In 950 pages—one chapter for every chapter of Genesis—the author shares a rich collection of facts and insights that he gathered over a thirty-year period from his own personal Bible study and from a variety of other disciplines. From natural history to biblical word studies, Rev. Harbach weaves a most interesting narrative, all undergirded with his belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. As one reviewer put it, the author “had the believer, not the learned doctors of theology in mind.” This work will make a most rewarding companion volume to your Bible the next time you read through Genesis. It is well documented with footnotes and an extensive bibliography. A subject index is included as well.

STUDIES IN THE BOOK OF GENESIS by Robert C. Harbach (reviewed by Prof. H. Hanko)

In my Seminary days I studied with Rev. Harbach under the instruction of Revs. Hoeksema and Ophoff. Over the years in the ministry he has been an esteemed colleague and it is with a sense of grief that I see his active ministry brought to a close by retirement. In a certain sense, this commentary by Rev. Harbach is a continuation of his ministry in our churches and his labours of love to believers throughout the world who love the Reformed faith. We are thankful that it has been published and wish to commend the congregation of Grandville for undertaking this work. It will be of abiding value for all those who love the Scriptures and who know that the Reformed faith is the truth of Scripture.

It is impossible, of course, to review the book in detail. But Rev. Harbach has made the study of the book of Genesis a project which spanned many years. His commentary on this book is not, therefore, hastily thrown together, but is the culmination of many years of thoughtful study and prayer, and has undergone the testing of societies and Bible classes which Rev. Harbach has led. It is a book which gives evidence of much thoughtful contemplation of the divine text.

As far as the format is concerned, a few things may be said. It is a detailed (though never tedious) and faithful exposition of the text itself and shows the author’s commitment to the truth of inerrant inspiration. It is interspersed with graphs, charts, quotations from other writers and from various poets. It has several notes on various doctrinal questions which arise out of the text which are, in themselves, important and interesting. At the end it contains an appendix which deals with the unbelief of higher criticism, especially applied to this book.

When the book is reprinted, I would suggest a couple of changes in format which would, I think, enhance the value of it. There is a certain lack of uniformity in format which, if corrected, would make the book better. For example, the first part of the book deals with the text verse by verse; the second part is written in more essay-type form. Sometimes the author includes, a long list of questions at the end of his discussion of a chapter; other times he does not. Sometimes a chapter begins with the author’s own translation of the passage; other times it does not. Perhaps these inconsistencies in format are the result of a long period of labour, but they ought to be changed in future printings.

The book is scholarly, thorough, and very interesting reading. It gives evidence of a wide range of learning in many fields and demonstrates clearly the terrible error of vicious higher and destructive criticism, something sorely needed in our day. It is written by a man who is not only deeply committed to the Reformed faith, but who is not averse to setting forth the Reformed faith over against those who deny it. It is, in a good sense, polemical.

Rev. Harbach comes from a different ecclesiastical tradition than that of the Dutch Reformed faith. To me this is one of the strengths of the book. Because of our upbringing, we are sometimes not as aware of ecclesiastical currents outside our Churches as we would like to be. Rev. Harbach, speaking from a different background, has something to say to us which we ought to hear. And he has not lost his ability to speak to others outside our own tradition in a way which we cannot. I find this refreshing and enriching.

While the commentary goes into various technical questions of Hebrew grammar and syntax, as well as various scientific questions which arise out of the attacks on the historicity of Genesis 1-11, it is never written in such a way that it lies beyond the understanding of all God’s people. Rev. Harbach had the believer, not learned doctors of theology, in mind when he wrote the book. All our readers, therefore, ought to have a copy in their libraries, not only to support the work of Grandville Church, but also to enrich their own understanding of this important book of the Bible.

Book 1 – Genesis through I Samuel (347 pp. Softback, £14.00)
Book 2 – II Samuel through Malachi (195 pp. Softback, £8.00)
Book 3 – Intertestamentary Period through Acts (204 pp. Softback, £8.00)
Workbooks (2 – 57 pp., 3 – 56 pp. Softback, £4.00 each)

Suffer Little Children is a series of three teacher manuals for grades 1, 2, and 3 with student workbooks to accompany Books 2 and 3. The material was written to provide unity and continuity to Bible curriculum in Christian schools.

