With the insight of a theologian, the heart of a pastor and the clarity of a preacher, Herman Hoeksema expounds key sections of the epistle to the Hebrews, especially the much loved eleventh chapter. The glory and work of the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ; the biblical saints of the Old Testament and their victories by faith; the beauty of the prize at the end of the race that is set before us—these are the main themes of A Cloud of Witnesses, a book that will encourage its readers to press on in their pilgrimage toward that city whose builder and maker is God Himself.

Amongst the 38 short chapters of this book are the following: “The Tyrant of Death is Destroyed,” “Christ Learning Obedience,” “After the Order of Melchizedek,” “Faith: The Secret of the Christian’s Life,” “Sarah’s Faith: The Medium of Her Strength,” “Moses’ Preparation as a Deliverer of God’s People,” “Rahab the Harlot Saved from Destruction” and “Going Forth to Christ without the Camp.”

“Often it is the case that we read the theology of a great churchman like Herman Hoeksema and so call him a theologian. But in reading his sermons, we are reminded that his first job and calling was to preach. Students of theology might be better served reading more sermons than works on theology. Thankfully, in this volume the reader gets both.” – Douglas J. Douma, pastor of First Presbyterian Church (Unionville, NY), author and founder of Sola Appalachian Christian Retreat

“There is something reminiscent of the preaching style of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones in the meticulous and practical way that Herman Hoeksema expounds the biblical text. A Cloud of Witnesses is a powerful collection of sermons that speak right into the situation that we find ourselves in today.” – @biblebookstheology

In his first epistle, Peter writes to the saints in Asia Minor from the perspective of their lives as pilgrims. As sojourners in a strange land, they are on a journey through this world toward their eternal home.

How must these pilgrims (and how must we), torn between this world and the next, walk in all the relationships of this life? Peter’s answers this question in his letter which serves as a pilgrim’s manual.

Believers will find A Pilgrim’s Manual to be full of instruction, comfort and hope as they wend their way toward their eternal home.

Epistle to Diognetus (2nd century): “For the Christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe. For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar form of speech, nor lead a life which is marked out by any singularity. The course of conduct which they follow has not been devised by any speculation or deliberation of inquisitive men; nor do they, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of any merely human doctrines. But, inhabiting Greek as well as barbarian cities, according as the lot of each of them has determined, and following the customs of the natives in respect to clothing, food, and the rest of their ordinary conduct, they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life [or citizenship]. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. They are poor, yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all; they are dishonoured, and yet in their very dishonour are glorified. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life; they are assailed by the Jews as foreigners, and are persecuted by the Greeks; yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred.”

REVIEW

by Charles Terpstra

Protestant Reformed Seminary Professor Emeritus, Herman Hanko, has done it again! He has penned another fine exposition of a portion of Holy Scripture, this time on the book of I Peter. As he did with The Mysteries of the Kingdom (on Jesus’ parables) and Justified unto Liberty (on Galatians), so now with A Pilgrim’s Manual, Hanko has given us a rich exegetical commentary on a precious New Testament book. He has captured the heart of this epistle and woven its theme throughout this work. He will not have us forget that I Peter is indeed a pilgrim’s manual, inspired by the Holy Spirit and inscribed by Peter to guide God’s pilgrim-stranger people through this world on the way to their heavenly home.

Hanko is a skilled exegete in his own right (gifted by the Lord, of course). Having preached through the epistle in his early ministry, and having taught New Testament Greek for many years in the Protestant Reformed Seminary, Hanko develops the concepts and truths of this letter even further. In fact, Hanko is not afraid to differ with Herman Hoeksema and others at points. The result is a commentary that is fresh, deep, and rich in doctrinal teaching.

Still more, because Hanko writes as a churchman who is bound by and faithful to the Reformed creeds, his work breathes the beautiful truths of the Reformed faith, especially the sovereignty of God and the sovereignty of his grace to his people in Christ Jesus. And because he writes as a Protestant Reformed churchman, he emphasizes especially God’s sovereign, particular grace and his unconditional covenant with his elect people in Christ. For the same reasons, Hanko exposes the heresies and errors of our time, with clarity and compassion.

Nor does Hanko avoid the “difficult” doctrines presented in this epistle, such as Christ’s being the chief cornerstone of his church while also being the “stone of stumbling” and “rock of offence” to the wicked unbeliever—and both aspects being according to God’s sovereign predestination (election and reprobation, 2:4–9). Or the tough practical issues involving the true Christian’s persecution by this ungodly world (chaps. 2, 4) and the callings of the Christian wife and husband in marriage, even mixed ones (3:1–7). In the face of ecclesiastical mushiness on doctrine and outright wimpiness on morality, Hanko issues a clear sound of faithfulness to the text of Scripture, letting God’s word speak plainly and powerfully for the instruction, correction, and guidance of God’s people (II Tim. 3:16).

Yet this new work is also more than rich in exegesis and doctrinal commentary. Warmly dedicated to his wife “Wilma, my fellow pilgrim,” A Pilgrim’s Manual is also rich in devotion and practical application. Hanko writes this commentary as a redeemed and devoted Christian pilgrim, himself making the journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. And because he is a mature and experienced pilgrim, filled with the light of God’s word, he is able to provide us, his fellow pilgrims, with wise counsel for our journeys. In reading this commentary you will not lack for comfort and hope.

We sincerely welcome and heartily recommend A Pilgrim’s Manual to Christian readers everywhere. It will serve as a profitable addition to your personal or family library. It will feed your soul and strengthen your faith whether you use it for your group Bible study or for your personal devotions. Above all, this work will confirm you in the one hope we have as believers—the hope of our everlasting home with the Lord. By all means get this book, study the manual, and then press on, pilgrim!

