Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort

by W. Robert Godfrey

Overview

There has been renewed interest in the five points of Calvinism among many Christians today. But these doctrines are not a product of the twenty-first century. So where did they come from, and why are they so important? Dr. W. Robert Godfrey takes us back to 1618-19 when the Canons of Dort were written in response to a mounting theological assault on Reformed Christianity. Now, for its four-hundredth anniversary, he offers a new translation and pastoral commentary on the canons, equipping the next generation with these God-glorifying truths.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781642890303
Publisher:	Ligonier Ministries
Publication date:	01/24/2019
Pages:	265
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and chairman of Ligonier Ministries. He is president emeritus and professor emeritus of church history at Westminster Seminary California. He is the featured teacher for the six-part Ligonier teaching series A Survey of Church History. His many books include God’s Pattern for Creation, Reformation Sketches, An Unexpected Journey, Learning to Love the Psalms, and Saving the Reformation.

Table of Contents

Foreword Joel R. Beeke xi

Introduction 1

Part I Historical and Theological Background

Chapter 1 The New Church and the New State 7

Chapter 2 The Synod of Don 21

Part II The Canons of the Synod of Dort-A Pastoral Translation

Chapter 3 God's Predestination 35

Chapter 4 The Death of Christ and the Redemption of Humans through That Death 47

Chapter 5 The Corruption of Humans, and the Conversion to God with Its Way of Happening 53

Chapter 6 The Perseverance of the Saints 65

Chapter 7 Conclusion 75

Part III An Exposition of the Canons of Dort

Chapter 8 The Form of the Canons 81

Chapter 9 God's Predestination 85

Chapter 10 The Death of Christ and the Redemption of Humans through That Death 113

Chapter 11 The Corruption of Humans, and the Conversion to God with Its Way of Happening 127

Chapter 12 The Perseverance of the Saints 153

Chapter 13 Conclusion 173

Chapter 14 Closing Reflections 179

Appendices

Appendix 1 Arminius: A New Look 185

Appendix 2 General Pattern in Each Head of Doctrine 229

Appendix 3 An Outline of the Canons of Dort 231

Appendix 4 Relation of the Positive Articles of the Canons to the Rejection of Errors 237

Appendix 5 A New Translation of the Doctrinal Statement by the Synod of Dort on the Sabbath 239

Acknowledgments 241

Notes 243

Scripture Index 251

Subject Index 255

About the Author 265

Editorial Reviews

W. Robert Godfrey is a gifted teacher. As a recognized historian, he helpfully sets the historical and ecclesiastical context for the writing of the Canons of Dordt. As a trusted theologian, he clearly explains the exegetical and theological basis for each of the canons. As an experienced pastor, he carefully shows the practical nature of the doctrines of grace preserved in the Canons. In an age of constant change and theological amnesia, Saving the Reformation is an important contribution, an accessible treatment of one of the great documents of the Reformation.”

Rev. Joel E. Kim

Saving the Reformation is characteristic of Dr. Godfrey’s engaging, clear, pastoral teaching that has benefited so many over the years. Guiding us through the history and biblical truth confessed in the Canons of Dort, he brings us to the reality of the sovereign goodness and all-sufficient grace of God in Christ for us: we are hell deserving sinners, saved, sanctified, and surrounded by God’s all-powerful love. This is worth reading about.”

Dr. William VanDoodewaard

Saving the Reformation confirms Dr. Godfrey’s reputation as a premier student of the Synod of Dort and the Dutch Reformation. In a clear, accessible, and compelling way, Godfrey provides his readers with an account of the historical context and occasion for the convening of the Synod of Dort in 1618, as well as a helpful exposition of the teaching of the canons. He also provides a fresh translation of the Latin version of the Canons of Dort, and several useful appendices on their order and arrangement. These features combine to make this book an excellent resource for church members and scholars alike.”

Dr. Cornelis P. Venema