The great Synod of Dordrecht (1618-1619) resolved the Arminian controversy that raged in the Dutch Reformed churches at the end of the sixteenth century. The Canons of Dordrecht are the articles drawn up by the synod setting forth and defending the doctrines of sovereign grace (also called the five points of Calvinism) over against the Arminian heresies of free will, partial depravity, conditional election, resistible grace and universal, ineffectual atonement.

The Voice of Our Fathers is the best English commentary on this historic Reformed confession. An invaluable feature of the book is its introduction, which acquaints the reader with the history and the intrigues of the Arminians surrounding the Synod of Dordt.

In a day when the heart-warming, biblical truths taught in the Canons are being challenged in Reformed circles, this book will be a great service to any who are concerned to preserve the sovereignty of God’s grace by establishing them more firmly in the faith.

A Scripture index is included.

“The reader will find here an illustration of how little the tactics of heretics have changed in the last three or four centuries … Anyone who desires a clear analysis of the deep doctrinal cleavage between pure Calvinism and the Arminianism that has perverted so much of what still calls itself Reformed theology can perhaps find no better guide than this commentary” (Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly).

“Homer C. Hoeksema’s The Voice of Our Fathers is the only thorough commentary on the Canons in English. The work includes corrections of the English translation of the Canons used by the Protestant Reformed Churches and other Reformed churches, from the original Latin. Examples are the wording of Canons III/IV:8 and the omission of an important line at the end of Canons III/IV:2. The book is also valuable for its historical introduction. The author gives an account of the historical occasion of the synod in the Arminian controversy, a brief description of the ‘great synod’ itself, and a reminder concerning the confessional status of the Canons as one of the creeds of Reformed churches. Two important appendixes give the semi-official history of the events leading up to the synod, and the opinions of the Arminian party on the five doctrines that we know as the ‘Five Points of Calvinism,’ or the ‘doctrines of grace.’ The semi-official history was published on the authority of the States General, the Prince of Orange, and the Synod of Dordt. It demonstrates the unscrupulous, deceptive behaviour of Arminius and his party from start to finish. Reading this history, no one will have any difficulty with President Bogerman’s righteously angry dismissal finally of the Arminian party, ‘You are dismissed. You began and ended with lies. Get out!’ The only surprising thing is that he had as much patience as he did” (Prof. David J. Engelsma, writing in a special edition of the Standard Bearer on the Synod of Dordt).

“I profited a great deal from Rev. Homer Hoeksema’s The Voice of our Fathers,  commentary on the Canons of Dordt. I used the book both as a study of the five points of Calvinism and as a devotional tool. First, I would read the article from the Canons of Dordt making my own notes. Then I would read the appropriate chapter in The Voice of our Fathers (about 6 to 10 pages), which would expose my own inadequate understanding.  My eyes were also opened to see that much of the modern evangelical church world accepts what is, in fact, false, and has been rejected by the church of the Reformation. This book should be read by all students of Christian doctrine very prayerfully and carefully” (Stephen Rushton, England).

“The Voice of our Fathers is an extremely valuable book. I actually am presently reading a copy which I purchased from a Christian bookstore in Sydney … I am now going through it for a second time.” – Australia

“This is an absolute gem of book. 10 stars!” – S. Wales

“Voice of Our Fathers is the only complete book (sure!) I can find about the Dordrecht Canons. For me is a little difficult but I am sure that I will read all by the grace of God. Here there is the true faith.” – Rome, Italy

Click here to read this book in Russian.
Click here to read an excerpt of this book in Portuguese.

“That we are saved by grace,” Herman Hoeksema states, “touches upon the very heart of the gospel.” Not surprisingly, then, salvation by grace has been the theme of the church’s worship and sermons right from its beginning.

Proceeding from the truth that the source of salvation is God’s sovereign, unchangeable and gracious election, the author demonstrates that all the other spiritual blessings of salvation are of grace. Salvation by grace is a wonderful work of the Almighty, an exclusively divine work in which man has no part and which does not depend on the work or will of man.

Chapters are devoted to reconciliation, union with Christ and regeneration by grace; calling, faith and justification by grace; conversion, sanctification and good works through grace; victory, assurance and glorification through grace. Salvation is by grace from beginning to end. Throughout, the author stresses that grace is a wonder.

