                            tandaid "  `--'

                                          earer                        .i



A   R E F O R M E D   S E M I - M O N T H L Y   MAGA%INE



IN THIS ISSUE


     Meditation:
       In Submission To Government

     Editorials:
       An Insider's Viewpoint

       Developments In New Zealand
       Pella's Good Example

     Feature:
---  --~  ~.. Crisis_. In The Southern Presbyterian Church
                                    ~.                       -  -
     Signs of the Times:
       "Pray For Peace"

     In His Fear:
       The Pilgrim And The Bible           Volume XL VIII / Number 8 /January 15,1972


170                                                       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.
   In Submission To Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170                            Second  Class  Postage   Paid  at  Grand  Rapids,  Mich.
                                                                           Editor-in-Chief: Prof.  H.  C. Hoeksema
Editorials -                                                               Department Editors:: Mr. Donald  Doezema,  Rev. Cornelius  Hanko, Prof.
   An Insider's Viewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173 Herman   Hanko,  Rev.  Robert   C.  Harbach.   Rev.  John  A.  Heys,  Rev.  Jay
                                                                           Kortering,   Rev.  George  C.  Lubbers.  Rev.  Marinus  Schipper.   Rev.  Gise  J.
   Developments in New Zealand(3) . . . . . . . . . . . .174 Van  Baren,  Rev.  Herman   Veldman.  Rev.  Bernard Woudenberg
   Pella's Good Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I75 Editorial Office:  Prof.  H.  C.  Hoeksema
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Meditation

                                In Submission To Government
                                                              Rev. M. Schipper

               "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man  for  the Lords sake: whether it be to the
               king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment
               of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with
               well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish. men: as free, and not using your
               liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. "                                          I Peter 2:13-16.

   Having your conversation honest among the epistle, and it must be borne constantly in mind.  Pro-
gentiles!                                                                   ceeding  now to apply this truth, that we are to walk
   That is the main exhortation in this section of the honestly in every department of life, the apostle calls


                                               THE STANDARD BEARER                                                171



attention to what our conversation is to be with democracy, or a dictatorship that is in power. The
respect to the government which is over us.                 powers that be are ordained of God, not of man.
   Not to the world is this exhortation directed, but to      Most instructive in this connection is what we are
the church, to the elect strangers; who are in the world, told in Romans 13: l-4. "Let every soul be subject
but not of it.                                              unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of
   The world of Peter's day, as well as the present God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whoso-
world, is characterized by lawlessness. Rioting and ever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordi-
violence have become in our time a way of life. Dis- nance of God; and they that resist shall receive to
respect for authority, and open rebellion and revolu- themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to
tion are not a peculiarity one finds only in our own good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be
country, but this situation obtains in all nations and in afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou
every part of the world. This is understandable, for shalt have praise of the same. For he is the minister of
when men will not reckon with the law of God, neither God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil
will they honor the ordinances of men.                      be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he
   But, as we said, the apostle is not directing the is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath
words of our text to those lawless in the world. upon him that doeth evil."
Rather he is writing to the members of Christ's church.       There are three elements in this passage that are
He has in mind those who are under the rule of Christ, emphasized: "there is no power but of God," "the
Whose is all authority, power, and dominion in heaven powers that be are ordained of God," and, "whoever is
and on earth. He directs the words of our text to those in power is God's minister." And we would remind
who are the citizens of a heavenly kingdom, yea, you that the government, the power which the apostle
whose citizenship is in heaven, though temporarily had in mind, was the power of Rome, of which Caesar
they are required to be pilgrims and strangers in this was the ruler.
world, and therefore also for a time must needs be in         Jesus, when confronted by Pontius Pilate, who was
subjection to the rulers of this world. And, we hasten Caesar's governor, and who boasted that he had power
to add, in subjection to a government which, at the to crucify Him or set Him free, did not hesitate to say
time of the writing of this epistle, was thoroughly anti- to him: "Thou  couldest have no  .power at all against
Christian.                                                  me, except it were given thee from above."
   And the question arises: but why should these              And Daniel in his prophecy (2:2 1) declares: "And
heavenly citizens be exhorted to be in submission to he (i.e., God) changeth the times and the seasons; he
these worldly governments? Perhaps this was the ques- removeth kings, and setteth up kings."
tion which lived in the souls of them to whom Peter is        Clearly all these passages teach that both the king
writing, along with several other questions. If Christ is and his government are of the Lord. It is He that sets
Ring supreme, would it not be sinful on our part to kings on their thrones, and it is He that takes them
honor any other king-or governor? If the government down from their thrones, in order to put others in
which imposes its rule over us is antichristian, should their place.
we not oppose it with all that is in us? If Christ has        How contrary to this principle is the modern con-
made us free from the law by His own obedience, are ception of government! Today, the majority in our
we not free from all laws? If the government perse- own country follow the philosophy that "the govern-
cutes us who are the children of God, is it not then an ment of the. people, by the people, and for the people"
ungodly government whose laws we need not respect? implies that the government is of man. In fact the term
Perhaps these and many more questions resided in the "democracy," which means literally "the rule of the
hearts of those to whom the apostle is writing. And people," also has come to imply that the government is
with one sweep of the pen the apostle answers in the determined by and has its origin in man. It should be
text: Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for plain from the Scripture passages cited above that this
the Lord's sake.                                            idea of government is contrary to the Word of God.
   Submit yourselves . . . !                                  Moreover, still speaking of the idea of government,
   Whether it be to the king, as supreme, or unto gover- it should also be established that, though the govem-
nors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punish- ment is by divine appointment, it is nevertheless
ment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do limited in its sphere of authority. By this we mean
well !                                                      that the government is not divinely intended to
   Shall we be able to understand this Scriptural man- rule over everything. It should have no jurisdiction
date, it is necessary, first of all, that we have a clear, in our private affairs. Nor should it have anything to
Scriptural idea of what government is.                      say in the church. Church and State should remain
   It is a principle' of the Word of God that all govern- sovereign each in its own sphere.
ment is of God. It makes no difference what the form          And to this must be added that, whereas the govem-
of government may be, whether it is a monarchy, a ment has authority only in the public sphere, it is the


