Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I'm no "trained" theologian, but, as I understand the Canons of Dort, they were a formalized summary of what are commonly referred to as the "Five Points" of Calvinist doctrine (total depravity; unconditional election; limited atonement; irresistible grace; and perseverance of the saints) in connection with Reformed theology.

If the question is asking whether specific belief in or adherence to this particular document is essential for being a Christian or receiving salvation, I would say no. Although these five points (in my view) were developed in response to what were seen as the erroneous teachings of Roman Catholicism at the time of the Reformation, to me, the Bible, and the Bible alone, is the only authoritative source of Christian doctrine, and can be understood by each individual with the help of the same Holy Spirit who inspired it.

To the extent that these five points accurately reflect Biblical teaching, they are a useful guide to people in coming to a realization of their sinfulness; their need for the salvation that God offers only in Christ; and their appropriation of that salvation solely through faith in Jesus' death and resurrection as the only way to reconcile themselves to God. But (in my opinion) this awareness and salvation can come to individuals through study of the Bible itself, even if those same individuals have never heard of the Canons of Dort, or any other extra-biblical summary of Christian belief.

September 19 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report