Having been saved by grace and being new creatures in Christ Jesus by the almighty power of wondrous grace, “the sacred calling of believers … is to walk in good works,” thereby glorifying our heavenly Father. All of salvation is for “the glory of our wonderful God.” “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever” (Rom. 11:36).

In a day when men glory in their own accomplishments, the truth that salvation is of God alone is unpopular. Noted theologian Herman Hoeksema brings a fresh, biblical approach to this doctrine. For the believing reader, this message of salvation by God’s grace alone—from election, through reconciliation and regeneration, all the way through sanctification and suffering for Christ, to glorification—affords unspeakable comfort.

Chapters

1. The Idea of Salvation by Grace
2. Chosen by Grace
3. Reconciled by Grace
4. United With Christ by Grace
5. Regenerated by Grace
6. Called by Grace
7. Believing Through Grace
8. Justified by Grace
9. Converted by Grace
10. Working Out Our Salvation by Grace
11. Good Works Through Grace
12. Suffering Through Grace
13. Victory Through Grace
14. Assurance of Grace
15. Glorified Through Grace

FREE ON-LINE STUDY GUIDE by Kyle Bruinooge (teacher of New Testament and Worldviews at Covenant Christian High School)

Click here to read chapters of this book in Italian.
Chapter 5 and chapter 13 of this book can be read in Polish.
Chapter 1 and chapter 7 of this book can be read in Portuguese.

“I recently read the writing of Herman Hoeksema, The Wonder of Grace … the sheer joy that I find in my spirit to see our beautiful Saviour by the gracious and blessed Holy Spirit bringing in His Kingdom in our day.” – Lancashire, England

“The Wonder of Grace … is so very, very lovely and I am writing to ask you to kindly send a copy to two of my friends.” – England

Can believers and their children understand more about God’s covenant fellowship with His people if they have a better understanding of the inner, triune life of God in Himself? Does the life of Jesus Christ revealed in the Holy Scriptures help? What have Augustine, John Calvin, Karl Barth, Leonardo Boff and others offered on this topic? Trinity and Covenant: God as Holy Family by Professor David Engelsma answers these questions and more.

In the light of the profound insights of Augustine, following the lead of various theologians in the Reformed tradition, and on the basis of God’s Word, this book conceives the life of God in Himself as fundamentally family fellowship. The fellowship of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit determines the nature of God’s works in creating and redeeming humanity. The reader of this book will grow in the understanding of God’s covenant fellowship in Himself and with His people.

“I [just] finished reading Engelsma’s new book Trinity and Covenant, and I must say enthusiastically that it is a wonderful book! Very very beautiful! How true it is what Prof. Engelsma writes there! How much would every Reformed believer benefit from the explanations in that little book!” – Italy

“Trinity and Covenant is essential reading and truly worth it’s weight in gold.” – Somerset

“I found Trinity and Covenant very good … I’m really enjoying the [CPRC material] on baptism, the covenant, etc … It is a new dimension.” – W. Midlands

To read a review of this book in the Beacon Lights, click here.
To read a review of this book in the Standard Bearer, click here.
To read a review of this book in the British Reformed Journal, click here.

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

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

An examination of the doctrine of common grace as embodied in the “Three Points” of the Christian Reformed Church.  This book can also be read on-line.

To read this book on-line in Italian, click here.

An exposition of the Old Testament from a covenantal perspective. This is in an ongoing exposition: the first four volumes (covering Creation to the Conquest of Canaan) were authored by Prof. Homer C. Hoeksema. Volume 5 and 6 are authored by Prof. David J. Engelsma, who plans to write volume 7 as well.

“These very readable volumes are a veritable treasure store into which, when the believer dips, he will surely increase his spiritual wealth” (The Outlook).

“I have started Hoeksema’s Unfolding Covenant History. I have finished the first volume and am in the middle of the second. It is a work with very deep theology and a good and detailed overview of sacred history!” – Hungary

“Unfolding Covenant History is so well written—with clarity, depth and ‘liveliness’ (which I can only attribute to the Spirit of Christ in HCH [Homer Hoeksema] and DJE [David Engelsma])—it is a pleasure reading them. I find the folks who publish through RFPA the best of the theologians and writers.” – New York, USA

“I have been reading the first two volumes of the Unfolding Covenant History by the RFPA, and must say that I have enjoyed them immensely. I find the covenant theology of the PRC most compelling. – England

“Please send to me the third volume of Unfolding Covenant History. These books are certainly addictive as the review on the cover suggests!” – England

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

This book is a teacher’s manual that is designed for use with children ages 4-6 and can easily be used in a homeschool situation. Often teachers express a lack of confidence in teaching art, considering themselves untrained or untalented in this area. This curriculum was proposed exactly for this purpose: to give teachers direction in this often-intimidating subject. The lessons do not assume prior knowledge of art, so the teachers can learn the elements and principles along with the students.

