Rewards.
For many Christians, this word is a cause for fear and suspicion. It suggests doctrines of merit and a salvation based on works, as well as other ideas at odds with the teachings of the Christian faith.
But that need not be so.
In this accessible book, Brian Huizinga offers a rare historical and theological exposition of the biblical and Reformed teaching on the oft-neglected topic of the rewards of grace for the saints—in both the present life and in the life to come. Excluding any merit, and in full harmony with his sovereign and particular grace, the Lord indeed promises to reward the good works of believers. Far from unbiblical or dangerous, the truth of rewards occupies a surprisingly large and important place in Scripture. As such, it demands our attention. Crowning His Gifts will help all believers better grasp this topic by deepening their understanding of salvation in Christ and by offering fresh encouragements for a renewed life of godly zeal, to God’s glory.
Brian Huizinga is professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies at the Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches in Wyoming, Michigan, USA. He is also an editor of the Standard Bearer magazine. Before his appointment to professorship, he served for eight years in the pastoral ministry in Redlands, California. Crowning His Gifts is his first book.
What others are saying about the book:
“The relation between our good works and God’s rewards is unavoidable because our Lord himself often made this connection. Today, also because of the prosperity gospel, many are confused. In this book, with its wonderfully fitting title, Brian Huizinga builds on the spiritual and theological wisdom of Augustine, Calvin, Francis Turretin, Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, and Herman Hoeksema, among others, and provides a reliable guide through the tricky shoals of this subject. Huizinga’s treatment is biblically grounded and confessionally sound in its careful distinctions, clear definitions, and appropriate cautions. This is a ground-breaking, thorough, practical, and timely book.”
– John Bolt, Professor emeritus of systematic theology, Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, MI), editor of Herman Bavinck’s English editions of Reformed Dogmatics and Reformed Ethics
“The author shows that the doctrine of God’s rewards for our works is in line with the Reformed tradition … Crowning His Gifts is a solid, biblical, Reformed study of our covenantal relationship with God. Pick up this book and read it carefully!”
– Jürgen-Burkhard Klautke, Akademie für Reformatorische Theologie (Academy for Reformed Theology, Giessen), Evangelisch-Reformierten Gemeinde (Confessing Evangelical-Reformed Congregation, Giessen), Germany
“The longest chapter is concerned with ‘Degrees of Reward in Heaven,’ in which Huizinga carefully and faithfully explains Scripture passages such as the Lord’s own words in Revelation 22:12, ‘And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.’ I would encourage believers to buy the book, even if for this chapter alone. Other chapters consider ‘Temporal Rewards on Earth,’ which is certainly far removed from the so-called prosperity gospel, and ‘God’s Purpose with the Reward.’ The chapter ‘Implications for the Christian Life’ is full of warm pastoral application. He writes, ‘There is reward, but first the work. There is the reaping, but first the sowing. There is a crown, but first the striving. There is victory, but first the battle. There is harbor, but first the rowing. There is rest, but first the exertion. Now we work. Not to earn—the burden would crush us—but to serve with love and gratitude’ (page 215) … The book is well produced with a clear print and layout. In addition to the Scripture index already mentioned, there are indices of creedal references and names, and a bibliography. All Bible quotations are taken form the Authorised Version … Crowning His Gifts is a delightful, instructive, challenging and compelling read. It refreshes the soul and I cannot recommend it too much.”
– Bible League Quarterly (issue 499 [October-December, 2024], pp. 312, 313)
