The Battle for Sovereign Grace in the Covenant recounts much of the gripping history of the schism of 1953 within the Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC), the culmination of the hard fought battle for sovereign grace in the covenant. The book includes new, important details that have not been previously published and also provides the history of the controversial adoption by the PRCA of the Declaration of Principles, the document that in some ways occasioned the schism of 1953. In the appendices of the book, Engelsma gives a brief, valuable commentary on the Declaration, the first commentary to be written. Photos of the key figures in the controversy are also included.

Click on the links below for a review of this book on the Young Calvinist Blog.
Part 1    Part 2    Part 3

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

Believers and Their Seed is not a book designed to prove infant baptism over against the baptist position. It is a book for those already convicted of the truth that “The baptism of young children is … to be retained in the church, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ” (Article 24 of the Thirty-Nine Articles). Herman Hoeksema grounds infant baptism in the covenant of grace with believers and their seed which in turn is rooted in the covenant life of the Triune God, “a life of the most intimate communion of love and friendship, resting in the unity of God’s Being and living through the personal distinction[s]” of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (p. 61).

As well as grounding infant baptism in God’s covenant, Hoeksema draws out the relationship between infant baptism and election and the doctrines of grace. Thus he opposes a “conditional” covenant (chs. 1-2) and baptismal regeneration (chs. 3-4) and deals with the difficult pastoral issue of covenant children who die in infancy (ch. 11).

Believers and Their Seed has helped a lot of people understand infant baptism more deeply and been of great comfort to believing parents. The proper understanding of the covenant also helps to preserve Reformed, Presbyterian, Anglican and Congregational churches from the incursion of baptistic thinking (pp. 4-5) and the modern practice of infant “dedication” services. For those less familiar with some of the controversies between paedobaptists (chs. 1-4), it may be best to read the positive treatment of God’s covenant and infant baptism first (chs. 5-11).

This book can also be read on-line.

Click here to read this book in Dutch.
Click to read chapter 5 and chapter 6 in Italian.

REVIEW

Believers and Their Seed: Children in the Covenant, by Herman Hoeksema. Grand Rapids: Reformed Free Publishing Association, revised edition, 1997. 166 pages (hard cover). [Reviewed by Rev. D.H. Kuiper.]

There are really only two views of the covenant of grace. One view holds that the covenant of God is unilateral. The other view is that it is bilateral. That the covenant is unilateral or one-sided means that God is sovereign in every aspect of the covenant: He conceived of it, established it, maintains it, and perfects it. There are not two parties in the covenant, but one, and that is God. There are two parts to the covenant, God’s and man’s; but God performs His part, and also works man’s part by the power of His grace. The other view of the covenant, bilateralism, has God and man in contract or agreement. Each has a work to perform. When God does His part and man does his part then the covenant is successful. In this book Herman Hoeksema argues successfully that the covenant is unilateral. And he shows that all other views are essentially bilateral, and as such partake of Arminianism to one degree or another.

From a certain point of view, Believers and Their Seed is Hoeksema’s most important book, for it sets forth his greatest contribution to Reformed theology. At the same time, the view of the covenant developed here sets forth the heart of Protestant Reformed theology; if anyone wants to know what these churches stand for, in distinction from other Reformed denominations, this book will make that clear. As the sovereignty of God is the great truth that underlies and unifies the five points of Calvinism, so the sovereignty of God is the basis of Hoeksema’s understanding of the covenant. God is God! Salvation is of the Lord alone! And salvation, the covenant, and the grace of God revealed therein, are only for the elect whom God has chosen in eternity and unconditionally.

Because Hoeksema was intellectually honest and thoroughly committed to Holy Scripture and the Reformed confessions, it is safe to say that his insistence on particular grace assisted him in developing a view of the covenant that was biblically grounded and in harmony with the genius of the confessions. It is striking that in 1927, only three years after he was expelled from the Christian Reformed Church for opposing the theory of common grace, he set forth his covenant view in eleven editorials in the Standard Bearer. Those editorials form the contents of this book, first published in the Dutch language, then in an English translation in 1971, and now in this attractive reprint. This volume also contains a twenty-six page preface by Prof. David Engelsma which gives a biography of Hoeksema and a thorough introduction to the book itself.

