                       *            he

                              tandard


A   R E F O R M E D   S E M I - M O N T H L Y   M A G A Z I N E



  In This Issue


         Meditation:
            The Question: Shall We Sin Again?

         Editorial:
            Our Schools and Government Subsidy

         A Relevant Liturgy
            (see: All Around Us)

         Involvement in Dissent
            (see: The Strength of Youth)



                                                Volume XL V / Number 14 / April 15, I969


314                                                       THE STANDARD BEARER



                            CONTENTS:                                                               THE STANDARD BEARER
                                                                                  Semi-monthly, except monthly during June, July and August.
Meditation -                                                                       Published by the Reformed Free Publishing Association, Inc.
   The Question: Shall We Sin Again?. . . . . . . . . . .3 14                            Second Class Postage Paid at Grand Rapids, Mich.
                                                                             Editor-in-Chief: Prof. H. C.  Hoeksema
Editorials  -                                                                Department Editors:  Mr. John M.  Faber,Rev.  Cornelius Hanko,Prof.
   Editor's Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .316     Herman Hanko, Rev. Robert C. Harbach, Rev. John A.  Heys, Rev. Jay
   Our Schools and Government Subsidy (4) . . . . .3 17                      Kortering, Rev. George C. Lubbers, Rev. Marinus Schipper, Rev. Gise J.
                                                                             Van  Baren, Rev. Herman  Yeldman,  Rev. Bernard Woudenberg

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Meditation

                         The Question: Shall `We Sin Again?
                                                               Rev. M. Schipper
                                         `ilnd after all that is come upon. us for our evil
                                     deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our
                                      God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve,
                                     and has given us such deliverance as this. Should we
                                     again break thy commandments, and join affintty  with
                                      the people of these abominations? Wouldest not thou
                                      be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that
                                      there should be no remnant nor escaping?"
                                                                                              Ezra 9: 13, 14.

   Shall we sin again?                                                       and particularly, the priests, Levites, and rulers of the
   Pertinent question!                                                       people had inter-married with the wicked of the land.
   Occasioned by the fact that  ,the'retnrned captives,                         Seventy long years had the kingdom of Judah been


                                            THE STANDARD BEARER                                              315



held captive in Babylon, where the Lord had chastised Verily, they experienced that to live apart from God is
them greatly because of their sins. And now the death. No wonder they wept when they remembered
prophecy of Jeremiah was accomplished, so that they Zion, and hung their harps upon the willows when
might. return to their own land. Cyrus, the king of they were asked to sing one of Zion's songs.
Persia had given commandment that the enslaved  r           In the light of all this: Shall we sin again?
captives should be released to return to the holy city      You, 0 Israel, and you, 0 sinner! You who have
under the leadership of Nehemiah and Zerubbabel. The learned what it means to be bound in the shackles of
walls of the city again with great difficulty had been sin and death! You who have known what is the
repaired, and the house of God rebuilt. Cyrus also experience of being enclosed in the prison-house of sin
instructed Ezra, the priest-scribe, to return with the and death, and separated from the house of Jehovah's
vessels of the Lord's house which Nebuchadnezzar had service! Should we sin again?
confiscated, and with firm orders to instruct the           Pertinent question, indeed!
people in the Law of God. Upon Ezra's arrival the           Also when you consider it in the light of the present
princes of the people disclosed to him the popular but deliverance!
very grievous sin where the religious leaders had           0, how wonderfully J.ehovah had kept His Word to
allowed the holy seed to mingle with the unholy, to send to His beloved deliverance from the house of
intermarry with the heathen. Not only did they bondage! Seventy years after His people had broken
thereby violate the solemn dictum that Israel shall His covenant, He remembered it. He moved the heart
dwell in safety alone, but they also were committing of the king of Persia, Cyrus His servant, to send His
the abominations of the heathen - a most grevious sin people back to their own land. Once more they would
in the eyes of the Lord. Ezra was dumfounded when have a nail in His sanctuary. He had not dealt with
he heard of it. What lover of God's Law would not be? them as they had deserved. For if He had done so they
His astonishment was so great that he rent his clothes, would have been as Sodom and Gomorrah. They
plucked off his hair, and sat down to mourn until the would have perished from the earth. Never would they
evening sacrifice. Then he appeared before the face of have come into His presence again. But He had not
the Lord to spread out the matter before His throne of reckoned with them according to their deserts. Their
mercy in intercessory prayer. A most beautiful prayer, deliverance should have been a cause for everlasting
in which he confesses in shame this sin, admitting rejoicing.
Jehovah's righteous judgment for sins that were past,       A proper question for Israel!
remembering God's mercy that He had again given a           Do you think it right, 0 people of God, to sin again
season of relief and a nail in His house, and rehearsing after you have been so wonderfully delivered? Does it
the law which militated against the present evil. And in seem just and proper that you should sin against God
the words of our text raises the important question after He has dealt so graciously with you? Would you
which is the subject of our present meditation.           not by your very sin be reproaching the grace whereby
  Shall we again sin?                                     ye were saved?
  A most proper question in the light of past sins!         And dear reader, forget not that what happened to
  Israel was a people that was born in sin. By, nature Judah was but typical of what has happened to us. Do
ethically no better than the heathen which surrounded we not also exclaim: that He has not dealt with us
them. In spite of all the gracious dealings God had with after our sins, but that He has removed'our guilt as far
this ancient people, Israel did not shake off the old as east from west is distant? Has He .not laid on Christ
man of sin. In spite of the fact that God had revealed the iniquity of us all? Did not our Saviour stand under
Himself to that nation as to none other, they sinned the vials of His holy wrath, in order that we would
yet. more and more, committing all the abominations never have to endure it? Does it then seem right to you
of the wicked. Israel had,incurred great guilt. Yet the and to me that we should then.go out and sin again?
merciful Jehovah stretched out His hand through the         Also a most serious question!
prophets to warn His disobedient people to repent and       Should we continue to break His holy command-
return, until He is described as having become weary of ments? Should we deliberately violate His Law, that
it. But Israel did not listen. Hence, the Lord brought Law which He has ordained for our life, and which
them into captivity, where under the cruel bondage in must now serve as the norm for our faith and practise?
Babylon the remnant felt His chastening rod. Verily For that is the implication of the text. Not simply does
the sinner cannot play with God and get away with it. Ezra, mean that we should disregard the command-
In His indignation He chastised them with the rod of ments, but as the English version expresses it: break,
Nebuchadnezzar and the wicked kings that succeeded i.e., deliberately break off. God's Law is a harmonious
him. And, 0, what suffering they had endured. They        whole. When we transgress a certain commandment,
became the gazing stock of the world, ridiculed and we break off, we reject that commandment, and thus
mocked, despised and forlorn. Worst of all they were      destroy the whole of the Law of God.
separated from Jerusalem and the house of God.             Here the auestion is: Should we break off Thv


316                                            THE STANDARD BEARER


commandments by joining affinity with the people of Consider what Peter writes in II Peter  2:20  - "For if
these abominations? With that people whom the Lord             after they have escaped the pollutions of the world
at the entrance of Israel into the  la+ of Canaan had          through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus
expressly instructed that they should be utterly des- Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome,
troyed? A people, such as Moab and Ammon, who the latter end is worse with them than the beginning."
were godless and full of abominable idolatry? Shall we         Or again, listen to what the author of the Epistle to the
just join ourselves to them in marriage, which can Hebrews writes: (Hebrews 6:4-6) "For it is impossible
mean not only that we give our sons and daughters to           for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted
them in wedlock, but join in on their idolatrous of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the
practises?  Such sin would not only be a breaking of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God,
Law of God, but it would lead to Israel's downfall, and        and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall
bring upon them a curse. We could put the question             away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing
this way: Should we, God's redeemed people, after we           they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and
have been delivered from sin and death by the blood of put him to an open shame."
Christ seek affinity with the world, with its scheme,             Would not such incur the guilt of those described in
with its things? Would we then not be breaking not             Hebrews  10:29: "Of how much sorer punishment,
only the Law of God, but deliberately violating the            suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath
tenure of all God's Word which admonishes us: "Be ye trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted
not unequally yoked together with unbelievers;" the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sancti-
"Neither yield ye your members as instruments of fied, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the
unrighteousness unto sin;" "Therefore, brethren, we            Spirit of grace?"
are debtors not to live after the flesh?"                         What is the proper answer then?
  Indeed, a serious question!                                     Indeed, not! By the grace of God we will fight the
  The seriousness of which lies not only in the fact good fight of faith! We will mortify the old man of sin
that it is asked of us, but it is a question which is asked    which is still in  us,  and put on the new man, which
before the face of God. Understand it well, Ezra does          after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
not ask his contemporaries that question. 0, indeed,           We will not allow fornication and all  uncleaness, or
they heard him pray, and therefore they too were               covetousness, to be named once among us. For once
confronted with the question. That would make the              we were the children of darkness, but now are we light
question serious enough. But the seriousness becomes           in the Lord, and will therefore walk as children of
all the more serious when you consider that it is asked        light.
before.lthe throne of God. Ezra and Israel, you and I,            We shall no longer delight in breaking one of the
stand before God with this question. Would you have            least of God's commandments, nor will we seek
the boldness to ask God whether you should sin again?          affinity with the world. For how shall we, who have
  Awful question!                                              become dead to sin, live any longer therein?
  But answered question!                                          And on the basis of the perfect sacrifice and
  Answered it is with another question. Wouldest not           redemption accomplished for us by our Saviour, we
Thou be angry with us till Thou hadst consumed us, so          will steadfastly look for our final and perfect salvation
that there should be no remnant nor escaping?                  in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness
  God's anger is His holy indignation!                         shall dwell.
  The antithesis of His love and mercy!                           "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth
  Would not God be so angry that not one of the                not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that,
sinners should escape? The implication of this question        when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall
should be understood as signifying that all the sinners        see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in
would be destroyed.                                            him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
  And this is exactly the teaching of the Word of God.


Editorials
                                             EDITOR'S NOTES
                                               PvoJ: H. C. Hoeksema

  Publication slightly delayed. The Publication Com- "Behold, He Cometh!" could not be met. We encoun-
mittee regrets to announce that the previously  an- tered some unavoidable delays with the printing and
nounced publication date of April 1 for the book, binding, due apparently to the fact that this is a busy


                                                 THE STANDARD BEARER                                              317


season in those trades. As of this writing, the book is at Oak Lawn, and that this subject will stand some
the printing plant; but it appears that work will not be careftil synodical attention. I also believe that there is
completed until some time in the first part of May. To merit in the suggestion "that Synod review our
those who placed their pre-publication orders we emeritation program," even apart from the Social
advise: Have patience! We will send your copy as soon Security question. Personally, I am inclined to think
as possible; and the wait will be worthwhile.                that our synodical Emeritus Fund is not operated with
                                                             sufficient foresight.
                         *  * *

  About Social Security fov Clergy. Your attention is
called to an item about this subject in the report of          Fellow Editors: Before long it will be time for our
Classis West which appears in this issue's  news col- annual staff meeting, to be held, D.V., when synod
umns. I assume that the report on the Oak Lawn meets. At that time plans must be made for another
overture and of the classical decision both appear here volume-year of the  Standard Bearer.  Please give this
in condensed form; and therefore it is difficult to say matter some thought. Should it be impossible for you
anything in detail about them. It appears to me, to attend the staff meeting, send your suggestions to
however, that there is some merit in the suggestion of our staff secretary, Rev. J. Kortering.


             Our Schools and Government Subsidy (4)
                                        A Question of Justice or of Mone.y?