Mr. Terpstra currently serves as the librarian and archivist (among other responsibilities) at the Protestant Reformed Seminary in Grandville, MI, and is the book review editor for the Standard Bearer.

“Thank you for Prof. Hanko’s commentary on I Peter. I think the older one gets—at least for me—the more one feels like a stranger, an alien, in this world and that even the longest life is very short. I find it well to be reminded that we as believers are just passing through as it were, all pilgrims on a journey from death into life, from darkness into increasing light, until we live forever in the eternal presence of uncreated light: there is no night there. Such a ‘manual’ that helps answer the question ‘How then must a pilgrim, torn between this world and the next, walk in all the relationships of this life?’ can only be a comfort and a support.” – W. Midlands, England

To watch the video of the author interview concerning this book, click here.

To read an excerpt of this book in Czech, click here.

Herman Hoeksema preached often on Revelation, even preaching through the entire book more than once—not to mention the numerous Bible studies he led on it. Behold He Cometh is thus the fruit of several decades of teaching. This essay-style commentary on the book of Revelation is written from the Reformed, amillennial viewpoint. In clear, concise language, the author sets forth rich biblical teaching concerning the end times.

Dr. William Hendriksen (renowned expositor of the Book of Revelation and minister in the Christian Reformed Church): “The treatment of the text is definitely Reformed in character in that it always ascribes all the glory to God and traces his way in history … I warmly recommend the book” (The Banner).

“We highly recommend this volume … Every pastor should own a copy, and it would serve as an excellent text for Seminary, Bible School or Bible class study groups” (The Gospel Witness).

“A new and solid commentary has been added to the list of the Reformed expositions of the last book of the Bible” (Calvinist Contact).

“A refreshing feature … was that the author showed great insight into the Scriptures” (Australian Baptist).

“… anyone who wishes to make a thorough study of Revelation owes it to himself to work through Hoeksema’s Behold He Cometh” (Wisconsin Lutheran Journal).

“It is the kind of book I would like to see in every library and in every home. I heartily recommend it” (Westminster Theological Journal).

“It is the best work on Revelation known to this reviewer (bearing in mind the excellent works of Hengstenberg, Durham and Hendriksen, to name no others) … Its lucid, simple style is admirably calculated to demonstrate just how perfectly the message of this final book of the canon accords with everything else in Holy Scripture … Hoeksema’s treatment of the Final Judgment of the ungodly and the blessedness of the New Jerusalem is a joy to read. May this superb work goad us to long, pray and work for the second coming of our Saviour, when the cosmic conflict shall end, when Christ shall yield up the kingdom to His Father, and God shall be all and in all” (Peace and Truth).

Rev. Jerome Julien (United Reformed Churches in North America): “Rev. Hoeksema preached through the Book of Revelation twice in his ministry, once soon after World War I and the second time during World War II, the latter time to very large crowds of hearers. The series of messages in this volume—fifty-three in number—thoroughly expounds the comforting truth in this last book of the Bible … A student of the Book of Revelation can hardly do better than this! … by all means get a copy of it” (The Outlook).

Joel R. Beeke: “Where should you begin [the study of eschatology]? Read the book of Revelation again. While doing so, consult Herman Hoeksema’s Behold He Cometh” (in Joel R. Beeke and Sinclair B. Ferguson [eds.], Reformed Confessions Harmonized [Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1999], p. 271).

Rev. Charles Roberts: “Rev. Hoeksema’s exposition of Revelation is a priceless tome of pastoral insight and scholarly wisdom. A superb, user friendly, amillennial analysis of one of the most important books in the canon of scripture.” – South Carolina, USA

“[My wife’s mother] was blessed to read Herman Hoeksema’s Reformed Dogmatics and Behold He Cometh. She has particularly found the latter very edifying in recent times and has revisited it often.” – W. Yorkshire

“Thank you very much for the book by Herman Hoeksema, Behold He Cometh! This is a wonderful and very useful book. Herman Hoeksema is superb in his writings! … Out of all the interpretations of the book of Revelation his is the most comprehensive and beautiful, and also tactful, without direct negative pointing to any particular group or denomination” – Kazakhstan

“I have almost finished reading Behold He Cometh, a wonderful and helpful read. Most illuminating and relevant; I had puzzled long about Rev. 17:9-13, Herman Hoeksema has clarified much for me. I find myself in total agreement with him in his methods and interpretation of the prophetic and apocalyptic literature of the Bible in the context of all of Holy Scripture. He is obviously familiar with the interpretative methods of others … and shows up their interpretation for what they are. Since the book was first written, events in the church and the world confirm Hoeksema’s understanding.” – Wolverhampton, England

“I’m reading a wonderful book I got from [the CPRC], Behold He Cometh, a commentary on Revelation. This has been a real help, although I only can work about 20 minutes a day on it [because of my serious health problems]. I have found it a real blessing.” – Co. Antrim, N. Ireland

“I was speaking to a believer on Saturday and during our conversation he mentioned Hoeksema’s Behold He Cometh and what a wonderful book he had found it.  So today I have had a look on the internet and begun reading it on line. The world is growing worse and worse. It’s so easy to become caught up in things and to begin to get fearful. How good it will be to be given an understanding of our great God and Saviour’s sovereign purpose in all the things He is bringing to pass before He comes back to judge the world in righteousness.” – Berkshire, England

“The commentary on Revelation is easily the best I’ve come across and Herman Hoeksema’s interpretation is so accurate, looking at the events that are developing in the world today.” – Essex, England

Click here to read a review of this book by one of our readers!
Click here to read a review of this book in the Standard Bearer.