Behold the Beauty is a treatment of art education from a Reformed, Calvinistic viewpoint. The lessons teach the elements of art: line, shape, texture, colour, value, and form and include instruction in putting these elements together. For each grade, there are twelve lessons, which are divided into six main subheads: Objective, Supplies, Vocabulary, Introduction, Directions and Variations. The book also includes student worksheets which can be copied.

The author, Connie Meyer, is married and the mother of four children. She has had a lifelong passion for good art and has an art education degree from Calvin College. She has led teacher seminars on art education and is a frequent author of articles in the Beacon Lights magazine, a young adult magazine.

From Creation to the Flood is the first volume in Unfolding Covenant History, a series that will include Old Testament history syllabi written by the late Professor Homer C. Hoeksema and additional syllabi being written by Professor David J. Engelsma, his successor as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament at the Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches.

Prior to the publication of this series, mainly seminarians were able to benefit from this valuable material. Recognizing the great potential for the edification and comfort to all of God’s people, the Reformed Free Publishing Association has undertaken the publication of this work in a series of hardcover volumes at the rate of approximately one per year under the editorship of Mark H. Hoeksema, Professor Hoeksema’s son.

The unique feature of these volumes, which distinguishes them from other such writings, is their emphasis on the theme of God’s covenant of grace as the unifying principle of Old Testament history and of the very gospel itself. The appreciation for this truth by the reader will grow during the unfolding of the meaning of the covenant as history progresses through the books of the Old Testament.

Volume I covers Genesis 1:1 through Genesis 6, a small portion of the scriptures, yet a period that encompasses 1,650 years of biblical history. In this volume Professor Hoeksema shows that the “book of beginnings” has a significance that holds for God’s people today and endures to the end of the ages.

Click here to read an excerpt from this book in Italian.
Click here to read an excerpt from this book in Spanish.

“These very readable volumes are a veritable treasure store into which, when the believer dips, he will surely increase his spiritual wealth” (The Outlook).

“With my wife and family I spent two weeks in St. Ives in Cornwall for our vacation, During that time I read Unfolding Covenant History, vol. 1. It made the holiday for me. Do you have volume 2 in stock? If you have would you please send it to me? … I look forward to hearing the tapes of the coming Lord’s Day …” – England

“I have started Hoeksema’s Unfolding Covenant History. I have finished the first volume and am in the middle of the second. It is a work with very deep theology and a good and detailed overview of sacred history!” – Hungary

“I have been reading the first two volumes of the Unfolding Covenant History by the RFPA, and must say that I have enjoyed them immensely. I find the covenant theology of the PRC most compelling. – England

“Please send to me the third volume of Unfolding Covenant History. These books are certainly addictive as the review on the cover suggests!” – England

BOOK REVIEW

Unfolding Covenant History: An Exposition of the Old Testament, Volume 1, From Creation to the Flood. Homer C. Hoeksema, author. Mark H. Hoeksema, general editor. Grandville, MI: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 2000. 327pp. [Reviewed by Rev. Steven R. Key.]

The Reformed Free Publishing Association continues to make a significant contribution in the publication of substantial Reformed and biblical books with the printing of the first volume in a new series entitled Unfolding Covenant History: An Exposition of the Old Testament. The first volume, From Creation to the Flood, was written by the late Homer C. Hoeksema, my esteemed professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament History in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches. Those of us who were privileged to sit under Prof. Hoeksema’s teaching are happy to see the content of his instruction now being made widely available by the RFPA. Prof. Hoeksema’s love for the Old Testament was well known. It was evident in his teaching and preaching. It is evident also in his writings.

The value of this volume—as will be seen in the rest of the series as it is published, God willing—is found in its careful, exegetical unfolding of the history of God’s covenant.

That perspective is rare in our day. Not only is the literal interpretation of these opening chapters of the Bible steadfastly maintained and reasonably expounded by Prof. Hoeksema, but there is a unique covenantal perspective in his exposition. His development of Old Testament history takes into account the organic perspective of all history, as well as the unity of sacred history with its focus always upon Christ and the realization of God’s covenant with His people in Christ.