172                                            THE STANDARD BEARER


divine intention that it shall maintain the law of God. the other hand, when the government or whoever is in
All the laws which the government enacts and enforces authority over us commands us to do that which is
should find their basis in the Decalogue with its two        contrary to the law of God, which would make us to
tables. And for the enforcement of this authority God        be disobedient to Christ,  - then we must disobey,
has given the government sword power, according to while we remain in submission. A beautiful illustration
which it is to punish the evil doer, and to bless and        of this we find in Daniel 3, where the friends of Daniel
protect the good.                                            were required to bow before the image which
  There is also one more thought which should be Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Not only did these  obe?
injected here, and that is: God has exalted Christ to be dient children of God refuse to obey the king, but they
King over all kings, dominions, and powers. Of this He signified their willingness to submit to the punishment
was deeply conscious when He said: "All power is the king had threatened for disobedience. Willingly
given unto me in heaven and in earth." It is He, by          they gave themselves over to the fire of the furnace.
divine right, Who places kings and rulers on their This is submission, which is obedience to God. The
thrones, and through the governments of the world He apostle Peter, when confronted by the authorities be-
rules over and over-rules all, so that they do His good cause he taught in the Name of Jesus (Acts  5), an-
pleasure. Though they generally do not recognize Him, swered them: "We ought to obey God rather than
and still more generally stand in open rebellion against     men." But before he was let go, he suffered severe
Him, - for "the kings of the earth set themselves, and       beating by the authorities. This was submission, which
the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and is obedience to God.
against his anointed," - they nevertheless are obliged          Let it be established, then, that strict obedience to
to be His ministers, and do Him service.                     all authority is impossible, when that authority com-
  It is especially this last thought that the apostle has mands us to be disobedient to God and His Christ. But
in mind when he exhorts his readers to "submit them- submission is always necessary. Then we honor
selves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake." authority, in loving obedience to God and to the Lord
  Bearing in mind that the government may be and             Jesus Christ.
often is antichristian, such as it was when the apostle         The reason for this submission is two-fold. In the
wrote these words, then the principle will be in reverse.    first place, "for the Lord's sake." We must remember
Then the good, which should be praised and protected         that we obey Christ when we are in submission to
by the government, will be persecuted for their  well- human ordinances; and we are also in obedience to
doing; while the evil-doers, whom the government Christ when we disobey the human ordinance which
should punish, will be condoned, exonerated, and is  contary to His will. We are to serve the Lord
praised. Precisely what happened to Christ will happen Christ, and seek the honor of His Name. In the second
also to the children of God. He Who did nothing but place, "we put to silence the ignorance of foolish
good, was maltreated, persecuted, and put to death by men." Also here we are to remember that the world of
those in authority. And the Lord Jesus forewarned us ungodly men, whether in the government or not, does
that what they did to Him they will also do to us.           not understand why the child of God does what he
  What then? Should we rebel?                                does. When the children of God disobey the authority,
  Should we flee somewhere to form an underground the world expects them to be revolutionaries. But
movement, train guerrilla bands that will be bent on when the child of God does not become a revolu-
destroying those in authority? Should we start a revo- tionary, yea, rather gives himself over to the conse-
lutionary movement that will cast out those in power,        quences of his disobedience, suffers willingly the in-
and that will put in office those whom we will be flicted punishment, then he puts the ignorant foolish
reasonably sure will legislate on Christian principles?      to silence.
  The apostle answers all these questions with: Submit         But why should the elect strangers be exhorted to
yourselves!                                                  be in submission to the government? If they truly love
  Mark well, he does not say: "obey!"                        God, and know that they stand in loving service to
  0, indeed, where it is possible to obey the govern- their King, Christ Jesus; will they not then spontane-
ment without violating any of our Christian principles,      ously do what the apostle urges in this exhortation?
then obedience must be the rule of the day. Obedience          There are especially two reasons why this exhorta-
is implicit in submission, yea, the very heart of it. But tion is necessary. The first is the danger of antinomism.
obedience and submission are always to be governed This is suggested in the last part of the text when the
by our relationship to God and to Christ. We obey our apostle writes: "as free, and not using your liberty for
parents, not simply because they are our parents who a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God."
are older, wiser, and stronger than we, but for God's The antinomist is one who believes he is free, free from
sake. We obey the government also only for God's the law. Piously he points to the doctrine of justifica-
sake. When we obey the government, we do so to show tion, according to which Christ has fulfilled all obe-
that we are in obeisance to Christ Who is our Lord. On       dience to the divine law for us, so that we are freed


                                            THE STANDARD BEARER                                                 173



from the dictates of the law. We are now under grace, which imposes the law is ordained of God, therefore
so he says. Therefore any attempt to live in conformity you are to live in submission to it.
to the law is to deny the justifying grace of Christ.         But there is more. In the second place, as we already
Consequently these apparently pious people live as suggested, there is always the reality of antichristian
they please, with no respect for the law of God or of government. It was there when Peter transcribed our
man. They live under the slogan, "Not under the law, text; and Scripture assures us that it is also future
but under grace." These antinominian sects have given reality. What then? Shall Christians unite to overthrow
the church no end of trouble, and also a bad name. such a government? When the government shall insist
The apostle would agree with them as to the freedom that you cannot buy or sell without the mark of the
wherewith Christ has made us free, only he adds: "use beast, shall we rush to obtain that mark lest we perish
not your liberty for a  cloke of maliciousness." He from the earth? The answers to these questions are
means to say, your liberty does not give you license to negative.
do as you please; but your liberty is also bound by law.      Positively we shall honor Christ by being in sub-
True liberty is the freedom to walk in the light of the mission to that evil government; and while we take the
law, which you could not do when you were the slaves consequences of disobedience, death if necessary, we
of sin. We are not to perform the law in order to be will commit our cause to Christ Who will surely justify
saved, but we honor the law because we are saved. And us in the day when He shall judge also the government
since the laws of government, and the government for all the ungodly deeds they have committed.


