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Author:
Francis Trurretin

e-Sword Version:
9.x - 10.x

Synopsis of "Should Predestination Be Publicly Taught & Preached" by Francis Turretin

Francis Turretin’s treatise on whether predestination should be publicly taught and preached addresses a fundamental theological question within Reformed orthodoxy: the propriety and necessity of openly proclaiming the doctrine of predestination in the church’s teaching and preaching ministries. Turretin, a prominent 17th-century theologian, defends the doctrinal importance of predestination as rooted in Scripture and essential to the Christian faith, while also navigating concerns about potential misunderstandings or misapplications among believers.

At the core of Turretin’s argument is the conviction that predestination, as an integral part of God's sovereign plan for salvation, must be publicly taught to foster a correct understanding of God's grace, human sinfulness, and the assurance of salvation. He emphasizes that Scripture explicitly discusses predestination (e.g., Romans 8:29–30, Ephesians 1:4–5), and therefore, it warrants clear and faithful proclamation. Turretin maintains that neglecting to teach this doctrine undermines the full scope of biblical revelation and diminishes the glory due to God's sovereignty.

Turretin argues against the view that predestination should be kept secret or only discussed in private, asserting that such an approach could lead to confusion, misinterpretation, or even suspicion about God's justice. He insists that the doctrine, when properly expounded, enhances believers’ understanding of divine grace and encourages humility, gratitude, and trust in God's plan. Furthermore, he underscores that the church’s role is to teach all essential doctrines, including predestination, for the edification of the body of Christ.

Addressing potential objections, Turretin recognizes concerns that predestination might provoke despair among some believers or lead to antinomianism. He counters these by highlighting that true predestination is based on God's love and mercy, and that its proper teaching should be accompanied by a clear exposition of human responsibility, faith, and the means of salvation. He stresses that the doctrine is meant to deepen believers' assurance and motivate holy living, not to diminish their efforts or diminish God's justice.

Turretin also discusses the pastoral responsibility of ministers to preach predestination faithfully, cautioning against superficial or inaccurate presentations that could foster confusion or false security. He advocates for a balanced exposition that emphasizes God's sovereignty alongside the gospel call to repentance and faith.

In conclusion, Turretin affirms that predestination is not only a doctrinal truth to be believed but also a truth to be publicly taught and preached. He contends that the doctrine, when understood and explained rightly, serves to promote the glory of God, foster humility among believers, and strengthen the church’s doctrinal foundation. Therefore, he advocates for its inclusion in catechisms, sermons, and theological education, asserting that withholding or neglecting to teach predestination would be a disservice to the church and a neglect of biblical truth.