Canons of Dort

Definition and Meaning

The Canons of Dort are a confessional document adopted by the Synod of Dort, which met in Dordrecht (Dort), the Netherlands, from 1618 to 1619. In this sense the term refers to a document that sets out, point by point, what the church believes. The Canons consist of five heads of doctrine concerning salvation and predestination, with the third and fourth heads combined into one. Each head consists of articles affirming what is believed and articles rejecting views regarded as contrary to it. Together with the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism, they are known as the "Three Forms of Unity" of the Reformed churches of continental Europe.

Biblical and Historical Background

After the death of the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius, his followers issued a five-point Remonstrance in 1610, and for this reason they came to be called the Remonstrants. The Remonstrants maintained the following:

• God foreknows who will believe and elects accordingly.
• Christ died for all people.
• God's grace can be resisted.
• Whether believers will persevere in faith to the end cannot be determined with certainty.

The Synod of Dort was attended by Dutch delegates as well as delegates from England, various German territories, Switzerland, and elsewhere. The synod rejected the Remonstrant position and affirmed the following five points:

• The total depravity of humanity
• Unconditional election
• The view that Christ's atonement is efficacious for the elect (commonly called "limited atonement")
• Irresistible grace
• The perseverance of the saints

The Canons cite Ephesians 1:4, among other passages, as the basis for election. These five doctrines are commonly summarized by the English acronym "TULIP." However, this summary is a later development and does not follow the original order of the heads of doctrine in the Canons.

Practice in Korean Churches

• Presbyterian: Korean Presbyterian denominations generally adopt the Westminster Confession of Faith as their doctrinal standard. The Canons of Dort, as a document expressing the same Calvinist soteriology, are studied in seminary courses on creeds and dogmatics and in congregational doctrinal instruction. Churches that place greater emphasis on the Reformed faith are more likely to introduce "TULIP" in sermons and teaching materials.
• Methodist, Holiness, and Full Gospel: These denominations stand in the tradition of Wesleyan theology or in traditions shaped by it. They hold that prevenient grace, which God extends beforehand to all people, enables human beings to respond to grace, and they do not accept the Canons' teaching on election and atonement.
• Baptist: Because individual congregations enjoy strong autonomy, positions vary from church to church. Some churches follow Calvinist soteriology, while others do not.

These differences continue to be a major point of contention in the debate over predestination and free will in Korean churches.