This kind of treatment of Old Testament history, and particularly this covenantal and organic perspective, has been sorely lacking. In fact, one searches for it largely in vain even among other Reformed theologians. It is a refreshing approach to the unfolding of biblical revelation.

Adding to the value of this volume is a 17-page introduction to the series written by the editor, Mark Hoeksema. This introduction explains the organic unity of Bible history and the covenant character of that history as it also determines our approach and method in Bible interpretation. Prof. Hoeksema’s book illustrates that concretely, as will all the books in this series.

Because of the importance of the opening chapters of Genesis to the whole of biblical doctrine, this volume is particularly valuable.

Prof. Hoeksema’s treatment of the creation account shows his unwavering devotion to the historical and literal interpretation of this portion of Scripture. In his words, maintaining the truth of God as Creator and maintaining the biblical account of creation is a matter of life and death for the church. “The church herself must not exchange the testimony of revelation for the language of the wisdom of man.” We must sit humbly at God’s footstool to learn of Him. Scripture, after all, is God’s own narrative with regard to His own work. The creation account is a matter of clear revelation. “There simply is no room in the record of scripture for a process of any kind…. Scripture certainly presents the work of creation as immediate and instantaneous.”

Already in the opening chapters, Hoeksema gives careful attention to the time factor in Genesis 1, repudiating theistic evolution (or what since has been more deceivingly named by its promoters “progressive creationism”), the framework hypothesis, and other theories that reject the clear teaching of the Genesis account and its literal interpretation.

Hoeksema develops the truth, which is often overlooked, of creation as an act of the Triune God. The book also contains a careful treatment of each day of creation week, including the significance of man as “the crowning work of God in the earthly creation,” God’s covenant friend. Hoeksema repudiates any idea of a “covenant of works,” and shows that the covenant that God established with man is a relationship, a “living bond of communion, that highest and most perfect form of the bond of life,” indeed, a reflection of God’s own life as the covenant God.

The significance of both the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil is spelled out—the establishment of God’s antithesis for man.

Careful attention is also given in this volume to the fall of our first parents and the devastating effects of that fall for the whole human race and the creation. Resulting from the fall is death, the universality of sin, the total depravity of all persons, and therefore the need for the revelation of the wonder of grace in Christ Jesus.

The book goes on to take us through the history of Cain and Abel and faithful Enoch, the development of sin in the world, and the salvation of Noah and his family by the waters of the great flood, a universal flood which brought such drastic change to the world that “we do not live in the same kind of universe as did the prediluvian generations. We now live in the second world, as, by the wonder of God’s grace, it emerged from the waters of the deluge.” This, Hoeksema points out, is the plain teaching of II Peter 3:5, 6.

Not to be overlooked in the book is Hoeksema’s treatment of the genealogy of Genesis 4:16-5:32. The professor’s fascination with the genealogies of Scripture is revealed in his devotion of a chapter to that genealogy with its data and significance.

There is a wealth of sound instruction in this book. Although the material was prepared for the instruction of seminary students, it is written in a form understandable by those who are high school age and older. Much of it, in fact, is written in a preaching style. It is valuable for all.

In my review of this book, I found one thing missing that would enhance its value, and that is a subject and textual index. Because this book is not a verse-by-verse commentary, a subject and textual index would enhance its value as a reference work. Even so, the book is readable from cover to cover, and highly recommended.

This book is a teacher’s manual designed for use with children ages 7-8 and can easily be used in a homeschool situation.

Behold the Beauty is a treatment of art education from a Reformed, Calvinistic viewpoint. The lessons teach the elements of art: line, shape, texture, colour, value and form, and include instruction in putting these elements together. There are 12 lessons for each grade, each lesson divided into six main subheads: Objective, Supplies, Vocabulary, Introduction, Directions and Variations. The book also includes student worksheets that can be copied.

The author, Connie Meyer, has an art education degree from Calvin College. She has led teacher seminars on art education and is a frequent author of articles in the Beacon Lights magazine, a young adult magazine.

An exposition of the Old Testament from a covenantal perspective. This is in an ongoing exposition: the first four volumes (covering Creation to the Conquest of Canaan) were authored by Prof. Homer C. Hoeksema. Volume 5 and 6 are authored by Prof. David J. Engelsma, who plans to write volume 7 as well.

