Grace Defined and Defended: What a 400-Year-Old Confession Teaches Us about Sin, Salvation, and the Sovereignty of God

by Kevin DeYoung

“DeYoung brings an event from four hundred years ago right back into the present needs of the church and of theology.” ― Herman Selderhuis,  Professor of Church History, Theological University Apeldoorn; Director, Refo500 Grace Is Too Precious a Doctrine to Settle for Vague Generalities Grace―a doctrine central to the gospel―ought to be clearly defined so it can be celebrated, relished, and consistently defended. In this book, Kevin DeYoung leads us back to the Canons of Dort, a seventeenth-century document originally written to precisely and faithfully define this precious doctrine. The Canons of Dort stand as a faithful witness to the precise nature of God’s supernatural, sovereign, redeeming, resurrecting grace―when so many people settle for vague generalities that water down the truth. In three concise sections―covering history, theology, and practical application― DeYoung explores what led to the Canons and why they were needed, the five important doctrines that they explain, and Dort’s place in the Christian faith today.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Church History, Christianity, Nonfiction, Audiobook, History

144 pages, Hardcover

Published April 22, 2019

About the author

Kevin DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan, right across the street from Michigan State University.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin DeYoung is the J. I. Packer of our generation in his ability to make the complex clear and the truth to sing.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in basically one sitting. There’s something about DeYoung’s way of explaining deep theological concepts… it’s just so clear, concise, and gracious.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever Kevin DeYoung pens a book, I devour it - quickly. DeYoung writes with biblical precision. He writes with clarity. And his writing exalts the Lord Jesus Christ. His latest book, Grace Defined & Defended is no exception.

This short book is a summary and exposition of the Canons of Dort. The Synod convened from 1618-1619 and crystallized the Reformed position concerning soteriology.

DeYoung reproduces the historical Canon of Dort and provides a short commentary that explains and defends the content. Misconceptions are erased and the doctrinal ore is successfully mined and served up in a readable and devotional manner.

The selling-point of Grace Defined & Defended is its ability to drive readers to the Canons of Dort - a document that most contemporary believers have never heard about, let alone read.

DeYoung’s ability to unpack and explain this 400-year old confession is unparalleled and should be devoured by followers of Jesus. Readers who affirm historic Calvinistic orthodoxy will be edified and encouraged. Fence-sitters and Arminians will be challenged and convinced. And all readers, in the final analysis, will exalt the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Greta Games · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this short, but fairly thorough overview of the 5 Doctrinal Statements. I thought DeYoung did a great job of providing the original material and then explaining it in a way that was more understandable. I also really appreciated how he gave the conflicting and contrasting sides of the argument to help you understand the sides of previous and current times. I would definitely read this again and would recommend it to anyone looking for more literature and understanding of the 5 points of Calvinism.

[John Rakshith Prabhakar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best modern accessible read on the refutation of a false gospel so close to the Protestant Reformation in the Synod of Dort! Kevin DeYoung sets forth to and achieves his commitment in defining and defending grace with logical clarity, biblical cohesiveness, and modern language. An edifying read!

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a classic Kevin DeYoung book. Short, accessible and rich. DeYoung is a clear writer that knows how to craft memorable prose.

If you’re familiar with DeYoung’s book on the Heidelberg’s Catechism this book will read very similarly.

I’d recommend this book if you are looking for a basic introduction to the Canons of Dort.

[Gibbs Bedenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, straightforward explanation of the basics of reformed doctrine, very easy to read and comprehend for the most part, still had to google what some of the big words meant though.

[Corby H · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Reformed Theology’s paradoxes—one that confronts our pride and the limitations of our mind—is the belief that God is ultimately sovereign in salvation while also affirming that man is responsible for his own sin and unbelief. In Kevin Deyoung’s book, Grace Defined and Defended: What a 400-Year-Old Confession Teaches Us about Sin, Salvation, and the Sovereignty of God, he recognizes this tension and offers to his readers not only a very balanced and concise commentary on the Canons of Dort, but an accessible jumping on point to the Reformed confessions. While being concise and accessible I was still able to discover new gems and insights that, in my own studies of this topic, had previously been unseen or underdeveloped. Furthermore, his analysis of the canons proves that the popular acronym TULIP, while remaining helpful is certain contexts, cannot sufficiently communicate all that the Reformed churches have to say about salvation. Calvinists and non-calvinists alike should read DeYoung's book and when they do they will see there is so much more to Reformed soteriology than the TULIP, there is a lush garden sprouting with God's abundant love towards sinners.