Editorials
                          An Insider's Viewpoint
                                              Pro5  H. C. Hoeksema

  Elsewhere in this issue our readers will discover the accounts for my reference to an  insider's  viewpoint.
name of one who has not written for our  Standard Because the crisis in the Southern Presbyterian denom-
Bearer  heretofore. And this requires an introduction ination is very much in the news and has received
and an explanation. I am referring to the  Feature much journalistic attention since the announcement of
article from the pen of Dr. John Richard de Witt.           an organized movement for a "continuing" Presby-
  My personal acquaintance with Dr. de Witt goes terian Church (Prof. Hanko has repeatedly called
back several years, to the time when I visited with him attention to Southern Presbyterian developments in
at my father's home not long before the latter's death. "All Around Us"), it was thought that an informative
Prior to that time, I knew of him from his writings in and critical analysis from a reliable "insider" would be
connection with an ecclesiastical battle  .in the Re- instructive and helpful to our readers. Knowing Dr. de
formed Church in America, when he was pastor of the Witt as a man who is devoted to the Reformed faith
Sixth Reformed Church of Passaic, New Jersey, about and also as one who is sympathetic toward our Protes-
the historicity of the first chapters of Genesis. Over the tant Reformed position, I requested him to write on
years we have become better acquainted with one an- this subject for our Standard Bearer. When I sent him
other through correspondence and through following this request, I emphasized that our magazine is free,
one another's writings. A few years ago Dr. de Witt i.e., free from any ecclesiastical binding and open to
sojourned in the  ,Netherlands  and in England while the expression of Reformed opinion, and that he
studying and doing research for his doctor's degree. His should therefore feel free to express himself frankly.
doctoral thesis was a study of "The Westminster Dr. de Witt has graciously consented to write for us,
Assembly and the Divine Right of Church  Govem- and, I believe, has acquitted himself well in so doing.
ment," which we reviewed at the time of its publica- His interesting contribution will appear in two con-
tion. An interesting historical footnote is the fact that secutive installments. I would suggest that if any of our
while he was in England, Dr. de Witt served as assistant readers have comments or questions, these should be
pastor of Grove Chapel, where the late Rev. Henry withheld until the second article has appeared.
Atherton (of the Sovereign Grace Union) had been             I do not think I am breaking any confidences if I
pastor, and where the late Rev. Herman Hoeksema quote a few lines from a personal letter from friend de
once preached.                                              Witt. He wrote me in a letter accompanying his
  At present Dr. de Witt is pastor of the Williamsburg articles: "I have gone a good deal further than a mere
Presbyterian Church, Kingstree, South Carolina. This reporting of the situation, and on that account I have


174                                            THE STANDARD BEARER



hope that this material may be of interest to your hiding the facts. And our great interest must be the
readers. Certainly we should value your prayers, and furtherance of the gospel."
the prayers of your people, for us in our present                We wish to assure Dr. de Witt that our prayers cer-
struggle." And again: "The first article gives the broad tainly arise to the throne of grace in behalf of all God's
lines of the battle; the second attempts an analysis.          people as they "contend earnestly for the faith once
You will see that I have been quite frank. Some of my          delivered to the saints." We also take this opportunity
brethren might possibly fmd what I have to say too to express our sincere thanks for his contributions on
open and too frank. But nothing is to be gained by the "Crisis in the Southern Presbyterian Church."


            Developments In New Zealand (3)
  Last time we called attention to the fact that the           Stated Clerk, D.G. Vanderpyl, and in behalf of the
Synod of the Reformed Churches of New Zealand was              Reformed Churches of New Zealand, there was sent to
derelict in its duty to maintain purity of doctrine when       Dr. Runia not only a warm letter of farewell, but a
it deliberately declined the proper request of the Ap- letter of glowing tribute. Here is some of the language
peal to express disapproval of the doctrinal errors of of that letter, which I received by tape-recording: "We
Dr. Runia. The Synod did this, you will recall, on the thank the Lord for having given you to us, for what
excuse that Dr. Runia was leaving for the Netherlands.         you have been to our churches as a teacher of so many
  This was, remember, a very crucial point of the Ap- who now serve our churches as ministers of the Word
peal. And it was - and this is more important - a very         and sacraments, as editor of Trowel and Sword, as pro-
crucial  test  for the Reformed Churches of New                claimer of God's Word in Christ, and as a champion of
Zealand.                                                       the Reformed faith in the evangelical world of Austral-
  The real test for a church is not so much whether            asia. We thank you for your clear and forthright work.
she seems to give approval in a positive sense to certain There have been misunderstandings. There has not al-
truths. Especially if the language is careful enough, ways been wholehearted agreement on all points. But
there are many who wiIl assent to various truths even we wish to say that we are convinced that you have
though they are not in actual agreement. Undoubtedly           tried to serve our Lord according to His Word."
there often is a degree of mental reservation and dis-           And Dr. Runia got the point. For here is his re-
honesty in such assent. And frequently the language of sponse, as quoted from the bulletin of the Reformed
ecclesiastical decisions is broad enough and vague Church of Christchurch, New Zealand: "I cannot tell
enough to afford room to those who are not really in           you how much Mrs. Runia and I have appreciated this
agreement. But whatever may be the reason, this is not         letter. In the past some New Zealand brethren have
the point now. The real test comes when a church is            issued serious accusations asserting that my theol-
confronted by the necessity and the calling to con-            ogy was a great danger for the Reformed Churches
demn errors repugnant to the truth. This is undoubt-           in Australasia. As you may remember, last year
edly also one of the reasons why the Formula of I sent a letter to all the sessions repudiating these
Subscription requires of officebearers that they them- accusations. I am very happy indeed that before we
selves reject error and that they are "disposed to refute leave Australia you have expressed your confidence in
and contradict" errors and "to exert ourselves in keep- me and your appreciation for my work."
ing the Church free from such errors."                           It is very plain, therefore:
  This was all the more crucial in this particular instance      1) That the Reformed Churches of New Zealand
because it was a known fact that there were those in the       were unwilling to condemn the teachings of Runia.
Reformed Churches of New Zealand who were in
sympathy with Dr. Runia's views and who had de-                  2) That the Reformed Churches of New Zealand do
fended them. They would, of course, have been "on not consider that Runia has taught anything which
the spot" if Synod had addressed itself directly to would prevent them from calling him a champion of
Runia's errors.                                                the Reformed faith.
  It was a political maneuver, therefore, when the               3) That in spite of any positive decisions taken by
Synod passed the motion to by-pass that issue on the the Synod, the Reformed Churches of New Zealand
alibi that Dr. Runia was departing.                            are wide open for all who teach and defend the same
  But we suggested last time, too, that the Synod did errors which Runia taught on the various matters
not really fail to declare itself on these matters and touched on in the Appeal.
that it is not true that the Synod took no position, or          In addition to this, as we shall see next time, D.V.,
even a neutral position. For over the signature of the the Synod very unjustly refused to do anything about