There are five divisions in the teacher manual lessons. They are:
1. Background and introduction
2. Lesson material in semi-outline form
3. Point(s) to remember
4. Memory work of a text that states the central theme of the lesson
5. An enrichment activity, usually interdisciplinary, in art, music, or science.

Instruction is centred around Bible stories. Vocabulary fits the child’s level, and abstract concepts, such as grace, repentance, and faith, are explained and made concrete for the students’ understanding by using examples or picture-words.

Book 1 contains 125 lessons, designed to be taught at the rate of four lessons a week with a fifth school day devoted to review, testing, or supplemental activities. The amount of material is too much to be covered in one week, but because there are only 125 lessons, the teacher may proceed slowly and still finish the manual in one year.

Starting with Grade 2, student workbooks stress review of the facts of the lessons and make use of puzzles, filling in blanks, colour-cues, maps, charts, and some work directly from Scripture.

The author draws from her extensive experience as an instructor of children. she gives in the general introduction to the series in Book 1 a basis and approach to teaching Scripture, as well as the implications of a Christian worldview, and a number of practical tips concerning the art of story-telling, of asking questions, and of using visual aids. It can be profitably read by school teachers, parents, and Sunday school teachers. The curriculum is adaptable for Sunday school lessons.

“Thanks to solid Dutch Calvinism, your children are expected to learn something … Delightful, easy to use … No hype or tinsel, and definitely none of this wretched pandering to self-esteem” (Mary Pride, Big Book of Home Learning).

“We did find the children’s curriculum [Suffer Little Children and Show Me Thy Ways] very helpful. Thanks a lot!” – Lincolnshire, England

This alphabet book is a beautiful collection of Bible passages, short rhymes and detailed illustrations designed to teach young children of their heavenly Father’s almighty power and His faithfulness to fulfil the promises He makes to them as children of His covenant. Use this book to instruct your children in the truths of salvation for all of God’s people and especially His littlest lambs.

“Share this lovely ABC book with your youngest children. Mrs. Meyer’s colorful, detailed illustrations please the eyes; her simple, rhyming verses gratify the ears; and the selected scripture texts delight the soul. What better way to introduce our little ones to the alphabet than with the word of him who is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last?” — Sarah Mowery, children’s and youth literature reviewer for Perspectives in Covenant Education.

“The vicarious suffering of the Lord must occupy a central place in the consciousness of faith and in the preaching of the gospel. On the death and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ depend all of salvation.” So states the author of these powerful meditations on the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, giving us all the reason we need to read them and digest them, to believe on the Christ presented in them and magnify the God of our salvation whose work is set forth in them. (The 13 chapters of this book were originally published as part of Herman Hoeksema’s longer work, When I Survey.)

Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Then for three hours nothing was heard. No other utterance was heard from the cross until almost the end. A hush had fallen on the crowd of spectators. No more jeering and mockery was heard.

The people realized somehow that there was far more being done than their evil work. The cross had been taken out of their hands. It had become God’s cross. Already they began to feel that God had come down in his anger to execute judgment on a wicked world, and they prepared to leave that dreadful spectacle, smiting their breasts in despair.

The trial was over, and the hour of execution had come.
 

“Hoeksema unfolds the sovereign workings of the triune God through his Son and by his Spirit before and at the cross of Calvary, in judgment and in salvation.”—Charles Terpstra in the foreword to the second edition.

Joel R. Beeke: “The best one-volume twentieth-century work [on Christ’s sufferings] is Herman Hoeksema, When I Survey …  A single, basic theme underlies each of six sections that were originally published as books of radio messages (1943-56) titled The Amazing Cross, The Royal Sufferer, The Power of the Cross, Rejected of Men, Jesus in the Midst, and Man of Sorrows” (in Joel R. Beeke and Sinclair B. Ferguson [eds.], Reformed Confessions Harmonized [Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1999], p. 259).

BOOK REVIEW

So much that is being published these days on Lenten themes is superficial and misleading. Too often the stress is laid on the external aspects of our Lord’s passion, as if the things that matter most about the Christ on the cross are His “manliness”, “heroism,” “patience under tremendous strain,” etc. In not a few Lenten books the cross of our Savior is presented as something to be described rather than expounded. There is a lot of sentimentalism printed about Calvary that is thoroughly unbiblical.

Here is a book that goes to the heart of the real Lenten theme. Part I deals with the relation between our Lord’s sufferings and such truths as God’s judgment of the world, His judgment of the Church and the Political World-power. Part II is an excellent exposition of our Savior’s obedience. The chapter on Gethsemane, entitled “Before the Gates of Hell” is exceptionally good.

