Vol 27 Issue 13

IN SESSION MARCH 7-8, 1951 at HULL, IOWA The Rev. L. Vermeer calls the meeting to order, reads Eph. 4, and has the brethren sing Psalter 403 and offers prayer. The eleven churches of this Classis are respresented, twenty-one delegates being present. Rev. P. Vis becomes chairman for the day and Rev. Vermeer keeps minutes of the proceedings. Previous minutes are read and their recording approved. The Sermon Committee (Revs. Howerzyl and Gritters) report that the Sermon Books have been made. Each minister of Classis West is to receive a sermon book gratis and it is decided sell them in...

No “Double-Track” Theology One of the more difficult elements in the “common grace” struggle in our history was the element introduced I believe by Van Baalen of the “double-track”. That this has indeed taken root in the Christian Reformed Churches is evident to me from, my own contact with various ministers of that denomination. That it must ultimately lead, if consistently applied, to the death of all dogmatics and all interpretation of Scripture is very evident to me. Now the question of a “double-track” theology also arises in connection with our understanding of the theology of the “Liberated” churches in...

Not Forsaking the Assemblies of the Saints, (continued) Once again let us remind ourselves of our aim in this discussion. It is not to formulate some merely external rules and regulations for church attendance, and thus to add line upon line and precept upon precept. Rather is our intention to discuss “in His fear” what our attitude as members of Christ’s church should be toward the assemblies of the saints, and in our discussion to examine ourselves. Hence, we must also beware in our self-examination in this matter that we do not conclude by boasting in the flesh instead of...

“Thus also it is written: the first man, Adam, became a living soul; the last Adam (became) a quickening Spirit.” (I Corinthians 15:45). In the attempt to understand the meaning of this passage, it is important to bear in mind, that the writer of this epistle to the Corinthians is here defending the great truth of the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the resurrection from the dead. Take this truth out of the gospel and it is no longer glad tidings having the approval of God. The preacher is then truly marked and branded a liar; his...

During recent months at least four issues of the Standard Bearer have referred to the undersigned in connection with what he has said, written or implied with reference to current issues among us, or more explicitly: The Declaration of Principles, and our position over against the so-called “Liberated” brethren. These references have somewhat put us in a rather peculiar (if not questionable) light. For this reason it might be well for us to give an account of ourselves in as far as this is necessary. First of all, we wish to refer to a statement of the editor, the Rev....

Dear Editor: A little space in your paper, please? “Rev. Howerzyl votes in favor of the Declaration” (?—H.V.P.) That was a beautiful article, from the pen of Rev. Howerzyl, in re, “The Radio Preaching in the midst of the field of the Arminian Faith; and the results: as he expresses it in the article in the Standard Bearer of March 15, last. That is just what we as churches were in need of; and this article, (if anything) should prove to all those who voted against the Declaration, that they have sorely erred, although they meant well when they did...

Let us turn to Matthew 6:7, 8, and read here the word of God as follows: “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard of their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” Christ here instructs His people not to use vain repetitions in prayer. The original text uses a word that means to repeat the same thing over and over; to use many idle words; to babble, prate. God’s people must...

VARIOUS ATTEMPTS TO “HARMONIZE” THE SCRIPTURAL ACCOUNT OF CREATION WITH THE “FINDINGS OF SCIENCE”. The ideal or allegorical interpretation. This theory of the account of creation is called the “ideal” because it maintains the idea if not the historical narrative of creation according to Holy Writ. Genesis 1 is not a historical description of the work of creation but a poetical setting forth of this creative work of the Lord. The six days of creation must not be regarded as chronological periods of time of longer or shorter duration, but merely different viewpoints from which the created world is repeatedly...

Prof. K. Schilder has drawn the issue very clearly in his recent articles in the Reformatie on the Declaration which has been approved by Classis East End rejected by Classis West. The undersigned does not intend to discuss these articles. This rests in the capable hands of the editor of the Standard Bearer. However, we do wish to write a few lines in connection with the fact that the issue has been clearly drawn. Professor Schilder is not merely opposed to the Declaration. He is also opposed to the binding decision of our classical meeting of October, 1950. He does...

The Life Story of Dr. Lee S. Huizenga, by the Rev. L. J. Lamberts; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publ. Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan. Price $2.50. This is a very interestingly written account of the life and labors of Dr. L. S. Huizenga, from his boyhood days in the Netherlands, through his student days, his labors in the Indian mission field, up to his departure from this earthly tabernacle when he labored as a missionary in China. The book is written by a very personal, intimate and warm friend of Dr. Huizenga as is evident throughout this biography. It makes very easy...