[John Boyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little book! Kevin DeYoung shines through with this introductory book on the Canons of Dort. In celebration of the 400 year anniversary, DeYoung provides a concise but clear discussion into the deep theology of the Canons of Dort that created the modern version of the Doctrines of Grace that are regularly known as TULIP. This book serves as a great beginners book to those unfamiliar with the Doctrines and who wish to learn more about them. Biblical references are included as well as the arguments that the Arminians presented at the time. I highly recommend this book to those curious about these doctrines and haven't studied it much in the past. DeYoung is an easy to read theologian and pastor providing key insights and humor.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

To think that God chose those whom he knew would choose him was a much easier pill to swallow. Only years later did I realize that I had magnificently defended Calvinism with Arminianism. The first main point of Doctrine in Dort is the longest and most theologically complicated. But at the heart of the debate is a straightforward question: Did God choose the elect because they would believe, or did God choose the elect so that they might believe? Or to put it another way, is the divine election based on foreseen faith or according to sheer grace and God's free good pleasure?

A theological study of grace in the history of the church. I am a supporter of church history as it brings us to the heart of the matter and not fluff. It gives you a better understanding of God's sovereignty and the differences of Calvinism and Arminiansim. What is true repentance and what leads us to empty ourselves to His will. Having a clear definition of the doctrine of Grace gives you a better understanding of other doctrines as well.

A resource for those that desire a better understanding of Grace and how grace is lived out in the Christian life.

A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Read this for a preaching series on the Canons of Dordt.

It's a Kevin DeYoung book - clear, thoughtful and crisp writing that helps us and makes us want to dig into something we probably wouldn't otherwise care about, to our benefit and God's glory.

The thematic commentary on groupings of articles within each of the 5 points regarding the dispute in the Netherlands is a helpful format. I benefitting from and was very jealous of De Young's ability to gather up the ideas in the articles and distill them to clear and lucid thinking.
This text has a great, user-friendly approach to the Canons of Dordt specifically, and, really, to the idea of the importance of finely-tuned theological truth in general. In some ways I think that more the burden of the book, even though it's formatted as a commentary on each of the 5 points in the Canons of Dordt. I found De Young's characterizations of the Canons, and of the pursuit of orthodoxy really helpful.
And so in addition to being a useful commentary on the Canons, as an apologetic to the idea of the Canons of Dordt, the book is valuable because, well, let's be honest -the Canons of Dordt have fallen on hard times, folks...

[JT Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great walkthrough of the Canons of Dort which was the Reformed response to the Remonstrants or Arminian doctrines. This reformed confession clearly articulates scriptures teaching on election, depravity, the atonement and preservation of the saints. After reading I have a better understanding of the Arminian position and their radical errors if not heresies.

Highly recommend this book.

[Hannah Bedenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly informative, yet approachable! A great introduction to understanding the formation of the points of reformed theology. Thankful I got to read it🫶🏻

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: The first car I owned was a 1995 Dodge Neon, and it was a lemon.

The 400-Year-Old Confession of which DeYoung speaks is none other than the Canons of Dort. If you're thinking...didn't you just review a book about the Canons of Dort?....you'd be right. I did. That book was by Robert Godfrey and titled Saving the Reformation. (It was published by Reformation Trust.)


Both books stress that Calvinism is MORE than the acronym TULIP. Both books stress the relevance of the Canons of Dort to the Christian faith and the importance of holding to doctrinal truth. Both books include the text of the Canons of Dort and provide commentaries for the articles. (DeYoung's book does not provide exposition of the rejections however.) Both books provide a history lesson. DeYoung's book provides a glossary of key terms, key people, key writings BEFORE the history lesson. (I thought this was a nice touch).

I loved how DeYoung's book was filled with I-didn't-know-that facts. For example, "Before the Synod of Dort conducted its business, each member took a solemn oath saying that “I will only aim at the glory of God, the peace of the Church, and especially the preservation of the purity of doctrine.” They ended with a prayer: “So help me, my Savior, Jesus Christ! I beseech him to assist me by his Holy Spirit.”

Wouldn't it be wonderful if believers today were as passionate and zealous for doctrinal truth?! Can their be true [genuine, authentic] unity without purity or truth?

Most of this book focuses on the Canons of Dort. As I mentioned earlier, it includes the ARTICLES of the Canons of Dort within the text itself. These are broken down, of course, into their five main points. DeYoung provides exposition or commentary for these articles. It does include the rejections for each of the five main points, but only as an appendix. He does not provide commentary for the rejections.

I would definitely recommend this one. It was a great read. I am glad I read both books, and I'm glad that I did so within a week of each other--even if I didn't set out to do so!