Click here to read a review of this book in Korean.

Some chapters of this book have been translated into Polish.
Excerpts from the book on “The Binding of Satan”  and on Revelation 14:4-5 can be read on-line in Portuguese.
Chapter 7, “The Church With a Mystic Tendency” can be read on-line in Spanish.

The believers James is writing to faced many problems as they made the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament. James addresses these issues that the early Christians faced, including trials and temptations, true religion, wisdom, the use of the tongue, the judgment of the rich, patience, and spiritual help in trouble.

This eminently practical book gives instruction for living the Christian life in many of its aspects. A salient feature is the relation between justification and works, which James explains by the examples of Abraham and Rahab.

Review
by Rev. Matthew De Boer

How are we to live as those who are justified before God in Christ? In his commentary on the book of James, Faith Made Perfect, Prof. Herman Hanko answers this question by explaining the practical instruction the epistle of James gives to God’s children. The converted Jews, whom James addresses in this epistle, received instruction concerning the same things that we need to be instructed about today. As God’s people who are united to Christ by faith, we are taught in the book of James how to deal with trials and temptations, how to be wise, how to use our tongues, how to handle unfair treatment by those in authority over us, and how to deal with spiritual struggles. In exegeting these passages filled with practical demands in a verse-by-verse commentary, Professor Hanko provides excellent applications for all the members of God’s church today, including the elderly and the young people. He shows how we are to live to God’s glory in all of life and to manifest that we have genuine faith.

Understanding that we often fall short of obeying God’s commands and doing good works, even as those who are his children and united to Christ, Professor Hanko always makes sure to lead the reader to the cross of Christ. In interpreting the admonitions of James to the converted Jews of that day concerning their walk of life, Hanko shows that we also often do not follow God’s commands in this epistle and that we often do not live out of the bond of faith we have with Christ. Yet, Hanko always emphasizes that there is hope for us in Christ. For instance, concerning James 4:7, which calls us to “resist the devil,” Hanko writes, “When we fall into sin, as so often we do, we have the victory of the cross to which we flee in humble confession” (207). This book is truly Christ-centered.

In his discussion of the practical instruction and commands we are given in the book of James, Hanko explains the teaching of the book concerning the relationship between faith and works. He exegetes key passages in the book of James that deal with our justification in the sight of God. The Roman Catholic Church as well as the proponents of the federal vision use passages in James to teach that we are justified by faith and works. They appeal to texts such as James 2:21, which states, “Was not Abraham justified by works?” to attempt to prove their position. Hanko examines James 2:21 and other passages like it that are so often falsely interpreted and proves that James teaches the same truth of justification by faith alone as Paul did in Romans and in Galatians by the inspiration of the Spirit. In his explanation Hanko shows that there are indeed no contradictions in scripture.

After reading this book the child of God most definitely will have a greater knowledge of the book of James and will surely be spiritually edified. Professor Hanko spends much time explaining the connections between the verses that can sometimes be difficult to find. In describing the connections, he gives the reader a richer understanding of each individual passage. Also, his explanation of many of the key words used in the original language help the believer better understand the important concepts of this epistle. In reading this careful work on the book of James, the believer will certainly grow in knowledge of his God and will develop in his understanding of how he is to live his everyday life as one who is one with Jesus Christ.

Review
by Rev. Martyn McGeown

This is Herman Hanko’s third commentary. He has written previously on Galatians and 1 Peter, and Faith Made Perfect follows the same basic format. This is a commentary not a series of sermons, although it is certainly the fruit of thorough exegesis. In the preface Hanko mentions that he had preached a series on Galatians. I believe he may have preached, or planned to preach, a series on James also. Be that as it may, Faith Made Perfect would be helpful to the preacher today who considered preaching a series of sermons on James.

However, like all of Hanko’s books, and, indeed, like all of the books published by the Reformed Free Publishing Association (RFPA), this book is not designed to be only for preachers, theologians, or biblical scholars. There are useful footnotes, in which various points of Greek grammar are elucidated, but these are not at all off-putting to the Christian without any knowledge of the Greek language of the New Testament. These notes are useful to the pastor as he struggles with exegesis. In addition, Hanko does not bore us with extraneous details of textual criticism, historical background, or other matters, but quickly, after a brief introduction, delves into the text of scripture, which is our spiritual meat.

The title of the book, Faith Made Perfect, captures the theme of the epistle—faith is made perfect by works. The purpose of James, and more importantly the purpose of the Spirit who inspired James, is to contrast the dead “faith” of the hypocrite with the living, works-producing faith of the child of God. Pivotal to James, and pivotal to Faith Made Perfect, is chapter 2, which in church history has been a battleground not only between Rome and the reformers, but also now between the Reformed and the men of the federal vision. In light of this fact, every Reformed Christian must know what James means when he declares, “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” and “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:22, 24).

Something that impressed me about this book—and this is something that we ministers need to bear in mind when we preach series—is that Hanko never loses sight of his main theme as he works through the epistle. Always that main theme colors his exegesis and applications. For example, in his explanation of chapter 1, where James exhorts his readers to hear and to do the word of God, Hanko rightly remarks:

Immediately, the apostle slams the door in the face of all Arminians and those who teach justification by faith and works by pointing out that because we are regenerated, we are to perform these good works, which good works are what these admonitions require. James also closes the door to the antinomians, who claim that good works are unnecessary. He says, “You are regenerated, therefore God has given you the spiritual power to do these good works. Be what God has made you. You are justified by faith, and faith produces good works” (58).

Antinomianism is not an issue only in chapter 3—it is James’ concern throughout the epistle. Hanko never lets us forget it!