                                            THE STANDARD BEARER                                               175



the discipline cases of three officebearers who opposed truth and oppose the lie.
Dr. Runia and who belong to the Reformed and Pres-           And this is very serious in the light of what our
byterian Fellowship of Australasia. In other words, the Confession teaches about the marks of the true church.
Synod is guilty of persecuting men who defend the


                          Pella's Good Example
  Not long ago the secretary of our Theological ently handicapped, and its growth and progress will be
School Committee, who is also treasurer of our even more handicapped in the near future if our
Theological School Building Fund, telephoned me with churches do not act soon. About all this I could write
some encouraging news.                                     at length; but I will refrain at this time.
  The news was this: our Pella congregation has com-         I only want to call attention to Pella's worthy
pleted its drive (by means of a series of collections) for example, and to say that when all the dust of criticism
the Theological School Building Fund, and has contrib- concerning such things as the manner of the School
uted a total of $1039.50. Consulting the latest sta- Committee's drive and the location of the new building
tistics available to me at this writing, I find that this (which, by the way, can be changed by proper pro-
averages a little better than $100 per family.             cedure and by  synodical decision)  - the following
  Up to this time, for various reasons, I have re- facts remain:
strained myself from writing about this subject. But          1) Our churches in common, through their synod,
when I received this news, I could restrain myself no have decided upon this project. They did so initially 25
longer.                                                    years ago. They did so more recently almost 4 years
  This is indeed encouraging news. Pella is one of our ago. And they also decided to finance our new school
smaller congregations. She has been through a period building by a drive and by voluntary contributions,
of severe struggle ever since the crisis of 1953, and rather than by assessments. This is a solemn com-
only recently has she revived and grown somewhat in mitment of our churches.
numbers, to the point where she once more has her            2) Not only is it true, in general, that all our
own pastor and her own church property. And now churches are responsible in common for the care of the
Pella is the first of our churches to complete a con- seminary and are also very directly dependent upon
certed drive for our Theological School Building, and the seminary; but it is also a fact that there is not one
to do so, too, in royal fashion. I like to believe - and I of  our  churches which does not  benefit  greatly and
am  ` certain that this is correct, too  - that this is a constantly from the seminary. All our ministers, old
warm expression of love and devotion on Pella's part and young, are graduates of the seminary. Abundant
toward the cause of our Theological School. Not only have been the mercies of our God upon the churches
does this deserve public acknowledgement and thanks through our school. This thought alone should provoke
to our Pella congregation, but also it is a cause for us to an outpouring of gratitude to God which will
gratitude to our God.                                      fmd concrete expression in such royal support as Pella
  And it is a good example!                                has shown.
  And it is an example which should provoke all our          3) There is not one of our consistories which, with
consistories and congregations to emulation!               a little concerted effort, cannot do what Pella's  con-
  I am surely revealing no secrets when I write that on sistory has done. Whether this effort be in the form of
the whole there has been a very lethargic and lackadai- soliciting or in the form of a series of collections is of
sical attitude and response toward this drive for funds no moment. What is important is that the  consis-
up to this time. We are far, very far, from our goal of tories must give leadership and guidance and must
new and adequate facilities for our seminary. Nor am I kindle the enthusiasm of love and devotion.
revealing any tales, I think, when I say that a not in-      4) There is not one of our congregations which
considerable cloud of criticism has in some cases been cannot do what  PelIa's congregation has done. There
allowed to obscure this project and thus to hinder this may be some differences of degree, true. But if our
drive. I could, write much about this. And I could also seminary has the love of our churches - and I believe
write much about the sore need our school has in this that it has the love - then let us all give as we are able.
respect. And then I would not hesitate to say that our       There is sufficient time before Synod meets to ac-
school is indeed suffering because of the lack of ade- complish enough so that we can go ahead next
quate facilities; nor would I hesitate to say that the summer, the Lord willing. At our next Synod the
need for these facilities is far greater and far more Theological School Committee has been mandated to
urgent than many seem to realize. Our school is pres- submit final plans for approval. There are five months


176                                           THE STANDARD BEARER


left before Synod meets. By that time we can - if we           Let us imitate Pella's worthy example!
try - collect at least enough funds to enable Synod to         Let us go forward in faith and in dedication!
give the go-ahead.



