ABUNDANT SUFFICIENCY AND INTENTIONAL EFFICACY: PARTICULAR REDEMPTION AT THE SYNOD OF DORT

Abstract

This article looks at the background to the Synod of Dort (1618–1619) and examines the debate there on the issue of particular redemption or definite atonement, with a specific focus on the use of the classic distinction between sufficiency and efficacy made famous by Peter Lombard’s Sentences. It also looks at the variety of Reformed responses to the Remonstrants, including those on the death of Christ that might be categorized as hypothetical universalist. It calls into question the usefulness of the terminology of “four-point Calvinists” to describe delegates such as John Davenant.