(The larger, formal title is: The Decision of the Synod of Dordt on
the Five Main Points of Doctrine in Dispute in the Netherlands.)
Greg Nichols
These Canons are a judicial decision on the doctrinal points in dispute from the Arminian controversy of that day. Following the death of Arminius (15601609), his followers set forth a Remonstrance (published in 1610) in five articles, formulating their points of departure from the stricter Calvinism of the Belgic Confession. The Canons are the judgment of the Synod against this Remonstrance.
The Reformed Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, where Pastor Nichols is one of the elders, has adopted The Canons (along with the 1689 London Baptist Confession) as one of their formal secondary standards. (Note: messages 8, 9, 17 and 20 were taught by fellow-pastor Jon Griswold when Pastor Nichols was not able to lead the class).