                                                  ProJ: H.C. Hoeksema

More Basic Considerations                                    respect to government or with respect to education.
  As stated last time, the Standard Bearer editorially These movements present strictly secular, that is,
takes the position that the present proposals for carnal arguments. They have a secular conception of
government subsidy of private schools are not based on freedom. They have a secular conception of education.
justice. Certainly, a study of the Joint Legislative When they speak at all of the place of religion in
Report of the Michigan legislature reveals  .that the education, they assume either a neutral stance (and
entire approach to the question is not one of justice. It speak of non-public schools) or they assume an
is rather the approach of utility. It is argued that the all-embracing stance (and speak in general of religious
financial load on the public school system will be too education).
great if the private schools must shut  ,down. It is           Even in the light of the above, I cannot understand
argued that therefore it would be folly not to render how the Christian can in good conscience accept any
some aid to priGate schools. It is also argued that the government subsidy obtained or granted on such a
striving to build up the educational level of the inner basis.
cities will be hampered if the private schools in those        But it is my contention that the entire concept of
inner city areas are not helped financially. One looks in government subsidy is also positively wrong, contrary
vain in this report for a good, solid argument which to Christian principles of righteousness and justice. In
proceeds from righteousness and justice. In fact, here support of this. contention I offered sundry arguments
in the Michigan legislature the whole question of in the April 1 issue. In the present article I begin to
parochiaid has become one of money; and also the foes offer more basic considerations.
of parochiaid are arguing either that the public schools       The first such consideration which I offer is that the
will be deprived of funds or that there simply is not whole concept of government subsidy is contrary to
enough money available to pay the added $40 million the fundamental principle of parental education of
which parochiaid will require.                               covenant children.  The positive implication of this
  The same is true of the two organizations which principle is that it is the duty and  r&.ponsibility  and
support parochiaid in Michigan, the Michigan Associ- privilege of the parents, and of the parents only, to
ation of Non-Public Schools and Citizens for Educa- educate the children which the Lord has given them.
tional Freedom. As might be expected when we judge The negative implication of this principle, for our
from the very names of these organizations, about present discussion, is that it is  not the duty and
which there is nothing Christian, one looks in vain in responsibility and privilege of the government to
all the argumentation which has appeared for any hint educate our children.
of Christian principles of justice and righteousness with      This has long been recognized among Reformed


318                                            THE  STANDARD`BEARER



people as the formal principle at the basis of Christian of this basic principle of Christian education, must be
education. We are distinct in this regard, certainly, our attitude toward government subsidy of our
from the public schools. But we are also distinct, let us schools?
not forget, from those who hold to parochial educa-           Shall we campaign for such government subsidy?
tion, the system of church schools. It is true that this Shall we tacitly consent to it by accepting such subsidy
principle has been compromised by some, so that it is if the legislature approves of it? This could only be
.claimed, for example, that if the parents fail in this done by either openly or tacitly denying this principle
duty, then the government may step in; but this I of parental responsibility and by admitting that the
consider a compromise and without any Scriptural government either must or may share that responsi-
foundation. It may even be questioned, in the light of bility with us. Mind you, I am not talking now about
this principle, in how far the government has any right the danger of government control on the part of a
before God to exercise any control whatsoever over government which shares financial responsibility. I am
the education of our children. By what right, before only speaking of the principle of parental responsi-
God,. does the government stipulate, for example, that bility which is at stake. This is a sacred principle, one
a high school education is compulsory? However this which may not be sacrificed on the altar of the dollar.
may be, the fact remains that everywhere Scripture            If we desire to let our Christian testimony go forth,
places the responsibility of education upon the a testimony founded on what is right before God, then
parents; and also our Baptism Form places the respon- let us testify to the government that it should get out
sibility there in its third question to the parents.        of the business of ,education altogether. Let us testify
  Now let us remember that this is not an unimpor- to the government that it has only the God-given
tant matter. We call this the  formal   principle of authority to rule in the sphere of things civil and to
education in distinction from the  material  principle, wield the sword, that it has no calling to operate
which is concerned with the fundamental spiritual schools. You say, perhaps, that such a proposal is
direction and the content of education. But let`us not preposterous? You object that those who occupy the
be deceived by that term  formal.  There are no mere seat of government would laugh hilariously at such a
formalities before God. This principle implies that God proposal? You point to the fact that public education
.Himself,  our covenant God, holds us responsible for is part and parcel of the American system, guaranteed
the education of our children. That responsibility you by the law of the land? I remind you that we are
and I can never abdicate, even though we may attempt talking about principles and about living from prin-
to escape it. The Lord our God still holds us ciple, not about the question whether our sacred
responsible. Even when parents band together to principles will find favor in the eyes of the rulers of
establish a covenant school, they are held responsible this world. And if, then,  we, are going to accept the
for the education of their own children. Even when fact that public education is part of the American
they elect a school board, they cannot "pass off" that system and that we cannot succeed in changing that
responsibility to that board. Even when they hire system, let us also be glad that this same system still
teachers, it is ultimately not the teachers but the allows us room as people of God to hold to and to
parents who are responsible before God. Let us never practice our principle of parental education. Let us
forget this. We do well, in fact, to bear this in mind in exercise that right as long as it is possible to do so. Let
the actual life and operation of our covenant schools. I us not engage in self-pity about the great expense and
am afraid that sometimes we tend to think that we can the tremendous sacrifice involved. By all means, let us
"pass the buck" and shed our responsibility when we' not exchange our heritage for a mess of dollars. Let us
have a school and elect a botid and send our children rather be glad and thankful to our God that we may
off to school for the biggest part of the day. But this is still exercise this parental responsibility. Let us count
never the case. And our schools must always remain it a privilege as well as a sacred responsibility!
very really and very actively parental.                       This, to me, is living from principle.
  But the question confronting us is: what, in the light                       (to be continued)


QU es tion Box..
                        ABOUT BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
Question                                                    porary Translation" by Edwin H. Palmer. He gives a
  From a Michigan reader, brother Peter De Young,           long list of incorrect translations, which does not mean
comes the following question: "Some time ago we read much to me or the average reader. My question is: Are
in "The Banner" (Feb. 14) an article on "A Contem-          they forever trying to do away with the sharp points in


                                            THE STANDARD BEARER                                             319



Scripture with all the new translations and trying to wonder whether he is hearing Scripture or not.
bring the Word of God in line with their scientific       3). There is a movement afoot to produce a new
conceptions?                                            translation by conservative, or evangelical, scholars.
                                                        Perhaps the scholarship necessary for such a project is
Reply                                                   available. Personally, however, I have  grave doubts
  I no longer have the Feb. 14 issue of "The Banner" whether the spiritual and doctrinal condition of
at hand, and so I cannot reflect on the article         conservative scholarship is healthy enough to produce
mentioned. I will; however, make a few general a truly good new translation.
remarks in comlection with the question submitted:        4) I think that the King James Version has served us
  1) There certainly are new translations which try to admirably. It has stood the  test of time. It is
do away with "the sharp points" in Scripture. Whether reasonably' accurate. It is beautiful and majestic. And
or not this is done in an attempt to bring the Wordof as for the argument that its language is archaic and
God "in line with their scientific conceptions" is .not cannot be understood by the present generation, I
so much the question. But it indeed makes a world of would answer that the fault does not lie with the King
difference whether the scholars who engage in the James Version but rather with homes and families in
work of translation do so in faith or in unbelief. In the which the Bible is not regularly read any more.
latter case, the attempt will be made to bring the Word Certainly,  - and I speak from experience now,  - in
of God in line with their unbelieving conceptions.      those homes where the Bible is regularly and systemati-
  2) Personally, I am not pleased with today's cally read there is no serious problem with under-
multiplication of translations and versions. At best, if standing the King James Version. On this score we may
carefully used, some of these can be of help in Bible all take warning. The Bible must not be a dust-covered
study; at worst, they only serve to confuse the Bible book in our homes. Nor must the Psalms be the only
student. Also for public reading of the Scriptures these pages which give evidence of use. We and our children
multiple translations serve to be confusing. For one must be thoroughly familiar with the Scriptures
who is accustomed to the old King James Version or through daily use of them.
the American Revised Version, some of the contempo-
rary translations are so unfamiliar as to make one                                                      H.C.H.


Neuys Feature
                        A Worthwhile Conference
                                                        meeting the Rev. D. Engelsma presented a paper on the
                                                        genealogy of Jesus, and this paper was then made the
                                                        subject of the group's discussion. Rev. Engelsma's
                                                        paper, by the way, will be published in the spring issue
                                                        of our Theological Journal, along with a summary of
                                                        the discussion prepared by Prof. Hanko.
                                                          I would describe this as a worthwhile conference. In
                                                        the first place, it was worthwhile because of the
                                                        fellowship which we might enjoy together. There are
                                                        very few occasions when our ministers get together on
                                                        other than the formal, usually busy, official occasions
                                                        when our assemblies meet. This meeting went at a
                                                        rather leisurely pace; it was conducted on a rather
                                                        informal basis; and it was a meeting not characterized
                                                        by the "must" which always marks a meeting like
  The above picture (courtesy of Mr. L. Lubbers) was those of classis or synod. Moreover, instead of official
taken at the conclusion of a conference of the ecclesiastical business, the paper and the discussion
ministers and elder-delegates of our Western churches, were devoted to something which ought to have the
held at South Holland, Illinois on Tuesday afternoon, love of any minister's heart, an exegetical subject. At
March 4. To this conference the ministers of  Classis the end of the meeting there  .was time left for those
East and also the faculty and students of our se&nary informal chats with friends and colleagues, chats which
were invited; some of the ministers and all  6f the were continued at the delicious dinner served by the
seminary personnel accepted the invitation.  Ah this South Holland `ladies. Yet, in the second place, a


320                                               THE STANDARD BEARER


meeting like this is far from a waste of time. Not only meetings will also make the arrangements for the
were there the intangible benefits of fellowship and denominational conference. We of the seminary look
contact of brethren; but there was instruction and forward to the next meeting, the Lord willing. And
discussion of a very solid kind about a Biblical subject. once more I strongly recommend that  all our ministers
This I count worthwhile for all concerned.                     make it a point to attend in the future. Such meetings
   By an informal motion it was decided to have are a time of refreshment. I am sure that I express the
another such conference at a time when  Classis West sentiments of all who were invited when I say
meets in Illinois. It  was also agreed to distribute the "Thanks" to our brethren of  Classis West.
paper in advance, in order that all may come prepared            I am sorry that I cannot furnish identification with
for discussion. The brethren of Classis West hold such a the photo: who would think that Reformed men
conference before every meeting of  Classis, I under- would form such crooked lines?
stand. And those in charge of arrangements for those                                                                    H.C.H.