Another feature of Faith Made Perfect is the multiplicity of illustrations and applications. In this way Hanko follows the style of the book that he is expositing, for James uses many homely or earthy illustrations and makes numerous pointed applications. One need only list a few from chapter one—the wave of the sea (v. 6), the burning heat of the sun (v. 11), lust’s conception and bringing forth of sin and death (v. 15), and the forgetful mirror-gazer (vv. 23–24). Hanko applies the word sharply and pointedly—to himself and then to us:

This is strange, but true. You can hear a child of God sing fervently God’s praises in church on the Lord’s day as he sits next to you in the pew. But when you stand near him outside of church, you may hear him curse someone as he relates what that person did to him. You are inclined to ask, “Can this be the same person?” Then it comes to you sharply and as a dagger. You do the same in your home. You lead the family in devotions, but suddenly you speak evil of someone within the congregation and repeat a juicy bit of gossip that was told you by one of your fellow workers on the job (169).

Faith Made Perfect combines good exegesis, sound theology, helpful illustrations, and heart-searching applications. The reader will understand the epistle of James when he has finished the book, which will be useful for Bible study groups and pastors alike. Not only will the reader understand James, but also, if he has read carefully and prayerfully, he will be found humbled and comforted at the feet of Christ, where all true faith leads us.

In our day the central doctrine of the Reformation, the article of a standing or a falling church—justification by faith alone—is under attack, even by many in historically Reformed and Presbyterian denominations through a heretical covenant theology (the Federal Vision).  Revisionist theologians, such as Anglican N. T. Wright, are also resurrecting the old heresy of justification by faith and works (the so-called New Perspective on Paul). Both groups teach a new form of the old error of the Judaizers that Paul condemns in the Epistle to the Galatians.

In direct contradiction of this heresy, the author stands squarely in the tradition of Luther and Calvin. From an uncompromisingly Reformed perspective, Prof. Hanko clearly and positively expounds Galatians, emphasizing the gospel of justification by faith alone, as well as the liberty this grand truth gives to the people of God.

To watch the video of the author interview concerning this book, click here.

“The Prof.’s commentary on Galatians has been much appreciated, particularly as he treats the biblical truth of federal headship. Once that is understood so much more falls naturally into place, and displays the perfect harmony of God’s revealed will concerning our redemption, His holiness and love, His grace and mercy, His justice and righteousness—who but the Almighty could have thought of such a plan, let alone carried it out!” – W. Midlands, England

Knowing God in the Last Days is an explanation of the second general epistle of Peter to the early New Testament church. The primary theme of the letter is the knowledge of God, a concept that occurs many times and in various contexts throughout the book. This short epistle contains a wealth of instruction for the church today.

The secondary theme of II Peter is the application of the knowledge of God to the last days in which we live. Especially in his third chapter, Peter reveals to the church the knowledge of God as it relates to the end times.

Based on exegesis of the Greek text, this commentary gives clarity of explanation to God’s people regarding necessary and important aspects of today’s Christian life. God’s people will be edified in reading this book!

“Been looking for something on II Peter for some time—most apposite themes for our times.” – Wolverhampton, England

At the height of his powers as an interpreter of the Word of God in the late 1930s, Reformed theologian Herman Hoeksema preached a series of ninety-seven sermons covering the entire book of Romans. The transcription of them by a member of his congregation was recently made available to the RFPA for publication. The outstanding worth of this new work is its fresh, bold, penetrating, and utterly faithful exposition of the book of the Bible that the Reformation rightly regarded as the summa of the gospel of salvation by grace alone. Hoeksema called Romans “one of the richest and most beautiful parts of the Word of God. “In addition to abundant natural abilities, wide-reading, and disciplined theological study over many years, Hoeksema shared the zeal of the apostle Paul for the glory of the triune God in His sovereignty. This emboldened him to proclaim faithfully what Paul said, particularly on predestination. This exposition is addressed not to the scholars, but to the very same audience for whom the apostle wrote the epistle: the “beloved of God, called to be saints.”

“The clarity of language, the simplicity of explanation, the warmth of teaching, the sharpness of application, and the homeliness of illustration make this book truly a devotional commentary on Romans“—David J. Engelsma, editor.

Click here to read a review of this book from the British Reformed Journal.

A chapter of this book can be read in Chinese.
Read chapter 61 of this book in Hungarian.
Chapters of this book can be read in Italian.
Read chapter 3 and chapter 10 of this book in Polish.
Read chapter 21 and chapter 59 of this book in Portuguese.

Click here to read a review of this book in Korean.

Dr. William Hendriksen: “[Hoeksema’s] preaching was forceful, well organised, thematic exegetical and generally inspiring …”

“In this book the .. reader will be edified, for he is constantly shown his own worthlessness, and the worth of Christ’s perfect righteousness imputed to him; he will be challenged because Hoeksema was a profound and original preacher; and the reader will always be driven back to God and the Scriptures. The present reviewer has used this commentary as a devotional aid in studying Romans, and it is one of the best he has used. Averaging six pages per sermon—[it is suitable] even for the time pressed worker. If you want to know why the likes of Prof. Cornelius Van Til would make his way to hear Hoeksema preach, then you should get this book … I cannot recommend it highly enough” (English Churchman).

“Handling the deepest doctrines with a sure and sanctified hand, afraid of no difficulties, Hoeksema had also the common touch in making his exposition easy, lucid, and very readable indeed … Christians ‘in the pew’ will find themselves frequently turning to it to refresh their soul, be challenged, and find encouragement. Like all the publications of the RFPA this book is excellently produced, and good value for money. Those who invest in a copy will, I believe, come to treasure it as a choice blessing from the Lord” (British Church Newspaper).

