The Grace of Godliness: An Introduction to Doctrine and Piety in the Canons of Dort

by Matthew Barrett

When the pastors and theologians who comprised the Synod of Dort met in 1618 and 1619 to frame a response to the rise of Arminian theology in Dutch churches, they were concerned to provide not just theological argument but pastoral vision. They considered seriously the implications of right theology on both growth in grace and holiness and the spiritual comfort of believers. Keenly aware of this vital link between theology and practice, they drew up the Canons of Dort in a manner that astutely rebutted from Scripture the Arminian Remonstrants, point by point, arguing the veracity of the doctrines of predestination, particular atonement, total depravity, effectual grace and the perseverance of the saints-the five points that have come to be known as ''the doctrines of grace." Matthew Barrett opens a window on the synod's deliberations with the Remonstrants and examines the main emphases of the canons, with special attention on their relationship to biblical piety and spirituality. For example, the doctrine of predestination is shown from Scripture to establish not just God's electing grace but assurance of salvation-comforting believers that the God who saved them will preserve them to the very end. As Dr. Barrett examines the Canons of Dort it becomes clear why they are so important. Indeed, the piety and godliness that saturates these seventeenth-century canons shows they are as relevant for the church today as they were then.

Genres: Church History, Theology

228 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2013

About the author

Matthew Barrett (MDiv, PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the executive editor of Credo Magazine. He is the author of numerous books, including God's Word Alone, 40 Questions about Salvation, Reformation Theology, John Owen on the Christian Life, and Salvation by Grace. He is also the host of the Credo podcast where he talks with fellow theologians about the most important doctrines of the faith. He lives in Kansas City.

Reviews

[Jake Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

While many might think they know what TULIP is all about, Matthew Barrett provides the church a service in tracing out the pastoral theology and piety found in the Canons of Dort. Barrett provides the reader with the Arminian declarations followed by the Calvinist response at Dort. The theology of the canons are expounded upon and shown as being very practical for believers. Do not just see the doctrines of grace in an acrostic! Dig into what the synod presented and demonstrates Reformed theology at its best!

[Matt Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Barrett offers a great summary and walk through the Canons of Dort. I say walk through because there are inferred or quoted on nearly every page. Yet they are done in such a way that keeps the spirit and charges if the original argument, but let’s you see the parallels to the issues that the modern church is facing. His main charge is naturally a return to the Canons of Dort and its desire for true godliness. It makes the reader question who, they or God is the surety and sovereign One in their life. I particularly grabbed ahold of the theme of having assurance through the majority of the book. Excellent reader for the layman or the scholar.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid overview of the Canons of Dort.