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.

Did you know that common grace advocates seek to “Christianize” the world with a “grace” apart from that of the incarnate and crucified Christ?

Did you know that Abraham Kuyper’s chief biblical basis for common grace lies in his unique reinterpretation of Genesis 6-9 which removes it from the history and development of God’s covenant of grace, contrary to the Reformed and Presbyterian tradition?

Did you know that Kuyper taught that common grace means that not one human being on planet earth is totally depraved, contrary to Holy Scripture (e.g., Romans 3) and the Reformed faith and creeds, represented, for example, in the very first head of doctrine of the Canons of Dordt, the original Five Points of Calvinism? No wonder Kuyper’s common grace ideas and movement were, and are, called, not Calvinism but Neo-Calvinism!

Did you know that Kuyper’s theory of common grace was designed to enable a coalition government in the Netherlands involving a Roman Catholic party and Kuyper’s Reformed party? Similarly, the translation of Kuyper’s multi-volume work into English in our day is an ecumenical effort involving purportedly Protestant, evangelical and Reformed theologians and institutions with Roman Catholics.

Are you aware of the utter failure of Kuyper’s common grace to Christianize the Netherlands, America, Canada and elsewhere? Instead, this theory has facilitated apostasy and worldliness in the churches.

Did you know that common grace brings forth the Antichrist—according to its leading advocate, Abraham Kuyper!

Prof. David Engelsma’s book is a devastating critique of Abraham Kuyper’s cultural theory of a common grace of God and its grandiose mission. Its first and main part is a much-expanded version of the public lecture given in Grand Rapids in 2014 under the auspices of the evangelism society of Southwest Protestant Reformed Church in Wyoming, Michigan (pp. 11-123). The second part of the book consists of Prof. Engelsma’s answers to 27 wide-ranging questions raised by the audience at the conclusion of the lecture (pp. 125-191).

The publication of this book, which is based on a speech given by Professor Engelsma in a public lecture in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2014, coincides with the appearance of the English translation of Abraham Kuyper’s three-volume magnum opus on common grace which has been funded by various Reformed and Presbyterian churches and the Acton Institute—which is essentially Roman Catholic.

Engelsma’s points are incisive, convincing, and devastating of all Kuyper’s errors. “Christianizing the world” is NOT a Reformed calling and it denies total depravity, breaches the antithesis, destroys the oneness of the true Reformed worldview, causes world conformity, leads to an erroneous belief in postmillennialism, and ultimately the apostasy of churches and the rise of antichrist (the latter point actually made by Kuyper himself!). On a more local level, it has led to the falling away of the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) and Calvin Theological Seminary. Many, many other Reformed churches are erring through espousing this doctrinal system.

Engelsma shows that Kuyper’s interpretation of the Noahic covenant is wrong, and that what he taught was anti-confessional and not Reformed.

Among the charges made about the Protestant Reformed Churches—the only denomination to oppose Kuyper’s view and its adoption by the CRC—was that they were “Anabaptist.” Engelsma again shows that this is spurious and false stating, “The Reformed Christian is permitted, indeed required, to live this godly life in physical contact and even earthly cooperation with the ungodly, for example, at work, in the neighbourhood, and in the life of the nation.”

The second half of the book consists of Engelsma’s answers to questions from the floor and others posted later. It also delves into several ramifications of Kuyper’s views.

It is a much-needed book that ought to be read by every member of Reformed and Presbyterian churches whose seminaries and leaders are almost all falling away from the biblical truth of the five points of Calvinism and in particular sovereign, irresistible, particular grace.

To read another review of this book, click here.

“Thank you for writing (and publishing) this important book [i.e., Christianizing the World]. For me, it connected so many dots that I knew were there, but just could not figure out the ‘common’ denominator.”

“I already have a copy of this book but [I think] that I should keep a second copy that is available to pass on to someone else should opportunity present itself. I find the book quite astounding. I think I must be a superficial reader. First up, and with most books, I have to read a second time to get the proper gist of the contents. But this book of Mr. Engelsma’s I have read 4 or 5 times so far and each time am rather staggered at some of the things that Abraham Kuyper comes out with. I think if I read again I will still find new things to impress me.” – Australia

“I have just finished Prof. Engelsma’s Christianizing the World, which I found a sound and useful book in the common grace debate.” – Hungary

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.

What does the Bible teach regarding God’s attitude to the reprobate ungodly? What are the implications of the notion that Jehovah has an attitude of favour to the wicked? Do the Psalms support or give the lie to the theory of common grace? Does Zwier’s “triple cord” of biblical texts hold firm or is it cut to ribbons? Read and gain new appreciation for the truth that God’s goodness is always particular.

In this work, written in 1939, Herman Hoeksema answers a Rev. Daniel Zwier, who wrote an extensive series of articles defending the doctrine of common grace as adopted by the Christian Reformed Church in 1924. Rev. Zwier attempted to demonstrate the errors of Rev. Hoeksema and the Protestant Reformed Churches in their rejection of common grace. Zwier’s criticism was very pointed. Hoeksema’s reply was very pointed in return.

This book is extremely valuable for many reasons.

First, Rev. Hoeksema exposes the claim that to accept mutually exclusive propositions and to insist that “scripture teaches both” is a manifestation of “childlike faith.” Today, when propositional knowledge itself is being attacked, it is good to be regrounded on the biblical concept of logic. Hoeksema states,

[Zwier] is aware that we apply [what he calls] “miserable human logic,” which he despises, but we highly value as one of the noblest and most beautiful gifts of God to man and which we, in harmony with the will of God and in profound respect for the word of God, apply to the utmost of our power to the interpretation of scripture not to impose our notions on the holy scriptures … but to understand the scriptures in their own light (logical light, because it is light of revelation).

Second, Hoeksema exposes the dreadful implications and the absurdity of the doctrine of common grace for one’s conception of God. He uses the examples of Pharaoh, Nero and those who crucified Jesus to illustrate the terrible implications of the doctrine of common grace.

Third, Hoeksema clearly demonstrates the proper exegetical method of comparing Scripture with Scripture. This quote aptly describes the subject.

Zwier assumes that interpretation of a text apart from its connection with the current teaching of the Bible is interpretation of scripture, while I am convinced that the word of God is one organic whole that presents the same teaching throughout. Because of this, one can explain a certain text in the Bible without interpreting scripture. The whole of scripture must be considered when one interprets any particular passage, so that every text must be explained according to the rule of scripture … the current teaching of the Bible. The entire scriptural foundation on which Zwier attempts to build the superstructure of his doctrine of God’s general goodness consists of a few individual scriptural passages that superficially appear to support his view. However, his interpretation of them directly opposes not only several other clear texts of the Bible, but also the current teaching of Holy Writ. He is well aware of this conflict and admits it, but he refuses to explain scripture in its own light.

Fourth, in four chapters Hoeksema demonstrates that “scripture throughout teaches that God’s goodness is always particular and that the ungodly are never its object in time or eternity.”

Fifth, Hoeksema confronts the supposed “triple cord” of common grace proof texts put forth by Rev. Zwier (Psalm 145:9; Acts 14:16-17; Luke 6:35). They are the same texts used by the Christian Reformed Synod in 1924 and still wrongly interpreted by many today! The explanation of them is of great significance. Hoeksema severs each strand of Zwier’s “triple cord.”

Sixth, Hoeksema concludes by clarifying what happened at the Synod of 1924 and the days leading up to it. Had the ministers seceded from the Christian Reformed Church, as Rev. Zwier claimed, or had they been expelled? Had Rev. Hoeksema acted in harmony with or violated his promise governed by the Formula of Subscription? It is good that current and future generations understand what transpired then, in order to have an appreciation for the spiritual courage of their fathers and the doctrinal heritage that stems from their God-given boldness and convictions.

This work contains some of the most pointed and forceful writings of Hoeksema. His criticism of Zwier, his methods and his conclusions are simply devastating. This work is an example of how sharp one should be when doing battle with spiritual opponents. God’s honour is at stake. The arguments of those attempting to deny the truth and to teach error must be exposed. On the positive side, the proper explanations of some of the controversial passages are a refreshing reminder of how to understand these passages in light of all Scripture and the Reformed confessions.

As Hoeksema wrote in the preface to the book, “Let those who are shy of controversy remember that in this world it is impossible to maintain the truth unless one is ready and willing to defend it against gainsayers.”

For an excerpt of this book in Spanish, click here.

“God’s Goodness Always Particular—Excellent!” – London

“Just finished the book (God’s Goodness Always Particular). Excellent read.” – S. Wales

“Hoeksema does an incredible job [in God’s Goodness Always Particular] of not only handling a handful of disputed passages, but he demonstrates the ‘current’ of the Bible’s teaching on the doctrine of grace. It is hard not to look at the two denominations that came away from this theological battle in 1924 and not see that Hoeksema and company were right. Ninety-two years later, the PRC is still upholding the Reformed faith, still training ministers to be faithful to scripture, and still adhering faithfully to the Three Forms of Unity. [The] CRC is riddled with liberalism and moral relativism—the very things Hoeksema warned would come as a result of their pernicious doctrine of ‘common grace.’” – Illinois, USA

“Today I started to read Herman Hoeksema’s God’s Goodness Always Particular, which is a great work … The more I listen to HH … the more he is going to be on my list of favourite theologians.” – Netherlands

God’s Goodness Always Particular Reprinted

Since the contents of this book were originally Standard Bearer articles written in Dutch, the RFPA decided to translate these articles into English and print them in book format back in 1939. In 2016 we published a second edition of this book and printed 300 copies. By mid-2019 this book had sold out! Since we continued to receive requests for this book, we decided to keep it in stock and reprinted another 200 copies in May 2020. If you haven’t ever read this book, now is your chance to order a copy and give it a read!

From the Preface: “The material is controversial, but the reader will find sufficient positive instruction to make the reading worthwhile. Let those who are shy of controversy remember that in this world it is impossible to maintain the truth unless one is ready and willing to defend it against gainsayers.”—Herman Hoeksema

From the Foreword to the second edition: “Why is the Reformed Free Publishing Association publishing this book? It is polemical. The content is sharply worded. Motives are judged. Hoeksema says the content is controversial. None of this is popular today in the climate of political correctness.
Besides, is this controversy not ancient history? Does it really matter today? If it does matter, why does it matter? … The value of this book is no different from what it was almost eighty years ago. The reason is that the issue has not changed. At stake is still the doctrine of sovereign grace. In
the defense and development of the true doctrine of grace, the publisher is pleased to present the second edition of this book for the instruction and edification of God’s people.”

—Mark Hoeksema

Those were the Dark Ages, the days of knights and castles and kings and queens, of monasteries, Vikings and monks. But one monk stood out from all the rest. One monk stood firm for the truth. This is the story of Gottschalk of Orbais, a light of truth in the darkness of his age—a light of truth in ours.

For several years the RFPA has discussed publishing books for younger readers and Gottschalk: Servant of God represents our first effort. This book is intended for high school ages. Because the story is intriguing and the history of Gottschalk is not well-known, adults will also enjoy this book and find it profitable.

“I’ve found [the biography of] Gottschalk very encouraging. How wonderful that the Lord kept him faithful though standing alone and imprisoned for nearly 20 years!” – W. Yorkshire, England

“What a beautifully produced book this is!” – Leicestershire, England

I’ve enjoyed reading Gottschalk: Servant of God. Gottschalk was a great Christian, who stood alone for sound doctrine – Lincoln, England

Listen to the audio of a lecture on “Gottschalk: Medieval Confessor of God’s Absolute Sovereignty.”
Watch the video of a lecture “Gottschalk: Medieval Confessor of God’s Absolute Sovereignty” and its Q. & A. session.

Book Review

Published in the English Churchman (15 & 22, April 2016)

This helpful little book was recently published by Reformed Free Publishing Association (RFPA) based in Michigan, USA. I had never heard of Gottschalk before and what a treat and tonic I had to read about his life. In a day when even orthodox Calvinistic thinkers are watering down their message to present a more palatable presentation of the gospel, this book is an antidote to such conduct. Even more surprising is a clear defence of the twin doctrines of election and reprobation from a Benedictine monk in the 9^th century. The Westminster Confession does state in Chapter 3 section 8 that the doctrine of predestination is to be handled prudently and carefully but this chapter of the confession clearly proclaims the doctrines of election and reprobation.

Gottschalk was born around 806 in Saxony into a high ranking family. However, this child was born the “The Dark Ages” and the state of Christianity was very poor. His parents donated him to a monastery along with his inheritance. Any student of the Roman Catholic Church knows how the people can be manipulated form money in return for eternal security. However God, in his providence, had different plans for Gottschalk.

The book charts the life of Gottschalk through his monastic training and then his public church life, where he made the most audacious stand for sovereign grace. We are presented with a young man who was soaked in the Scriptures and the church fathers, especially Augustine. We trace a line that flows from the apostles to Augustine to Calvin in the clear presentation of election and reprobation. When in attendance at the Synod of Mainz in 829 (when he was approximately 23!), he set out his confession of faith as follows:

I, Gottschalk, believe and confess, profess and testify, from God the Father, through God the Son, and in God the Holy Spirit, and affirm and assert before God and His Holiness that predestination is double whether of election to peace or of reprobation to death. Because just as God, by free grace, has unchangeably predestined all His elect to life eternal, so likewise (similiter) the same unchangeable God by just judgment has unchangeably predestinated all the reprobate, who in the day of judgment are damned on account of their evil merits, to merited eternal death” (p. 75).

What a clear statement of truth from a Roman Catholic monk! He would shame the vast majority of Protestantism today. Note also his tender age. We are said to expect too much of our young people but in reality we expect too little. Gottschalk is an example of how young men can be fully theological literate when they truly desire the truth.

Gottschalk was harassed, silenced, beaten and imprisoned for his faith, and died defending sovereign grace. Just like today, “Calvinist” church men stated they were Augustinian in doctrine but then taught predestination, like Gottschalk’s foe Hincmar, in language which is not distinct or clear and with no room for reprobation. A synod at Quierzy declared Gottschalk a heretic. He was flogged within an inch of his life so that his blood stained the ground and he was forced to throw his writings in the fire. He was led bleeding, bruised and wounded to a prison room. Even as he was dying, Hincmar tempted Gottschalk to water down his views with the promise of the sacraments and a Christian burial. However, he did not bend. In the final chapter of the book, it is put as follows:

Gottschalk knew that long ago in eternity God had chosen him to be an elect of God in Jesus Christ for no other reason than that God wanted to. By himself Gottschalk was only a man, a sinner like everyone else. He knew that. The reason for election is in God alone. Gottschalk knew that too. God does not change his decrees. Gottschalk knew the devil cannot steal one elect out of God’s hand. Even locked away in his prison cell, Gottschalk knew the devil could not steal him. His election and salvation was sure. His path in this life was sure. His place in heaven was sure. In that knowledge Gottschalk could die for the truth he loved (pp. 121-122).

Gottschalk died around 868. He gave his life and death for sovereign grace. Oh, for men like this today who will stand for orthodox truth instead of saying you can be a Calvinist but preach like an Arminian! I strongly recommend this book. It is an easy read which would not challenge teenagers. We need to hear the truth and this is a superb introduction to election and reprobation.

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)

4 sermons on John 3:1-13 on CD

Originally preached in 2003, these sermons have now been produced on CD and put together in a box set. The material includes a critique of the teachings of Billy Graham, John Wesley and modern evangelicalism regarding the new birth.

Canons of Dordt III/IV:12: “And this is the regeneration so highly celebrated in Scripture, and denominated a new creation: a resurrection from the dead, a making alive, which God works in us without our aid. But this is in no wise effected merely by the external preaching of the gospel, by moral suasion, or such a mode of operation, that after God has performed his part, it still remains in the power of man to be regenerated or not, to be converted, or to continue unconverted; but it is evidently a supernatural work, most powerful, and at the same time most delightful, astonishing, mysterious, and ineffable; not inferior in efficacy to creation, or the resurrection from the dead …”

(1) The Necessity of the New Birth (John 3:1-3)
(2) The Agent of the New Birth (John 3:4-7)
(3) The Sovereignty of the New Birth (John 3:8)
(4) The Revelation of the New Birth (John 3:9-13)

“I got your sermons on ‘The New Birth.’ I listened to the first one today, and greatly appreciated it. I hope to listen to the second one soon.” – Rep. of Ireland

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.