“In the opinion of this reviewer, Herman Hoeksema, a contemporary of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, was the best expositor of the twentieth century … His grasp of Paul’s inspired thinking is as though he had been a personal friend of the Apostle … The essence of Scripture is what Hoeksema is all about … He demonstrates the irrefutable substance of Paul’s reasoning. he does so with warmth, challenging his hearers, with profound depth yet in language we all understand. There is nothing dryly theological in this exposition. The messages are from a heart to hearts. It is stirring reading because it follows the author closely—alive with Scriptural application … the personal benefits from this exposition are a fine gold. Procure it!” (New Focus).

“The material in this book constitutes the best combination of theology and devotional reading that I have come across for a long time … This book is thoroughly recommended. I have read it every day at the close of my own devotions for the past eight months, with great benefit and thankfulness to God” (Evangelical Times).

“Yesterday, I received the superb Righteous By Faith Alone, and have already been blessed by the first two sermons.  Could you please convey my thanks to the dear young people of the PR churches who have subsidised the sale of it here.”

“Thank you for apprising me of the availability of the long awaited volume [Righteous By Faith Alone]. Within minutes of the arrival of your email I placed an order …”

“For the last 4 months, we have been studying the epistle to the Romans in our youth Bible classes. The commentary of Hoeksema proved to be very helpful material. It’s crystal clear, sound, deep and wonderful. Thank you for this book!” – Hungary

“Just letting you know that I find Herman Hoeksema on Romans excellent. Highly recommended, very edifying! Every blessing.”

“At last! A book I have been waiting for. Please mail me a copy of the latest offering from Herman Hoeksema. I am grateful to Rev. Stewart for letting me know. Am enjoying his CR News.”

“Hoeksema on Romans continues to be a real blessing to me.” – Wales

“Please send me one Righteous By Faith Alone, and bill me for it. [A friend] couldn’t commend it more highly.”

“I e-mailed [a friend] and told him to do anything, even if it meant trading in the wife, and get Hoeksema on Romans. He told me he had ordered it.”

“Purchased Righteous By Faith Alone from you earlier in the month and managed to read the first 153 pages thereof over the past few days. Very profitable indeed (!) and I look forward to the remaining pages. I remember hearing it said that ‘we read to know that we are not alone.’ A book such as the aforementioned (the first 153 pages at least) would illustrate this point well in my own experience and circumstance.”

“You know how that the faces of small boys are apt to glow when they receive something they really want. Well, something akin to this influences me now as I hold in my hand this beautifully ‘packaged’ volume of sermons, Righteousness by Faith Alone, by ‘Harm’ Hoeksema. I anticipate being seriously incommunicado, tucked up with this volume by the fireside. I dipped into it and read the first paragraph of chapter 1—oh yes, vintage Hoeksema, the same clarity, force of truth, depth of understanding, expressed in plain language which has endeared me to all his material. He was a giant of a man spiritually.”

“I’m reading Romans at present with the help of the wonderful Righteous by Faith Alone. I’m being convicted and illuminated greatly by it” – Yorkshire

The parables form a substantial and living part of our Saviour’s public ministry. All of Christ’s two dozen or so parables are treated here, including “The Sower,” “The Good Samaritan,” “The Prodigal Son” and “The Rich Man and Lazarus,” as well as less familiar, but no less fascinating ones, such as “The Unforgiving Servant” and “The Unjust Steward.” With simple and familiar earthly pictures, Jesus tells us what the kingdom of heaven is like and what is the calling and practical life of its citizens. The Mysteries of the Kingdom helps unlock the meaning of the parables, and Prof. Hanko’s distinctively Reformed interpretation makes this a “pearl of great price” for any Bible student.

A Scripture index is included.

“The author takes each parable and by careful exegesis opens up its rich seam of spiritual instruction, and gives a faithful and solidly Reformed interpretation. He shows us gospel mysteries of immense beauty, power, encouragement, practical relevance, and everlasting worth for citizens of a kingdom that is not of this world” (The Reformed Witness).

“We trust that the book will be given a wide circulation. May it be a useful instrument as God’s kingdom is extended in our world through the power of His Word and Spirit” (Banner).

“I am half way through Prof. Hanko’s exposition of the kingdom parables. I am encouraged and blessed.” – England

“Many thanks for the book, Mysteries of the Kingdom. I gave my other one to our own pastor who thinks it is excellent.” – S. Wales

Click here to read a review of this book by one of our readers!
Click here to read a second review of this book by another one of our readers!

On the night before He was betrayed, Jesus ate His last meal with His disciples. The heavy weight of the cross bore down on Him, yet His focus lay not on His own suffering, but on His imminent departure and what this meant for His disciples.

The Upper Room Discourse of John 14–16 records the words of great comfort Christ gave His disciples. He must indeed go away from them. But by doing so Jesus would bridge the gap between creature and Creator; between earth and heaven; and between sinners and the holy, just God. Christ is the way to the Father, and it was only through the way of the cross and His resurrection and ascension that His people could be reconciled to the Father, and receive the Comforter and life.

With clear and pastoral applications to the church today, Martyn McGeown leads us into the upper room to hear Jesus’ instruction alongside the disciples. It is in the upper room that we receive Christ’s exhortations and encouragement, heed His warnings, and appropriate His comfort through faith.

