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This presentation, with plenty of visuals, will put us on the ground in the old city of Dordrecht in 1618–1619, to depict the circumstances of the Synod of Dordt. We will explore the convening of the synod by the Dutch government, and the facility where the synod was held. The composition of the participants demonstrates that this was a national synod with an international character, with theologians from eight foreign territories. After examining the agenda and procedures of the synod, we will survey the course of the synod’s deliberations that lasted 6 ½ months. These fall into four phases: (1) Pro-Acta sessions, before the arrival of the Remonstrants (Arminians); (2) five weeks of procedural wrangling with the fifteen cited Remonstrants; (3) the synod’s response to the Remonstrant case by drafting and approving the Canons; and (4) the Post-Acta sessions dealing with various Dutch ecclesiastical matters. Finally, we will explore the meticulous process by which the Canons of Dordt were drafted, as the Synod’s response to the Remonstrant objections concerning predestination and related points.

To view the handout that goes with this video please see here.

Election. Limited Atonement. Perseverance of the saints. These can be difficult doctrines, both to understand and to apply. Questions multiply. Is it fair that God only chooses some and limits the atoning work of Christ to them? How can we confess perseverance when we know people—even those close to us—who once worshipped with us but have now turned away from the Lord? And here are some more, but slightly different, questions. What if election is viewed through the lens of adoption? What if the saints only persevere because God is a Father who will not give up on his very own children? In short, what happens when we remember that the real, sovereign grace of God is a thoroughly paternal mercy? May “God’s fatherly face” shine upon us as we explore this truth together (Canons of Dort, V:5).

NOTE: This speech was given at the CRTS Conference 2018 but recorded at a later date due to technical difficulties at the conference.

To view the handout that goes with this video please see here.