Synod of Dort > Quotes

“For there is no creature, either in heaven or on earth, who loves us more than Jesus Christ; who, being in the form of God, made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men for us (Phil. 2:6–7), and in all things He had to be made like His brethren (Heb. 2:17). If, then, we should seek for another mediator who would be favorably inclined towards us, whom could we find who loved us more than He who laid down His life for us, even while we were His enemies (Rom. 5:8, 10)?”
― Synod of Dort, The Three Forms of Unity

“ARTICLE 18 To those who murmur at the free grace of election and the just severity of reprobation  we answer with the apostle: But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? (Rom. 9:20), and quote the language of our Savior: Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? (Matt. 20:15). And therefore, with holy adoration of these mysteries, we exclaim in the words of the apostle: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding  out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to Him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Rom. 11:33–36).”
― Synod of Dort, The Three Forms of Unity

“56.  What do you believe concerning the “forgiveness of sins”? That God,  for the  sake of Christ’s  satisfaction,1  will no  more remember my sins, nor the sinful nature with which I have to struggle all my life long;2 but graciously imputes to me the righteousness of Christ, that I may nevermore come into condemnation.3”
― Synod of Dort, The Three Forms of Unity

“so does the blood of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit internally sprinkle the soul, cleanse it from its sins, and regenerate us from children of wrath unto children of God. Not that this is effected by the external water, but by the sprinkling of the precious blood of the Son of God; who is our Red Sea, through which we must pass to escape the tyranny of Pharaoh, that is, the devil, and to enter into the spiritual land of Canaan.”
― Synod of Dort, The Three Forms of Unity

“52.  What  comfort is it to you that Christ “shall come to judge the living and the dead”? That in all my sorrows and persecutions, I, with uplifted head, look for the very One who offered Himself for me to the judgment of God, and removed all curse from me, to come as Judge from heaven,1 who shall cast all His and my enemies into everlasting condemnation,2 but  shall take me with all His chosen ones to Himself into heavenly joy and glory.3”
― Synod of Dort, The Three Forms of Unity

“The elect in due time, though in various degrees and in different measures, attain the assurance of this their eternal and unchangeable election, not by inquisitively prying into the secret and deep things of God, but by observing in themselves with a spiritual joy and holy pleasure the infallible fruits of election pointed out in the Word of God—such as, a true faith in Christ, filial fear, a godly sorrow for sin, a hungering and thirsting after righteousness, etc.”
― Synod of Dort, The Three Forms of Unity

“26.  What  do you believe when you say, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”? That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who of nothing made heaven and earth with all that is in them,1 who likewise upholds, and governs them by His eternal counsel and providence,2 is for the sake of Christ, His Son, my God and my Father,3 in whom I so trust as to have no doubt that He will provide me with all things necessary for body and soul;4 and further, that whatever evil He sends upon me in this valley of tears, He will turn to my good;5 for He is able to do it, being Almighty God,6 and willing also, being a faithful Father.7”
― Synod of Dort, The Three Forms of Unity

“Doctrines of Grace Arminianism 1. Election is unconditional
depending only on the
sovereign choice of God. 1. Election and condemnation
are conditioned upon the
foreseen faith or unbelief
of fallen man.
2. The atonement is limited
to the elect. A definite
redemption was made. 2. The atonement was made
universally for all, including
those who refuse to believe.
The effects of Christ’s redemption
depend upon man’s believing or not.
3. Man is depraved, and has
no ability to contribute to his
own salvation, or merit the
merits of Christ. 3. Man is only partially
depraved, and still has a free
will capable of submitting to
God’s truth.
4. God’s grace is irresistible. 4. God’s grace can be resisted.
5. The saints will persevere in
the faith, being kept by the power
of God. Their salvation is certain. 5. There is the possibility that
man, having chosen for God, can also
in like manner fall away from God’s grace.”
― Synod of Dort, The Canons of Dort