The Synod of Dordt and the Sabbath question
This journal article examines the Synod of Dordt's often-overlooked teachings on the Sabbath question and the relationship between Old Testament Sabbath observance and New Testament Lord's Day practice. Drawing on historical church documents from the Post-Acta of the 1619 Synod, Barnhill demonstrates how the Reformed church historically approached Sabbath desecration and day-of-rest observance as pressing pastoral and practical concerns. The article encourages Reformed believers to ground contemporary discussions of the Sabbath in the authoritative guidance of historical church councils rather than approaching the issue anew each generation.
"Know the history of the church!" was an oft-repeated phrase throughout my seminary training. Officebearers and the people of God in the pew must know church history. We are not so arrogant as to cast aside this history and start anew every generation in our study of doctrine. When we wrestle with different issues, we must ask: "Has the church dealt with these matters in the past?" Specifically, this is a question we ask regarding the subject of the Sabbath, a subject that generates a fair...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org