The title of the book is exceedingly appropriate. The author has exalted the amazing grace of our amazing Redeemer who died an amazing death, that by His amazing resurrection from the dead we might preach an amazing Gospel.

Rev. Leonard Greenway
Grand Rapids, Michigan

An orthodox commentary on the confession, that is, one that is in wholehearted accord with the teachings of the confession, and resolutely faithful to them, will be profitable to Reformed Christians and churches in the twenty-first century, not only for invaluable instruction in the Reformed faith, but also for the maintenance and defense of Reformed orthodoxy.

Founded on holy scripture, the Belgic Confession determines sound doctrine for Reformed churches and believers. This doctrine is rich, lovely, and powerful. The confession also authoritatively exposes contemporary heresies. As they read this commentary which proclaims the doctrine and authority of the confession, all believers who love the Reformed faith will be faithfully guided in the truth of the “old paths.”

Volume one covers Articles 1-21 of the Belgic Confession.

Listen to an interview of Prof. Engelsma about the Belgic Confession and his commentary.

“I’m enjoying the commentary on the Belgic Confession of Faith by Engelsma.” – England

With the publication of volume 2 is completed a full-scale, Reformed commentary on the Belgic Confession, of which there are only a few in English today. This book is not a summary of the Confession, nor a compilation of sermons loosely based on the Confession, but a commentary. It explains the Confession, article by article, doctrine by doctrine. Volume 2 begins with the Confession’s opening article on the doctrine of salvation, continues with the Confession’s lengthy treatment of the doctrine of the church and concludes with the Confession’s explanation of the doctrine of the last things—eschatology. Volume 2 covers Articles 22-37 of the Belgic Confession and includes indexes for both volumes.

Listen to an interview of Prof. Engelsma about the Belgic Confession and his commentary.

An excerpt of this book has been translated into Hungarian.

Analyses and answers to K. W. Stebbin’s “Christ Freely Offered.”  It can also be read on-line.

This revised third edition is the accepted standard for the interpretation and application of the Church Order of Dordrecht by Reformed believers, churches and denominations. This weighty and time-tested commentary instructs us today on the need for biblical church polity and principled consistency in church government.

This book preview contains the table of contents and prefaces, as well as the exposition of the first two articles of the Church Order of Dordrecht.

The truth central to all eschatology is the second coming of Jesus Christ itself, what the Greek of the New Testament promises as the parousia, literally the presence (of our Saviour). All the other aspects of the biblical doctrine of the coming of Jesus are subordinate to this coming, either as leading to it, accompanying it or proceeding from it. Therefore, the proper subtitle of this second volume of The Church’s Hope: The Reformed Doctrine of the End is The Coming of Christ.

The coming of Christ Jesus, with all that is related to it, will be the “end.” Such is Jesus’ own description of his coming in Matthew 24:14: “And then shall the end come,” which might be paraphrased, “And then shall the goal be reached.” The coming of Christ, with all that precedes and follows, is the goal of God, not only with the events of the last days but also of all history. All the events belonging strictly to the last things, all the history of the New Testament church, all the history of the world beginning with its creation, and all the doctrines of the Christian faith have the coming, or presence, of Jesus Christ as their goal.

This is the importance of the content of this volume.

This is why the outstanding promise of the gospel is that uttered by Jesus himself: “I come quickly” (Rev. 22:12). This is why the fundamental prayer of the church is, in response, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).

Here are the contents of volume 2 of The Church’s Hope: The Reformed Doctrine of the End:

Introduction
1. The Precursory Signs
2. The Unimportant Date of Revelation
3. The Sign of the Preaching of the Gospel
4. Apostasy
5. The Sign of Antichrist
6. Identity of Antichrist
7. Antichrist-Related Events
8. The Parousia
9. The Resurrection of the Dead
10. The Final Judgment
11. The Final State
Epilogue
Index

“Please send me volume 2 of The Church’s Hope: The Reformed Doctrine of the End. I am really looking forward to reading vol. 2, as vol. 1 was a great blessing.” – England 

A chapter of this book can be read in Polish.

The Christian’s hope is the visible, bodily, glorious return of the Lord Jesus on the clouds of heaven ushering in the resurrection of the body, the public vindication of the Triune God, His Christ and His people at the last judgment, and the everlasting enjoyment of covenant fellowship with the Saviour in the new creation.