Feature

       Crisis In The Southern Presbyterian Church (1)
                                             Dr. John Richard de Witt

  Few churches in this country have as rich a history Churches, but one resting upon a principle common to
as the Presbyterian Church in the United States, or the them all: that of the regulatory character of the Word
Southern Presbyterian Church. It has combined within         of God. Or as it is expressed in the Belgic Confession:
itself the great Presbyterian tradition of Scotland and "Since the whole manner of worship which God re-
the New World and also the distinctive tenacity with quires of us is written in them at large, it is unlawful
which many in the southern states have clung to the for any one, though an Apostle, to teach otherwise
faith of their fathers. Readers will perhaps be aware of than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures." (Art.
the fact that the PCUS (as I shall call it henceforth) has VII) And again: "We reject all human inventions, and
therefore remained much longer .true to the Scriptures all laws which man would introduce into the worship
than its northern sister denomination, now known as of God, thereby to bind and compel the conscience in
the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of any manner whatever." (Art. XxX11)
America (hereafter the UPUSA) from which it broke              But that long history of Reformed orthodoxy is at
away at the beginning of the Civil War in 186 1. Like-       the present time imperilled. Some are arguing indeed
wise few denominations in America have produced that it is already so decayed as to be irretrievably lost,
theologians more distinguished than J. H. Thomwell of and that the PCUS has ceased to be a Reformed
South Carolina and R. L. Dabney of Virginia, both of Church in any real sense of the word. It is still very
whom were unimpeachable adherents of the Reformed much so constitutionally and confessionally, though
faith and whose works repay reading to this day. Even even there some important changes have been intro-
a cursory look at such a volume as that published by         duced which show the extent to which the church has
the church's highest court in 1897 to mark the 250th         deviated from its own historic position, a position still
anniversary of the Westminster Assembly will show to largely reflected in the documents upon which the
what an extent the PCUS was committed, and con- organization of the denomination is based. Thus, for
tinued to be committed, to the historic position of the example, in 1964 the ordination of women as elders
Reformed Churches. In some respects it was, of course, and ministers was formally enacted. The list of
unlike those denominations which trace their origins to      apostasies in the life and practice of the church as a
the Netherlands, to Germany, or to some other whole, however, is long and grievous. These have
European country. That goes without saying. At the recently been documented  in The Presbyterian
time of the Synod of Dort itself there were nuances of Journal,  the weekly magazine supported and read by
opinion amongst genuinely Reformed theologians, and          conservatives in the church (issue of Oct. 13, 197 1).
some of the practices of the various churches differed       To give only a sampling of what has taken place, in
quite widely. For centuries the Scottish Church, for         1961 the General Assembly refused to revise the
example, eschewed the use of organs or any instru- chapter in the Westminster Confession on predestina-
mental music and any other songs of praise than the tion, but declared that "in its judgment the doctrine of
Psalms of the Old Testament; it also abolished the foreordination to everlasting death as formulated in
observance of religious holidays, and persisted in doing the Confession is not an adequate statement of the
so till fairly recent times. In my own congregation in       Christian faith." In 1966 the Assembly decided to
South Carolina, while Easter is now observed, and the        enter into the Consultation on Church Union (COCU).
Sundays immediately preceding Christmas are given In 1969 committees were authorized to prepare a new
over to reflection upon the advent of our Lord, yet          confession of faith and to draw up a plan of union
there is no Christmas service, and neither Ascension with the UPUSA (the Northern Church), hunger was
Day nor Pentecost is remembered at all. This is not due given "top priority" in the mission of the church,
to carelessness, but to the residual operation of a view-    evolution supported as compatible with Genesis, ordi-
point reaching all the way back to the Reformation nary business for the first time conducted on the
itself  - a viewpoint not shared by all the Reformed Lord's Day. In 1970 the Assembly approved abortion


                                            THE STANDARD BEARER                                                  177



for "economic reasons," among others, authorized and have been able in some degree to give point and
youth delegates to future Assemblies, etc. In addition direction to the mounting conservative protest against
the presses of the church pour forth a flood of mate- the prostitution of the gospel which has gained the
rials in which the biblical position has been abandoned upper hand in the church as a whole. The high point of
for some shoddy modern substitute, and the denomi- the efforts of these groups - and of another organiza-
nation has been permeated with the poison of theolog- tion of moderates calling themselves the Covenant
ical confusion and unbelief. The catalogue of depar- Fellowship of Presbyterians - was reached at the meet-
tures from the official faith and practice of the church ing of the General Assembly this past year, 197 1, when
could be extended on any of the levels of the church it was decided by a vote of only 2 13 to 189 that the
courts almost without end. One is referred here to the church would remain in the National Council of
fulI coverage of these things in the issue of The Presby- Churches, and the decision to effect a radical (and, it is
terian Journal cited above.                                said, gerrymandered) restructuring of the synods of the
  At the same time it should be stated very. clearly denomination passed by a mere ten votes, 217 to 207.
that a strong conservative minority has remained active Nothing like this strength in terms of numbers has
in the church, and that the situation is not so  un- been known at the Assembly in a long while, but so large
relievedly dark and dreary as these official actions and a minority was achieved only after much arduous
trends would seem to indicate. There are many evan- work, and many believe that it represented the maxi-
gelical congregations, even some presbyteries (i.e., mum possible effort, the high watermark of conserva-
classes) with a considerable orthodox majority, and at tive capability in the PCUS. And even though the
least two of the synods can upon occasion muster a conservative protest against the leftward march of the
fair sized conservative preponderance of votes. My own denomination was so very much in evidence, the liberal
presbytery, for example, is still clearly conservative, majority pressed right on with its own program, paying
and the bulk of the congregations want nothing to do little or no heed to the great number of openly dis-
with the new movements which have captured the satisfied and disturbed people among the constituency
seats of power on higher ecclesiastical levels. And while of the church.
the four denominational seminaries (Union at Rich-           In any case, as if our problems were not already
mond, Louisville, Austin, and Columbia) are all pre- sufficiently grave and the prospects for continuing a
dominantly on the other side, none of them cleaving Reformed witness in the present situation within the
any longer to a Reformed or even evangelical point of PCUS dim enough, we are now confronted with an-
view, a new seminary - Reformed Theological Semi- other issue which vastly outweighs everything else that
nary at Jackson, Mississippi, founded to serve the we have been called upon to face in the past. Though
PCUS but outside its control - now exists and is grow- voting has not yet begun in any form, yet it seems
ing rapidly, with nearly a hundred students preparing certain that in a very few years' time the PCUS and the
for the ministry. It promises much good for the future, UPUSA, the southern and northern branches of the
and is certainly far closer to the historic Reformed Presbyterian Church which separated at the outbreak
faith than any of the official seminaries has been for of the Civil War, will be brought together again. A joint
many a long year.                                          committee of twenty-six has been entrusted with the
  In addition, four organizations have been called into preparation of a plan of union, a "study draft" of
being by the struggle of the past several decades against which is already in hand, and which may be voted
the incursions of liberalism in its various forms. The upon as early as 1973. There is every likelihood that
first and oldest of them is The Presbyterian Journal, by 1974 or 1975 our denomination will be merged
which lays claim to being the "circulation leader into the United Presbyterian Church. And a consid-
among independent publications in the  Presbyterian- erable number of ministers and congregations who find
Reformed world," a claim which there is no reason it possible now to work in the Southern Church be-
to doubt. Tens of thousands of readers are every week cause of its essential constitutional and confessional
kept informed on conditions in the PCUS and else- soundness - and also because of the large measure of
where, are instructed in the doctrines of the Word of autonomy which is still reserved to the local churches,
God, and are being provided with guidance for the in many departments of church life left free from out-
battle in the years ahead. Along with the Journal and side interference - are convinced that it will be impos-
working closely with those associated in the publishing sible to have any part at all in the new united denomi-
of it are Concerned Presbyterians, an organization of nation which must result from such an amalgamation. I
Presbyterian laymen, Presbyterian Churchmen United, say "new united denomination" because while the two
a group of ministers and sessions (i.e., consistories), great branches of American Presbyterianism were at
and the Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship, which the outset very much alike, though not without their
now also has ,a missionary arm in its Executive Com- differences, yet the passage of time and the more rapid
mission on Overseas Evangelism.                           pace with which liberalism captured the citadels of
  These all co-operate very cordially with one another power in the Northern Church have so changed the