As Prof. Engelsma points out, the significance of the book is that it makes six points about the covenant, points we believe Reformed churches need badly to hear today. 1) The essence of the covenant is friendship, friendship between God and His people through the work of Jesus Christ. And this friendship is to be traced back to the triune life of God Himself. God is the covenant God because He enjoys a life of friendship, first within Himself, and then with His people. 2) Included in this covenant life are the children of believers, for God saves His church in the line of continued generations. And for this reason infants are to be baptized. 3) There is one church throughout the ages, one covenant under Old and New Testament forms. Baptism has replaced circumcision. Infants must receive the token of the covenant. 4) The covenant is established only with the elect. Here we see Hoeksema faithful to the Canons of Dordt as he applies the doctrines of grace to the covenant. Because believers bring forth a twofold seed, the elect and the reprobate, it is necessary to distinguish the covenant from the sphere of the covenant. Only elect children of believers are in the covenant of grace. The Esaus in the church are not in the covenant, but are merely in the sphere of the covenant for which they are judged the more strictly. 5) The doctrinal struggle of 1953 must be seen as a controversy over the covenant: Would the Protestant Reformed Churches remain faithful to her historical moorings, or would she adopt bilateralism as regards the covenant? Hoeksema shows that the Christian Reformed view of the covenant was basically the same as that espoused by Dr. K. Schilder and the Liberated Churches, and therefore must be rejected. And 6) Hoeksema rejects the Kuyperian notion of presupposed regeneration as the reason for the baptism of infants. It is a mystery of modern church history that time and again Hoeksema and the Protestant Reformed Churches are charged with maintaining presupposed regeneration.

I have used the book to study the doctrine of the covenant twice, once with the adult members of a small congregation and once with older young people and young adults. Both times the experience was profitable and enjoyable for all concerned. We encourage others to study this important book, either personally or in society. Such a study will send us to Holy Scripture to learn what it means that God is the covenant God, and why the covenant is called the covenant of grace. Such a study, humbly and prayerfully undertaken, will be an act of friendship.

Many years ago an older pastor advised me to read Chapter 5 of the book before all the other chapters. In Chapter 5 the “Meaning of the Covenant” is set forth. With that in mind the other chapters are more understandable. We found that to be true, and pass the suggestion on for your consideration.

“I found Believers and Their Seed by H. Hoeksema really lovely.” – Yorkshire, England

“I finished reading Herman Hoeksema’s Believers and Their Seed a couple of days ago and found it helpful as well as food for the soul.” – Co. Antrim

Covenant and election are two of the most prominent and most important truths in Scripture. They run through the Bible like two grand, harmonious themes in symphony. These two doctrines and their relation are the twofold subject of this book.

In Covenant and Election, Prof. Engelsma traces these themes in the confessional documents of the Reformed churches and from John Calvin in the sixteenth-century through the fathers of the Secession churches in the nineteenth-century Netherlands to the twentieth-century theologians Herman Bavinck and Herman Hoeksema. With his usual penetrating scriptural analysis, Engelsma also exposes the contemporary and spreading heresy of the Federal Vision.

“As I read Covenant and Election, I was stirred up in my soul to renewed vigour and opposition to the lie. You did a wonderful job elucidating the issue. I especially appreciated the chapters dealing with Christ as first in God’s decree and the organic principle.” – Washington, USA

The contemporary heresy of the Federal Vision is wreaking havoc in the Reformed and Presbyterian churches in North America and other parts of the world. Today’s Christian needs not only to be aware of it but armed against it. Prof. Engelsma helps us here by exposing the ugly root of the heresy (a conditional covenant), setting forth the truth of the unconditional covenant and proclaiming the Reformation’s gospel of salvation by grace alone!

