All Articles For Contending for the Faith

We now propose to call the attention of our readers, the Lord willing, in our discussion of the history of dogma, to that doctrine known as Eschatology. Eschatology, the last locus of the six loci of our Reformed dogmatics, refers to the doctrine of the last things. Now it is true that this last locus of our Reformed dogmatics also treats the future state of the people of God and of those that perish and are lost. Strictly speaking, however, it is the doctrine that concerns, not the things that shall be in the hereafter, but the last things of...

We will now call attention to Article VIII of Head II of our Canons, undoubtedly the heart and core of this section of the Canons. This eighth article reads as follows:

At the conclusion of our preceding article, we were calling attention to certain forerunners of Arminius and Arminianism, as set forth by Wagenaar in his “Conflict and Victory.” We had mentioned Coolhaas, Herberts and Wiggerts. Wagenaar also mentions Sybrandi and Venator. We need not call attention to these last two men in any detail, except to remark that also the former had been a Romish pastor and that both were enemies of the Calvinistic presentation of the truth as set forth in the Holy Scriptures and in the Reformed Confessions. 

In our preceding article we began to call attention to the doctrines known as Eschatology. And we began this series of articles by calling attention to this doctrine as set before us in the Old Testament. We concluded this article by quoting from the Old: Testament Scriptures in connection with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the clouds of heaven and as occurring at the end of the ages. 

Calling attention to Article VIII if the Second Head of our Canons, we concluded our last article with the observation that the Arminian, too, was compelled to concede the limited or particular character of the atonement of the cross of Calvary. One may make the same observation in connection with the preaching of the promise of the gospel. The statement that “God promises salvation to everyone of you, if you believe,” will be heartily endorsed by every Arminian or Remonstrant. The Arminian does not believe that God promises salvation to every hearer of the gospel.

Finally, the Great Synod of Dordt was about to be convened. The moment had finally come when this august assembly would assemble in Dordtrecht, Netherlands. 

Before we quote the Canons of Dordt in connection with the presentation of the doctrine of the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is well to quote from the opinions as expressed by several delegates attending the great synod of Dordrecht of 1618-1619. These opinions are of great importance. We quote from the Acts of the National Synod of Dordrecht, and the translation is by the undersigned. We realize, of course, that these quotations do not constitute that Synod’s official decisions. These official decisions are expressed in the Canons.

(80 – 250 A.D.) THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST The church of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ, during its New Testament infancy, probably looked upon the second advent or coming of Christ as near at hand. We must not misunderstand the expression, “during its New Testament infancy.” This expression does not refer to the infancy of the church as during the early years of the New Dispensation. We must bear in mind that the church of God has been in existence throughout all the ages, from the beginning of time.

(850-250 A.D.) THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST We are now discussing the doctrine of the last things as taught in the church of God during the early years of the New Dispensation, in the years 80 – 250 A.D. Of course, several doctrines belong to this doctrine or doctrines of the last things. And we are presently busy with the second advent or coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We concluded our preceding article by introducing to our readers Papias, who has the credit of association with Polycarp, in the friendship of St. John himself.

THE REFORMATION PERIOD  THE SYNOD OF DORDT  THE CANONS  The ninth and final article of Head II of our Canon of Dordt, calling our attention to the death of Christ and the redemption of men thereby, reads as follows: