The synod of Dordt met during 1618–19 to settle the controversy about the doctrines of grace that had erupted around the person and teaching of the pestilential James Arminius. As a minister he underhandedly spread his lies from 1590 until his death in 1609. He made predestination the particular object of his attacks. The hope […]
Many people believe that the difference between Arminianism and the Reformed faith with respect to the cross of Christ is simple—the Arminians teach that Jesus Christ died for all men without exception (universal atonement), while the Reformed faith teaches that Jesus Christ died only for some, that is, only for the elect (limited atonement). However, […]
The Canons of Dordt are often considered heavy stuff. Pretty doctrinal. Not easy to understand. Good for ministers and the more mature members of the church. But some think it to be out of reach for the common pew-sitter—and especially for young people. It is true that the Canons of Dordt are doctrine, that is, […]
The young reader of this article is encouraged to read first the 5th head of doctrine of the Canons of Dordt and to have it before him as he reads the article. Introduction Can one who has been saved go lost? It often seems as though those who are saved for a while lose their […]
Christ’s resurrection was a momentous event. It means that Christians have a savior who is alive today. Islam follows the teachings of a dead prophet, Judaism speaks of the future coming of a Messiah, but Christians worship a living, ever-present savior, who continues his work of salvation for us and in us. Christ’s resurrection also […]
In the era preceding World War I, there was a spirit of change. New ideas were springing up in science, culture, medicine and ideals. Liberal thought and morals had gained prominence over the more conservative thought of the last century. Unfortunately, the church was also affected by this spirit of change. The catalyst for the […]
1858 was the year of revivals. In that year alone, 50,000 converts were made. Charles Finney was the originator of and chief instrument in the revivals which swept like wild fire through the state of New York and which also reached Philadelphia and Boston. He was involved in revival preaching from 1824-1860. His efforts were […]
Conversion is a spontaneous experience which is followed by a long struggle. You can accept Christ as your Savior by your own will. Who believed these things? It was John Wesley. John Wesley was born in the early 1700’s being one of 19 children. Being the excellent student that he was, John was chosen to go […]
The Marrow Controversy sprang up as wild fire in the Scottish Presbyterian Church in 1718 through the re-publishing of a book called “The Marrow of Modern Divinity.” It was originally published in England in 1646, and was written (most probably) by a Gloucestershire scholar and gentleman called Edward Fisher. The book was really a compilation […]
The Canons of Dordt (1619) is the third of the three confessions in the Three Forms of Unity. It was formulated at the Synod of Dordt (1618-1619) in response to the rise, in the Dutch churches, of doctrines which were heretical and which contradicted the earlier confessions of the church, the Belgic Confession (1561), and […]