CONTENTS

Part 1: Eradicating the Federal Vision
1. Introduction to the Federal Vision Controversy
2. The Development of a Conditional Covenant
3. The Root of the Federal Vision
4. Taking Hold of the Root
5. The Gospel of the Reformation at Issue

Part 2: Answers to Questions About the Federal Vision and the Covenant of Grace
6. The Federal Vision, Its Doctrines, and Its Defenders
7. The Federal Vision and Conditions
8. The Federal Vision and Scripture
9. The Federal Vision and the Covenant with Adam
10. The Federal Vision and Common Grace
11. The Federal Vision and the Baptism Form
12. The Federal Vision and Covenant Children
13. The Federal Vision and Its Consequences
14. The Federal Vision and the Churches
15. The Federal Vision and the Protestant Reformed Churches
16. The Federal Vision and Defense of the Faith

Appendix: A critical review of the book Trust and Obey: Norman Shepherd and the Justification Controversy at Westminster Theological Seminary by Ian A. Hewitson.

“I just ordered a copy of David Engelsma’s book Federal Vision: Heresy at the Root. When I went to the web page about the book on the RFPA’s web site, I noticed the video interviewing Engelsma about the book. I had actually watched at least part of that video several months ago, but today I definitely watched the whole video. That video was excellent, and it convinced me to go ahead and order the book.” – Mississippi, USA

“I just tore myself away from the [Federal Vision: Heresy at the Root] book I received from you this morning. So much said together between only two covers! This will really be the last say in my search for the bottom of this error (heresy!). The question/reply format in the second part really equips one to defend the faith. Excellent! Thank you ever so much.” – South Africa

“I read your excellent review of David Engelsma’s book, Federal Vision: Heresy at the Root. I have this book and you’re right. He destroys it at the root … I wish to thank you for your confirmation of my recent learning that the FV is false theology and for the great work that you are doing for the Lord in your excellent and beautiful country.” – California, USA

“Concise and hard-hitting.” – North Carolina, USA

For a review of this book by a reader in the Rep. of Ireland, click here.
For a review of this book by a reader in N. Ireland, click here.
For a review of this book by a reader in England, click here.
For a review of this book by a reader in Wales, click here.

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

This book relates the beginnings of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America, starting from its roots many years before it’s actual formation in 1925. From the doctrines and church order laid down at the historic Synod of Dordrecht of 1618-1619 and revitalized in the early 19th century by dissenters to the established state church of the Netherlands, the author traces the immigration of Dutch Calvinists to the United States when they were forced to escape ecclesiastical and economic persecution.

Several CRC ministers and congregations who opposed the Arminian tendencies in the CRC led to the formation of the PRC. Amid severe controversy, first in 1924 as they broke away from the CRC and later in 1953 amongst themselves, this fledging group of churches fought for its existence.

For Thy Truth’s Sake is not a mere relating of the people, places, and events involved – although they are included and make fascinating reading. The focus is rather on the PRC’s struggle to maintain the truth of sovereign, particular grace. The author clearly and concisely defines Protestant Reformed doctrinal distinctives. His history is brought further to life by the inclusion of 24 pages of more than 70 historic photos.

Includes Scripture and subject indexes, entire text of ten historic documents, and 24 pages of historic photos.

This book was reviewed in the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal.  Click here to read the review.

To read chapter 11 in Italian, click here.

Two books on early Protestant Reformed history may be read on-line:

A Study of the Relation Between the Views of Prof. R. Janssen and Common Grace by Herman Hanko (covers two, related, doctrinal controversies in the Christian Reformed Church [1920-1925]: the Janssen controversy over the nature and authority of Scripture and the common grace controversy, shedding much light on PRC origins)

The History of the Protestant Reformed Churches by Herman Hoeksema (covers 1924-1936)

“For Thy Truth’s Sake certainly is a good read. My immediate reaction was to think, ‘Here we go again—another book I can’t put down!’ – Warwickshire, England

“I want to share with you what a great blessing For Thy Truth’s Sake is being to me. I must admit that, initially I wasn’t interested as I thought it wasn’t about the church in England’s history. Then I saw how wrong that was of me, as the church in any land is our history, so I ordered it from you and it arrived safely last Monday. Thank you! It is so very wonderful! I hadn’t really taken in what ‘A Doctrinal History’ would mean. I have already read the first three parts and a bit of part 4. It has been really thrilling! – Halifax, England

“In pursuing the doctrinal side of the PRC, I have been through Prof. Hanko’s For Thy Truth’s Sake. Brilliant!” – Gloucestershire, England

“Lately I been profiting greatly by reading For Thy Truth’s Sake. I have been especially impressed by the portrayal of Herman Hoeksema. He comes across as someone given both to original thinking, as well as confessional fidelity. The origins of the common grace controversy is fascinating. That’s all been new to me; also the connection between diverse doctrines has also helped me to ‘piece things together,’ especially the covenant and the doctrine of marriage.” – London, England

“Ignore this book … at your peril. For its implications concern the whole Church of God militant” (British Reformed Journal).

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

Marriage: The Mystery of Christ and the Church is a Reformed pastor’s instruction and exhortation to married couples, especially young married couples, with the purpose that they glorify God in their marriages and enjoy the bliss of this blessed communion of life.

Section 1: The Biblical Gospel of Marriage, includes the following topics:

• The Christian man as husband
• The Christian woman as wife
• Sex in marriage
• The unbreakable marriage bond

Section 2 is a history of the church’s doctrine and practice of marriage from Augustine and the early church through Calvin and the Reformation to the contemporary lawlessness.

This is the newly revised and significantly expanded edition of Professor Engelsma’s book on marriage. Its predecessor went through four separate printings, and the new book has already generated considerable interest, even beyond the Reformed community.

Retained in this new edition is the development of the rich meaning of Christian marriage in light of the apostle Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5 that marriage is the great mystery of Christ and the church. With a vigorously Scriptural approach, the author shows what this implies for such timeless—but timely!—matters as the relationship of husband and wife; sex; children; divorce; and mixed marriage. The book concludes with a spirited defence of an unbreakable marriage bond.

Revision of content to the original edition includes a different interpretation of I Corinthians 7:10-11, which sheds light on the right understanding of the controversial “exception clause” in Matthew 19:9.The book is significantly expanded by the addition of a second section consisting of the history of the church’s doctrine of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Working with the writings of the church fathers, the Reformers, and contemporary Protestant theologians, as well as with various studies on marriage and divorce, Professor Engelsma traces the fatal departure of the Reformers from the doctrine of marriage held by the early church. He demonstrates that this departure has led inevitably to the marital chaos that devastates Reformed and evangelical Christianity. In the light of this fascinating history, the book calls especially the churches of the Reformation back to their catholic Christian tradition by upholding the biblical gospel of marriage.

Intended to give godly, biblical, practical instruction to believers and their children concerning their behaviour in the fundamental ordinance of human life, the book also utters a vehement protest against the compromise and corruption of marriage by the churches and their theologians in our day. Helpful indexes of names mentioned and Scriptures cited in the text were prepared for the new edition.

“This is one of those books that you wish you could put into the hands of every married couple and those contemplating marriage … If the contents of this book were put into practice, society would become more stable and broken homes would be few and far between” (The Gospel Witness).

“… one of the finest among such books flowing off the presses … The book [has] a theological depth and seriousness often lacking in non-Reformed books on this subject” (Reformed Herald).

“A book that says many biblical things about sex, children, family, the mystery of marriage. Recommended for laypersons and preachers alike” (The Reformed Journal).

“This book does faithfully reflect the teachings of God’s Word of marriage” (The Banner).

“A pastor, husband, and father speaks of marriage and its relationships in terms that few want to hear today—even in the church” (Moody).

“My wife is reading Lori and I am reading Marriage, The Mystery of Christ and His Church. I believe that this is the best book defending God’s institution of marriage ever written.” – United Kingdom

“I am writing to thank you for the truth of God’s word you shared in your book, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church. It is not often that this topic of divorce and remarriage is spoken in the churches today.” – Pennsylvania, USA

“Thanks very much for the book [Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church]! I pray that God will bless this book to me and my fiancée!” – United Kingdom

“This book is the best book I have read on marriage. I have given and/or recommended this book to just about every married Christian couple I know.”

Click here to read a review by one of our readers.
Click here to read a review in the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal.

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

This book can be read in Korean.
Click here to read a Slovak translation of this book.
Click here to read excerpts of this book in Portuguese.
Click here to read a chapter of this book in Italian.

The points of doctrine explained in this book will equip the Reformed believer to answer challenges to the gospel of sovereign, particular grace. Two question and answer sections preceded by concise introductions articulate the controversies that gave rise to and shaped the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. The first section covers Arminianism and the issue of “common grace.” The second exposes the error that posits a general promise of salvation to all children of believers. The blessings of God’s covenant are shown to be unconditional gifts to the elect children of believers.