The second volume of the Unfolding Covenant History series is divided into three parts: the postdiluvian world and the patriarchal eras of Abraham and Isaac. The postdiluvian section covers the changed earth after the flood, the establishment by God of the sword-power ordinance, the covenant with Noah, Noah’s prophetic blessing and cursing, Nimrod, Babel, and the genealogy/chronology provided for Shem’s generations. Though the facts about the first two patriarchs are familiar, the covenantal perspective on those lives makes for a much richer interpretation than most readers have ever before encountered. In fact, this can be said of all the proposed books in this series.

Homer C. Hoeksema: “Finally, for a little while at the very end of history, the wicked world will apparently succeed in overcoming the effect of Babel’s deadly wound; but that will be only to enable the final kingdom of Antichrist to fill the cup of iniquity to the very last drop in order that the wicked may be cast out into the everlasting confusion and desolation of which Babel is a picture. The only true and lasting unity is made from all the nations of the world in our Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and raised, through his Spirit, beginning on the day of Pentecost. There the difference in tongues falls away, so that in Christ Jesus the elect, new humanity, the church, is united in the bond of faith. That kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ shall have the everlasting victory. Babel is the name of the world. Babel is the world’s essential character. God confused them, and he shall confuse them in the end and forever. But they who love the Lord Jesus Christ shall inherit the everlasting kingdom” (Unfolding Covenant History, vol. 2, pp. 79-80).

“These very readable volumes are a veritable treasure store into which, when the believer dips, he will surely increase his spiritual wealth” (The Outlook).

“I’ve just gotten to part 3 of vol. 2 [of Unfolding Covenant History] and have so benefited from it, [that I] look forward to vol. 3. Thank you for your hard work in providing us with these lovely books.” – Yorkshire, England

“I have been reading the first two volumes of the Unfolding Covenant History by the RFPA, and must say that I have enjoyed them immensely. I find the covenant theology of the PRC most compelling. – England

“Please send to me the third volume of Unfolding Covenant History. These books are certainly addictive as the review on the cover suggests!” – England

This third volume in the three-volume art curriculum set, Behold the Beauty, is designed to be used by teachers or homeschooling parents for 4th–6th grade (ages 9-11). The ultimate objective of every lesson is exactly as the title implies: to behold the beauty of creation and so to praise the Triune God. As students learn to more closely observe creation while rendering what they see in pencil, paint or other artistic media, they will be trained to meet that objective. In serving that goal, the lessons teach how to use the elements of art, such as line, shape and colour, while introducing the principles of design, such as unity, variety and focal point. Not only do students learn to behold the evidence of God’s glory all around them by these means, they also learn to make objects of beauty in order to communicate that glory to others. The curriculum is based on the infallible Scriptures, and the twelve lessons of each grade level comprise a thorough, biblical and systematic art education.

Behold the Beauty was also written with practical considerations in mind: to assist instructors who have had little or no training in art. The lessons are clear and easy to use, requiring minimal supplies without compromising objectives.

The author, Connie Meyer, is a wife and mother of five children and is a 1982 graduate of Calvin College with a BA in art education. She has used the lessons with her children and has helped teachers teach art in their classrooms.

An exposition of the Old Testament from a covenantal perspective. This is in an ongoing exposition: the first four volumes (covering Creation to the Conquest of Canaan) were authored by Prof. Homer C. Hoeksema. Volume 5 is authored by Prof. David J. Engelsma, who plans to writes volumes 6 and 7 as well.

Volume 3 of the Unfolding Covenant History series is divided into three parts: the history of Jacob, the history of Joseph, and the history of the bondage and exodus of Israel from Egypt.

Jacob is a very strong character in the history of God’s covenant. His sins and shortcomings, as well as his penchant for running ahead of the Lord, are graphically described by the author. Yet the great strength of his faith in the covenant promise of God is the overriding theme. The history of this father of the tribes of Israel makes for interesting reading.

The history of Joseph is perhaps even more intriguing. The story of his life, from his being sold into slavery to his ascension to a position as ruler of Egypt, is almost stranger than fiction. The author explains how—through the awesome power of God’s sovereign providence by means of Joseph—the line of the covenant was preserved, and the fledgling nation of Israel came to live in Egypt.