David J. Engelsma writes on eschatology in the service of the church’s hope. This volume treats the magnificent subjects of the intermediate state and the millennium. The bulk of this book is devoted to a rigorous analysis of the latter, with a vigorous defence of Reformed amillennialism. Especially thorough is Engelsma’s critique of postmillennialism, which he rightly sees as a threat to Reformed churches. Both postmillennialism and dispensational premillennialism subvert the church’s hope, for postmillennialism fixes the believer’s hope on a golden age within history in which the church will be dominant—a carnal victory—and dispensationalism proclaims a fictitious rapture, which will snatch the church out of the world in order that God can fulfil His program in history with the Jews keeping the ceremonial law in the land of Israel for 1,000 literal years. Both views not only misdirect the church’s hope but also leave her unprepared for the future.

As Engelsma demonstrates, the last things—centrally the coming of Christ—are the purpose and goal of all the revelation of God in Scripture, from beginning to end. This book will encourage the believer as he or she heeds our Lord’s instruction regarding His return: “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Pet. 1:13).

“I’m enjoying Engelsma’s first volume about reformed eschatology and the confusion caused by the various millennial theories, its exponents and champions. This is a great resource. I am looking forward to the second volume.” – W. Midlands, England

Excerpts from this book can be read in Urdu.

Former missionary-pastor in the CPRC, Rev. Ron Hanko’s The Coming of Zion’s Redeemer is a commentary on the last three books of the Old Testament: Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

These prophecies, though not always easy to understand, are as much needed today as when they were inspired. Written for those living at the end of the Old Testament and looking forward to the first coming of Christ, they speak with authority and promise to those who are looking forward to the second coming of Christ and who live near the end of this present age. Though Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi are very different in style, they have a unity of theme and purpose in Christ, the great king, priest and prophet of His people.

Follow Rev. Hanko through the four prophecies of Haggai on “the desire of all nations;” the seven visions, three stories and two burdens of Zechariah on “the priest upon the throne;” and the six disputations of Malachi on “the messenger of the covenant.”

“The Coming of Zion’s Redeemer is the best OT commentary I have. It is beautifully finished and I loved every page of it.” – N. Ireland

“I’m very much enjoying Ronald Hanko’s The Coming of Zion’s Redeemer.” – England

This definitive, hardback book is a wonderful tool for reading and studying the Three Forms of Unity, the four main ecumenical creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Chalcedonian, and Athanasian), the Church Order of Dordt, various Reformed Forms, and the Declaration of Principles which contains quotations from the Reformed creeds on God’s unconditional covenant with His elect in Jesus Christ. A harmony with cross references between the Belgic Confession (1561), the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) and the Canons of Dordt (1618-1619) is provided, and the Scripture proof texts to these Reformed creeds are quoted in full. This attractive work comes complete with introductions to the creeds and indices of words, doctrines, and Scripture.

This book can be read on-line in pdf file format.

To order in N. America, please contact the Protestant Reformed Seminary

“Thank you for sending me the Confessions and Church Order book. I was getting it particularly for the services, baptism and communion, but it has already been such a blessing having all the Bible references for the Heidelberg Catechism printed out. I’ve studied the first six Lord’s Days and will continue now. It is such a great help!” – Yorkshire, England

“[The Confessions & Church Order book] is a brilliant resource. Thank you!” – England

The Confessions and the Church Order of the Protestant Reformed Churches. Published by the Protestant Reformed Churches in America, 431 pp. (hardcover). [Reviewed by Prof. Russell Dykstra.]

The long anticipated study edition of the confessions and church order is off the press and now available. This is a significant and valuable book for those who love and honour the Reformed confessions, the Reformed liturgical forms, and the church order of Dordt.

The preface of the book recounts the history of its coming into existence. Back in 1995, the synod of the PRC “went on record as favouring” the concept of a study edition of the confessions. Various subsequent synods decided on the content until in 2005, the synod gave final approval.

This book gives evidence of a tremendous amount of work—good work—by the catechism committee, Mr. Fred Hanko, and still others who assisted in the formatting of the book (some of this latter work I witnessed taking place at the computer of Mrs. Don Doezema). The result of this careful work is a fine product.