Ail Around Us

                                   A   R,elevant  L i t u r g y
                                                        Pro5 H. Hanko

A RELEVANT LITURGY                                                 are intensely dissatisfied with the current form and
  Ought we to revise and revamp our liturgy? This is               manner of worship in their churches. The fact is
the burning question which is presently stirring the               known to anyone at all who has listened to them.
churches in this land and abroad. Many Churches are                They do not conceal their dissatisfaction. . . .
not content to talk about it; they have begun to do                      . . . I am convinced that they mean their objec-
something about it. Not minor revisions in the order of            tions so seriously that unless we listen to them and
                                                                   institute reforms they will either leave the Reformed
worship are being introduced. Not a few additions to               churches for some church which has, in their
or subtractions from the regular liturgical practices are          judgment, a more soundly Christian liturgy, or they
deemed sufficient. Fundamental changes in the very                 will become the sullen, custom-ridden church mem-
structure of the liturgy which involve complete altera-            bers which we in the Reformed churches are so adept
tions are-being tried. Experimentation, innovation and             at producing. They will not become vital, energetic
basic change characterize "liturgical renewal".                    participants in our churches.
  It is not  without significance that these liturgical          It is true, I think, that the objections of young
experimentations are characteristic of the Church. The people to whom Dr. Wolterstorff has bent an ear are
Church is bent on doctrinal alteration and Biblical objections rather current among young people. I have,
apostasy. The Church is frantically engaged in ecu- from time to time, heard objections raised among our
menism. The Church is exchanging the ministry of the own people and, young people about the liturgical
Gospel for social, political and economic involvement. practices of the Church. Many times the objections
This is what characterizes the Church scene. It is not were raised that the liturgy of the Church has become
an accident that `in this ecclesiastical climate there is so familiar that it is practiced automatically; it has
much discussion of liturgical change as well. And, if we become a worship of the lips and of outward form.
should find that the suggestions made for liturgical The true worship of the heart is all but absent. This has
change are closely  associated with the general upheaval been used as an excuse to make alterations in our
within the Church world, we should not be surprised. liturgical practices so as to construct a liturgy more
  In the February, 1969 issue of the  Reformed meaningful and to guarantee a more spiritual participa-
Journal Nicholas P. Wolterstorff, professor of philoso- tion in the service.
phy at Calvin College, writes an article entitled "The           We  do- well to consider the problem. Our young
Young Person and Liturgy". While discussing the people especially will do well to give their thought and
problems of liturgy from the vantage `point of the discussion to this matter.
young people in the Church, he makes a strong plea for           Dr. Wolterstorff's basic thesis is that the most
basic and drastic liturgical alteration.                       important feature of worship in the Reformed liturgy
  His starting point is the general dissatisfaction to be is "dialogue".
found among young people with the worship services                       To understand what the young person is driving at,
within the Reformed Churches:                                      I think we must dig into the fundamental structure
         It iS no secret that many of the reflective young         of a Reformed liturgy. That fundamental structure, it
       people who are members of the Reformed Churches             is generally agreed, is a dialogue, a dialogue between


                                                      THE STANDARD BEARER                                            321



    God and His people. The Reformed liturgy, indeed,           does this when it seeks to find its~calling in the world
    the Christim liturgy, consists in its basic structure of    not iri *hat Scripture says, but in what a given man (or
    a series of acts in which God addresses His people          group of men) at a given time happen to think their
    and His people address God - the people confess             calling is.
    their sins to God, God gives to the people His                 And here is the big disappointment in Dr.  Wolter-
    assurance of pardon, God speaks His Word to the             storff's article. He listens to the young people. They
    people, the people respond with thanks and praise to
    God, and so forth, back and forth in dialogue.              have various objections against the liturgy. He ought
                                                                not to be doing this. He ought to be listening to God.
  Here is a key point. We must not lightly pass over Yet the article makes no mention of God's Word - not
this and accept Dr. Wolterstorff's definition of liturgy even once. There is absolutely no indication in it (you
without some thought. His contention that the  &uc- may search all you will) that the author has even given
ture  of the Reformed liturgy is essential to an any thought to the matter that God ought to have the
understanding of what ought to be included in a say in all this matter of liturgy.
proper liturgy is surely sound. But is "Reformed                   After all, God tells us Who He is. He is the only One
liturgy" to be characterized as essentially "dialogue"? Who can tell us. And because He tells us Who He is, He
Dr. Wolterstorff says that this -"is generally agreed" is the only One Who can tell us how He ought to be
upon.                                                           worshipped. The very fact that we call our church
  It is true that there is an element of fact in this services "worship" services already suggests that God is
definition. But the word "dialogue" strikes me as being higher than one with whom we can have dialogue. If
singularly inappropriate to describe what happens at a there is a king who rules over a vast empire and expects
worship service.  A. dialogue is carried on between obedience, allegiance, respect and honor from his
equals. Two people may engage in a. dialogue. Two               subjects, he is the one who has the right to determine
groups of people may have a dialogue. Even two how his subjects shall conduct themselves in his
committees, each representing a particular denomina- presence. This is not the prerogative of those who will
tion, may conduct a dialogue if they choose. This is, in come from time to time into his throne room. They
fact, rather fashionable in our ecumenical age. But can may not decide on the matters of conduct which
a man  have a dialogue with his pet dog? Or if the              become them as citizens in his realm. The king has the
analogy strikes you as unsound, is it even possible for a right to determine whether his subjects must bow
mature adult with the wisdom of many years to hold a before  him, what words they may rightly say, how
dialogue with a little child of one year old? Is there a they must address him  and behave in his presence.
possibility of dialogue (with all that that implies) in Above all, only the king has the right to determine the
such a situation? Is it not far more impossible for the all-important question of who may come into his
God of heaven and earth to hold a "dialogue" with a presence. The sceptre is not held out to all. And one
man? There is speech from God to man and from man who presumes to come without the king's permission
to God in a worship service. There is speech which suffers the loss of his head.
implies closest fellowship. But "dialogue" is exactly not          How much more is not this true of the living God.
the word to describe this unique exchange of words Because He is Who He is, He shall determine how men
which is characteristic of a worship service.                   shall worship Him in His presence. This is surely the
  And here, I am convinced, we have  .hit upon a basic principle of liturgy. We must expect then that
fundamental point in the discussion. If there is one our liturgy will be, in its essentials, prescribed in God's
thing which characterizes all the discussion of doctrine, Word.
of church unity, of the church's calling, of liturgy, it is        Essential to this liturgy is worship. And worship is
a growing disregard for the awesome majesty and not dialogue. Perhaps we need to learn once again the
supreme glory of God. Every effort is made to make meaning of the Scriptural idea of fear. I am aware of
God common, to bring Him down to the-level of man, the fact that fear in Scripture is not terror. The wicked
to make Him a next door neighbor with Whom we can must be afraid of God. They do not show this terror in
chat over the backyard fence. The vision of Isaiah 6 is their life. They are careless and incredibly foolish
forgotten. God is filled with such great glory that blasphemers. Because God does not strike them in the
before Him the angels cover their faces. God is moment of their blasphemy with sudden bursts of
infinitely exalted above man. It is because of this fact judgment they think they can say about God what
that God's revelation of Himself to man is so essential. they please. `But this shall some day change when the
He cannot be known apart from His revelation. Yet it awful cry goes up pleading for the mountains to cover
is precisely this revelation which men consistently them from the face of God. But fear is not terror. Fear
ignore. The Church does this. It does this when it is characteristic of God's people Who know God and
denies the infallible inspiration of Scripture. It does know of His love for them. But while fear is not terror,
this when it turns away from the truth of Scripture to neither is it familiarity. Even the intimate fellowship of
say what Scripture does not say concerning doctrine. It God's covenant into which God takes His people is


322                                         THE STANDARD BEARER


always characterized by  fear. It must forever remain same. After constructing their idols of wood or stone,
so. Nothing can bridge the chasm between the Creator they invented their own rules of worship. But the god
and the creature. God must and shall remain God. they made was their creation. And. the rules of
Indeed, this is the only thing which makes  .worship       worshipping this god were their own regulations.
worth while and wonderful. If God is  like us in any         Characteristic of this kind of thinking is always a
respect, there is nothing to it at all. It all becomes an tendency to cast large and dark shadows on God's
exercise in futility and self-delusion. Worship. That is awesome majesty and glory. That God is great and
the key word.                                              greatly to be praised is forgotten. That He is a
  It is but natural that the conception men have of consuming fire is ignored. The sermons preached, the
God will be reflected in their liturgy. The point is that songs written and sung, the prayers offered  - all
God tells us Who He is. He will also tell us how He simply reflect man's urge to drag God down from His
must be worshipped. And what He tells us as to the         high throne. Worship has become man-centered,
manner of true worship is the only kind of worship world-oriented. The reason is that man's god is little
pleasing to Him.                                           more than a man.
  Men will not listen any more to God's Word. They           Paul concludes his discussion of the election of
will not accept the Scriptures as God's Word.,That  is, Israel in the last verses of Romans 11 with the words:
they will not accept the Scriptures as the verbally        "0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and
inspired record of God's revelation of Himself. It is knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judg-
easily predictable what will then happen. Men begin to     ments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath
think of all sorts of ideas which arise in their own known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his
minds ai to Who God is. They make inventions. They         counsellor?  Or who hath first given to him, and it shall
make idols. They construct philosophical and theolog- be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and
ical systems which are of their own thinking. They will through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be
not and do not listen in humble adoration to what God      glory forever. Amen."
says. They speak to God telling God what kind of             No man can tell us how God ought to be  wor-
being they think He is and ought to be. And this will shipped; much less the young people. It ought to be
surely be reflected in their liturgy. It cannot be engraved deeply upon the hearts of anyone who walks
otherwise. Forming their own ideas of what God ought the hallowed courts of God's presence: "God is a
to be, they lay down their own rules of worship. They spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in
themselves define how they will worship the God they       Spirit and in truth."
have constructed. The heathen have always done the


In His Fear
                          t t               And Back Again"
                                 0  0  0

                                                 Rev. John A: Heys

  The  full expression of which the above is but the that "hangs" in the space of this universe. Man saw
last phrase is, "To the moon and back again."              with his eyes the dark side of the moon and viewed the
  Man did that in an amazing piece of precision of earth from the distance that it has been placed by God
calculation and of skillful manipulation of a powerful from the moon. Man attained to speeds never before
rocket and an ingeniously equipped space ship.             achieved by any man on any voyage before this one. It
  It had been done before without the precious cargo was indeed an amazing achievement. It all went so
of human passengers. Therefore we knew that it was smoothly and easily that our fears during the event
possible. And yet there was that moment of suspense, seemeh rather foolish.
because there was so much that had to function               These lines are being written and must needs be
exactly right, and because there were men in that written far in advance of the day they appear in the
relatively small craft that was so far away from the homes of our subscribers. And already - mid-January
earth. Now man .has reached the moon, circled it ten - new achievements in the race to put a man on the
times and returned safely to the planet on which God moon have taken place. Who knows what may yet
created him.                                               appear before these lines appear in print! Still, this was
  There were some spectacular firsts on that trip. Man an event of great importance historically; and it has
left the gravitational pull of the earth for the first time been likened by some to the voyage of Columbus,
to enter into the gravitational pull of another globe when he boldly set out to prove that the earth was