BOOK REVIEW

By Rev. Wilbur Bruinsma

Another excellent work by author Martyn McGeown. It is not a biblical/historical narrative as it may seem since it explains an event that took place in the upper room with Jesus and his disciples the night of his arrest and subsequent death. This book is, rather, an exposition of one of the most difficult discourses of Jesus recorded for us in the gospel accounts. Few writers would tackle a detailed explanation of it. Chapters 14-16 of John’s gospel account comprise last minute instruction Jesus imparted to his disciples before he left the upper room to make his way with them to the Garden of Gethsemane. Rev. McGeown divides his book into three parts along the lines of each of the three chapters, attributing to each chapter its own particular title while at the same time blending them together to emphasize the comfort Jesus imparts to his disciples and his church.

The reader will probably not consume this book in one or two sittings. It is the type of book that must be placed on the end table next to your recliner or easy chair. At that specific time of day that we set aside to read, pick up the book and read a chapter or two. You will discover that each chapter teaches a distinct, comforting truth that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to read further. Rev. McGeown tackles the various concepts of Scripture such as love, faith, peace (and many more) using precise yet easy to understand language. Certainly, this is something the average reader is looking for! At times a book can become so abstract that we lose the line of thought and find ourselves rereading the last several paragraphs over again. I do not believe that this will be the case with this book. At the same time the young preacher will find this an excellent commentary on these chapters of the Bible that he can use to help stimulate his preparation of a sound, biblical sermon for his congregation.

But let the book speak for itself.

A striking feature of the upper room discourse is Jesus’ instruction concerning the Person and work of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter. After identifying the Spirit as our Comforter Rev. McGeown writes on pages 67 and 68,

Therefore, we know how the Comforter comforts: he comforts, strengthens, supports, consoles, and helps by bringing and applying the truth. When we are distressed and anxious, the only thing that we require is truth. We need something that corresponds to reality: we need to know about the true God and his love for us, we need to know about Jesus Christ and his perfect and finished work on the cross, and we need to know about his resurrection from the dead …

When we are sad, the Spirit, bringing the gospel, cheers our soul. When we are lonely and distressed, the Spirit, bringing the gospel, reminds us of God’s promise never to leave or forsake us. When we are suffering, the Spirit, bringing the gospel, reminds us that God’s grace is always sufficient to sustain us, and that truth does sustain us. Empty, seemingly pious platitudes do not comfort us: only the truth can do that.

In chapter 7 Rev. McGeown no longer keeps the reader in suspense as to the divinity of the Spirit. In this chapter he points out the necessity of the Comforter to be divine if he is to perform the work of comforting us. Chapter 18 explains that the Spirit is not only the third Person of the Trinity but that he was given to Christ in order to testify of Christ’s work for and in us. In chapters 21 and 22 Rev. McGeown carefully exegetes John 16:8-15 where Jesus speaks of the two-fold function of the Spirit in reproving the world while also guiding the church of Christ into the truth. If you are searching for an insightful explanation of the work of the Spirit in salvation then this book is a must read.

We are prone often times when reading the Bible for ourselves to give a cursory consideration of those passages that contain various truths we deem a little too deep for our understanding. Rev. McGeown treats the reader to simple but thorough explanations of some key concepts of Scripture. For example, the truth concerning love. The apostle John both in his epistles as well as his gospel account is known for his dissertations on love. It is not unusual then that John draws our attention to this concept in our Savior’s farewell to his disciples. This is especially true in John 15:9-13 where Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us. McGeown writes on page 191,

Love does not consist of empty sentimental feelings, but is very practical. Love selflessly gives itself for the welfare of the other. Love spends itself and is spent on the other. Love empties itself of everything in order to serve the other. That was Christ’s love for us, and it must be our love for our fellow saints. The more we abide in the love of Christ – by believing it, dwelling upon it, rejoicing in it, and being motivated by it – the more we will love one another.

 

This love must characterize our congregational life, our homes, the relationship between husbands and wives, the behavior of parents and children, the interactions between siblings, and the conduct of children in the Christian schools …

We as God’s people truly need a good dose of such love – especially in our dealings with others in the church. This is but a small quote of Rev. McGeown’s development on the concept of love. The reader can indulge in much more when he or she picks up the book for themselves.

The same is true in McGeown’s development of the concept of faith. He details for us using Jesus’ imagery of a vine and its branches the whole idea of faith as a power by which we are grafted into Christ and, as a result, the activity of faith as knowledge and confidence. He does not shy away from the truth that faith reveals itself by way of our good works. At the same time on page 143 he explains that believers look to Christ “to maintain us and support us, to produce fruit in us or to cause us to bear fruit, to make us holy, to give us grace and the Spirit, to give us peace, and for help in temptation. In short, we look to Christ for everything.” Chapter 11 was a highlight to me.

Again, the reader will find for himself or herself throughout the various chapters of this book a thorough development of such concepts as the world, temptation, tribulation, suffering, and more. As Christ addresses each of these in his farewell, Rev. McGeown refuses to slide over them without explaining them in detail.

At the same time he does not lose himself in the details of Jesus’ discourse without keeping in mind the historical context in which this instruction was given. The disciples of Jesus were confused. How could Jesus’ departure from this earth aid in the establishment of his kingdom as the Messiah? It hurt them deeply to know that he was soon to die; no, that Jesus was consciously walking in the way that led to death. Why? The instruction of these three chapters of John was specifically given by Christ to comfort his disciples and show the advantage of his departing in death. McGeown does not lose sight of this context. His explanation of the various truths of this discourse in every chapter are written on a personal level bearing in mind the struggles of Jesus’ disciples.

The book is certainly a worthy read. The RFPA has succeeded again in printing literature that will stimulate the reader in his faith.