The book contains the three main creeds of the Reformed churches of the Netherlands tradition—the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dordrecht—commonly called the Three Forms of Unity. It also includes the ancient creeds (Apostles, Nicene, Athanasian, and Chalcedon). Each of these seven creeds has its own introduction, briefly explaining the history and significance of the creed.

Also included in the book are liturgical forms largely formulated by the Reformed churches in the Netherlands (most of them in the Reformation era). The Protestant Reformed Churches still utilize these forms with only minor adaptations. Included are such forms (ten in all) as the Form for the Administration of Baptism, the Lord’s Supper form, and various ordination forms, plus two more—the document entitled “Consolation of the Sick,” and the “Formula of Subscription.”

Additionally, this study edition includes the Church Order used by the PRC (with an index), and the Declaration of Principles.

Thus this book brings together the documents found in the back of the Psalter and the “green Church Order book” used in the PRC. That combination all by itself would make it a valuable book.

However, it is the painstaking work of indexing that gives the book its major, significant value as a study edition of the creeds. The confessions have four different kinds of indices. The first is a harmony of the Three Forms, useful for determining, for instance, that the doctrine of Lord’s Day 16, Q. & A. 44 (Christ’s descent into hell) is also discussed in the Belgic Confession Article 21 and in the Canons, Head II, Articles 2-4.

The second is a doctrine index (which includes the ancient creeds and the Three Forms, as do the next two indices) divided according to the Reformed systemization of doctrine, namely, six divisions (called loci)—Theology, Anthropology, etc. Very useful.

The third index to the creeds is a rather complete (forty-five page) word index. From this one can quickly learn where in these confessions the concept “children” is discussed, or “works,” or “free will,” and many others.

The fourth index to the creeds is a Scripture index listing where in the creeds various texts are quoted, expounded, or used as proofs for particular doctrines. It could be noted that the proof texts of the three Reformed creeds are given in full in footnotes to the creeds themselves.

It is an impressive work. But there is more.

There are three indices to the liturgical forms—a doctrinal index, a word index (thirty-five pages), and a Scripture index as well.

The only document not indexed is the Declaration of Principles, probably because it is not a creed.

The one concern I have is with the Scripture references attached to the various articles of the Belgic Confession. A significant matter is whether the texts are valid as proof texts for the articles to which they are attached. That in turn depends on whether or not the Reformed church adopted these texts in the past. The Synod of Dordt adopted the Three Forms, including the Belgic Confession. However, solid evidence exists that while the Synod adopted the Heidelberg Catechism with proof texts, it deliberately adopted the Belgic Confession without Scripture references.* For this reason there is no agreed-upon body of Scripture references to the Confession. For the most part, the references in the study edition seem to be accurate. However, Psalm 33:17 (“An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.”) is given as a reference to the truth that the Spirit proceeds from the Father, obviously an incorrect reference. There may be others. I suggest that the Catechism Book Committee study this further, at the least to clarify the status of the Scripture references in future editions.

Doubtless there will be mistakes found, typos identified, etc, but this copy has no obvious mistakes that I could find.

This hardcover study edition is a real bargain—available for cost—at $9. The binding is of excellent quality. It is also attractive.

But for all that, it is worthless unless it is used in harmony with its purpose—a study edition of the confessions. Teens, parents, grandparents, office-bearers—all of us can profit from the diligent use of it. Consistories may well want to obtain a supply of the books, for easy examination and purchase by members of their congregations. The Reformed confessions are a precious heritage, but are too often neglected. There is great personal, spiritual profit in reading and studying these documents. With publication of this study edition, access to the content of the creeds became easier. Let’s study!

Reformed theologian David J. Engelsma contends for Calvinism against one of the gravest threats to Reformed Christianity since the Synod of Dordt in the early seventeenth century. The threat is the denial not only of justification by faith alone, but also of all the doctrines of grace. Like the Arminians heresy, the contemporary attack on the Reformed faith comes from within. It is found in those Reformed and Presbyterian churches that still claim adherence to the Reformation creeds. Those who launch the attack occupy pulpits and seminary chairs in these reputedly conservative churches.

What makes the attack especially dangerous is that it consists of a development of a doctrine of the covenant that is popular in Reformed and Presbyterian churches. The newest form of the age-old attack on the gospel of salvation by sovereign grace is covenant doctrine. It called itself the “federal vision,” that is, “covenant vision.”

