Turretin does not give a definition of natural theology other than describing what it consists of, “The natural, occupied with that which may be known of God (to gnōston tou Theou), is both innate (from the common notions implanted in each one) and acquired (which creatures gain discursively).”
The early Reformed scholastic Francis Junius influenced Reformed theology greatly in his work A Treatise of True Theology.
For close to a millennium, the model of Christian discipleship had been centered upon the institution of the monastery/nunnery in which men and women lived celibate lives of simplicity and austerity. But the normal context of Christian discipleship in the era of the New Testament and the Ancient Church was in the realm of married life.
There are two pillars on which Turretin constructs his natural theology, the first being Calvin’s duplex cognition dei.
A Christian’s understanding of the Lord’s Supper affects his understanding of the hypostatic union, sanctification, and other related doctrines. The doctrine of the Lord’s Supper is worth debating so that the church may hone its understanding and better remember the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
Natural theology has been confessed throughout the history of the church, it has not been used or understood monolithically. To use the recurring phrase of Turretin, many have “erred in excess” or “erred in defect” in their conception of natural theology.
“The scope of Scripture teaches us that all biblical roads in one way or another lead to Christ. The entire Bible points to the redemption of sinners and restoration of the universe by the incarnate Son of God.”
Given the very real threat posed by the Quaker movement to Calvinistic Baptist churches, it seems most probable that the strengthening of this statement on Scripture is a definite response to this situation.
The Hymn “Amazing Grace,” reached its 250th year of age in 2023. Being first sung under the leadership of its composer, John Newton, by the parish congregation in Olney, Bucks, England, it was published in 1779 in Olney Hymns.
Introduction The final destiny of the redeemed is glorious. We read about it in many New Testament passages...