Click here to read a quote from this book on Ezekiel 18:23 and 33:11.

Ready To Give an Answer: A Catechism of Reformed Distinctives, by Herman Hoeksema and Herman Hanko. Grandville Michigan: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 1997. 238 pages. (hardcover). [Reviewed by Rev. Arie denHartog.]

We commend the Reformed Free Publishing Association for the publication of this book and thank Prof. Herman Hanko for his contribution to this work. The largest part of the book is a reprint of materials found in a long out-of-print book by Rev. Hoeksema, titled The Protestant Reformed Churches in America. This part of the book presents the doctrinal issues of the common grace controversy, which in the Lord’s providence led to the beginning of the Protestant Reformed Churches. It is written in an interesting catechism format of questions and answers.

We believe that it is valuable to have this material available in a new book. It is of value for the members of the Protestant Reformed denomination. It is also of value for those outside of these churches who are interested in reading what we believe is an excellent defense of doctrinal issues that continue to be of great importance for the Reformed churches and the preservation of the truths of God’s Word which should be the basis of these churches.

Reading this material refreshed my appreciation of what a great theologian Rev. Hoeksema was. He was outstanding in his ability to reason carefully and sharply in defense of the truth. Above all, his reasoning was based on extensive, penetrating, and careful exposition of the Word of God. We do not believe that the common grace controversy should be ignored. It is our hope that, after years have gone by, and some of the emotionalism and subjective criticism have cooled down, a more objective evaluation of the position set forth by Rev. Hoekesma and others who loved the truth which he stood for can be made, for the benefit of the cause of the truth and the truly Reformed church. It cannot be denied that Rev. Hoeksema gave his life for the defense of the central and most glorious truth of the gospel, namely the truth of God’s wonderful, sovereign, and particular grace in saving His people in Christ Jesus.

Prof. Hanko follows this same catechism format to detail the doctrinal issues involved in the controversy of 1953 that very seriously affected the Protestant Reformed Churches. Prof. Hanko does an excellent job in showing how this controversy involved basically the same issues of sovereign grace as the history of 1924. Whatever may be said about what took place in the turbulent years of controversy in the Protestant Reformed Churches in the early 1950s, it is clear that at stake were the precious doctrines of sovereign grace. We are not ashamed of these doctrines. I had the great privilege of being a student for my seminary years in the church history classes of Prof. Hanko. I have no doubt that the excellence of Prof. Hanko in teaching New Testament Greek exegesis was equal to his outstanding ability in teaching church history. The greatest virtue and wisdom of his church history instruction was his ability to trace the history of the church of Jesus Christ as it was bound up with the clear, bold, and courageous defense and maintaining of the great truths of what today is called the Reformed faith.

The last part of the book is an appendix. It is a reprint of the “Declaration of Principles” drawn up by the Protestant Reformed Churches in the midst of the 1953 controversy. This declaration was made in connection with missionary policy for the work of home missions being done at the time among immigrants, especially those coming to Canada from the Liberated Churches in Holland. The declaration has often been criticized for being some sort of additional confession appended to the three forms of unity, which are the confessional basis of many continental Reformed churches. The Protestant Reformed Churches were and are criticized for doing something which they had no right to do when they adopted this declaration. May this part of the book also help, after the dust of historical controversy has settled, so that some, hopefully many, will be able better to judge whether the declaration is a new creed or nothing more than a clear and necessary setting forth of the truly Reformed doctrine of the creeds. We believe the latter is definitely the case. The copious recitation of references from the creeds proves this.

“Reading Herman Hoeksema on ‘common grace’ has been a delight, as it brings out the truth and the wonder of the grace of God to us. The Lord has changed me recently: previously, I wasn’t all that keen on reading materials against heresies but now I find it such a blessing.” – W. Midlands, England

Two books on early Protestant Reformed history may be read free on-line:

1. A Study of the Relation Between the Views of Prof. R. Janssen and Common Grace by Herman Hanko (covers two, related, doctrinal controversies in the Christian Reformed Church [1920-1925]: the Janssen controversy over the nature and authority of Scripture, and the common grace controversy, shedding much light on PRC origins)
2. The History of the Protestant Reformed Churches by Herman Hoeksema (covers 1924-1936)

In a tradition that goes back hundreds, even thousands, of years, godly parents in the churches of the Protestant Reformation establish and maintain Christian schools for the instruction of their children. This involves struggle and sacrifice. These parents willingly pay the price in the conviction that, as one of the Reformed confessions expresses it, good Christian schools are a “demand of the covenant.”

