The Canons of Dort (1618–1619) are the verdict of the Dutch Synod of Dort on the Arminian controversy. Answering the five Remonstrant articles point by point, they confess total depravity, unconditional election, definite atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints — the "five points of Calvinism" remembered by the acronym TULIP. Pastoral throughout, the Canons insist election is meant for assurance, not speculation.
“5th. From the Arminian doctrine of conditional election, must flow this distinction, admitted by many Wesleyans. Those who God foresaw would believe and repent, He thereupon elected to adoption. But all Arminians believe that an adopted believer may "fall from grace." Hence, the smaller number, who...”
“If it is said: “God wills that all men should be saved,” that can only mean, “all who are predestinated.” As the outcasts (_Reprobati_) can in no way appropriate grace unto themselves, the elect (_Electi_) cannot in any way resist it (_Gratia irresistibilis_). The one sure sign that one is elected i...”
“But yet as there was none of those but, one way or other, was eminently conducing to the carrying on of the mystery of iniquity, by depraving, perverting, and corrupting, one truth or other of the gospel, so all of them did not in all things equally corrupt their ways, but gave some testimony more o...”
“sufficient to avoid sin, but not sufficient infallibly to avoid sin; a grace sufficient to preserve them, but not sufficient to confirm them.” Charnocke: Holiness of God.
Rteprobation in the case of an unfallen angel does not suppose sin, but in the case of fallen man it does. A holy angel is non-el...”
“1. The fact of this certain perseverance is distinctly asserted in Scripture. Believers are said to be "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." 1 Pet. i. 5. Paul was confident that He who had begun a good work in them (the Philippians) will perform it (finish completely) until the da...”
Total depravity, unconditional election, limited (definite) atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints — the Synod of Dort's answers to the five Arminian articles, remembered as TULIP.
Why were the Canons of Dort written?
Followers of Jacob Arminius (Remonstrants) challenged the Reformed doctrine of predestination in 1610. The Dutch church convened an international synod at Dordrecht (1618–1619), which examined the dispute and upheld unconditional election.