The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum C of D sec. 1 art. 16 & 17

Article 16: This is simply stating that those who have a measure of outward interest in God, Christ and salvation but who in themselves have not come to a measure of assurance should not and have no warrant to consign themselves to Reprobation, i.e., that God has eternally predestined them to damnation and thus there is no hope of salvation. They are to persevere in the use of the "means of grace", e.g., the preaching of the Word, reading of the Scriptures, fervent prayer, fellowship of the saints, etc.

Article 17: Unfortunately, this article teaches "presumptive regeneration" of which I find no biblical basis. The authors presumed the election of covenant children which IMHO has led to the downfall of the Dutch churches as a whole (exceptions are noted). We have had numerous discussions on this Board on this subject in the past. A little searching should turn up any number of them. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> That covenant children are "holy" is true (cf. 1Cor 7:14), i.e., they are set apart from the world in that they are a privileged group no less than an unbeliever who is married to a believing spouse. To them is granted the "means of grace" through which the Holy Spirit works regeneration and brings the elect to salvation.

FYI, the "Canons of Dordt" can be found on The Highway here... and/or you can download the marvelous program called, Refcon3.

In His grace,