Reformed Education is an explanation for the people of God of the fundamentals of Christian day-school education. The book demonstrates that the basis of the Christian school is God’s covenant of grace with believers and their children. Treating such vital subjects as the place of Scripture and the creeds in the school, the biblical view of culture, the qualifications and calling of the Christian schoolteacher, and the goal of education, the author contends that the covenant of God controls and shapes all aspects of the Christian school.

In the course of this explanation, the book defends Christian schools against serious challenges – challenges as old as the claim that the state schools are adequate and challenges as new as the home-schooling movement.

This is the book to put in the hands of all believing parents. It will encourage those committed to Christian education. It will educate those who are doubtful. Christian schoolteachers will benefit from the book’s description of their work: a divine calling to help in the rearing of the covenant child. Indeed, if the author is right in saying that all members of the church, whether parents or not, should support the Christian education of the children of believers as the church’s own children, all can read the book with profit.

Reformed Education, The Christian School as Demand of the Covenant, David J. Engelsma. Grandville, MI: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 2000. Pp. x-101. [Reviewed by Ron Koole.]

The Reformed Free Publishing Association has done all Reformed believers a great favour by publishing a revised edition of Reformed Education. This is a book which Reformed parents who seek to rear their children in the fear of the Lord, and Reformed teachers who seek to assist believing parents in this calling will want to read and periodically reread. This book provides encouragement as well as biblical direction to parents, teachers, and all involved in the task of educating the children of believers.

The original edition of Reformed Education, out of print for a number of years, contained five lectures which Prof. David J. Engelsma presented in 1975 to a gathering of Protestant Reformed teachers at a summer mini-course sponsored by the Federation of Protestant Reformed School Societies. This revised edition has undergone thorough editing and contains a few significant additions which add to the quality and value of the book. One such addition addresses the increasingly popular home-schooling movement. Prof. Engelsma shows why home-schooling is not an option for Reformed parents where good Christian schools exist or where the possibility of the establishing of a Christian school presents itself.

The author shows from Scripture that the basis of Christian education is God’s covenant of grace. This covenant is explained as a relationship of friendship between God and His people in Jesus Christ; as a cosmic covenant, a covenant established with believers and their children in the line of continued generations. On this basis the whole endeavour of Reformed, Christian education depends. This basis determines the nature of the instruction in the Christian school and also defines the goal. Many attack this covenantal basis and establish Christian schools on other bases today. Some seek simply to escape the evil of the public schools, others seek to evangelize the children, while so many today attempt to provide education which will work to reform society and Christianize the world. Fail to establish the Christian school on this covenantal basis and the school will fail to accomplish its proper biblical goals, or the school will pervert the goals to fit its own basis.

The nature of the instruction in the Christian school must be biblical and confessional. The teaching of all the subjects in the light of God’s Word gives unity to the instruction and is the only possible way to teach the truth. The activity of rearing covenant children in the fear of the Lord finds its foundation in the Scriptures and the Reformed confessions, which are the authoritative interpretation of the Scriptures. This, says the author, is the hard work which every Reformed teacher must strive to carry out.

The goal of Reformed, Christian education flows out of the covenantal basis. The author warns that Christian education must not start in the Spirit and then end with some fleshly goal such as the successful, cultured gentleman. The goal rather is the “mature man of God, who lives in this world in every area of life with all his powers as God’s friend-servant, loving God and serving God in all of his earthly life with all of his abilities, and who lives in the world to come as a king under Christ, ruling creation to the praise of God, his Maker and Redeemer” (p. 84). This goal has two aspects. One aspect is that the child eternally praises God, and the other is a temporal aspect in which the child lives a life of holiness in this world.

