The covenant and Dordt (5): Reprobation
This editorial examines how the Reformed doctrine of reprobation, as defined in the Canons of Dordt, must harmonize with covenant theology and God's sovereign grace. Dykstra argues that since God's covenant is established with Christ and the eternally elect, the doctrine of reprobation (the other side of predestination) must be understood within this covenantal framework rather than in contradiction to it. The article provides a detailed analysis of how the Canons address reprobation in specific articles, demonstrating the logical coherence between election, reprobation, and covenant grace.
The Reformed theology of God's everlasting covenant of grace must be in harmony with the doctrines of grace set forth in the Canons of Dordt. That is the premise of these editorials. That the covenant and salvation are inseparable is admitted even by those who teach that the covenant is a conditional relationship with every baptized child, for they insist that God promises salvation to each of these children (conditionally). We have shown that God established His covenant with Christ and those...
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