things;
7 \tFor my mouth will speak truth;
\tWickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 \tAll the words of my mouth are with righteousness;
\tNothing crooked or perverse is in them.
9 \tThey are all plain to him who understands,
\tAnd right to those who find knowledge.
10 \tReceive my instruction, and not silver,
\tAnd knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 \tFor wisdom is better than rubies,
\tAnd all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.
12 \t“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
\tAnd find out knowledge and discretion.

In relation to the last verse above, "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion." I believe Paul writes of this in 1 Corinthians 2:

1Cor. 2:9 But as it is written:
\t“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
\tNor have entered into the heart of man
\tThe things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

The Spirit of God searches the deep things of God. And Christ is the summation of all wisdom given to man. He is the light of the world....

Prov. 9:10 \t“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
\tAnd the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Just some things to ponder Brother Patrick...

God Bless
In Christ
Jeff

Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Pro 1:28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Pro 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Pro 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

Pro 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

First according to Scripture we find that God is active in each individual's life. Secondly we find that many refuse to repent and turn towards Him. And then finally, there comes a point where God "give them over."

According to Scripture, what does it mean to an individual who God gives up on?

In Christ
Jeff

First according to Scripture we find that God is active in each individual's life. Secondly we find that many refuse to repent and turn towards Him. And then finally, there comes a point where God "give them over."

According to Scripture, what does it mean to an individual who God gives up on?

The first part of the answer is that God is dispensing His grace through the work of the Holy Spirit to all men. He is calling all to repent. Without the Holy Spirit dwelling amongst men, men would have no hope of knowing "the knowledge of good" that is spoken of in Genesis 4.

The second part of the answer then is if God removes His Holy Spirit, what is the rebellious man left with?

Is it not again according to Genesis 4, "knowledge of evil"?

This precept is found in Romans 1, and Proverbs 1-9.

Job 34

10 \t“Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding:
\tFar be it from God to do wickedness,
\tAnd from the Almighty to commit iniquity.
11 \tFor He repays man according to his work,
\tAnd makes man to find a reward according to his way.
12 \tSurely God will never do wickedly,
\tNor will the Almighty pervert justice.

He repays man according to his work and makes man to find a reward according to his way.

In Christ
jeff

Quote:

"""The second part of the answer then is if God removes His Holy Spirit, what is the rebellious man left with"""

Man would be left with Christ in Him, the Life of the Believer. The Holy Spirit is the Teacher of this Life. If He were removed, the learning of the Life of Christ that God has birthed would cease.

Jhn 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

This is both the Holy Spirit anointing and Jesus Christ our Life.

First the Holy Spirit: 1 John 2:27-29 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

And Christ in you "the hope of Glory":
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

When the Holy Spirit is taken out, Satan will rule the minds of men.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-9 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

In Christ: Phillip

Brother Phillip wrote:

Man would be left with Christ in Him, the Life of the Believer. The Holy Spirit is the Teacher of this Life. If He were removed, the learning of the Life of Christ that God has birthed would cease.

Brother Phillip, Romans 1 is not about those who have already been adopted by God but it is about all men are given witness of the light by the Holy Spirit.

Do you see the difference from what you state above?

In Christ
jeff

In Proverbs 1-9 and Romans 1 we are given insight into fallen man's relationship with God and and Satan. As a third part of this precept we are also given an example which testifies of God's grace in lives of Cain and Abel. In the first two offsprings of Adam and Eve, we find that God speaks to not only one but both individuals. We find that Abel turned towards God and became the first prophet of God. Likewise we find that God also extended grace to Cain. First we know that God enabled Cain to know how to please Him. Secondly, we find that God explains to Cain why He was not pleased with his sacrifice. Thirdly, we are given the testimony that God calls on Cain to repent. Fourthly, we are given the testimony that God instructs Cain of the consequences of not obeying Him. Next, even after Cain killed Abel, God come again to Cain and speaks to him again. Next we see God, even after this event, still promises to protect Cain as he is sent out.

And finally, after 4000 years we find out the consequences of each individual's life.

1John 3:10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

Jude

11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

In Scripture we find that there are two ways...the way of Cain, and the path to righteousness. Both paths simultaneously exist for all men. According to Scripture, God presents His path to all men. Therefore, God requires all men to turn towards Him. Yet, according to Scripture we find that God also gives all men the choice to whom they will follow. And according to Scripture we hear over and over again these words...

Job 34:
10 \t“Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding:
\tFar be it from God to do wickedness,
\tAnd from the Almighty to commit iniquity.
11 \tFor He repays man according to his work,
\tAnd makes man to find a reward according to his way.

Gal. 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

How does the doctrine of Calvin compare with this precept?

In Christ
Jeff

Yes.

The second part of the answer then is if God removes His Holy Spirit, what is the rebellious man left with

Christians won't be here. Rebellious man is headed for the tribulation.