Yes, the Reformed child of God must be taught to live antithetically in this world. A chapter entitled “Reformed Education and Culture” deals specifically with the justification and possibility of a Reformed school’s teaching a liberal arts education and making use of the works of unbelievers. The author warns against the dangers of world-conformity on the one hand and world-flight on the other. The Reformed world and life view recognizes that this world is God’s creation, which has been redeemed by Jesus Christ. It is in this context especially that the author shows the devastating effects of the false doctrine of common grace. This false doctrine minimizes the fall, breaks down the antithesis, and calls the Christian to cooperate with the world to build up society. Following this doctrine to its conclusion eliminates any need for Christian education.

God places the responsibility to teach covenant children on believing parents. This is why Christian schools must be parental schools. This is also why the teacher stands in the place of parents and is a humble servant. The teacher must love the children of God’s covenant. In a chapter dealing with the Protestant Reformed teacher, the author states the following as the credentials of the good teacher: full of the Spirit and grace of God, thoroughly Reformed, and possessing the ability to teach. Every teacher should be awestruck with his calling and “should feel that he would not accept such a position for a million dollars, and that he could not leave it for two million” (p. 78). With a proper understanding of the relationship of parent and teacher there will follow a close unity of home and school.

In the preface the author informs the reader that in this revision he resisted the temptation to expand the subjects. The average reader thanks him for this. The book presents the truth concisely, as well as defends and warns against dangers and attacks on that truth. For those who desire to read further on particular topics, the author provides an extensive list of other works, in a bibliography and within the footnotes.

As has been stated, all believers will benefit from reading this book. Parents will strive with greater zeal and with all their heart to maintain or establish a good Christian school. Teachers and administrators will grow to understand better their calling and the nature of their work. Board members will be better qualified to observe, interview, and hire teachers. They will also glean principles which should govern decision making in the areas of enrolment and curriculum. Aspiring teachers will be better prepared to interview for a teaching position. And all believers will grow in their understanding of this glorious work. There is power in education. May Reformed Christians use that power to the development of the whole of the child to the service and glory of God—because Christian education is a demand of the covenant.

“[Reformed Education] is a return to the teaching of Scripture … The final chapter on the goal of Reformed education is a gem in many ways” (The Outlook).

“Three essential aspects of the covenant are shown to apply to the way we view education—in it God gives us work to do—by it God gathers up the whole of His creation—and God establishes His covenant with believers and their [elect] children in the line of continued generations … READ THIS BOOK!” (The Evangelical Presbyterian).

“I finished reading Reformed Education yesterday. What a blessed book it is! I was particularly struck by the section on ‘Reformed Education and Culture’ … I found the chapter on the ‘Protestant Reformed Teacher’ really moving! I studied for a post-graduate certificate in primary school teaching at the Church of England Teacher Training College in Norwich, where I’d studied for a degree in Social Studies at the University of East Anglia … Our tutor was a retired lecturer in the Philosophy of Education but ‘in loco parentis’ was not mentioned … Only fairly recently, on reading about the development of education for all here in England, did I come across the fact that schools and their teachers were supposed to be ‘in loco parentis’! It makes all the difference in the world, doesn’t it? It has so much opened my eyes to what is tragically happening here now, with the state taking over the education of children and out of the hands of their parents—very socialist, even communistic!” – England

The first chapter, “The Covenant Basis of Christian Education” and the second chapter, “Scripture in the Schools”, can be read on-line in Spanish. The Spanish edition of this book can be purchased through Amazon.

Sin and Grace, originally published in Dutch in 1923, was written by two gifted young Christian Reformed ministers in the heat of controversy. It is a soul-stirring book. It is also groundbreaking on such central Reformed doctrines as grace, the antithesis, and the covenant and kingdom of God. The authors’ treatment of these significant doctrines is fresh and lively. Henry Danhof and Herman Hoeksema were united in their determination to make a stand for the truth of sovereign, particular grace.

Sin and Grace emphasizes the Reformed doctrine of the antithesis. It demonstrates how the kingdom of man and the kingdom of God develop side-by-side throughout history. That is the point of the title. These two kingdoms, alike composed of human beings who together inhabit the same earth, from a spiritual point of view share no common ground. They develop in diametric opposition to each other-one out of the principle of sin, the other out of grace.