                                           THE STANDARD BEARER                                                323


round, and to find a way to the East by going west. three men who read that Word of God to so many
That which not too long ago was still considered only a millions of people. They had an audience far greater
dream, and was by others classified as impossible, has than many a God-fearing minister of the Word ever
transpired before our very eyes. And that last is addressed. There was, however, no gospel message, no
something that we ought not overlook. This whole testimony of the Christ in that brief message from the
amazing feat could be viewed around the world, and in outer reaches of space, and that at the very time that
the comfort of our homes, by that astounding inven- the Church was preparing to celebrate the birth of this
tion of the more recent past, the television set. From Son of God. But it is the whole program of going to
way out there not only could these three astronauts be the moon and back again that we claim is not in His
heard, but they could also be seen in their  history- fear.
making journey to the moon and back again.                  That statement will no doubt be challenged, even
  If it indicated anything at all, it surely revealed that though the command of God to man in the beginning
man's calculations about the distances of the heavenly was to subdue the earth. It will be argued that the fuels
bodies are extremely accurate. In this field the used on this and similar expeditions are in or on this
unbelieving scientist is very accurate. Here he is not earth and were there for man to discover and master in
guilty of the guesswork and philosophy of  Evolu- order to subdue the entire earth with all that which it
tionisn, which arbitrarily sets lengths of time and contained. But must we have war in order to subdue
"periods" of the "development" of this world. Here he the metals that are in the bowels of this earth? Must
has correctly read the work of God and has seen some we use that iron and steel to make swords and cannons
of the wisdom of God. As far as computing these and bullets? Had man not turned from the living God
distances is concerned, he has been very scientific; and in paradise and had he subdued this earth in a state of
he has invented some amazing instruments to take his righteousness, would he not have found another use
measurements and has relied on some amazing man- for iron and steel and for the intricate and dangerous
made computers to arrive at the exact figures required fuels of our rockets? Would man in the state of
for an adventure such as this one to the moon and complete dedication and consecration to God as His
back again.                                               royal. priesthood have had interest in going to the
  We, of course, were pleased with the safe return moon? These, of course, are questions that we cannot
from the back side of the moon for our astronauts. We answer today. We cannot know what would have
are pleased that they are back with us on this earth and happened in a world that had remained sinless. Man
made it safely through that narrow corridor which to would have subdued the earth in obedience to God's
miss would mean agonizing death due to lack of command. Of that we may be sure. He would have had
oxygen in the outer reaches of space. The title above interest in the moon, we may also believe. And interest
was not chosen to express any such disappointment. in any creature  - be it the moon or some earthly
That would be wicked. We may not wish any man such object  - is not in itself necessarily sinful. It, that
suffering and grief. That would be to have murder in moon, is placed there for us to behold and not to
the heart.                                                ignore. God has created it for His own glory and wants
  And yet the quotation of nothing more than the us to see it in order to realize how glorious He is. With
phrase, " . . . and back  again," is meant to express a all this we have no problem.
disappointment. Not that disappointment mentioned           But departing from the physical atid literal going $0
above. do we mean, but this disappointment as you the -moon and back again, we are at the monient
might guess: It was  n.ot  in His fear.  Indeed, we are interested in and cbncemed about the spiritual going
aware of the fact that Scripture was read way-out there to.that moon and back again. We are interested in two
in space, and a most significant passage of the Word of matters which cause us to say that we are disappointed
God at that! We did rejoice to learn that one item that because the whole project is not in His fear. Those two
circled that moon and came back to this earth was the matters are, first of all, the motive, man's reason for
Bible, the written recor& of the Word of God, and to      going there, his design upon that moon, or rather what
learn that it was quoted from way out there to an he intends' to accomplish by it. The second matter is
earth that for the greater part has  .rejected it com- the execution of that grandiose ambition.         '
pletely. We did rejoice that millions who otherwise         We may rule out at once any idea of a "missionary"
would silence it or flee as far from it as they can, now journey. This `trip was not to bring the gospel to a
were caused nevertheless to have their attention called .fallen people that they may have the joy of salvation.
to that portion of .God's Word that infallibly proclaims Christ did not ride in that spaceship  - even though
Him the Creator of heaven and earth. Truly, God does that Bible was there  - in the soul's intent of the
not leave Himself without. a witness, even  4n a passengers, nor of those who sent them. And those
generation that says that! He is dead and behaves  as     who follow will not appear on the surface of the moon
though- this is the case. :                               as those whose feet are beautiful upon its- mountains
  We are not going to `sit in judgment either over the    because they bring glad tidings of salvation. The reason


324                                            THE STANDARD BEARER



for going to the moon is not a spiritual one in the sense around lauding man, and returns in silence to the
that man is seeking to dispense some spiritual blessings grave. The world may for a time say that he contrib-
there or even to witness concerning Christ.                uted something to the world. Well, maybe so. But that
  This need not be the motive to make it pleasing in is not `the question. That does not spell out an activity
God's sight and to be in His fear. Few there are that in His fear. The question is, Does your circle go in a
have the privilege of preaching the gospel and of vertical direction, beginning in heaven, descending on
bringing the Word to those who walk in darkness of this earth and then rising up again to God in heaven?
the truth. And elders and deacons have besides their And do you see all things as coming from God together
work in their offices their vocations which they with your calling to return them to Him? It is not a
pursue. The idea is not that in the one they perform a question as to whether you beam your voice, even
work that is purely spiritual and in the other they are from the heavenly vantage point of an orbit around the
out of the sphere of the spiritual. In both they must moon, back to man and admit that He created the
walk in His fear. In both, according to the new heavens and the earth. It is a question as to whether
principle of life, they do walk in His fear. In the one you beam this to Him. It is not a question of using the
they directly serve the cause of God's kingdom here television and radio media to tell men that this is God's
below. But in the other they also serve God by world. It is a question of whether you use the spiritual
performing their labors in the way of His command- media, which God has provided, to come to  Him in
ments and in thankfulness to Him for all His gifts. And prayer and in songs of praise, to extol Him and thank
in their daily toils they seek to subdue the earth and Him and serve Him with it all.
bring it to God in works of praise and in acknowledge-       Our circle must be like the rainbow, or better still
ment that it is His and is to be used to serve Him.        (for the rainbow we see is but half of a circle) like a
  And because this particular labour, that is outside of huge hoop or wheel standing on the earth, reaching up
direct service to further the cause of God's kingdom, to God in heaven, and then back to the earth again.
has anything but the motive of serving God with His That is the idea of Paul's words in Romans 11:36. "Of
creation, the necessary praise which God commands is Him" brings the circle from heaven down to this earth.
lacking in this whole project of going to the moon and "Through Him" continues it along the length and
back again. Spiritually it should be going to the moon breadth of the earth, embracing every creature and all
but not back again to mankind on this earth. Spiritu- time. The  ."to Him" continues that circle back up to
ally it should be going to the moon (If indeed this God in praise, thanksgiving and service. And that is in
belongs  to man's calling to subdue the earth) and then His fear. That also is keeping from sin. For this is not
onward to God! That is the way it must be with all of missing the mark. It is not vanity and emptiness before
our works. Of Him and through Him and to Him are all God. These are not weighed and found wanting. Our
things. Romans  11:36. Therefore the rational-moral moon project is exactly that and will be shown to be
creature, who was created in God's image, must receive that by the living God in the day of judgment. A
all from Him in the consciousness that it remains His, lunatic, according to the very derivation of the word
must confess that it is all through Him, and he must (Luna is the Latin word for moon) is one who has
render it unto Him in praise and  thanksgi,ving. What become moonstruck, one suffering madness because of
ends in man misses its mark. And one of the chief the effect of the light of the moon upon him. And
words for sin in Scripture is exactly "missing the going to the moon and back again rather than lifting
mark." That is what we regret about this whole moon up one's whole life to God is spiritual folly and
project. The moon which is of God and is through God madness. God grant that we may be  SONstruck,
held in existence and in its place, did not in this        smitten by the Word and Spirit of His Son with His
project return unto Him in praise by man. Man came majesty to walk in His fear, and that the new
back to this earth to praise the thousands of men who Jerusalem be our goal rather than anything here on this
.made this event "possible." The God, Whose this moon earth or on the moon.
is, and Whose also are the men who circled it, together      Indeed, we may contribute something to this world,
with all the equipment used in this achievement, was and men may laud us for what we have done. But if
ruled out when once the astronauts were safely on this our contribution circles around this earth, or around
earth again.                                               the moon, and never goes in the  heaven-toearth-to-
  This is exactly the vanity of which Solomon speaks heaven orbit of receiving from God with thankfulness,
in the wisdom which God gave him. There is on this using it in His service' and according to His command-
earth  - even when man looks up to and circles the ments  - which begin by declaring that we have no
moon ten times - in the lives of fallen man (and in the gods beside Him  - and of returning to Him with
flesh of the believers) a vicious circle parallel to the praise, we have accomplished nothing that will last or
earth. All things go around in a circle that goes from go with us into the everlasting life to come. But if all in
east to west, or north to south, west to east, or south our lives is consciously and willingly of Him, through
to, north. A man is born on this earth, and he travels Him and unto Him, we are walking in His fear; and we


                                             THE STANDARD BEARER                                                    325


are performing deeds which shall not be stopped by continue in an endless life of reaching the mark, when
our death or the rolling up of the heavens, to the heaven and earth are united as one glorious realm
destruction of the moon, as a scroll but which shall wherein God is all in all.


Frsm Holy Writ

                                  The Book of Hebrews
                                                 Rev. G Lubbers

THE  HEA VENL Y PATTERN SHOWN MOSES ON the table of (the face) shewbread (3) the seven golden
THE MOUNT                                                    candlesticks. It is of interest to notice not only that it
  It was none other than Jehovah God Himself, who was these three pieces of furniture, but also to
appeared to Moses on Mount Sinai, and warned Moses notice the order in which they are given. Personally,
with a Divine warning as to the architectural plan of I believe that the order here in which they are made is
the tabernacle and its furniture. The writer to the the order in which they were shown to Moses on the
Hebrews mentions this in our text here in Hebrews mount.
8:5, quoting what we read in Exodus 25:40 "And look            The latter point we ought to note a little more in
that thou make them after. their pattern, which was depth.
shewed thee in the mount."                                     What Moses saw on the mount was the "pattern" of
  It ought not to escape our notice how the writer to the heavenly things. This was the pattern of God, the
the Hebrews speaks of this divine warning, as though archetype of the heavenly things themselves. No,
God is still speaking this warning to Moses. Up till the Moses did not see the heavenly reality in their
present moment this warning of God stands in all its perfected form itself. This was not yet realized at that
awesome import. When one reads Exodus 25:40 one time. What he saw was what God had designed in His
hears God speaking to Moses. No, one does not simply eternal counsel of peace, and the place of the Son as
read Moses' account of, what he heard the Lord tell Mediator in the works of salvation. And this pattern
him. Most emphatically we hear the Lord warn Moses; being shown was already the revealing of the secret
this warning still stands across the ages. And we ought counsel of God concerning our redemption. And the
to take notice of this. For do not forget that the issue pattern on the mount was that after which the
at stake is: the exactitude of the form of the gospel, tabernacle was to be built.
lest the tabernacle of God would be a common                   When Moses saw this pattern as related to him by
building, differing not principally and radically from God in the spoken Word, he saw this perhaps as did
the temple of idols. One cannot eat of the table of John on the Island of Patmos. John too was shown the
God and of the table of devils. God will not have His vision. (Rev. 5: 1) And the first thing which John sees
holy name profaned. God is ever very jealous of the is a "throne." Thus also here in the case of Moses. The
architectural design of His tabernacle, the revelation of first piece of furniture which must be made after the
the triune God in His Son Jesus Christ through the pattern shown Moses on the mount is "the ark". This
Holy Ghost. It is basically the warning of Paul: other ark of God, the ark of the testimony, is a small
foundation can no man lay than what is laid: it is Jesus representation of the throne of grace. It is in the
Christ, the Son of God, and the gates of hell cannot throne upon which God will dwell in the midst of his
prevail against this tabernacle of God; nothing may people, between the  cherubims. And thus the Ark is
mar its beauty.                                              the great Shepherd on Israel's place of meeting his
  A close look at the text in Exodus will shew that the flock. This was first to be made. It is the foundation
Lord warns Moses twice. The first time He warns piece of furniture in the temple. When the ark is
Moses prior to telling him how to build. The text there removed from the tabernacle then the "glory is
reads "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may departed" - Ichabod. Truly, then the glory is departed
dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, from Israel!
after the pattern-of the tabernacle, and the pattern of        Hence, this was the first piece of furniture.
all the instruments (furniture) thereof, even so shall ye      It is made after the pattern of the heavenly throne,
make it." (Exo us
                   d    25: 8, 9) This meant that the called the right hand of the majesty of God, who
furniture too must have a certain pattern. When we dwells in the Most Holy place. And this piece of
look at the sacred record here you will notice that furniture was placed in the Holy of holies.  From out of
there are three pieces of furniture (instruments) this Holy Place the Lord will come to dwell with his
mentioned. They are (1) the ark of the covenant (2) people.


