Here is a quote from the Institutes: Book 1, Chapter 6, Ford Lewis Battles translation:
"There is no doubt that Adam, Noah, Abraham, and the rest of the patriarchs with this assistance penetrated to the intimate knowledge of him that in a way distinguished them from unbelievers. I am not yet speaking of the proper doctrine of faith whereby they had been illumined unto the hope of eternal life. For, that they might pass from death to life, it was necessary to recognize God not only as Creator but also as Redeemer, for undoubtedly they arrived at both from the Word. First in order came that kind of knowledge by which one is permitted to grasp who that God is who founded and governs the universe. Then that other inner knowledge was added, which alone quickens dead souls, whereby God is known not only as the Founder of the universe and the sole Author and Ruler of all that is made, but also in the person of the Mediator as the Redeemer. But because we have not yet come to the fall of the world and the corruption of nature, I shall now forego discussion of the remedy.
My readers therefore should remember that I am not yet going to discuss that covenant by which God adopted to himself the sons of Abraham, or that part of doctrine which has always separated believers from unbelieving folk, for it was founded in Christ. But here I shall discuss only how we should learn from Scripture that God, the Creator of the universe, can by sure marks be distinguished from all the throng of feigned gods. Then, in due order, that series will lead us to the redemption. We shall derive many testimonies from the New Testament, and other testimonies also from the Law and the Prophets, where express mention is made of Christ. Nevertheless, all things will tend to this end, that God, the Artificer of the universe, is made manifest to us in Scripture, and that what we ought to think of him is set forth there, lest we seek some uncertain deity by devious paths."
If I understand correctly, Calvin is saying that in Scripture there is set forth a knowledge of God as Creator, which is clearer then that revelation made in creation, and that this revelation of God as creator is vital in order for us to be able to come to a true conception of God as creator, inasmuch as that revelation contained in creation, while clear enough to leave us without excuse, is not effectual in bringing us to a knowledge of God as creator. This knowledge of God as creator is not saving. My question is this. If Calvin is correct (you can give me your opinion on that too), then would it be accurate to say that an unregenerate person could arrive at a correct knowledge of God as creator through the instrumentality of the Word? If so, would this have any bearing on God being the God of the Jews and Christ's comments to the Samaritan woman in John 4? In other words, Christ could say in such a blanket way that the Jews worshipped God, not because all the Jews were regenerate (worshipped by the Spirit of God -Philippians 3:3) but because they had been instructed in the true knowledge of God as creator. What do you think? Is Calvin right? And, Can the unregenerate have a Scriptural knowledge of God as creator? And, does that explain John 4:22?
"There is no doubt that Adam, Noah, Abraham, and the rest of the patriarchs with this assistance penetrated to the intimate knowledge of him that in a way distinguished them from unbelievers. I am not yet speaking of the proper doctrine of faith whereby they had been illumined unto the hope of eternal life. For, that they might pass from death to life, it was necessary to recognize God not only as Creator but also as Redeemer, for undoubtedly they arrived at both from the Word. First in order came that kind of knowledge by which one is permitted to grasp who that God is who founded and governs the universe. Then that other inner knowledge was added, which alone quickens dead souls, whereby God is known not only as the Founder of the universe and the sole Author and Ruler of all that is made, but also in the person of the Mediator as the Redeemer. But because we have not yet come to the fall of the world and the corruption of nature, I shall now forego discussion of the remedy.
My readers therefore should remember that I am not yet going to discuss that covenant by which God adopted to himself the sons of Abraham, or that part of doctrine which has always separated believers from unbelieving folk, for it was founded in Christ. But here I shall discuss only how we should learn from Scripture that God, the Creator of the universe, can by sure marks be distinguished from all the throng of feigned gods. Then, in due order, that series will lead us to the redemption. We shall derive many testimonies from the New Testament, and other testimonies also from the Law and the Prophets, where express mention is made of Christ. Nevertheless, all things will tend to this end, that God, the Artificer of the universe, is made manifest to us in Scripture, and that what we ought to think of him is set forth there, lest we seek some uncertain deity by devious paths."
If I understand correctly, Calvin is saying that in Scripture there is set forth a knowledge of God as Creator, which is clearer then that revelation made in creation, and that this revelation of God as creator is vital in order for us to be able to come to a true conception of God as creator, inasmuch as that revelation contained in creation, while clear enough to leave us without excuse, is not effectual in bringing us to a knowledge of God as creator. This knowledge of God as creator is not saving. My question is this. If Calvin is correct (you can give me your opinion on that too), then would it be accurate to say that an unregenerate person could arrive at a correct knowledge of God as creator through the instrumentality of the Word? If so, would this have any bearing on God being the God of the Jews and Christ's comments to the Samaritan woman in John 4? In other words, Christ could say in such a blanket way that the Jews worshipped God, not because all the Jews were regenerate (worshipped by the Spirit of God -Philippians 3:3) but because they had been instructed in the true knowledge of God as creator. What do you think? Is Calvin right? And, Can the unregenerate have a Scriptural knowledge of God as creator? And, does that explain John 4:22?