178                                            THE STANDARD BEARER


faces of the two bodies as to make them even at the         But though we take that point of view, yet we
present time in some fundamental respects quite dis- realize at the same time that as responsible Christians
similar.                                                 we have to deal with the situation as we find it, and
  It will be remembered that it was the Northern that it is required of us to make good use of the time
Church which in 1929 brought about the re-organiza- the Lord has given us to ensure the continuation of a
tion of Princeton Seminary - till that time a bastion of Reformed and evangelical witness in the historic area
Reformed orthodoxy - which made it necessary for J.      of the Southern Church. Some amongst us in the provi-
Gresham Machen and others in conscience to leave. It dence of God are doing just that. On the annual
was the Northern Church which in 1935 actually de- "Journal Day," held every summer in support of the
posed  Machen from the ministry for his part in the work of The Presbyterian Journal, the announcement
Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions, was made this past August 11 of the formation of a
established to provide an alternative to the rising Steering Committee composed of some twelve
modernism in denominational missionary work. It was members from the four conservative organizations
that same denomination which in the 1960's formu- mentioned above. This Steering Committee, the chair-
lated and adopted the Confession of 1967 and virtually man of which is the Rev. Donald B. Patterson, minister
surrendered all binding obligation to adhere to any of the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Miss., has
confession of faith at all. It was an agency of that very been "charged with the responsibility of developing
church which contributed  $lO,OOO.OO to the Angela and implementing a plan for continuation of a Pres-
Davis defense fund. It is that church which time and byterian Church loyal to the Scriptures and the Re-
again has persisted in trampling upon the moral and formed faith." In his address Mr. Patterson declared:
spiritual and theological heritage of the whole Chris- "We resolutely set our faces in a new direction. We
tian Church. And it is with that church that the shall, with God's help, preserve for future generations
majority among the leadership in the PCUS are bent the witness of our historic faith, that faith once de-
upon uniting.                                            livered to the saints." The committee is now at work
  One hopes and prays that this will not come about. throughout the church, amid denunciations, threats,
Not, of course, because there is anything wrong in the insinuations, lowering reprisals, and also disappointing
nature of the case with church union. Sometimes defections on the part of some of whom it had been
conservatives, Reformed Christians among them, speak hoped that they would hold firm.
as though church union were something reprehensible,       There is in our Book of Church Order a phrase
with which Bible believers ought to have nothing to which speaks of the need for promoting the "peace
do. In the New Testament the church is conceived of and purity" of the church which, strangely enough, the
as one, one in spirit (one in the "Spirit"), but also one liberals in the denomination greatly delight to make
in organization. The organic unity of the church pre- use of. Time and again conservative movements have
supposes an external, an organizational unity as well. been castigated because they endanger the supposed
Other issues are involved here, however; and therefore, "peace and purity" of the PCUS; and now above all,
while one must be for the unity of Christians - while when a Steering Committee has been delegated the
one longs for and  .rejoices in the unity of Christians task of laying the groundwork for a continuing church
within the one Church of Christ!  - yet one cannot after merger with the UPUSA the outcries are loud and
tolerate the union of denominations upon any other long in which the orthdox who have any part in this
basis than that of one Lord, one faith, and one effort are denounced for disturbing this same "peace
baptism. There is the great question of truth which is and purity." Yet it is precisely because they believe so
at issue here. And it cannot, it will not be ignored.    much in the doctrines of the gospel and in the con-
  Indeed, one hopes earnestly that the union of the fessional and constitutional position of their church,
PCUS and the UPUSA will not come about, and that and because they insist that there cannot be peace
revival will be granted to the church, the garment of without purity - that one cannot speak of unity with-
praise for the spirit of heaviness. We recognize the out unity in the truth  - that the  evangelicals in the
great, crying necessity for a new reformation and for denomination have grouped themselves in these
the quickening movement of the Holy Spirit of God. organizations and are carrying on the struggle for the
We abhor schism, shun separation, groan for the faith of the Scriptures. Presbyteries are beginning to
manifestation of the power of God in the preaching of warn their constituencies against the four groups
the gospel of Christ. And we believe further that God behind the Steering Committee on some such ground
can still reverse the present course of events, and re- as an offence against "peace and purity," without any
store to us the years that the locust has eaten. There apparent awareness that it is the liberal establishment
are still those who cling to the doctrines of Paul and which has forsaken the Confession of Faith, which has
Augustine and Calvin and Knox and Thornwell, and denied the biblical constitution of the church, and
who believe that they constitute the only acceptable which has openly and publicly displayed its hostility
basis for co-operation and ecclesiastical structure and for many years toward the fundamental doctrines any
organization.                                            believer holds dear and recognizes as indispensable for