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 4 out of 5]

"At their very heart, the Canons of Dort are about the nature of grace - supernatural, unilateral, sovereign, effecting, redeeming, resurrecting grace, with all of its angularity, all of its offense to human pride, and all of its comfort for the weary soul. That's what Dort wanted to settle. That's what they were jealous to protect. Some words are worth the most careful definitions, just as some truths are too precious not to defend." - Kevin DeYoung

This is an excellent small work that functions like a commentary on the Canons of Dort. Even the Introduction and first chapter are worth the price of the book.

Into: DeYoung lays out the necessity to be precise in an age where precision is not valued.
"We've swallowed the lie that says that if we believe in equal rights, we must believe that all opinions have equal merit."

DeYoung then gives a very helpful historical context along with definitions of the players in the time period in which the Canons were formed. He is extremely clear and charitable for the opposing views of Arminianism, but does not back down from pointing out where they fall short Biblically and what is at stake for getting these doctrines wrong.

The only criticism I have is that the book feels a bit short since most of it is copied from the original documents, with some commentary along the way. However, I do think this unique style lends itself to a more careful study of the documents and helps to educate the reader, while allowing them to view the words as they appeared in their original form. It just makes the reading a little bit more disjointed.

Overall though, I came away from reading this book with more precision and accuracy in my Biblical terms, a more broad understanding of the history behind the events that lead to what we know as TULIP, and a greater appreciation for God's sovereign choice in electing a remnant to grace. It is well worth the read.

[Shawn Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the very heart, the Canons of Dort are about the nature of grace—supernatural, unilateral, sovereign, effecting, redeeming, resurrecting grace, with all of its angularity, all of its offense to human pride, & all of its comfort to the weary soul.
-(Page 25)
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Why are there so many differences of thought in Christianity? Do they really matter? What is the difference between “Calvinism” & “Arminianism”? In this book, Kevin DeYoung masterfully walks us through the Canons of Dort, and shows us “what a 400 year old confession teaches us about Sin, Salvation, & the Sovereignty of God”.
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In this brief, 95 page book (with an extra 35 pages of Appendixes), DeYoung introduces us to the cast of characters (including Jacob Arminius), which resulted in the Dutch government calling its 1st national “Synod” in the city of Dordrecht, which lasted from November 13, 1618, until May 29, 1619! This “Synod” was attended by 84 theologians, 26 of whom were from Britain, Switzerland, & Germany, while the rest were Dutch.
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After “transporting” us the the 17th century” which a brief history lesson, DeYoung leads us through each “Article” of the Canons, where we how that “The Five Points of Calvinism” was articulated. Interestingly enough, the “5 Points of Calvinism” were presented as a rebuttal of the “5 points of Arminianism”.
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If you love Church History & Theology, I highly recommend this book!
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This book was graciously provided to me by @Crosswaybooks for an honest review!😀

[curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is a wonderful exposition of the Canons of Dort, the 1619 confession in which the Dutch Reformed churches sought to answer the challenges levied against Reformed theology by early Arminians. This confession distilled Calvin's teaching about salvation into the famous "Five Points" that were much later summarized by the acronym TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and the Perseverance of the saints. Thus DeYoung provides a helpful overview of the Calvinist Doctrines of Grace. His contribution goes much further than that, however; by grounding his discussion in the Canons of Dort, DeYoung does something that few other treatments of this material do well (if indeed at all): he ensures that the discussion is historically situated and sufficiently contextualized, so that readers can see exactly what the Synod of Dort was addressing and why the Five Points matter. The Five Points are not obscure and irrelevant pedantries; at stake in the discussion are (among other things) the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ, the very nature of grace, and indeed the glory of God himself. DeYoung interacts faithfully and accessibly with the text of the confession to bring much light to a discussion that with unfortunate frequency offers little more than heat. I cannot recommend this heartily enough for anyone unfamiliar with the Doctrines of Grace.

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on Audible.

In Romans, Paul states in regards to justification by grace alone that “if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” To put this another way, grace has a definition that precludes works of the Law or a works based form of justification. Definitions and precision are here demonstrated as vital to maintaining and protecting the gospel.

In the early 1600s, the gospel and Biblical fidelity came under attack from those within Protestantism from a group of followers of Jacob Arminius. What ensued was an international assembly known as the Synod of Dort to examine the teaching and writing of the Arminians or as they were known in their time, the Remonstrants. The formal response from the Synod was the Canons of Dort in which grace, election, the atonement, and more were carefully and faithfully defined and defended.

This small book looks to revisit the issues and the Canons in the hopes that we might be reminded to once again take up the mantle of theological precision for the sake of Christ, His people, and the spread of the gospel.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary and explication of the Canons of Dort. Perhaps not as impactful to me as DeYoung’s similar work on the Heildelberg Catechism, but just as solid. There’s something to be said of being in line with a long tradition - this may be why some are in fact Catholic or Eastern Orthodox. But as DeYoung shows, in reality the reformed teaching was a recovery of the ancient church and its doctrine. The deviation, for lack of a better term, really happened when the Catholic Church abandoned the gospel for a works-based idolatry. In any event, reading through the Canons of Dort is always a treat and DeYoung is a capable guide.

