The covenant and Dordt (9): Head 2—concluded, A unilateral covenant
This article examines Head 2 of the Canons of Dort, arguing that Reformed covenant theology must be understood as an unconditional covenant of grace governed by election rather than a bilateral agreement with conditions. Dykstra demonstrates how the doctrine of limited atonement—Christ's death as an effectual satisfaction for the elect alone—necessarily shapes the nature of covenant promises, sacramental signs, and the preaching of the gospel.
Head 2 of the Canons sets forth the Reformed truth that Jesus' death is an effectual atonement for sin, because it was a substitutionary death and a satisfaction for the sins of the elect only. In harmony with that, the gospel never promises salvation to all who hear the preaching. Rather, in the preaching, though all hearers are commanded to repent and believe, the promise of eternal life is specifically spoken to those who believe. Only the elect can and do believe, for election is the...
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