                                            THE STANDARD BEARER                                              179



the wholeness of his faith and the certainty of his we have not undertaken the movement toward merger
salvation. It is the liberals who are the real offenders with the UPUSA, the merger which will certainly
against "peace and purity," and we do well to repeat involve the separation of a large part of the church -
that time and again.                                       the liberal part  - and their removal to another
  So the battle has been joined. It is a sad thing that ecclesiastical connection. We can only attempt to
one should have to speak of a "battle" in the church, follow the leading of the Word of God, and pray that
and that one must also come to live in the expectation in the end we shall have the grace to pay whatever
of a rupture between those who have lived together in price may be required of us if we are to be found
a great denomination. But we have not initiated the faithful and to obey God rather than men.
struggle. Responsibility for wrenching the church loose      Next time I hope to say something more in the way
from her ancient moorings does not rest with `us. And of an assessment of the situation.

The Signs of the Times
                                  "Pray For Peace"
                                                Rev. G. Van Buren

  In our last article we considered the sign of the end: that many would look askance at any professing the
wars and rumors of wars. In that connection, the ques- name of Christ who could not "pray for peace" in this
tion arises: what is the attitude of the child of God world among all men.
towards peace on this earth?                               The plea for peace
  That there is a world-desire for peace on this earth       That within this world there arises a universal cry
seems to be self-evident. There are in our own country for peace is not difficult to understand. The history of
many movements which advocate, sometimes vocifer- this world has been a history of wars. There has been
ously, peace - and often, peace-at-any-price. And how an unmeasured amount of suffering and agony because
often is not seen today the circle with its inverted and of wars. Our own generation has known more than its
broken cross. It's the "peace sign." One encounters it share of war. There is in war the obvious killing and
everywhere. It decorates the clothing of all sorts of maiming. Not only soldiers are victims in these wars,
people. It adorns many buildings. It is placed upon but civilian populations perhaps suffer even more.
autos. It has been the "in" thing to display the peace These are caught in the cross-fire of two armies. Bombs
sign. Then there is also the "finger sign," the "V" are dropped on their villages. Parents are killed - with
formed with two of the fingers. It is a sign recognized children seeking somehow to sustain their existence by
particularly by the young. Or again, there are the digging through garbage pails (if there are such avail-
slogans, one of the most crude but prevalent of which able). Children are, through violent death, snatched
is: "Make love, not war."                                  from their parents. Many are cruelly maimed. Soldiers,
  Again, there have been the formal and official drives if they return home at all, might do so without arms or
for peace on this earth. Nations unite in the United legs. Some are terribly disfigured. The same is true for
Nations where they find a forum to reveal grievances - many of the civilian population. The cruelties of war
rather than resort to war. Nations appear to vie with make one shudder. But even this is not the end. Mass
each other in order to serve as mediators between war- starvation and the spread of many plagues are the
ring factions. Men are praised for their efforts towards fruits of wars too. Thousands die because of malnutri-
peace - and even receive sizable "prizes" when these tion. Homes have been destroyed. Means of livelihood
efforts are particularly noteworthy or effective.          are taken away.
  The whole question of worldly peace faces children         No wonder that there is a cry arising within this
of God today. The church no longer lives in that isola- world for a peace that will cover the face of the earth.
tion which it had in the past. The passions, the goals, There is a cry to remove weapons of destruction; to
the drives, which are seen in the world, are soon "beat the swords into plowshares." And I can, I think,
enough reflected in the church too. One sees our young understand that longing of man who wants to preserve
people, especially, give the "peace sign" with their fin- for himself and his family a measure of peace and
gers; they draw the "peace symbol" on their papers quiet.
and books. They also are very free in their use of the       It seems expected that the church would join in this
word "peace" and its Hebrew equivalent "shalom" cry for peace. Who, after all, wants war? What is ex-
when they write their letters.                             pected, is also done. The church becomes increasingly
  And who is not for peace? Is this indeed not one engaged in the efforts to establish peace. It has its
endeavor in which the world and the church can join annual "prayer day for peace." (And the Protestant
hands? I recall distinctly in my college days already Reformed Churches are looked at askance when any


