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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.
Wow! I really like this book. Matthew Barrett has given
us history, theology, ministerial counsel and impetus to
true piety in this treatment of the Synod and Canons of
Dort. The brief but vibrant historical accounts are
informative, his guidance in some thick theological
discussion is expert, and his focus on piety leads us to
the true purpose of all theology—the production of a
sincere and pure devotion to Christ. Dr. Barrett’s
continual insistence on the necessity of monergism for a
truly biblical grasp of the character of salvation from
beginning to end is a much needed emphasis for
contemporary evangelicalism. The appendices provide
valuable source material. This is an excellent account
of a vitally important subject. —Tom J. Nettles,
Professor of Historical Theology, The Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky Matthew
Barrett offers a wonderfully simple and direct
exposition of one of the more misunderstood confessions
of faith. The Canons of Dort are often vilified, but
under closer examination Barrett demonstrates that they
are biblical and pastoral and a potent tonic for a
flagging faith. Tolle et lege, take up and read! —J.V.
Fesko Academic Dean, Professor of Systematic and
Historical Theology, Westminster Seminary California By
breathing new life into historic events, documents and
people, Matthew makes them speak to our culture, our
churches and our hearts. —David P. Murray Professor of
Old Testament and Practical Theology, Puritan Reformed
Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan By reducing
the discussion of Calvinism and the doctrines of grace
to the simplified acrostic T-U-L-I-P, I’m afraid we have
generated far more heat than light. A book that looks
deeply within, behind and around the five points of
Calvinism is long overdue. Whether you find yourself
saying “Yea” or “Nay” to the five points, we all need to
say thank you to Dr. Barrett for his delightful,
informative and light-generating book. —Stephen J.
Nichols Research Professor of Christianity and Culture,
Lancaster Bible College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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