326                                                THE STANDARD BEARER


  Secondly, Moses must have seen a "table." It was all things important that we see that we have such an
the table of the face of the Lord. It was the table High Priest who ministers in the tabernacle of God, not
whereon the loaves of bread were placed, a sign and pitched with man's hand. And where this Christ
symbol of God fellowshipping with us at His table. ministers, the Son perfect forever, there we have the
Here it is proclaimed: come to the feast for all things true tabernacle. Here the reality is seen of Balaam's
are ready.                                                   parable "How goodly are thy tents, o Jacob, and thy
  And, thirdly, Moses saw seven golden candlesticks. tabernacle, o Israel. As the valleys are they spread
It was the representation of the seven Spirits which are forth, as gardens by the river's side, . . . . And His
before the throne of God.                                    kingdom shall be exalted." (Numbers 24: 6 f.f.)
  When we look at this a certain "pattern" emerges. It
is the pattern of the triune God, our heavenly Father, THE SYLLOGISTIC PROOF OF CHRIST'S  HEAV-
as he dwells with us from his.throne  of mercy. For the ENL Y MINISTR Y (Hebrews 8 : 3)
Ark of the covenant was at once the place where the            The.writer to the Hebrews more than once employs
blood of atonement was sprinkled once a year by the a certain syllogistic form of reasoning to prove his
attending and ministering high priest. And the table point. We need not repeat here what we stated in an
makes us think of the Son of God, who is the true earlier essay concerning the fact that such use of a
Bread which came down from heaven, from the throne syllogism is not rationalism, whereas both the content
of grace. And the seven candlesticks likewise makes us of the "major" as well as of the "minor premise" is
think of the Holy Spirit as He is the Spirit of God in taken from the Word of God. The same also holds for
Christ, and through which Spirit the covenant fellow- the "conclusion." The Christian religion and the
ship is wrought in our hearts, since this Spirit sheds the pattern of the heavenly temple is a reasonable "pat-
love of God abroad in our hearts. (cf Rev. 1:4-6)            tern." It has in it the logic of God's house.
  Here we see the "pattern" emerge: it is out of the           We call your attention to verses 3 and 4 of this
Father, through the Son and in the Holy Spirit that the Chapter, where we read,
tabernacle of God is with men. Here we see the pattern          "For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and
of Immanuel, God-with-us!                                    sacrifices: wherefore it  is. of necessity that this man
  It is in this pattern that Christ fits!                    have also somewhat to offer. For if he were on earth,
  We ought to observe that it was already symbolized he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests
in the `very furniture (instruments) that from this ark who offer gifts according to the law."
of the testimony, the Lord Himself ministered to our           Yes, it belongs to the very nature of a high priest
needs in his High Priest. The Lord Himself is the great that he minister at the. altar. .Thus we read in Joel 1:8,
LITURG! Notice that in this Ark of the Testimony 9 "Lament like. a virgin girded with sackcloth for the
there must be deposited the covenant Words of the ten husband of her youth. The meat offering and the drink
commandments. This was no after-thought. Fact is offering is cut off from the house of the LORD; the
that it belonged to the divine pattern. It fit into the priests, the LORD'S ministers, mourn;" (See also
design of God's covenant ministry. Yes, in this Ark too Isaiah 6 1:6; Jeremiah 33:2 1.) However, the point is
there was the pot of Manna,. a remembrance of God that the priest which we have does in no sense of the
feeding his people from ,heaven. And, lastly, there was term have any appointed tasks from his heavenly
the rod of Aaron which had miraculously budded. Father in the earthly temple which was pitched by
Taking these three together you will see another Moses. His gifts and sacrifices are different.
"pattern" emerge according to New Testament phrase-            We have this expressed in a kind of syllogism in the
ology. It is that the true ministry of the High Priest in text:
the temple is before God's throne, and that there are           1. In an earthly temple there are gifts and sacrifices
three'things which'belong.to  this ministry. These three offered by the priests appointed.
are (1) the `pure preaching of the `Gospel of the               2. Christ is not an earthly priest appointed to stand
Covenant .of grace (2) the proper administration of the in the earthly temple.
Sacraments (3) the exercise of Christian `discipline.          3. Conclusion: there were no earthly sacrifices for
That these three are, the earmarks of the true church in him to minister. : He could not minister in the earthly
the world  .is not any man's guess, but it is the basic t e m p l e .                             .
pattern of the temple ministry.                                Christ is a high priest in ,a temple, the real and the
  Now, let us not forget that it is Christ who is' the true tabernacle. He is made  higl;ier than- the heavens.
real preacher of the Word of God; He. is the one who Hence, the readers must see that' Christ does not fit in
makes the Sacraments efficacious .by his Spirit; He also the earthly  .`temple at all. He never `brought any
makes the Aaron's rod to blossom in' the church and sacrifices in the earthly `temple. Had He done so He
makes the spiritual discipline to be fruitful in repent- would have been guilty of transgressing the temple
ance. That is His work. i                    .:              ordinances, as was Uzziah, who  : was' smitten with
  And, now, let us underscore once more: it is above leprosy. Christ did  jnot attempt to usurp the place of


                                              THE STANDARD`BEARER                                             327



Aaron. He came to fulfill the law and thus dissolved Testament temple-authorities "break down this temple
Aaron's priesthood. The zeal of God's house consumed and I will build it in three days." (John 2:20)
him so that he came to take away the first that he            Such-an high priest we have who is sat down on the
might bring in the second. Hear Him say to the Old right hand of the majesty of God.


A  Clorcd of Witnesses

                                   The Revolt of Absalom
                                                Rev. B. Woudenberg
                                  But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of
                                Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the
                                trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in
                                Hebion.
                                                                      IISamuel15:lO

  Working quietly and effectively, Absalom turned the from Jerusalem that news did not spread from one to
allegiance of the people away from his father and to the other too rapidly. Moreover, it was a city which
himself. It seemed that everything was working in his already, had somewhat of a royal status inasmuch as
favor. His father was sick with a severe and extended David had first been crowned there himself. In fact, it
illness which prevented him from attending to his was actually more a part of the background of Israel
customary duties. Already advanced in years, it may than was Jerusalem because it had always been an
well have been that many had concluded he would important center in the nation while Jerusalem was
never recover  and. were looking about for the logical rather newly captured and established. The result was
heir. Meanwhile, Joab, the one who would have been that even the inhabitants of the city would be inclined
most likely to detect the subtility of Absalom's to appreciate any recognition which he gave to their
actions, was busily preoccupied keeping the kingdom city in favor of Jerusalem. And then, above all, Hebron
in order and had no time to spend watching over the was still close enough that he could march with an
sons of the king and their actions. It left full army from there to Jerusalem quickly enough so that
opportunity for Absalom to advertise as broadly as his father would not have sufficient time to strengthen
possible his most apparent virtues, and he had plenty his relaxed defenses.
to show. There was a handsome beauty in his                   In order to get  .to Hebron without arousing suspi-
appearance, with a flair for style and taste in whatever cion, Absalom went to his father and set forth this
he did. His personality was warm and attractive with request, "I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow,
an underlying cleverness of mind and ambition. All of which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron. For
it he used in personal contacts with every person he thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in
met, no matter how humble, until the heart of the Syria, saying, if the LORD shall bring me again indeed
nation was held in his hand.                               to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD."
  At last the time came when Absalom determined               This was a request that was sure to be granted by
that he should act more decisively. Perhaps it was the David because the king was always most anxious to
fact that his father was recovering from his illness and recognize and encourage any indication on the part of
threatening thereby to regain the attention and the his children that they were dedicating themselves to
allegiance of the people. Perhaps it was merely the fact religious commitments. Even more, this was the one
that he felt that be had done all that he could in the type of .activity  in which his father would approve of
way of winning the people without more overt actions. his taking a large company of men with him. Ordi-
In any case, he deemed the time ripe for action and he narily his father had no interest in or sympathy for'
took it.                                                   anything involving great pomp and show of any kind.
  In the first place, Absalom felt that he had to get To this there was only one exception  - services of
away from Jerusalem. There David's power was still religious worship and dedication. Absalom by this time
too strong and it was too easy for his actions to be had a large number of men, over two hundred, who
watched from the royal palace.                             were in on his plot to overthrow the kingdom. These
  The place which Absalom chose for the staging of had to go with him, and to take such a large company
his plans was Hebron. There were many things to be along for any but religious purposes would have
said in favor of this city. It was far enough removed aroused his father's suspicion, or at least his  disap-


328                                           THE STANDARD BEARER


proval. Now instead, he eagerly said to his son, "Go had risen to his position of authority only because he
in peace," only too happy to find in him some had followed David over a period of many years
indication of spiritual dedication.                           proving himself faithful to David, to Israel, and to their
  Neither was this the extent of Absalom's prepara- God. And accordingly there was yet another difference
tions. Besides the two hundred intimates which went between the men. Ahithophel was a man of pride and
with him personally to Hebron, there were others self-possession; he knew who he was, how to take care
whom he trusted sufficiently to send as messengers of himself, and where he wanted to go. Ittai, on the
throughout the land of Israel. The message which he other hand, realized full well how completely depen-
gave them contained the heart of his plot. It was this, dent he was upon the good graces and kind considera-
"As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye tion of the king; and he was meekly grateful for it.
shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron."                         At the time that Absalom left for Hebron,  Ahitho-
  Absalom's coup was surely the most clever that had phel was away from Jerusalem too. He was at home in
ever been planned at that early stage in the world's .his-    Giloh.  Thus, one of the first things that Absalom did
tory. Always before, a man seeking to gain control of a was to send a well-informed delegation to him .and lay
country had to start at a certain point or. center and before him the whole plan that Absalom was about to
gradually work outward in an effort to broaden his set in motion. He had confidence in Ahithophel's
influence. It was a dangerous move, providing a discretion. He would be able to recognize a well
defender time to try to cut off the spread of this worked out plan, and he was not one to neglect so
influence. Absalom, however, had established his. in- evident an opportunity to continue his position of
fluence all through the land before his plans `were as power and influence in the kingdom.
much as known to his father against whom he was                 Neither was Absalom wrong in his evaluation of
plotting. Now, he was ready to set off the revolt Ahithophel. No sooner was it made evident to him
almost instantly in every comer of the country, leaving how successful Absalom was sure to be than he left his
the defender no time to try to cut him off in his home in Giloh and came to Hebron to join Absalom.
advance. David's opposition would surround him com-             Absalom would have liked to gain Ittai also; but his
pletely from the very first moment that he himself loyalty to David and to the nation of Israel was too
learned of the approaching danger. One blast of a deeply established to warrant the risk of trying. One
trumpet taken up and repeated over and over again had to be sure of men who were to be taken into such
from hilltop to hilltop would spread the revolt through a dangerous conspiracy.
the land faster than anyone could possibly prepare to           At last all was in readiness. It began with an
defend himself.                                               elaborate sacrifice at Hebron. There was something
  And still there was one more move in Absalom's almost blasphemous about  it,. starting a rebellion
preparations. He was not going to rely completely even against the Lord's anointed king and one's own father
upon his own reputation and influence among the with a sacrifice in dedication to God. But Absalom was
people. He was determined to have other men of indifferent to that. He never had been one to give
already established reputation with him, men whom much concern to the proper worship of Israel's God
the country recognized and would be most inclined Jehovah. For himself, he maybe preferred the idola-
to follow. It was not an easy thing to do, for David trous worship which his mother's family practiced in
the king was well liked and respected by even Geshur. But this was Israel, and the people expected it
the wisest and mightiest in the land. Nevertheless, to be a theocracy in dedication to Israel's God; and
there were men of ambition who would be able to now was no time to make radical innovation in that
recognize the thoroughness and ingenuity of Absalom's regard. Rather, he should try to show that he was as
preparations and would be willing to join because it much inclined to the worship of Jehovah as his father
would be to their own advantage. One of these was one was.
of David's most intimate counselors, Ahithophel of              It was at the height of this sacrificial feast that the
Gibeon.                                                       trumpet sounded to be carried on in successive
 Ahithophel held a position of greatest importance to trumpet calls throughout the land. It was the ap-
the kingdom. Under David and under Joab, he shared pointed signal and all those who were in on the
with Ittai the Gittite the position of  wiseman  of the conspiracy knew what it meant. When the signal came
court, adviser to the king. Both -of them, he and Ittai, to their villages and towns, they were to announce for
were extremely well informed and clever men; but all to hear, "Absalom reigneth in Hebron." It was not
there was a difference between them. Ahithophel was a something planned, not something hoped to be; this
citizen of Giloh, a city of Judah, and thus a member of was in fact the vow which he had made to himself for
David's own tribe. Given his wisdom, it was to be many years, he, Absalom, was to be king in Israel. And
expected that he should rise to such a high place so in Hebron he had himself crowned Israel's king.
within the kingdom. But Ittai was another matter. He            In all of the land of Israel, there was only one place
was a foreigner, a Philistine. from the city of Gath. He that the message was not brought by Absalom's