The Covenant of God and the Children of Believers defends the Reformed faith against the current attack by exposing the doctrine of the covenant from which the attack arises. This is something that few, if any, of the opponents of the federal visions have done. At the same time, the book sets forth the doctrine of the covenant that safeguards and promotes the gospel of sovereign grace, demonstrating that this covenant doctrine is biblical, confessional, and traditionally Reformed.

Since the controversy centres around the inclusion of the children of believers in the covenant, this book emphasizes the rightful place of children in the covenant of grace and the proper rearing of them. These are truths of the greatest practical importance for godly parents, as also for Reformed churches and Christian schools. Consideration of the inclusion of children in the covenant enables the author to distinguish the covenant views of the Protestant Reformed Churches, Baptists, the Netherlands Reformed Congregations, and the Canadian Reformed Churches (“liberated”). Leading representatives of these churches and traditions join in the discussion.

An entire chapter is devoted to the comfort of godly parents at the death of infant children.

All those who are concerned about the contemporary controversy over justification, as well as those who simply have an interest in the covenant of God with the children of believers, will benefit from this book.

“I find The Covenant of God and the Children of Believers very helpful and insightful … here in the Netherlands this topic leads to a lot of ‘views’ of which many are not (biblically) precise. But what is even more disturbing is the lack of want for discernment. In so-called Reformed circles among church councils, lay men and certain denominational institutions, they seem to be more busy with ecumenical efforts than standing for the truth once delivered to the saints.” – The Netherlands

“I am going back through The Covenant of God and Children of Believers now. It is a great book. I was listening earlier to Prof. Engelsma’s question and answer session after his speech against the Federal Vision heresy and I am glad to know that the PRC understand that with marriage being a picture of Christ and his church, it is therefore a picture of God’s unconditional covenant and therefore marriage reflects this.” – England

“Another precious jewel of Prof Engelsma.” – Namibia

Click here to read a review of this book.
Click here to read a review of this book in the British Reformed Journal.
Click here to read a review of this book in the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal.

To read chapters of this book in Italian, click here.
To read chapter 2 of this book in Spanish, click here.
To read the Dutch translation of the book, click here.
Appendix 4, “Sovereign Grace in the Sights of the ‘Federal Vision’” can be read in Portuguese and in Russian.

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

Is Scripture man’s word or God’s word? This book develops the truth of the infallible inspiration of Scripture, presenting Scripture as God’s inerrant word and our authority for faith and life. The author directs the reader to the Reformed confessions and to Scripture itself, providing a clear understanding of this fundamental doctrine.

Contents:
1. The Basic Principle
2. Scripture’s Self-Testimony, the Principles
3. Scripture’s Self-Testimony Through the Prophecies and Fulfillment of Christ’s Coming
4. Scripture’s Self-Testimony: Scriptural Conclusion
5. Does Scripture Have a Human Element?
6. The Consequence of Conceding a Human Element in Scripture
7. Organic Inspiration

The Doctrine of Scripture, by Homer C. Hoeksema. 93pp. [Reviewed by Prof. R. Decker.]

The contents of this little volume were prepared by Prof. Hoeksema for an elective class in the Protestant Reformed Seminary. The class was intended to introduce the students to “Contemporary Views of Scripture.” The material found in this book was really an introduction, a positive statement of the doctrine of Holy Scripture. Prof. Hoeksema was taken to glory before he had opportunity to complete the work. 

Hoeksema answers this question: “What has been historically, and what is now, the Reformed and confessional view of Scripture?” It is Hoeksema’s contention that this question must first be answered, before any critical analysis of contemporary views of Scripture can be properly done. 

The reader will find in this book a treatment of the doctrine of Scripture as taught in the Reformed Creeds. He will also find detailed treatment of “Scripture’s Self-Testimony.” In two very important chapters (5 & 6) Hoeksema argues convincingly that there is no “human factor” or “element” in the production of Holy Scripture. The book concludes with a comprehensive statement on the concept “Organic Inspiration.” 

We are convinced that the key doctrine under attack in our day is the doctrine of Holy Scripture itself. For this reason the book is must reading for seminarians, office-bearers, Christian school teachers, and all believers. It will provide the Reformed believer with the necessary, foundational understanding of this crucial truth. Thus the believer will be enabled to evaluate the false views of Scripture so prevalent in our day.

A comprehensive look at marriage as the principal pillar of church and society.

