All Articles For From Holy Writ

We read repeatedly in Scripture of “the hand of the Lord”. This is, of course, a figurative expression like God’s eyes, God’s mouth, or His face. Comparing the various passages in which the expression is found, we soon discover that it is both varied and rich in significance. A Symbol of Power.

* This sermonette was delivered in approximately this form at the funeral of Mr. G. Pastoor. Upon the request of the relatives, we take the liberty to publish it in this department. As for me. … I shall behold Thy face.

*This talk was given at the meeting of the League of Ladies Societies held in the First Protestant Reformed Church.

In our former article we noticed that the hope of the believing women in the Old Dispensation centered on the promised Christ. When sin entered into the world God promised salvation through the seed that would be born. Fallen mankind lay in the midst of deaths sold under sin, with no escape except for that promised seed, the Christ. Out of the natural, carnal seed that would be born to our first parents God would take unto Himself a spiritual seed, an elect generation, the Church.

*This lecture was delivered at a meeting of the League of Men’s Societies at the First Prot. Ref. Church, Grand Rapids. 

II. Its Manifestation. When we ask ourselves the question, how does this multiformity of the church manifest itself?, the answer is evident. True multiformity follows from the basic oneness and rich diversity of the members.

This is the first of an intended series of articles on the office in the church. By the office is meant the special office of ministers, elders and deacons as instituted by God in the new dispensation. This is one of the most invaluable gifts God has entrusted to His church, yet it is quite frequently misunderstood, taken for granted, and even slighted. It is an institution of God, introduced by Christ through the instrumentality of the apostles in the early church after Pentecost.

In our previous article we noticed that the office of ministers, elders and deacons is an institution of God. Furthermore, that those who are called to this office are undershepherds of the chief Shepherd Jesus Christ. Christ is the great office bearer. They are His servants and ambassadors vested with authority to speak and to act in His name. This was true in a very unique sense of the apostles in the early church after Pentecost, but this is no less true of the office bearers in the church today.

Some weeks have elapsed since the last article appeared under this general heading. Thus it may be well to recall to mind that we distinguished in our previous article between the special office of ministers, elders and deacons and the general office of all believers. In the new dispensation all true believers are officebearers. Through the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them, they are partakers of His anointing. They have the unction of the Holy One whereby they know all things. I John 2:20.

The Office Of Elder.