                                              THE STANDARD BEARER                                                  329



preparations; In fact, he had as much as possible tried army was scattered through the outskirts of the empire
to prevent the news from coming there. Only when keeping it in order, and it would take days and weeks
some loyal subject of his father's would come by foot to bring even a minimum fighting force together.
to the royal city and report what was happening in the Meanwhile, the city of Jerusalem had not even been
rest of the land would it be known; and, even then, it prepared for defense, so strong had David's hold upon
would be subjected to all kinds of question and doubt the kingdom seemed to be. But, perhaps more than
because of the apparent impossibility in what Absalom anything else, the king did not have the heart to fight
was doing. It all would give time for Absalom to gather against his own son. The treachery hit him so deep that
his forces and to begin his march upon the royal city. he could not even imagine resistance. In utter despair,
The more time he had the better it would be.         '      he could only turn to his servants and say, "Arise, let us
  The complete successfulness of Absalom's every flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make
move is hard to imagine. The fact was that David was speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and
not assured of what was taking place until Absalom bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of
was actually on the move from Hebron toward the sword.",
Jerusalem; It left him in an almost impossible position.      Truly David was tasting what the prophet had meant
Just recovering from his illness, he was hardly prepared when he said in the name of God, "Because thou hast
to put up a struggle. In fact, it may well have been despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the
Absalom's hope to be able to take his father in his bed Hittite to be thy wife, behold, I will raise up evil
and put him quietly out of the way without anyone again-St thee out of thine own house . . . For thou didst
knowing exactly what had happened. If so, that part at it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and
le.ast of his plan did not succeed. David was strong before the sun."
enough to travel; and that was all he could do. The


The Strength of Youth

                           I N V O L V E M E N T   I N   D I S S E N T
                                                  Rev. J. Kovtering

   Dissent is not an option, it is a duty.                  behalf of a certain cause, clergymen becoming so
   Asduty that confronts covenant youth wherever and involved in civil rights organizations that they have no
whenever they see evil, injustice, and wrong.               time for their duties as a minister of the Word of God.
   A duty that has its motive not in hateful revenge,         This is not to say that the church institute has
but the love of God and the neighbor.                       nothing to do with issues that are of a social or
   A duty that is not bogged down in negative self political nature. The calling of the church is to preach
destruction, but in the positive expression of the the Word of God and the Word of God speaks on many
principles of one's Christian faith.                        of these issues. The people of God need the guidance
   A duty that is to be expressed not in lawlessness, of the Word as it applies to problems relating to their
but within the framework of the existing laws.              daily lives. These include such subjects as labor unions
   Since dissent is a matter of conscience and duty, we and their evil, rioting and its corruption, the political
should address ourselves in this last article on this implications of world government as it relates to the
subject, to the question, how should covenant youth coming of anti-Christ,  war and the Scriptures, lawless-
become involved in expressing dissent.                      ness or obedience to those in authority, witnessing to
   We must keep in mind the important distinction our neighbors concerning our faith in God, racial
between the involvement of the institute of the church unrest and what the Christian attitude toward his
and the organism of the church.                             neighbor must be.
   It is especially true in our day, that the church as       Besides this, the institute of the church must decide
institute is getting much too involved in social  - concerning issues of dispute between brethren, and
political issues. The modern church has virtually sometimes these issues pertain to social and economic
abandoned her calling to preach the Word of God, and questions, or for that matter any aspect of our life.
instead adopted a program of social action and Hence in the past our assemblies have considered the
involvement. This takes on many forms, pronounce- issue of labor unions, of training the military on the
ments by the official church bodies on social  - Sabbath day, etc. If for example one of our young
political issues, sports programs for the under- people would become involved in a public demonstra-
privileged in the neighborhood, demonstrations on tion and be consequently thrown in jail, his consistory


330                                          THE STANDARD BEARER



would have to take a position whether that was right against leave the poor in their misery. Unless the
or wrong of him.                                            atoning and saving blood of Christ for His elect Church
  Here, however, we deal with the organism of the forms the impetus of all dissent against evil and
church.                                                     promotion of truth and justice, such attempts neces-
  By this we mean that we are members of the church sarily fail. Still more however, joining with these
in living relationship with our living Lord through faith organizations will prove themselves an unequal yoke
and that because of this we do not shut ourselves off which will drag the "well meaning" Christian into the
from the world, but live in the world testifying by pit of anti-Christ. The Christian will not be able to steer
word and deed that we are partakers of the anointing such organizations to a right course; on the contrary he
of Christ. This we must do in every sphere of life. will soon be walking in the wrong direction with them.
Within the most intimate circle, the home, covenant History speaks loud and clear of this fact.
young people reveal their Christian identity by loving        Are there then organizations with which the Chris-
obedience to their parents, by  c0ntributin.g  to the tian may very well cooperate? It is beyond the scope
family bond as e.g. respecting the place of brothers and of this article to offer any conclusions on this score. It
sisters in the homelife, helping with the many chores stands to reason that every organization would have to
that must be done in every household, etc. This same be carefully studied and evaluated. If there are some of
Christian identity carries over to school life. A Chris- our readers that have suggestions in this connection, it
tian young person should reveal his identity by-an would  * be definitely advantageous to investigate this
eagerness to learn. Just think of the importance of possibility and evaluate them in light of their purpose,
these years for all of life. We have the opportunity not basis, and methodology.
only to apply ourselves full time to learning, something      More importantly for now, we would like to
which will perhaps never happen again, but to take propose to our covenant youth a method of getting
advantage of the knowledge explosion under the involved in expressing dissent. This you understand is
guidance of instructors who will place these facts simply a suggestion and  ,should be discussed
within the framework of the Word of God. Likewise, thoroughly before followed.
we must speak to the world outside our homes and              Would it not be a good idea if the Federation Board
schools. We are born as citizens of this country and of Protestant Reformed Young Peoples Societies
thereby have certain rights, privileges, and duties. Since would formulate a statement concerning any one of
we are born in the sphere of a Republican form of the moral, social, or political issues, as e.g. the racial
government, we have the added responsibility to problem of segregation or integration, war in this
become involved in social and political issues. The nuclear age, or such like and that such a statement be
voice of the people forms the basis for laws and discussed in the societies during the year and then
policies in this country. As Christians we are part of presented to the summer convention for consideration
that people and must exercise our calling to speak out and adoption.
as those who are influenced by the anointing of Christ.       There are some problems with this, but also some
It is not first of all a question whether we will get advantages.
anywhere with our influence; more than likely it will         First, it seems to me this would avoid the problem
be very little. We who have our conscience bound to of the church's involvement in matters that are not her
the Word of God may not use that as an excuse to concern, since it would arise out of the organic church.
remain silent. We must testify to the world that they Our young people would be doing this as covenant
err in the things they do contrary to the Word of God young people who also must act as citizens.
and they must be shown what the Word of God                   Secondly, this would give our young people a reason
demands. It's quite easy for us to criticize the to become interested in issues that are vital to their
American public and American government among lives, or if they are already interested, an outlet for
ourselves, but it takes a great deal more courage to expression. From all practical points of view it makes a
direct that criticism to those who are guilty and to tell great deal of difference as far as interest is concerned,
them so.                                                    whether one discusses a subject just to add his opinion
  We must be involved in dissent!                           to a lot of others, or  ,whether they are discussing a
  Must we go it alone or are there others with whom subject in order to come to a conclusion.
we can join in expressing this dissent? From our              Thirdly, this discussion would take place within the
observations and conclusions in former articles, there framework of responsible leadership. For the sake of
definitely are organizations with whom we cannot join. all concerned, the greatest apprehension one might
All organizations that advocate "love" as interpreted possibly have in going in this direction would be the
by humanism or Christian brotherhood should be real possibility of dissention over dissention. Not only
off-limits. Our joining with such groups would consti- this, but youth  .themselves can become rather far out
tute a denial of the Word of God itself. All attempts on at times. Yet, I am sure that these fears  must'not
their part to assist the poor or those discriminated extinguish the zeal that is kindled in our youth for


                                             THE STANDARD BEARER                                                     331


getting involved in issues that will affect their entire dividing our country. One often hears young people,
life. For the sake of an informed church of tomorrow and  m-any adults for that matter, ask, how can we
and a church that is not lulled to sleep by indifference, express our views to others? We do not feel right in
our young people must become very much alert to simply letting the world go by and smugly criticizing
these issues. For this reason I am sure that if this the status quo among each other, but saying nothing to
method could be followed, there are enough respon- those who are in positions of leadership. It seems to
sible people involved who can guide the youth in their me such a statement of position could be used very
thinking. Consider how this would add to the interest well in informing our congressmen, our President, or
the society leaders would take in these discussions; the anyone else where we stand. If we believe that other
advisors to the Federation Board can guide in the organizations do not take a proper position we can
formulation of any position, all our young people and forward our convictions to them.
ministers would be given opportunity to discuss any           As was said before, this idea is presented for
issue in the Beacon Lights. Only through free and open discussion. To every issue there are pro and cons, so
discussion can we ever come to any meaningful there must be many more than have been brought
conclusions.                                                forth in this short article. May I suggest that if this idea
  Fourthly, if after discussing an issue during the warrants further consideration, it be taken up in our
society season and after formulating a proposal to be youth paper, the Beacon Lights.
considered by the convention, and the convention              In conclusion, the thought of expressing dissent
adopt such a statement of position this could serve as a against evil is a sobering one to say the least. Neglect of
guide for the conduct of our young people. This expression will guarantee to us, at least for a time, a
statement would be a well reasoned position based place in the midst of this anti-Christian  kingdom. The
upon the Word of God which would show to our more we become involved in a proper form of dissent,
covenant youth how and why they are to act the way the more we must be willing to bear the reproach of
we expect them to do.                                       the world. Christ tells us, "And fear not them which
  Finally, this same statement would serve the useful kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul, but
purpose of expressing before the world around us what rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and
and why we act the way we do. There are many body in hell," Matt. 10:28.
organizations, social and political as well as religious      May God make our covenant youth fearless defend-
who have a wrong position on important issues ers of the faith.