“My friend is ‘over the moon’ with The Savior’s Farewell. Every time I see him, he extols the books value to him!” – England

“One of the author’s strengths is his regular reach into the historic creeds and confessions of the church … To be sure, McGeown’s work is a treasure trove of exegetical and pastoral insights, and, from that interest alone, pastors will want to lean into this resource.” – USA

The Protestant Reformed Sunday School Teachers Association has published a complete explanation of the history of the New Testament in three hardcover volumes.  The set is titled Upon This Rock.  Volume one treats “Jesus Christ: His Earthly Ministry;” volume two, “Jesus Christ: His Death and Resurrection;” and volume three, “Jesus Christ: His Acts Through the Apostles.” The author is long-time writer of the “Our Guide” Sunday School materials, Don Doezema.  The three volumes publish in book form articles that Mr. Doezema wrote some years ago for parents to use in teaching their older children.

The books arrange the history of the New Testament in chronological order. They relate the history in simple, lively, engaging fashion. But they do more than tell the story. The books explain the history, bringing out the doctrinal and practical meaning of the historical events.  One of the valuable features of the work throughout is Doezema’s apt citation of good, solid, biblical scholars, including Calvin, Edersheim, Lenski, Herman Hoeksema, Ophoff and Herman Hanko. The quotations are always brief, never tedious. In this way, the reader benefits from the insights of worthy scholars without the trouble of looking up the passages in their books or articles.

This treatment of New Testament is succinct.  Each chapter, explaining a particular event or a number of related events, runs from six to eight pages. Helpful, and interesting, is the light shed on events from the history of the Old Testament and from extra-biblical sources. The explanation of the appearance of the angel to Zacharias in the temple informs the reader concerning the ceremony of burning incense (vol. 1, pp. 2-5).  The treatment of Paul’s work in Corinth indicates the notorious depravity of that city—the San Francisco or Amsterdam of its day (vol. 3, pp. 266-267).

Doezema does not avoid the difficulties. Where there are legitimate differences of opinion, he gives both possibilities and leaves the issue an open question (although often stating his own judgment on the matter). An instance is the question whether the Ethiopian eunuch was literally a eunuch. Lenski says he was; Calvin says he was not. Doezema leaves “the question undecided,” but not before expressing his preference for the view of Lenski (vol. 3, pp. 101-102).

The account of Paul’s mission labours recorded in Acts, in volume 3 of the set, refers to corresponding teachings in the epistles.  The treatment of the Jerusalem Council, for example, as recorded in Acts 15, calls attention to Paul’s epistle to the Galatians and the doctrinal issues in this epistle. Parents, Sunday School teachers, Christian school teachers and even ministers will find this work useful in teaching children the history of the New Testament. All will find it instructive and edifying for themselves. Each volume contains a complete textual index with passages on which chapters are based in bold print. There is also an index of subjects.

Below are some sample chapter titles:

Volume 1   Chapter 1    “The Birth of the Forerunner” (Luke 1:5-25, 57-80)
Volume 1   Chapter 29  “The King Who Walks on Water” (Matthew 14:22-33)
Volume 1   Chapter 60  “God Be Merciful” (Luke 18:9-14)

Volume 2   Chapter 2    “Mary’s Unique Faith” (John 12:1-8)
Volume 2   Chapter 25  “Gethsemane” (Matthew 26:36-46)
Volume 2   Chapter 47  “The Travelers to Emmaus” (Luke 24:13-32)

Volume 3   Chapter 6    “Peter and John Before the Council” (Acts 4:1-22)
Volume 3   Chapter 26  “Imprisoned in Philippi” (Acts 16:16-25)
Volume 3   Chapter 44  “Two Weeks in the Storm” (Acts 27:21-38)

Click here to read a review of this book by one of our readers!

“[I finished reading] Upon This Rock—I couldn’t put it down … superb story teller … brought out things I’d never thought of before … the [people who decided to produce it] did well in putting it together.” – England

Walking in the Way of Love, volume 1, is a commentary on, and application of, chapters 1-9 of I Corinthians. Directed toward the believer and the true church of Jesus Christ, the book teaches the vitally important way of true love, over against the foolish chatter about love spoken by the world and the apostate church.

Here is rich fare: the cross as the wisdom and power of God, the Spirit searching the deep things of God, carnal Christianity, apostolic ministry, church discipline of those living in fornication, the believer and going to court, singleness and marriage, Christian liberty, ministerial support and much more!

Click here to watch a video interview with Rev. Nathan Langerak about his book.

“I must say how much I am enjoying Langerak’s commentary. I’ve never read a commentary on Corinthians quite like it. It must be unique among such commentaries, very insightful, very inspiring! Beautiful but unusual prose, almost poetic—if that’s not a contradiction in terms!” – England

“I have finished reading volume 1 of Langerak on I Corinthians. This commentary is not for the faint-hearted or casual Christian. It is strong meat. It is not the candy floss faith of so much that passes for Christianity these days. Men call what is wicked liberty and what is our liberty in the Lord they make sin. Langerak deftly, soundly and sensitively corrects this. I look forward to starting the second volume.” – England

This rich exposition of I Corinthians 10-16 covers the significance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (chs. 10-11), the controversial topic of spiritual gifts in the body (chs. 12, 14), the beautiful paean to love (ch. 13), the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ and His church (ch. 15) and the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem (ch. 16).

Here are some chapter titles to whet your spiritual appetite: “Baptism in the Red Sea” (10:1-5), “Divisions in the Church” (11:17-19), “A Diversity of Gifts” (12:4-11), “Love’s Practice” (13:4-7), “Speaking With the Understanding” (14:13-19), “Women Keep Silence in the Churches” (14:34-35), “The Adams, First and Last” (15:45-50) and “Anathema” (16:22).

