What We Believe

Dort Theological Seminary adheres to the ancient statements of faith (the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and The Athanasian Creed) and affirms the historic Christian faith as expressed in the five solas of the Reformation and the consensus of the historic Reformed confessions. The Three Forms of Unity (Canons of Dort, Heidelberg Catechism, and Belgic Confession)

  • Ancient Statements of Faith: Affirming the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds places Dort within the broader context of orthodox Christianity, connecting it to the early church and its core doctrines like the Trinity and the Incarnation.

  • Five Solas of the Reformation: These Latin phrases summarize the core theological distinctives of the Protestant Reformation:

    • Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone): The Bible is the sole infallible rule of faith and practice.

    • Sola Gratia (Grace alone): Salvation is by God's grace alone, not by human merit.

    • Sola Fide (Faith alone): Justification (being declared righteous before God) is received through faith alone in Christ.

    • Solus Christus (Christ alone): Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity.

    • Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone): All things are to be done for God's glory alone.

  • Historic Reformed Confessions: This points to Dort's specific alignment within the Protestant tradition, namely with the Reformed or Calvinistic branch.

  • Three Forms of Unity: These are the key confessional documents of many Reformed churches, particularly those with Dutch roots:

    • Heidelberg Catechism (1563): A warm and pastoral explanation of Christian doctrine in a question-and-answer format, suitable for teaching and preaching.

    • Belgic Confession (1561): A systematic presentation of Reformed doctrine, written to defend the Reformed faith against persecution.

    • Canons of Dort (1618-19): A response to the Arminian controversy, which addressed issues of predestination, election, and the extent of Christ's atonement. The Canons affirm the doctrines of total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement (or particular redemption), irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints (often summarized as TULIP).

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