From our Mission Committee
                              M i s s i o n   P r o g r e s s
                                                 Rev. J. Kortering

   Strictly speaking there always is progress in mis-          Numerical growth means something to the church.
sions.                                                      Not as if this becomes occasion for boasting, for then
  The Word of God never returneth void; God always it would be sin. Rather, the joy in growth is centered
accomplishes His will through the Word preached, in God, for He addeth unto the church daily such as
since the Sword of the Spirit is a double edged sword       should be saved. This is accomplished either by God's
and is a savor both of life unto life and death unto        act of saving from darkness into the light, or by lifting
death.                                                      up one of His children who have a meager expression
  Yet, it is significant for us to recall the joy that of faith unto a more complete and rich expression in
flooded the early church when they witnessed the the truth. By the preaching of the Word the entire
salvation of souls through the preaching. Before the church is prepared for the return of Christ in glory.
questioning church, Peter told of the saving power of          Today, we may share in this same joy that marked.
the Spirit upon the house of Cornelius, and their           the early church.
reaction was expressed in these words, "They held              Evidence of God's blessings upon the ministry in
their peace and glorified God saying, then hath God         Jamaica and in our own land abound in many ways.
also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life,"            Most significant is the fact that for the first time a
Acts. 11: 18. Similarly, Paul rehearsed before the minister has received the call to become missionary to
church at Antioch all that God had done with them           the island. This does not mean of course that now we
and how He had opened the door of faith unto the            have a missionary to devote full time to this field. Rev.
Gentiles, Acts 14:27.                                       J. Heys received this call through the calling church,


332                                            THE STANDARD BEARER



First Church of Grand Rapids, only recently and he is near to a larger number of other churches. The
now considering the call. Yet, this is meaningful in           schedule of work includes preaching Sunday mornings
itself and certainly is progress concerning this phase of in Lucea and evenings in one of the other churches in
the work on the island. We as churches have declared that area. Sunday afternoon will be occupied with a
before God that it is our desire that a man work full Bible study group in Lucea and Thursday evening there
time on the island. We realize the needs of these people will be a catechism class in this same congregation.
and take into account the fact that they have a willing Perhaps during the earlier part of the week there will
heart and a listening ear. We also believe that these be time to visit some of the other churches. Elder
needs have been directed to our churches and that we Meulenberg will be investigating details as to the
have the calling to provide for them to the utmost of housing for a man who would accept the call, his status
our power. Hence, the significance of extending a call on the island if he would work there for a number of
for missionary to Jamaica is this, we believe it is the years, and what is required to get government recog-
will of God for our churches to be busy in ministering nition `of the churches there. The importance of this
to these people even to the extent of having one of our later matter is connected with the licensure of the
ministers work there full-time; we now must humbly ministers to perform marriage ceremonies. If these
seek the guidance of God wtzo this man must be. We             churches become recognized by the government, we
can easily realize the magnitude of considering such a will be able to ship goods to them duty free.
call; our prayers as churches must arise before God              Since our last article, more letters of thanks were
that He guide Rev. Heys in this decision. Since there received from the various congregations for the 40
are many facets which will involve Synodical decisions, pounds sent to them to help with the care of their
he will have until after Synod to make this decision.          poor. A representative letter follows, "To our synod,
  The Synod of 1968 instructed the Mission Com- and our mission committee, Dear and Esteemed
mittee to make arrangements to have men work on the Brethren and Friends, We the Consistory of elders and
island as much as possible. All consistories were deacons and the whole congregation of Cave Mountain
contacted to enquire whether their minister of any of Prot. Ref. Church send many many thanks for the 40
the elders would be available for working on the island pounds to be distributed to the poor and needy,
for a 3-6 month period. In evaluating the response, it widows, orphans, sick, and some who cannot obtain
appeared that this was not feasible, so the Mission work for some time. This amount has been distributed
Committee decided that we should send 2 emissaries, quite satisfied to us as the whole congregation. May
Rev. G. Lubbers and Mr. H. Meulenberg of First                 our covenant God who is the Giver of all things who
Church, to work for about 2 months. We requested has provided this out of His great treasure for the poor
Southwest Church to release Rev. Lubbers for the 2             and needy ever bless the store basket that it shall never
months of April and May. Their decision was heart- go empty as you give to the poor and needy brethren
ening to the Mission Committee and should be to all            of the Protestant Reformed Churches in Jamaica."
our churches. Even though Rev. Lubbers had labored             Similar letters were received from the following
for 6 weeks in the Pella area, in fact was still there churches:  Be1 Mont, Castle Mountain,  Mahoe,  Hope
when the request for Jamaica arrived at the Consistory,        Hill, Port Maria, North Hampton, Fellowship Hall,
they, after conferring with Rev. Lubbers, decided that Islington, Crowder, and Cambridge.
they felt, constrained to help the Jamaican churches             Interest among our people in helping the Jamaicans
with the confidence that God would use their minister is  v,ery high. This is evident from the gifts received
to further this cause.                                         from societies, schools, and individuals. Rev. Heys
  The Lord willing Rev. and Mrs. Lubbers and Mr. and informed us that he has contacted a Bible society who
Mrs. Henry Meulenberg will leave April 8 by plane and will match every dollar we invest in the purchase of
arrive the same evening in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Bibles, if we use them for distributing to people that
Since this is the first time that our emissaries will leave    do not have their own Bibles. The price of each Bible is
from Grand Rapids, the Mission Committee decided to only $1.35 and this includes a better binding, more
meet this same morning in order that we can first suitable for that climate.
gather at the airport and see these brethren,and sisters         Rev. G. Vanden Berg has prepared Baptismal Certifi-
off, with the  prayel' that God will use them and care cates and Membership Cards with the name of the
for them.                                                      Jamaican Church on it. These also have been distrib-
  Their work will be more concentrated than previ- uted among them.
ously. Since the labors in the past have still been of an        More details will be presented D.V. to the Synod as
investigatory nature; we now believe that more intense well as the report `of our emissaries who plan to return
work should be done in one area, rather than preach in prior to the meeting of Synod.
so many churches across the island. This will take place         Our hearts were also gladdened when we heard that
D.V. in Lucea. This church was the one with whom we the Word was well received in Pella. Since the first of
had our first contact and is strategically located, being the year, Pella has had the presence of a minister


                                             THE STANDARD BEARER                                                333



continuously. Rev. Lubbers labored there for 6 weeks The Literature Publication and Distribution Com-
and this was followed by Rev. Veldman for another 6 mittee has made progress. They are having printed
weeks.  ,Future plans are to have Rev. D. Kuiper about 5,000 copies of the pamphlet, What is Truly
succeed Rev. Veldman, since Rev. C. Hanko was not Reformed, by Rev. Hanko. This will be a 4 page leaflet
able to be away from home for that length of time, available to our local committees. This same com-
and Rev. Engelsma is planning on laboring in Pella for mittee has drawn up a list of subjects and writers for
part of May and June. This little flock has experienced more pamphlets. These will treat the doctrine of the
the fastest and greatest rate of growth than any of our last things and should prove interesting to our people
churches. Prior to a more concerted effort of labor, and be useful in distributing to others outside our
they numbered about 3 or 4 members and now they churches. Such subjects as the idea of the end of all
have 24 souls, 7 families. At last report there have been things, the four horsemen, the great tribulation, the
from 24  - 38 individuals attending the afternoon apostasy in the church, pre-millenialism, etc. will be
service and mid-week lectures.                               forthcoming.
  From the above report, it is obvious that mission            The radio sub-committee has conside:ed the station
work is becoming more and more a joint effort of all at  Yankton, South Dakota whether this should be
our ministers and churches. When we had a "Home continued or not. The Mission Committee adopted the
Missionary" this work was from every practical point advice that before we.change our present broadcasting
of view left to the Mission Committee and the arrangement we should have a basis of evaluation. The
missionary. Now however, mission efforts are shared only request for response that is directed to the
by a larger number of our ministers who are available listening audience is to send in for a copy of the
for this work. This touches our local congregations broadcast sermon. It is impossible to evaluate the
when the minister is gone for an extended period of listening audience on the basis of the number of people
time and when those who do not leave home to labor that send in for the sermon. So we advised Synod that
either in Pella or Jamaica have to assist in the supply of a "letter month" be conducted over all our stations
the pulpit of the minister who is away. Sometimes this requesting the listeners that if they desire the broad-
involves reading services in the local congregation while cast to be continued over their station, they notify the
their minister is away from home. Other times this station or a Grand Rapids address that they so desire.
involves having services a different time of the day so With this response, we will be able to evaluate the
that available ministers can preach 3 times and each listening audience and have a basis of comparison
congregation can have their own service and still have a between stations.
minister present. All of this speaks well for our              May the prayers of our churches arise to God that
churches in that there is a willingness to work together He continue to guide these efforts and in a special way
and share in this important ministry.                        provide Synod with wisdom as they meet and decide
  The pamphlet that deals with a testimony con- the future of this work.
cerning the Dekker Case, written by Prof. Hoeksema,            Jehovah is a faithful covenant God. The progress in
has been distributed. About 10,000 copies have been missions is His work; to Him alone be the glory.
sent to various individuals throughout this country.

Pages From The Past

                            Believers and Their Seed
                                                    Chapter IV
                        The Theory of Presupposed Regeneration Evaluated (continued)
                                             Rev. Herman Hoeksema

  Now it is our conviction that we cannot arrive at a        of the covenant and makes separation, always and
correct view of the seed of the covenant as long as we again separating between Israel according to the flesh
hesitate to accept the clear teaching of the Word of and Israel according to the promise. Or, to put it
God that it is not all Israel that is called Israel, that not negatively, we shall never be able to hit upon a pure,
all the children born in the historical manifestation of Scriptural conception of this truth as long as we try to
                                                             hold fast to the view which wants to presuppose that
God's covenant on earth are also actually children of all child ren born in the.covenant in its external form
the promise, but that the line of election and repro- are regenerated.
bation also cuts right through the visible manifestation.      In the first place, we may certainly point out that


