by Francis Turretin
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
This work is a translated and edited selection from Institutio Theologiae Elencticae by Francis Turretin, originally written in Latin and published in the 17th century. The source text for this edition was retrieved from the public domain version available via the Internet Archive: The initial translation was produced using machine translation tools, and subsequently revised and edited by Monergism to enhance readability and flow while striving to preserve the original theological intent and precision of Turretin’s work. While great care has been taken, this edition may still contain occasional translation errors or imperfections. Readers are encouraged to consult the original Latin and to offer corrections where appropriate.
Effectual Calling by Francis Turretin is a theological treasure chest—an enduring work of spiritual depth and doctrinal clarity, forged in the fire of the Reformation and standing resolutely in the stream of the historic Christian faith. In this profound treatise, Turretin guides readers into the heart of divine grace, unfolding the mystery of how God sovereignly calls sinners from death to life, from rebellion to reconciliation.
This book is no mere abstract theology—it is pastoral, doxological, and deeply practical. Drawing from the riches of Scripture and the wisdom of the Church’s theological heritage, Turretin deals with timeless questions: What does it mean for God to call us to Himself? Why do some respond in faith while others remain hardened? Can the grace of God fail? Is man merely passive in conversion—or is his will engaged? Turretin answers with precision, humility, and a deep reverence for the majesty of God’s saving power.
Structured as a series of theological questions and answers, the treatise walks the reader through the nature of external versus internal calling, the purpose of God in calling even the reprobate, the difference between sufficient and effectual grace, and the invincible operation of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of God’s elect. With penetrating clarity, he demolishes the errors of Arminianism and Pelagianism, while lovingly setting forth the biblical doctrine of God’s free and sovereign grace.
What makes this work compelling is not only its theological rigor but its spiritual urgency. Turretin is not writing for ivory tower scholars alone—he is writing for the Church, for pastors, for everyday believers who long to understand how God draws sinners to Himself. This is a book that will deepen your worship, strengthen your assurance, and stir your heart with fresh wonder at the mercy of God in Christ.
For those who desire a deeper grasp of the doctrines of grace, and especially for those seeking a robust biblical defense of effectual calling, this book is a must-read. Whether you are a pastor, a theology student, or a thoughtful Christian hungering for truth, Effectual Calling will prove to be a faithful guide and a source of lasting encouragement. Prepare to be instructed, challenged, and ultimately led to glorify the God who calls us “out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
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Table of Contents
QUESTION I: What is calling, how many kinds are there, and how do external and internal calling differ?
QUESTION II: On the Calling of the Reprobate
QUESTION III: On Sufficient Grace (De Gratia Sufficiente)
QUESTION IV: On Effectual Calling
QUESTION V: Whether in the first moment of conversion, man behaves in a purely passive manner, or whether his will in any way cooperates with the grace of God?
QUESTION VI: Whether efficacious grace operates only by a certain moral persuasion, which man can either admit or reject? Or rather, by an invincible and omnipotent power, against which the will of man cannot prevail?