Contents
1. Marriage: God’s Good Creation
2. Marriage: A Beautiful Reflection
3. The Single Life: Good!
4. Sexual Purity, For Christ’s Sake (Hungarian)
5. Husbands, Love Your Wives
6. Wives, Be Subject to Your Husbands
7. Sex in Marriage
8. Children: Heritage of the Lord  (German)
9. Parental Love  (German)
10. Honour Required of Children
11. God’s Will Concerning Divorce  (Italian)
12. God’s Will Concerning Remarriage  (Italian)  (Portuguese)
13. Family Worship

This book can also be read on-line.

“I just finished reading ‘The Family: Foundations Are Shaking’ which I found excellent.” – the Netherlands

CONTENTS

Foreword
Chapter 1: The History of Calvinism
Chapter 2: Unconditional Election
Chapter 3: Particular Redemption
Chapter 4: Total Depravity
Chapter 5: Irresistible Grace
Chapter 6: The Perseverance of Saints
About the British Reformed Fellowship

FOREWORD

“The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein” (Ps. 111:2). This touches upon our heart: in what do we take pleasure?

Jehovah’s works centre in His salvation of His church in Jesus Christ: glorious works wrought before the foundation of the world, at the cross of Calvary and in the hearts and lives of His people.

This is the calling and delight of the saints: to seek to understand these works. In this wonderful activity, all of God’s faithful children are occupied, for Jehovah’s works are “sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.”

This book is written to help God’s people in their delightful calling to search out and study the wonderful works of the Triune God.

Its authors, Profs. David Engelsma and Herman Hanko, have between them spent almost 100 years in the Christian ministry extolling and magnifying “the God of all grace” (I Pet. 5:10) and His “so great salvation” (Heb. 2:3), in preaching and polemics, in catechising and counselling, in lecturing and writing. Between them, they have authored or edited some 20 books, including the previous publication of the British Reformed Fellowship (BRF), Keeping God’s Covenant.

The six chapters of The Five Points of Calvinism were originally the six main speeches at the ninth biennial British Reformed Fellowship Family Conference at Cloverley Hall, Shropshire, England, in 2006. This little book proclaims the doctrines of grace, both warmly and antithetically, and with deep scriptural penetration. It draws upon a wealth of historical and creedal material, especially the Canons of Dordt (1618-1619), the original Five Points of Calvinism. Here is robust, unashamed and uncompromising Calvinism which is also deeply personal and moving, calling the saints to love, confess and promote “the true grace of God” in Christ Jesus (I Pet. 5:12).

Reader, the biblical truth of God’s sovereign grace is near you, even in a book in your hand; you do not need to descend into the depths of the sea, encompassed with seaweed, and be swallowed by a great fish, like Jonah, to learn that “Salvation is of the Lord”—all of it (Jonah 2:10)!

This book is sent forth “to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved” (Eph. 1:6), that we might grow in gratitude and worship Him for His great work of saving us in Jesus Christ.

Rev. Angus Stewart
BRF Chairman

FREE E-BOOK: PDF
To order in N. America, please contact Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee

“I just read this publication and I deeply agree with authors: ‘The real heat of the battle is right at the point of the sovereignty of God in the work of salvation‘ (p. 4). In our church, we´re unfortunately concentrating on current, and mostly practical, issues. But do we meditate on these central doctrines and preach/teach them? The answer is: No. May God forgive us! This book led me to a confession of our sin: We´ve forgotten what is absolutely crucial in our  lives. Thank you for this excellent book!” – Czechia

To read this whole book in Indonesian, click here.
This whole book is available in Polish: Foreword, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, About the BRF.
This whole book is also available in audiobook in Polish.
This whole book is available in Spanish: Foreword, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, About the BRF.
To buy this whole book in a Spanish hardcopy, click here.

John Calvin wrote in his commentary on Galatians 5:22 about the fruit of the Spirit,

There have often appeared in unrenewed men remarkable instances of gentleness, integrity, temperance, and generosity; but it is certain that all were but specious disguises. Curius and Fabrieius were distinguished for courage, Cato for temperance, Scipio for kindness and generosity, Fabius for patience; but it was only in the sight of men, and as members of civil society, that they were so distinguished. In the sight of God nothing is pure but what proceeds from the fountain of all purity.

