Thinking about God’s election seems a tricky undertaking. It is one of the differences between Reformed and evangelical churches. But also within the Reformed circle a discussion has started and criticism has sounded about some aspects of the Canons of Dort. In fact, even when people subscribe to the Canons all the way, there can be a world of difference in how they are dealing with it. To give one example: both the “Gereformeerde Gemeenten” and the “Gereformeerde Kerken” (liberated) endorse the Canons of Dort. But they deal with the content in very different ways.

We present here a shortened version of a speech given by Dr. Sinnema at the 2018 CRTS Conference. He presented the speech in first-person, dressed — and bearded — as the illustrious chair­man of the Synod of Dordt.

THIS NOVEMBER WILL MARK THE 400TH anniversary of the first session of the Synod of Dort, convened November 13, 1618. Of course, the synod didn't close and promulgate its teachings until May 9th of 1619, presenting a conundrum for ecclesiastical an­niversary celebrants around the globe: Do you celebrate Dort's anniversary this year or next?

What really is the significance of the Canons of Dort for the church today? This article shows that it has much to contribute to the life and ministry of the church: it is unswervingly biblical, it gets at at the heart of the Reformed worldview (namely, the sovereign ini­tiative and grace of God), it encourages a God-centred faith, and it points to God as the only comfort for the believer.

What is the significance of the Canons of Dort for today? This article considers the charge that this confessional document is a hindrance to evangelism, and explains that it is rather an impetus to evangelism, evangelism of a distinctly Reformed type.