In Christ: Phillip

Grace.

Grace in the old testament is all outward.
Strong's Hebrew Dictionary
2580. chen
Search for H2580 in KJVSL
Nx chen khane
from 2603; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):--favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-)favoured.

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found

Brother Phillip wrote:

Yes.

The second part of the answer then is if God removes His Holy Spirit, what is the rebellious man left with

Christians won't be here. Rebellious man is headed for the tribulation.

Amen....

The point of this thread is to demonstrate that God gives all men the grace necessary for all men to make a choice. The choice is either "way of Cain" or the "law of the Spirit in Christ."

This precept is established when God declares to Satan...that there will be emnity between the woman and Satan and Satan's seed and the woman's Seed.

Those that choose to walk in the way of Cain and follow Balaam will be thrown into the lake of fire along with their spiritual father Satan.

Those who choose to follow the Spirit of God will be conformed into the image of His Son. These will be those adopted out of the majority who choose to remain in captivity to Satan. These are those who becoming co-heirs with Christ.

In Christ
Jeff

Brother Phillip quoted:

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD .

2580. NEj chen, khane; from 2603; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):—favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-)favoured.

2603. NÅnDj chanan, khaw-nan´; a primitive root (compare 2583); properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):—beseech, x fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, x very.

In this word grace found in the OT...I see this attribute...

In the example given to us of Cain and Abel we see the workings of God expressed in this manner do we not.

God said to Cain...

Genesis 4;

6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Is not God working in the life of Cain in this way...causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):—beseech, x fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon,..

What effect does this action by God accomplish in the lives of those who obeyed and believed this "beseeching" by God...

Prov. 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. 10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

In the above precept we find that if one chooses to hear and obey the "cautively imploring" of the Lord, "Wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul."

What was once an outward call by the Holy Spirit "entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul...

God Bless
In Christ
Jeff

Brother Phillip wrote:

Grace in the old testament is all outward.

In the book of Proverbs we have this precept declared...

Proverbs 1:

20 \tWisdom calls aloud outside;
\tShe raises her voice in the open squares.
21 \tShe cries out in the chief concourses,
\tAt the openings of the gates in the city
\tShe speaks her words:
22 \t“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
\tFor scorners delight in their scorning,
\tAnd fools hate knowledge.
23 \tTurn at my rebuke;
\tSurely I will pour out my spirit on you;
\tI will make my words known to you.

In this Scripture we find that God promises to "pour out my Spirit on you: I will make my words known to you."

Likewise we find this in the NT...

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Comparing the above event with what is spoken of in Proverbs...Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
\tI will make my words known to you.

Did not the Holy Spirit that filled the disciples do this..."I will make my words known to you."

Likewise Peter declares of this work of the Holy Spirit to be what Joel spoke of ...

Acts 2:17 \t“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
\tThat I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
\tYour sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
\tYour young men shall see visions,
\tYour old men shall dream dreams.
18 \tAnd on My menservants and on My maidservants
\tI will pour out My Spirit in those days;
\tAnd they shall prophesy.

Please notice that Peter declared that God's Spirit was poured out "on" all flesh. This pouring out of the Spirit enabled men and women to speak the words of God that was made known to them. Further more, Peter did not make any distinction between what happened to the disciples being "filled" with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit being poured out "on' the disciples...should we?

I do not see where one can say that God's Spirit works in the same way to perserve all the saints whether it is in the OT or the NT.

In Christ
Jeff

Another thought concerning the "way of Cain."

Eph 2:1 AND you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
Eph 2:2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

From the very first example given to us in Scripture concerning fallen man, we find Paul's teaching about the "sons of disobedience."

What does he mean by "sons of disobedience" according to the precepts that Scripture reveals in Romans 1, Proverbs 1-9, Psalms 119, and Genesis 3-4?

In Christ
Jeff

Paul writes:

Rom. 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.

Here Paul teaches that men "who suppress the truth" are given the knowledge that they are guilty of unrighteousness.

Paul then defines their disobedience...

Rom. 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Likewise we have this same teaching in Proverbs...

Solomon teaches...

Proverbs 1:25 \tBecause you disdained all my counsel,
\tAnd would have none of my rebuke,

Here we see that men "disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke."

Who is the One that counsels us? By what means does God use to counsel men?

Proverbs 1

26 \tI also will laugh at your calamity;
\tI will mock when your terror comes,
27 \tWhen your terror comes like a storm,
\tAnd your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
\tWhen distress and anguish come upon you.
28 \t“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
\tThey will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29 \tBecause they hated knowledge
\tAnd did not choose the fear of the LORD,

These "sons of disobedience" are the way they are "because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord."

Do you see the word in Scripture "choose?"

How does Calvin's doctrine affirm this precept?

In Christ
Jeff