Vol 19 Issue 13

The Rev. Gerrit Vos opens the meeting with prayer after the brethren sing a psalter number and the chairman reads Gen. 28. From the credentials coming to the table of Classis it appears that ten consistories are represented with nineteen delegates. Bellflower was absent with the opening but the Rev. L. Doezema came in the afternoon, having experienced travelling difficulties. The Rev. Blankespoor assumes the presidency and Rev. Vos masters the minutes. Advisory vote is extended to Rev. L. Vermeer who visits with us. Minutes of the previous meeting are read and their transcription approved. Church visitors are called upon...

THANKSGIVING RADIO ADDRESS One of the most remarkable and beautiful professions of a strong and living faith, that is always victorious, and that triumphantly transcends all the things that are seen, may be found in the last verses of the prophecy of Habakkuk, which reads as follows: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet will I rejoice in the Lord,...

This statement, as you will all realize, is taken from the first of the three questions to which the parents must answer affirmatively, when they seek to have their child baptized. The parents are asked whether they acknowledge that, although their children are born in sin, are nevertheless, sanctified in Christ. This statement of question and its corresponding answer is based chiefly upon a passage from God’s Word, found in I Cor. 7:14, Let me quote that text in this connection: “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the wife and...

Although our topic presents a double subject, the reader will understand that it cannot be our purpose to write first about Modern War and then about Common Grace. The purpose is, rather, to view the one in the light of the other, that is, to view the theory of Common Grace in the light of Modern War. More specifically, we have been set to the task of showing the untenable position of those who hold to the theory of common grace, when we regard that theory in the light of the great conflict which is raging in the world today....

(Numbers 32) The Ruebenites and the Gadites solicit for their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan. This country recently dispossessed of the Amorites, impressed them, from its abundant pastures, to be well adapted to their occupations with respect to their large possessions in cattle. Then, too, the land was without an owner, as it was not literally included in the promise. “Wherefore,” said they to Moses and the princes of Israel, “if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given to thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.” Hearing, Moses...

That the holy gospel, according to the Heidelberg Catechism, is essentially good news concerning the promise, may be gathered from the statement: “and lastly, has fulfilled it by his only begotten Son.” The gospel was fulfilled in the fullness of time in Jesus Christ our Lord. But this is possible only if the gospel is essentially a promise. And also the fact that the gospel was always proclaimed and received by the heirs of the promise, from the very beginning of history, is plainly taught by the Catechism in this nineteenth answer. The holy gospel is not the same as...

In our last article we discussed Van Til’s notion of the “limiting concept.” And we also attempted to define the nature of the limiting concept, and to indicate the causes for the necessity of working with them. We stated that limiting concepts arise: 1. When in the light of revelation the finite mind of man attempts to form a conception of the Infinite; 2. When earthly man, in the light of the same revelation, conceives of the “things which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor entered into the heart of man.” 3. When, on the other hand, the...