Vol 30 Issue 09

It appears that the Rev. H.J. Kuiper, editor of the Banner, is aware of the fact that there are some in his churches who are slowly waking up to the truth that there is a plain contradiction between the doctrines of Common Grace and Total Depravity. And because the Rev. Kuiper is a true son of the Christian Reformed Churches he is not going to allow the pet child, called Common Grace, born in 1924, to be tagged—illegitimate. The editor of the Banner attempts to defend both of these doctrines in a series of editorials.

Article 9—“Preachers without fixed charge, or others who have left some sect, shall not he admitted to the ministry of the church until they have been declared eligible, after careful examination, by the classis with the approval of synod.”

Article 5. The cause or guilt of this unbelief as well as of all other sins, is no wise in God, but in man himself; whereas faith in Jesus Christ, and salvation through him is the free gift of God, as it is written: “By grace ye are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8. “And unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him,” etc. Phil. 1:29.

The Protestant Church world, we all know, is divided upon the issue of the baptism of infants. In the churches of Reformed persuasion there is general agreement with respect to the baptism of infants as such, but hardly unanimity with respect to the grounds for this practice. There is general agreement with respect to the question whether infants should be baptized but not with respect to the reasons for this administration of the sacrament.

“The pedagogical approach.” The apostle Paul never heard of such a thing!

The reader should diligently keep in mind that the apostle is here addressing the living church of God. He is not addressing potential candidates for heaven and hell, confronting them with “two ways”. But he is admonishing the living church to work out her salvation with fear and trembling since it is God that worketh in her both to will and to do of His good-pleasure! The sacred writer stirs up the living church to walk in the faith and daily, progressive conversion!

Lord’s Day 39 Chapter 2: Obedience and Promise (cont’d).

Bulletin No. 3  The undersigned hereby solemnly swear before God and men: 

“Fear not little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32