“I have read the first two chapters of Walking in the Way of Love, vol. 2. Such wonderful and important teaching on Old Testament history as being types!” – Yorkshire, England

“I must say how much I am enjoying Langerak’s commentary. I’ve never read a commentary on Corinthians quite like it. It must be unique among such commentaries, very insightful, very inspiring! Beautiful but unusual prose, almost poetic—if that’s not a contradiction in terms!” – England

Book Review

Walking in the Way of Love: A Practical Commentary on 1 Corinthians for the Believer, volume 2,
by Nathan J. Langerak. 
Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 2019. 
544 pages, hardcover. 
[Reviewed by Rev. Clayton Spronk, pastor of Faith Protestant Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan]

Rare are the biblical commentaries that provide sound theological instruction. Rarer still are the commentaries that provide sound theological instruction and helpful application to the faith and life of the church today. Even a little of both of these oft-missing ingredients would be enough to recommend a commentary to serious students of scripture. That this volume offers a feast of accurate explanations of the truth of scripture and appropriate applications means that I must highly recommend it to the reader.

Living up to its title as a practical commentary the book provides much doctrinal instruction. This is necessary because sound doctrine is the basis for the practice of believing and doing. Rev. Langerak’s teaching is sound because he derives his teaching from the scriptures. The doctrine that he teaches is truly apostolic, a holding fast to and a passing down of the apostles’ doctrine as recorded in the New Testament and confessed by the true church of Jesus Christ in every age. To read this book then is to sit at the feet of the apostles. What do the apostles say about the relationship between the Old and New Testament? What do the apostles say about spiritual gifts? What do the apostles say about the unity of the church? What do the apostles have to say about the instituted church? What about love, the resurrection of the body, and various elements of public worship (such as who should speak in the worship service, and whether offerings should be taken)? These are just some of the biblical truths that Rev. Langerak carefully sets forth from the text of scripture.

What false doctrines did the apostle Paul refute in this epistle, and how does his handling of them apply to the church’s life today? Rev. Langerak does not force his polemics, and therefore does not bring up errors merely because he has an ax to grind. He brings up the errors where they are appropriate because the particular passage he is explaining condemns the error, even if the error may be relatively new. Rev. Langerak shows that it is not he, but the Holy Spirit and the apostle Paul, who condemn dispensationalism, postmillennialism, conditionalism in the covenant, common grace, evolutionism, and a variety of other false doctrines.

But to be a successful practical commentary on walking in the way of love, Rev. Langerak must provide helpful applications to the church’s faith and life. The book is a resounding success. There are many rich applications in this book to family life, school life, work life, and to church life. You may be surprised to find that Rev. Langerak teaches that true love (which is not the false love touted by Rob Bell) really does win. He applies this beautifully to marriage, not only calling husbands and wives to stay married (as if that exhausts the Christian’s calling in marriage), but to live in love for each other (see especially chapter 18).  Stirring is Rev. Langerak’s call to the believer to recognize the beauty of love, personifying love as the most beautiful of women, so that the believer will live in that love. Chapter 31 is basically a profound explanation of the so-called Reformed world-and-life.

Probably the most moving applications in the book are the words of comfort that Rev. Langerak speaks to the believer’s heart. Rev. Langerak believes in salvation by God’s sovereign grace alone. This truth is precious to him, and it is evident that he is committed to preaching this truth to the congregation of Crete PR Church (these chapters are based on a series of sermons that Rev. Langerak preached to the congregation). He clearly understands that without this truth he would have no truth and no comfort to bring to God’s people in his preaching or writing. But because of his conviction of the certainty of salvation by sovereign grace (any other kind of salvation is necessarily uncertain) Rev. Langerak is able drive to home the assurance of salvation in variety of powerful ways. I quote one brief section (my favorite) as an example of Rev. Langerak’s skill in this regard. Before I give the quotation I note that it is from a chapter entitled “Nike.” I note this as an example of how fresh and attention-grabbing (in a good sense) Rev. Langerak is in his exposition of scripture. Imagine how eager the young people of the congregation must have been to hear an explanation of why the sermon title is the brand name of a well-known shoe company! But now the comforting quotation:

The chapter title is the Greek word for victory: nike. It is pronounced nee-kay. Nike means victory, and victory is winning.

Love wins. That is what love does. That is what the Bible says about love in the Song of Songs, the greatest song ever written, the song on love. “Love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it” (Song 8:6). This is the Old Testament parallel to the apostle’s teaching in his ode to love in 1 Corinthians 13, where he says in verse 13 that love abides. Love abides through the fall, through all of history, through the cross, through all sins, through death and the grave, through the end of the world, and through all the endless years of eternity (emphasis added). God will never tire of his people in eternity. Love abides.

Abiding, love wins. Nike.

Non-Protestant Reformed readers may find some subjects Rev. Langerak references to be unfamiliar. They will almost certainly find sections that challenge their beliefs. Perhaps they will find Rev. Langerak’s tone off-putting in some instances. But the challenge for them will be to examine whether Rev. Langerak has accurately explained what the Spirit says to the churches. And if he has, regardless of tone, they must subject themselves and their beliefs to the word of God.

Protestant Reformed readers may also find that they do not agree with or even appreciate everything Rev. Langerak has to say. He does not shy from making sharp (some might say controversial) applications. He speaks with the conviction that he is expounding the truth of scripture and not bringing merely his own opinion. In some instances the reader may disagree. For example, I anticipate that some will challenge some of the things that he has to say about NAPARC. But let such a reader yet be thankful for this commentary for its stimulating instruction in doctrine and life and that overall the teachings of this book are in harmony with the “faith once delivered to the saints.” And let the focus not be on a few areas of disagreement but on the overall message to believe with all of one’s heart in Jesus Christ and so “walk in the way of love.”