[Ean Snell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. I like DeYoung’s writing a lot. This wasn’t his best writing job in my opinion, but it was an informative book that will be easy to go back to and pick things out of. Again, I have no problem with it. Quick read, that was nice. But nothing really made it stand out, ya know?

[Brandon Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introductory book to the old battle between Calvinism and Arminianism within the church. The author really breaks down the history and the arguments on both sides. Very informative and well rounded.

[Jacob]

This was a good one to read after John Piper’s 5 Points. The Canons of Dordt essentially argue against the Arminian view of Reformed doctrine (which I had initially found compelling when first reading about the Reformed theology). This was a good one for me to read!

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look into the theological debates happening in the church 400 hundred years ago. DeYoung does a great job of translating old English arguments into common and easy to understand language.

[Ben Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Better than I could’ve hoped or imagined. Great for a small discipleship group!

[John Waldrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gift from a friend, this proved to be a good read. I ended up learning more about Arminianism than Calvinism with this book about the Canons of Dort.

[Tyler Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for those who eat solid food. It is heavy and hard to understand at times. It is very analytical, and in depth. I praise DeYoung for his commitment to write such a book. It is certainly helpful though for those who are struggling with the doctrines of grace. I probably shouldn’t have read it yet with where I am in my spiritual growth as there are better things for me to read, but I’m glad I did read it, and got through it.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winsome explanation of Reformed theology (the doctrines of grace) in the form of comments on the Canons of Dort (one of the major documents of Reformed Christianity).

Notes
God's Purpose and Good Pleasure in Predestination: The First Main Point of Doctrine
Supralapsarianism is position that God's decree to save (election, reprobation) is logically prior to His decree to create the world and permit the Fall. Infralapsarianism is position that order is opposite; that God's decree to create the world and permit the Fall is logically prior to His decree to save (election, reprobation). Both positions are well-attested in Reformed theology, though infralapsarianism is probably more common. Canons of Dort follow infralapsarianism principles, presenting God's election as a choice to save sinners, not to save those who must sin first in order to be saved. Rom 9:15 describes election as God having mercy on whom He will have mercy, and mercy can only be shown to sinners.

Redemption Accomplished and Applied: The Second Main Point of Doctrine
If some rather than others are forgiven and given eternal life based on their free choice, it implies that Christ died so people can apply grace to themselves by their own free choice. If grace of cross depends on our free will to actualize it, it makes salvation a work instead of a gift.

3 meanings of word "world" or "cosmos" in Bible
1. All created things (universe) (John 1:3)
2. World as dwelling place of humans (Earth) (John 3:19; 1 John 4:17)
3. Dwelling place of sin and sinners (fallen creation) (John 3:16; 4:9, 14; 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 17:6; 1 John 2:2; 3:13; 4:4; 5:19)

Verses that speak of "world" can't be used to support unlimited atonement. In Bible, "world" refers to badness more than to bigness. When it refers to bigness, it means everyone without distinction, not everyone without exception.

1 John 2:2 and verses with similar usage refer to people in all parts or regions, or to all kinds of people, not to every person without exception.

Human Corruption, Divine Conversion: The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine
Article 4 affirms common grace, but denies that it's sufficient or effective for revealing Christ, faith, or repentance. This is point of Rom 1:18-25.

Bible has no examples of indiscriminately telling people, "Jesus died for you." We can say, "Jesus died to take away the sin of the world," (John 1:29) and "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Rom 10:13).

He Who Began a Good Work Will Bring It to Completion: The Fifth Main Point of Doctrine
Warnings about falling way in Hebrews and elsewhere don't undermine perseverance, but help complete it.

[Todd Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was decent - not DeYoung's best, in my opinion. Maybe it's because I didn't realize what it was when I preordered it? I don't know. I honestly thought this would be a fresh approach to the doctrines of grace. It wasn't. It's a rehearsal and explanation of the Synod of Dort.

Now, for what it is, it's good. And it's a decent read. I didn't struggle to pick it up and I enjoyed it for the most part. That said, it's not in a top 10 list of books I'd give somebody struggling to see election in the Bible. Thus my 3-star (average) rating.

[Kieran Grubb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short overview of the Canons of Dort. I found it very helpful to look at the issues between Arminianism and Calvinism. Understanding what was being defended then has helped me to understand more of what I believe today.

[James Bunyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learnt a lot; turns out the canons of Dort are quality!