As and 'elenctic' theology - which aims at affirming and demonstrating the truth, in refutation of false doctrine - the INSTITUTES contrasts Reformed understandings of Scripture with conflicting theological perspectives, particularly Roman Catholic, Arminian, and Socinian. In this volume, the first of three, Turretin treats theology, Scripture, the Trinity, divine decrees, creation, providence, angels, the original state of humanity, sin, and free will.