Common grace seeks to bridge the gap. The authors’ treatment of this fatal error is one of the most enlightening elements of the book. They take dead aim at the doctrine of common grace, especially as it was developed by Dr. Abraham Kuyper. They demonstrate clearly from Scripture why common grace must be rejected.

The authors’ development of the organic idea of the covenant and kingdom of God is significant. Grasping this biblical concept is critical to understanding Hoeksema’s subsequent development of the doctrine of the covenant.

“Just finished reading Sin and Grace. Herman Hoeksema tackles the major issues and flaws of the theory of ‘Common Grace’ of theologian and politician, Dr. A. Kuyper. Very good read! Highly recommended for those who have a keen mind for theology.” – Wales

“Very many thanks for sending the tapes of the two conferences. I really have enjoyed listening to them and it rejoices my heart to have such rich ministry. I have certainly learned a lot from CPRC ministry and books, and have progressed now to H. Hoeksema & H. Danhof’s book, Sin & Grace. That is certainly a very profitable book as it gives so much background detail and is very clear.” – Suffolk, England

Click here to read an excerpt from this book.

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.

The Rock Whence We Are Hewn is comprised of various pamphlets and booklets written very early in the history of the Protestant Reformed Churches—between 1919 and 1940. The authors are two men whom God used in forming these churches—Herman Hoeksema and Henry Danhof. All the writings explain and defend the great doctrines of the Reformed faith that were fundamental to the founding of the Protestant Reformed Churches—covenant, predestination, particular grace and antithesis. These writings, therefore, were used to establish these churches in the very beginning of their history. The contents of the book are their foundational writings.

The title of the book is taken from Isaiah 51:1: “Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.” In this figurative way, the prophet called the people of Israel to look to their origins. This title calls the members of the Protestant Reformed Churches, including the ministers and other office-bearers, and especially the younger generation, to find in the book the doctrinal truths that are of fundamental importance to the Protestant Reformed Churches still today. By the work of the Spirit, these doctrines, confessed, defended and explained in the writings in this book, are the source of the churches—the rock whence they were hewn.

CONTENTS

Foreword
1. The Idea of the Covenant of Grace  (Spanish)
2. On the Theory of Common Grace
3. Not Anabaptist But Reformed  (Dutch)
4. Along Pure Paths
5. For the Sake of Justice and Truth  (Dutch)
6. Calvin, Berkhof, and H. J. Kuiper
7. A Triple Breach in the Foundation of the Reformed Truth  (Italian)
8. The Reunion of the Christian Reformed and Protestant Reformed Churches  (Dutch)
9. The Place of Reprobation in the Preaching of the Gospel  (Dutch) (Italian) (Portuguese)
Afterword
Appendix of Names

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.

Although baptism is the main thought of all the author writes, this is also a book about the elect people of God, the Christian church in all ages. It is also about their children—hence, We and Our Children. In Reformed, Presbyterian and Paedobaptist circles, the two are—or should be—inseparably connected. In Baptistic circles, no such connection exists. The author shows that the connection is provided by the doctrine of God’s gracious covenant, a truth which counters any idea of a division between the Old and the New Testaments, and which runs like a golden thread through all the pages of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

To state it slightly differently, “we” (the elect people of God) and “our children” are and should be inseparably bonded because they both belong to the covenant of grace. Many Baptists deny this beautiful truth when they refuse to baptize their children. Using Scripture as his infallible guide, Prof. Hanko develops the truth of God’s covenant as it relates to the baptism of the infants of believers.

“Read this book carefully, read it thoughtfully, read it prayerfully, and you will find it a mine of information, a river of pleasure, and a source of immense spiritual comfort.” — Mr. Tony Horne, deputation speaker for the Trinitarian Bible Society in Scotland

“I read We and Our Children this week—an antidote to the lack of a consistent doctrine of infant baptism that, I think, abounds in Presbyterian circles in Ireland.” – Co. Antrim

This book was reviewed by Prof. Dykstra in the Protestant Reformed Journal.  Click here to read this review.

To read chapters of this book in Portuguese, “The Reformed Baptist Argument Concerning the Lord’s Supper,”  “Two Dispensations” and “Male Circumcision” click here.

To read chapters of this book in Italian, click here.

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