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The Synod of Dordt (example document)

The Synod of Dordt (1618-1619) was a pivotal assembly that defended the doctrines of grace against the rise of Arminianism, reaffirming key Reformed theological principles through the Canons of Dordt. It addressed significant theological disputes, leading to the expulsion of Arminian leaders and the commissioning of the Statenvertaling, a Dutch Bible translation. The decisions made at Dordt continue to influence Reformed theology and serve as a bulwark against contemporary challenges to the sovereignty of God in salvation.

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8 views4 pages

The Synod of Dordt (example document)

The Synod of Dordt (1618-1619) was a pivotal assembly that defended the doctrines of grace against the rise of Arminianism, reaffirming key Reformed theological principles through the Canons of Dordt. It addressed significant theological disputes, leading to the expulsion of Arminian leaders and the commissioning of the Statenvertaling, a Dutch Bible translation. The decisions made at Dordt continue to influence Reformed theology and serve as a bulwark against contemporary challenges to the sovereignty of God in salvation.

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reuel.havaji.reuel.havaji
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© © All Rights Reserved
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The Synod of Dordt: Defending the

Doctrines of Grace
Introduction
The Synod of Dordt (1618–1619) stands as one of the most significant ecclesiastical assemblies
in church history. Convened in response to the rise of Arminianism, it was not merely a
theological debate but a defense of the very gospel itself. The decisions of the Synod,
summarized in the Canons of Dordt, reaffirmed the biblical doctrines of grace and preserved the
church from the encroachment of human-centered theology.

This presentation will explore the historical background, theological disputes, key decisions, and
lasting impact of the Synod of Dordt.

1. Historical Background
The Reformation and the Netherlands

The Dutch Reformation had taken deep root in the Low Countries, shaped by the teachings of
John Calvin and the Belgic Confession (1561). The church in the Netherlands was firmly
grounded in the sovereignty of God in salvation.

The Rise of Arminianism

In the late 16th century, Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian, began to question certain
Reformed doctrines, particularly unconditional election. His followers, known as the
Remonstrants, published their Five Articles of Remonstrance (1610), which called for a
revision of Reformed doctrine. Their views threatened to overturn the foundations of biblical
soteriology.

The Political and Ecclesiastical Crisis

The Arminian controversy was not only theological but also political. The Remonstrants gained
favor with Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and other statesmen who opposed the orthodox Reformed
party led by Prince Maurice of Nassau. Tensions between the two groups nearly led to civil war.

Recognizing the need for doctrinal clarity, the Dutch Reformed Church called for a national
synod, which convened in Dordrecht in 1618.
2. The Synod of Dordt
Composition of the Synod

The Synod included delegates from:

●​ The Netherlands
●​ England
●​ Scotland
●​ Switzerland
●​ Various German states

It was an international assembly, demonstrating that the defense of the gospel was not a mere
national concern but one that affected the entire Reformed world.

Theological Proceedings

The Synod met from November 13, 1618, to May 9, 1619. Over 154 sessions were held. The
Arminians were given a hearing but refused to submit to the authority of the Synod, leading to
their dismissal. The Synod then proceeded with a careful examination of the Remonstrant
theology in the light of Scripture.

3. The Canons of Dordt: The Five Points of Calvinism


The Canons of Dordt systematically refuted the Five Articles of the Remonstrants and reaffirmed
the biblical doctrines of grace:

1. Total Depravity (vs. Partial Depravity)

●​ Man is wholly corrupted by sin, unable to seek God apart from grace (Romans 3:10–12,
Ephesians 2:1–3).
●​ The Remonstrants held that man retains some ability to choose God, but the Synod
upheld the biblical teaching that man is spiritually dead.

2. Unconditional Election (vs. Conditional Election)

●​ God’s election is not based on foreseen faith but on His sovereign will (Ephesians 1:4–5,
Romans 9:11–16).
●​ The Remonstrants taught that election was based on God foreseeing who would believe.
The Synod declared this an assault on the sovereignty of God.
3. Limited Atonement (vs. Universal Atonement)

●​ Christ’s atonement was made specifically for the elect and is perfectly effective (John
10:11, Matthew 1:21).
●​ The Remonstrants argued for a universal atonement that only made salvation possible.
The Synod upheld that Christ’s death secured salvation for His people.

4. Irresistible Grace (vs. Resistible Grace)

●​ The Holy Spirit effectually calls and regenerates the elect (John 6:37, John 10:27–28).
●​ The Remonstrants claimed that grace could be resisted. The Synod upheld that God's
grace is sovereign and accomplishes what He intends.

5. Perseverance of the Saints (vs. Falling Away from Grace)

●​ The elect are preserved by God and cannot finally fall away (John 10:28–29, Philippians
1:6).
●​ The Remonstrants argued that believers could lose their salvation. The Synod declared
that salvation is secured by the power of God.

4. The Aftermath and Impact


The Expulsion of the Remonstrants

After the Synod, the Arminian leaders were exiled. The church was purged of false doctrine, and
orthodoxy was preserved. The Canons of Dordt became one of the foundational confessions of
Reformed theology.

The Dutch Bible Translation (Statenvertaling)

One of the Synod’s lasting achievements was commissioning the Statenvertaling, the official
Dutch Bible translation, which strengthened the faith of the church for generations.

International Influence

The Canons of Dordt were embraced by Reformed churches across Europe and influenced the
Westminster Confession (1646) and the Second London Baptist Confession (1689). The
doctrines defined at Dordt continue to shape churches today.
5. The Relevance of Dordt Today
The doctrines affirmed at Dordt are not relics of the past. They remain vital in the face of
contemporary challenges:

●​ Modern Evangelicalism’s Arminian Tendencies – Many churches today embrace


man-centered theology, denying God’s sovereignty in salvation. Dordt stands as a
bulwark against such errors.
●​ The Danger of Free Will Theology – The idea that man contributes to his salvation
undermines the gospel of grace. Dordt affirms that salvation is of the Lord alone.
●​ The Necessity of Doctrinal Clarity – In an age of theological compromise, the
Canons of Dordt remind the church to remain steadfast in the truth.

6. Conclusion
The Synod of Dordt was not merely an academic dispute but a defense of the very heart of the
gospel. The doctrines of grace upheld at Dordt safeguard the truth that salvation is by grace
alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.

The church must never forget the lessons of Dordt, lest it fall into the same errors that once
threatened the purity of the gospel. As in the 17th century, so today: the Word of God stands
supreme, and the sovereignty of God in salvation must be upheld without compromise.

“Salvation is of the Lord.” (Jonah 2:9)

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