Introductory Remarks Before we actually begin the translation of this work of Dr. Abraham Kuyper, a few brief remarks are in order.
Introductory Remarks Before we actually begin the translation of this work of Dr. Abraham Kuyper, a few brief remarks are in order.
We make only a short statement by way of introduction to the following pamphlet. Just because the Reformation of the church is now a relevant issue, Luther’s 400th anniversary has a more urgent significance. Also in Luther’s day men did not thoughtlessly begin the demolition of what was incurably filled with dry rot. A lengthy and earnest study of church polity preceded Luther’s appearance, and in a number of writings the matter of the Reformation of the churches was at that time earlier advocated.
Chapter I: General Principles 1. What the Reformation of the Churches implies.
3. The fourfold way in which the church of Christ can be understood. On the ground of the authority of Holy Scripture, the essence of the church must be considered as distinguished under four aspects. One can refer to the church as it is determined in the counsel of God; the church as her life is hidden in Christ; the church as it is realized on earth among men; and finally the church as it shall finally rejoice before the throne in glory. Confusion of these four makes clear insight difficult.
(In the last article which appeared in the Standard Bearer of Kuyper’s “Pamphlet Concerning the Reformation of the Churches” Kuyper discussed his views on the relation between church and state. In this and successive paragraphs, Kuyper discusses the duties of the individual office bearers and the function of the office of believers.) 22. That Which Must Concern the Ministers of the Word
5. How God’s Word governs the whole life of the church.
7. Why the church in an earlier time had no need of its own regulations, but has this need now.
(In this paragraph which is continued in this article and in the preceding paragraph Kuyper has begun a discussion of reformation by means of a break with the church. He has only introduced this subject, but has emphasized in the preceding material, that such reformation must be: 1) a work of God; 2) a work that begins in the consciousness of sin and guilt which arises in the heart of the believer.)
10. How this kingly authority of Christ works on earth through the instrumentality of human persons.
(Kuyper has been talking about the particular work of the individual office bearers. He has discussed up to this point the office of the ministry of the Word and the office of elders. In the following two paragraphs he turns to the work of professors of theology and the work of deacons.)