Richard Smit explains positively this wonderful fruit:

… the Spirit produces in his living branches this delightful, covenantal fruit. A heavenly and spiritual sweetness and goodness characterize and permeate the whole fruit. Yet, the Spirit shows us in Galatians 5:22-23 that this one fruit has many distinct sections, which in their own unique way are filled with the spiritually delicious sweetness and goodness of the Spirit … That is the fruit that is delightfully tasty to our Father in heaven and also to our fellow saints upon earth who see and taste this fruit and are consequently delighted by it (pp. 16, 17).

This beautiful paperback of 155 pages, suitable for young and old, discusses the nine aspects of this sweet fruit of the Spirit (found in Galatians 5:22-23) that proceed from that fountain, Christ, and which by His Spirit He works in His saints. The book encourages branches of believers and their seed unto a life of good fruit-bearing.

New author Richard J. Smit first wrote about the fruit of the Spirit in a series of articles that appeared in the Standard Bearer and now appear in book form in this new publication. Rev. Smit has served as a pastor in several churches in the Protestant Reformed Churches in Canada and America. He has also served as a missionary to the Philippines twice, ministering for over a decade to the saints there, to whom his book Fruit of the Spirit is dedicated.

The following review was written by Ava Langerak on the book The Fruit of the Spirit of Jesus Christ by Richard J. Smit (Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing, 2012). This review was originally published in the August 2023 issue of The Grandville Gleaner.

The author, Richard J. Smit, starts the book by laying out the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and temperance. Next, he draws attention to the fact that the fruit is not simply produced by us but instead by the outstanding work of Christ, by the Spirit, in and through us. 

The author takes the time to explain each different fruit in its own chapter, explaining how that individual fruit is worked in us by Christ and how we can continue to exercise and enjoy that fruit in our walk of faith with Christ. The author also quotes from Scripture to provide the basis behind what each chapter teaches you.

He then ends each chapter with a list of questions to make you pause and reflect and in turn take time to make sure you understand the chapter. These 5-6 questions ending each chapter cause the reader to process what they just read about instead of just looking over the words. They test their understanding, with some questions being simple and others tat the reader must take time to think about.

The whole book is only 155 pages separated into 11 short chapters making it easy to read. The book is clear enough in its explanations that most readers can read it and understand what it is teaching. This book is great for personal use to learn of the wonderful fruit of the Spirit and all of their different aspects that can be seen in a Christian’s way of life.

“My son has been ploughing through the book first, and he’s trawling through it slowly. He’s finding the book very rewarding and challenging. So the book is very encouraging.” – Cornwall, England

“I have needed the challenge of The Fruit of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” – Yorkshire, England

“I can’t thank you enough for The Fruit of the Spirit of Jesus Christ book. What a privilege it is to be blessed every time I read from it.” – England

This short book is a careful study of the profound and rich tenth chapter of the Gospel of John. A masterful exposition, it combines the elements of instruction, devotion, comfort, exhortation and controversy. Glorious Christian doctrines (with which the chapter is filled) are clearly and winsomely explained and applied—incarnation, atonement, predestination, the eternal Godhead of Jesus and more. Common misunderstandings are cleared up, e.g., that the shepherd of verse 2 is Jesus Himself. Sharp warning is directed against threats to the church in the present day particularly the presence of pastors and “evangelists” who refuse to enter the sheepfold by the door and who are mere hirelings.

CONTENTS

1. Christ the Sheepfold Door
2. True and False Shepherds
3. The Good Shepherd
4. The Good Shepherd’s Other Sheep
5. The Father Loves the Son
6. Jesus’ Enemies Divided
7. Jesus Refuting Encircling Enemies
8. My Sheep
9. The Sheep’s Security
10. Jesus One With the Father

To order in N. America, please contact Grandville Protestant Reformed Church.

This book can also be read on-line.

This is an excellent, little book, covering the key elements in the meaning and mode of baptism. What is the meaning of the Greek word baptizo? What are the baptisms in Hebrews 9:10 and how were these Old Testament ceremonial cleansings performed according to the Pentateuch? How was Christ baptized and what is the idea of His baptism? What was the mode of baptism with the Spirit on the day of Pentecost? What is baptism “into Christ”? Is it by immersion followed by emersion? Or is it (abiding) union with our Lord Jesus? The latter pages of Adam’s fine book give additional support for his argument and clear up several objections.

This is a refreshing and convincing read especially because it is so biblical. You don’t need a knowledge of the Greek classics in order to understand baptism! Instead, Adams gives us solid exegesis of God’s Word, shedding fresh light on many passages. Heartily recommended!