334                                          THE STANDARD BEARER


infant baptism and the propriety -of infant baptism midst Abraham was called, are idol-worshippers: a
cannot rest upon a presupposition. It is true, as Kuyper proof that also at that time the carnal seed was mixed
remarks and as others also have often remarked, that with the spiritual seed. And how is it later with the
also the Anabaptists and Baptists cannot attain to any children of Abraham and the generations of Israel?
certainty with respect to the spiritual condition of the Sometimes the Lord addresses that people and causes
members of the church who are to be baptized, for the His prophets to complain about that people as though
simple reason that no one can look into the heart, that there were no spiritual element among them whatso-
it can never be determined with absolute certainty ever and as though they were all reprobate before His
with respect to someone else whether he is regenera- face. Indeed, they are called God's people; indeed, they
ted, much less elect, or not; and that, as a conse- are the people who have the covenants and the
quence, also for the Baptists this must remain a promises; but they are nevertheless not children of the
presupposition. They want to baptize only believers. promise. Concerning that people the Lord complains
But whether someone is to be considered a believer or that all day long He has stretched forth His hands to a
not must certainly depend upon his confession. That disobedient and gainsaying people, (Isaiah 65: 2;
confession, however, might not be genuine. In fact, Romans 10: 21). It is a people that do err in their
there is every ground in Scripture to believe that there hearts, and that have not known God's ways. They are
are confessors who are not believers. And thus one worse than the heathen: for the latter are  uncircum-
nevertheless arrives ultimately at a presupposition. cized in their flesh, but Israel is uncircumcized of
True as this may be, however, this does not yet give us heart, (Psalm  95:lO; Jeremiah 9: 26; Hebrews  3:lO).
the right to base our baptism of little children upon a They were stiffnecked and uncircumcized of heart and
presupposition.                                           ears, who always resisted the Holy Ghost, (Acts 7 :5 1).
  Much rather does all this lead to the conclusion that The prophet Isaiah is sent to this people to proclaim
if it be true that the visible church may only the Word of the Lord to them with the express
administer baptism to those who are regenerated or to purpose that hearing they shall hear and not under-
believers, and to no one else, then, strictly speaking, stand, and seeing they shall see and not perceive. He
the church should cease baptizing altogether. The must make the heart of this people fat, and make their
baptism of infants must rest upon much firmer ground ears heavy, and shut their eyes, in order that they may
than that of a mere presupposition. But even apart not hear and may not see and may not understand and
from all this, it remains true that the presupposition of be converted and God should heal them. And all this
which we are here speaking is a spiritual and psycho- must continue until the land is left without inhabitant
logical impossibility, for the very simple reason that we and until the cities are laid waste and until the Lord
know beforehand that what we wish to presuppose is shall have removed them far away, (Isaiah 6: 9-l 2). It
not true. It is altogether impossible to presuppose is a people that kills and stones the prophets, that
something of which we are certain that it is not in always and again despises their word, that follows after
harmony with reality as revealed in God's Word and as strange gods, that imitates all.the abominations of the
we learn to know it from history and from our daily heathen, so that they become like Sodom and
experience. Now we know that not all the children of Gomorrah, crucify the Lord of glory, and thus are
the covenant in the external sense of the word are themselves rejected, their house being left unto them
regenerated. We know that not everyone who is born desolate. Who, with an eye for the history which God's
in the church is also elect. That knowledge leaves this Word has revealed to us, would have the courage to say
presupposition without any basis, therefore; and in- that we must presuppose of all the children who are
deed, it makes this presupposition impossible.            born in the covenant that they are regenerated? In the
  That the intended presupposition is not in'harmony old dispensation they all drank of the same spiritual
with reality will be clear to anyone who is willing to rock, which was Christ, after they had all been
learn from and to live by God's Word. Historically the baptized into Moses; and. they all ate the same spiritual
line of God's covenant runs from Adam through Seth food. But in the majority of them God was not
to Noah; from Noah through Shem to Abraham; from well-pleased; and He struck them down in the dreadful
Abraham through Israel and Judah and David to wilderness, having taken offense at them.                        I
.Christ, in order from Christ to affect children of         The-question is: How do you explain all this? How
Abraham among all nations of men. But wherever one is it to be understood that those who were born in the
may view that historical line of God's covenant as it line of the generations of God's covenant, to whom
runs in generations,  .never is all that is called God's pertained the adoption, and the covenants, and the
people truly the people of God. The. children of Seth giving of the law, and the service of God, and the
intermingled with the children of Cain, something promises, nevertheless finally did not obtain the
which presupposes, of course, that `not all the Sethites promise? Is it perhaps thus, that God's covenant is
were also real, spiritual children of the covenant. In the conditional and the realization of .it depends upon the
tenth generation the children of Shem, out of whose free will  of, man?- Is there after all, in. the historical


                                                     THE STANDARD BEARER                                              335


  sphere of the covenant on earth, a certain general' own appointment, bear the sign of the covenant and are
  covenant grace which can be either accepted or called by the name of God's people, with whom in a
  rejected? Must we after all speak of a well-meant offer natural-organic manner they are intertwined; but this
  of grace and salvation on God's part to a people who does just exactly not mean that everyone in those
  were in such a dreadful manner rejected by their God? generations, head for head and soul for soul, is also a
  The apostle is also occupied with this question in true child of God. All who are of Israel are not Israel.
  Romans 9. But there God's Word offers us an And not the children of the flesh, but the children of
  altogether different conception. And the conception the promise are counted for the seed. For the line of
  which Scripture there offers comes down to this, in election and reprobation cuts directly through the
  brief: God's people, according to God's covenant here generations of the covenant.
  on earth, come to manifestation in the line of succes-         Along this line only can we arrive at a Scriptural
  sive generations; those generations, according to God's conception of believers and their seed.

               RESOLUTION OFSYMPATHY                           teacher, a First Grade teacher, and one Junior High
     The Sunday School teachers and pupils of the Hull teacher. If you can consider one of these positions,
  Protestant Reformed Church expresses its sympathy to kindly contact the school.
   one of our teachers, Mrs. Floyd Jansma, her husband,                                              Clare Kuiper, Sec'y.
   and children in the loss of their son and brother,
                          WALLY LORNE                                       RESOLUTION OF SYMPATHY
  whom the Father took to `His house of many mansions            The Men's Society of the  Doon Protestant Re-
  at the youthful age of 15 years.                             formed Church expresses its sincere sympathy to
     May the bereaved family be comforted with the fellow member E. Van Egdom and family in the
  Word of God found in Rev. 14: 13, "Blessed are the passing of their mothers:
  dead which die in the Lord" and in Rev.  20:4, "And                         MRS. HATTIE STELLINGA
  God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and                                         and
  there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor                           MRS. PETER VAN EGDOM
   crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the May the comfort of the Word of God as found in
  former things are passed away."                              Psalm  84:7  - "They, go from strength to strength,
                           Egbert Gritters, Pres.              everyone of them in Zion appeareth before God" -
                           Mrs. T. Jansma, Sec'y.              sustain them in their sorrow.
                                                                                     Rev. Robert Decker, Pres.
           ANNIVERSAR Y ANN0 UNCEMENT                                                Henry Bleyenberg, Sec'y.
     On `the eighteenth of April, the Lord willing, our
  beloved parents,                                                          RESOLUTION OF SYMPATHY
            MR. and MRS. PETER B. REITSMA,                       The Martha Ladies Aid Society of the Hull Protes-
  will celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary. We tant Reformed Church extends  its.deepest  sympathy
  thank the Lord that He has so richly blessed us with to Mrs. Floyd Jansma in the death of her son
  their covenant home, and pray that we may ever be                                         WALLY
  worthy successors to the Truth they have so diligently         May the God of all grace sustain her in her sorrow.
  t a u g h t   u s .                                          "For we know that if our earthly house of this
                           With Deepest Affection,             tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God,
                           Their Children and Grandchildren: an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
                           Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Reitsma         IICor. 5:l.
                             and Richard                                             Mr. Egbert Gritters, Pres.
                           Mr. and Mrs. Dale Reitsma                                 Mrs. Bert Van Maanen, Sec'y.
                           Mr. and Mrs. James Huizinga
                             and Sharon                                             STUBENT AID
                          Karen and Gary                         Notice is hereby given that students who attend our
                           Marilyn                             Seminar the final three years and qualify are eligible
                           Charles                             for financial assistance.
                                                                 Please contact the secretary of our Student Aid
                         ANNOUNCEMENT                          Comm.
     The Hope Protestant Reformed Christian School of                                Gerrit Pipe Sec.
i Grand Rapids, Michigan will need teachers for the                                  1463 Ardmore St.
  1969-70 school year. Needed will be a Kindergarten                                 Grand Rapids, Mich.


336                                          THE STANDARD BEARER



                             News From Our Churches

                                         March 18, 1969 also goes to Synod for final approval.
                                     Loveland, Colorado       There were elections for various positions: Stated
 Report of Classis West, held in South Holland, Illinois    Clerk (3 years) - Rev. D. Engelsma; Assistant Stated
                                                            Clerk (3 years) - Rev. R. Decker; Classical Committee
                    March'5n 1969                           of Classis West (1 year) - Elder A. Hendriks; Delegate
                                                            ad examina,  primus (3 years)  - Rev. C. Hanko;
  Rev. C. Hanko presided over the Classis which met Delegate ad examina, secundus (3 years)  - Rev. D.
all day Wednesday. Thirteen elders and eight ministers Kuiper; Church Visitors - Rev. C. Hanko and Rev. G.
represented the twelve churches of  Classis West. For Lanting; Minister delegates to Synod - D. Engelsma,
the first time, the congregation of Isabel sent to Classis C. Hanko, G. Lanting and G. Vanden Berg (Alternates
a minister of her own, Rev. R. Moore.                       - R. Decker, D. Kuiper, R. Moore and B. Woudenberg);
                                                            Elder delegates to Synod - T. Feenstra, G. Griess, H.
  Classis drew up the following schedule of classical Huisken and C. Van Der Molen (Alternates  - G.
appointments, which includes the appointments which Broekhuis, J. Haak, L. Nelson and B. Wories).
Classis West asked  Classis East to provide. FORBES:          The cost of this Classis was $1730.14.
March 23  & 30  - R. Moore; April 13  & 20  - R.
Decker; May 11 &18 - G. Lanting; June 15 & 22 - C.            Classis West will meet next in Randolph, Wisconsin
Hanko; July 13 & 20 - Classis East; August 10 & 17 - on September 3,1969, the J,ord willing.
G.  Vanden Berg; September 7  - R. Moore. PELLA:
July 13 & 20 - G. Lanting; August 10 & 17 - Classis                             Rev. David Engelsma, Stated Clerk
East; August 31  -  R. Decker; September 7  - G.                                                        Classis West
Vanden Berg. HULL: March 23  & 30  - G.  Vanden
Berg; April 13  & 20  -  Classis East; May 11  & 18  -                               ***
Cla.ssis East; June 15 & 22 - R. Decker; July 13 & 20
- Classis East; August 10 - G. Lanting; August 3 1 &          First Church gave Rev. Heys an extension of time to
September 7 - B. Woudenberg. LOVELAND: May 25, consider his call to be Missionary to Jamaica until after
June 1 & 8 - R. Moore. SOUTH HOLLAND: Classis               Synod meets in June. Synod must make certain
East is requested to supply South Holland during the decisions pertaining to this call, which awaits informa-
next six months.                                            tion to be gathered by our emissaries, Rev. Lubbers
  Oak Lawn's consistory brought an overture to and Elder Meulenberg who will be working there from
Classis, that  Classis decide to reject the program of April 8 to May 26.
Social Security for ministers, recently established by
the government. Oak Lawn pointed out that our                                        ***
churches themselves have a fund for emeritus minis-
ters, and that it is the responsibility of the churches,
not of the govermnent, to care for needy ministers.           Rev. Veldman, while working in the Pella, Iowa
Classis decided that it could not reject the Social area, has conducted services twice each Sunday and a
Security program because the law now is that all Prayer Day evening service, has lectured three times on,
ministers must pay social security tax, unless one has "The Child and the Promise"; "The Reformation and
conscientious objections to governmental insurance. the Modern Merger of Churches;" and "Our Future."
This overture, however, will be on the Agenda of He writes that he has thoroughly enjoyed his work and
Synod, with the request of  Classis West that Synod has appreciated the response upon his labors. Their
review our emeritation program in the light of the new building was formerly a medical clinic comprising
recent development of Social Security for ministers.        several rooms, one ample in size for public worship
                                                            services. This room is furnished with a pulpit, pews,
  The subsidy requests of  Doon, Edgerton, Forbes piano, and wall clock. Rev. Decker declined the call
(with a minister), Isabel, Loveland, Lynden, Oak Pella had extended him, so that they again face making
Lawn, Pella (with a minister), and Randolph were a new choice for a minister to serve them.
approved and forwarded to Synod.  Classis also ap-
proved the request of Isabel to ask for collections in . . . . see you in church,
the churches of  Classis East. The purpose of these
collections will be the assistance of Isabel in buying a
home for their minister and his family. This request                                                         J.M.F