The section on the bondage and exodus details the increasingly oppressive bondage of God’s people. It describes the ten plagues visited by God upon Egypt, culminating in God’s powerful deliverance of his people from the land of bondage, which is typical of our deliverance from the dominion of sin.

“These very readable volumes are a veritable treasure store into which, when the believer dips, he will surely increase his spiritual wealth” (The Outlook).

An exposition of the Old Testament from a covenantal perspective. This is in an ongoing exposition: the first four volumes (covering creation to the conquest of Canaan) were authored by Prof. Homer C. Hoeksema. Volume 5 is authored by Prof. David J. Engelsma, who plans to writes volumes 6 and 7 as well.

Volume 4 of the Unfolding Covenant History series describes the journey of Israel from Egypt to the land of promise, as well as their conquering and inheritance of Canaan (i.e., the narrative sections from Exodus 15 to Joshua 24).

This book details Israel’s journey to Mt. Sinai, where by the giving of God’s law they were constituted as a covenant nation. It narrates their eventful progress towards Canaan, and their drawing back in unbelief when they were at the very door of the promised land.

After the fulfilment of God’s sentence to wander for forty years in the wilderness because of their unbelief, the chosen people must learn anew to trust in Jehovah as they seek to dispossess the inhabitants of the land of promise. Under the leadership of Joshua, and despite much stumbling, Israel learns to expect the victory from their covenant God and, finally, subdues and inherits Canaan.

There is a depth and a freshness to Prof. Hoeksema’s exposition; even those most familiar with these portions of God’s Word will learn a great deal. Do you reckon that Moses’ holding up his hands in the battle with Amalek is a picture of prayer (Ex. 17)? Think again. What about Israel’s incessant murmuring? What about the mixed multitude? The author also forcefully shows how Moses and Joshua were types of Christ, the perfect mediator.

“These very readable volumes are a veritable treasure store into which, when the believer dips, he will surely increase his spiritual wealth” (The Outlook).

An exposition of the Old Testament from a covenantal perspective. This is in an ongoing exposition: the first four volumes (covering Creation to the Conquest of Canaan) were authored by Prof. Homer C. Hoeksema. Volume 5 is authored by Prof. David J. Engelsma, who plans to writes volumes 6 and 7 as well.

This volume in the Unfolding Covenant History series continues an exposition of Old Testament history from the viewpoint of God’s covenant faithfulness toward his people begun by Prof. Homer Hoeksema. Prof. Engelsma intends (DV) to finish in this and succeeding volumes the history of God’s church in the old dispensation.

Part 1 dealing with Judges traces the dark history of the time of the judges with its recurring themes of Israel’s departure from Jehovah to serve heathen idols, God’s chastisement of his people by delivering them to the persecution and dominance of their enemies, their crying to him for help in their distress, and the Lord’s gracious deliverance of them by various judges.

Part 2 explains the familiar but amazing history of Ruth, which illustrates vividly the truth of God’s sovereign redemption in the salvation of the Gentiles and the inclusion of Ruth into the line of the covenant so that she becomes the grandmother of King David, the saviour of Israel as the theocratic king and a type of Christ.

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

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

“Delighted with the book [Unfolding Covenant History, vol. 5]. Many thanks.” – Scotland

Extracts of this book in Portuguese can be read here and here.

After a fifteen-year hiatus and fourteen other published titles, Prof. David J. Engelsma continues the Unfolding Covenant History series, a covenantal exposition of the Old Testament.

The Old Testament history covered in this volume is extensive, covering the account of the life and significance for the covenant of Samuel, Saul, David and Solomon. This is the history recorded in I and II Samuel, I Kings 1–11, I Chronicles 10–29 and II Chronicles 1–9. In addition, the volume takes into consideration other passages in Scripture, especially the Psalms, that reflect on this history.

This history is also rich in significance with regard to the development of God’s covenant and covenant dealings with His people. It includes the institution and early functioning of the office of the prophet; the institution of the office of king; the stark contrast between the people’s choice as king in the charismatic, but reprobate, Saul, and God’s elect, David; and the realization of the fellowship of the covenant in the Old Testament in the temple. Among the fascinating and controversial events of the history on which this volume sheds light are the appearance to Saul of the “witch of Endor” (I Sam. 28) and the “song of the bow” (II Sam. 1:17-27).

“Must Read. Excellent book by a spiritual giant.” – Singapore

“Just finished reading Prof Engelsma’s From Samuel to Solomon. Brilliant.” – Staffordshire, 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