Dordtse Leerregels actueel: discussies, structuren en motieven

Samenvatting

This article addresses the continuing validity and relevance of the 400 year old confessional statements published by the Synod of Dordt (1618-19). It discusses continuities and differences at three levels: (1) the debates of the early 17th century on questions concerning divine sovereignty and grace versus human responsibility and free choice; (2) the conceptual structures that underlie the exposition of doctrine in the Canons, and that express the necessary connections between God’s eternal and unconditional decree, atonement through Christ’s death, the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, and the perseverance of the saints; and, (3) the Christological, Biblical, pastoral, and ecclesiological motives that permeate the doctrinal statements.