Synod Van Dordrecht

On the wall above my home computer is a framed sketch of the Synod of Dort (similar to the one posted here). This particular synod was assembled by the Dutch Reformed Church exactly 389 years from today, with the purpose of addressing the spread of Arminianism (which, by the way, the church concluded was a heretical perversion of the Gospel of Christ). By far, this sketch is the geekiest item I own, although my John Calvin bobblehead does come in a close second. The comments that I receive regarding this sketch range from: “This is interesting….,” to: “What is this about?” However, the question I always dread is: “So why did you buy this?” I’m never quite sure how to respond. Do I go into a long account explaining what the Synod of Dort was and why it’s so important to me, or do I simply say that I was looking for a nice black-and-white for the office, and this one appealed to my tastes? In light of the Synod’s anniversary, I figured I’d take this opportunity to state the main reasons for making this purchase.

First off, I believe this sketch is an excellent representation of one of the many ways God has preserved His Holy Word throughout history. Beginning with the prophets, we have Scriptural records that document how Satan has placed false teachers among God’s people to distract them from the Gospel of Christ. With that said, I find it sad, not to mention dangerous, that we as the Church don’t pay more attention to the issues our ancestors faced. It amazes me how quickly we fall victim to the same heresies again and again. There’s not much that the church has not already dealt with, even though it may be called by a different name.

Second, I find this sketch to be very comforting as it depicts a group of church leaders who do not take false teaching lightly, and are literally engaged with upholding the truth of the Gospel. Although spending months and years discussing whether or not something is Biblically sound may seem frivolous to some, I for one am extremely grateful for church counsels.

Finally, when I look at this sketch I accept it as a charge. I believe that it is our responsibility, today and always, to seek to understand the truth revealed in God’s word, and to uphold this truth at all costs just as our ancestors did for us, by the grace, strength and wisdom of our Lord.