"God preordained, for his own glory and the display of His attributes of mercy and justice, a part of the human race, without any merit of their own, to eternal salvation, and another part, in just punishment of their sin, to eternal damnation"

John Calvin's quote speaks to the concept of predestination, which is a core belief of Calvinism. According to Calvin, God has actually predetermined the fate of all individuals, some to everlasting redemption and some to eternal damnation. This is done for His own glory, to show His qualities of grace and justice. Those who are saved are not conserved due to the fact that of any merit of their own, however rather because of God's grace. Those who are damned are not damned since of any fault of their own, but rather because of their sin. This quote speaks with the idea that God is sovereign and that He is in control of all things. It also speaks with the idea that redemption is a gift from God, and not something that can be earned.