     180                                            THE STANDARD BEARER


     hear that these churches do not have a "prayer day for earthly -peace  - and praying for that? To refuse to
     peace.") In recent years, many in the church insist that pray for this sort of peace is considered almost  non-
     this "prayer for peace" is not sufficient. The church Christian. In fact, if one were to maintain that he can
     must also do something. Therefore church bodies make not pray for worldly peace, then the alternative is
     ponderous decisions concerning the wrongness of en- pointed out: he must be praying for wars in this earth.
     tering into any offensive or defensive nuclear warfare. Therefore many Christians join together in praying for
     Decisions are made urging especially the United States worldly peace. Then many Christians consider it a
     to disengage unilaterally in Southeast Asia. Decisions mark of piety to give "peace" signs or sign their letters
     are made concerning the "conscientious objector" to with "peace" without always distinguishing that `sort
     selected wars. And individuals, emphasizing their of peace which they do seek.
     "Christianity," burn their draft cards; they seek ways          I refuse to be placed before such a godless dilemma:
     to escape the draft. Ah, yes; the church wants "peace" pray either for godless wars or for godless peace. Any
     too!                                                          who would place a Christian before these two choices,
       But before entering further into the problem, it is seek to compel them to chose the lesser of two evils -
     well to consider of what we are speaking when we and then insist that this must be the subject of our
     mention "peace." Within the world, peace might be prayers. I can not simply pray for wars as such  - for
     defined negatively by stating that it is the absence of wars are evidences of the evil lusts which fill the hearts
     war. I suspect that one who was pressed to give a posi- of men. Nor can I pray for that hypocritical sort of
     tive expression of "peace" would insist that it is peace which man seeks today - a peace in which he
     brotherhood among men whereby the needs of all can concentrate all his endeavors in the service of sin
     would be met. Peace would be some sort of euphoria            and against God and His Kingdom.
     in man's utopia.                                                I object, too, when "peace" is placed in some sort of
       The question which must be answered for us is: what         category such as "motherhood." Why, no one is
     is the Scriptural idea of peace? Scripture does use the       against "motherhood"! How much less ought one to
     word "peace" in that common sense: absence of war.            be against "peace"? But this comparison is also ex-
     Yet both in the Old and New Testaments it soon be- tremely misleading. One may emphatically be "for"
     comes evident that the idea of "peace" inchtdes far motherhood  - but surely not in the way of violation
     more than man usually suggests by it. In fact, I would        of God's seventh commandment. So also the Christian
     maintain that the Scriptural idea of true peace is at is "for" peace  - but not such sort of peace which is
     variance with the world's idea of peace.                      established contrary to God's holy law. What is done in
       First, what the world seeks when it speaks of peace violation to God's law, must be condemned as being
     is in reality a farce. The peace which the world seeks is sinful.
     a sinful thing. Scripture says that the wicked are hypo-        Therefore, too, the child of God must beware lest he
     critical when they claim to be seeking peace (Jer. 6: 14; give even the appearance of joining this world in its evil
     Ps.  283; Is.  57:21). In  .actual fact, says Scripture, endeavors. There is simply no place for the world's
.    there is never peace to the wicked (Is. 48:22; I Thess.       "peace signs" in the life of the saints. We ought to
     5:3). More yet: the wicked have never known the way shun that as the plague. Therefore also, though I can
     of peace  - in spite of their claim that they seek it and must pray for peace, I do not desire to join all men
     (Rom. 3: 17; Is. 59:s). Nor did Jesus come to establish on specific days for "prayers for peace." I believe that
     peace here on this earth among all men (Matt. 10:34).         the peace of this world and the peace which surpasses
     And peace remains impossible for the wicked until the all understanding are diametrically opposed. When I
     root-trouble is removed: their lust (James 4: l-2).           seek the one, I reject the other. When I seek the peace
       Secondly, the Word reveals what is true peace - a of my Master, I reject the peace of the Master of dark-
     peace which is possible only for the church of Jesus ness (Matt. 6: 24).
     Christ. The only source of all peace is God Himself Pray for heavenly peace
     (Heb.  13:20; Eph.  1:2; I Cor.  14:33; II Thess.  3:16).       There is the better way - the only way. One must
     God is pleased to establish peace (that is, reconciliation seek and pray for the peace which surpasses under-
     to Himself in the way of complete payment for our standing. He must pray that God's peace be established
     sins) with His people through Jesus Christ (Eph.              now in the hearts of the elect of God, and `that it finally
     2: 14-15; Rom. 5: 1; Col. 1: 20). This peace is the sub- be established in all of its glory and perfection in
     ject of the preaching.(Acts 10:36; Rom. 10: 15). That heaven itself.
     peace reveals itself in the saints through a godly, spiri-      When I pray for that peace, I understand that I am
     tual walk (Rom.  8:6; Col.  3:15; Gal:  5:22; Heb.            praying that all the signs of which Scripture speaks will
     12: 14). It is for this spiritual peace upon the church       also be fulfilled. I do not pray "for" war or "for"
     for which we constantly pray  - and for nothing else famine as such. I pray rather that God work all things
     (Ps. 122: 6).                                                 on this earth that His Word may be fulfilled in all of its
     Pray for worldly peace?                                       details. I pray for grace to submit to that will of God. I
       Must I not join many others in this world in seeking can not pray for less. I can not pray that anything may


I                                                                                                                                                 I



                                                        THE STANDARD BEARER                                                                181


     happen contrary to the revelation of His Word. I can strives to establish.
     not pray that the signs He has given us concerning .the               In praying for peace, I pray, finally, for the peace of
     soon-return of Christ be removed. I pray that His will the new heavens and the new earth where righteous-
     may be done.                                                       ness dwells. There all wars will be removed - for lust
       I pray that peace may be established in the hearts of shall be rooted out. There shall be no more sin. Right-
     all His elect in the way of their regeneration and call- eousness shall fill that Kingdom. Peace shall dwell there.
     ing. I pray that God may reconcile His own to Himself For God and His people shall dwell together through
     and bring them to the consciousness and confession of Jesus Christ in beautiful fellowship and communion.
     that reconciliation. That spiritual peace I desire for                No wonder we rejoice even now in the fact that
     myself and for all of the saints. And I understand that ". . . The Lord is at hand." (Phil. 4: 5).
     such peace is contrary to that sort of peace which man


     Studies in Baptism

                               The Mode Of The One Baptism
                                                         Rev.  Roht. C.  Havbach

       [Editor's Note: An earlier installment of this study appeared under the title, "Various Baptisms Exemplifying One Baptism."
       Due to space limitations, the last part of that article was omitted. It may, however, very well serve as an introduction to this
       article. The omitted section was as follows:
          The New Testament records eleven cases of baptism, which may be found in Matthew 3, Acts 2,8,9,  11, 16, 18, 19, and I
       Corinthians 1. It is remarkably significant that five of these cases were household (or family) baptisms. For the families of
       Cornelius, Lydia, the Philippian jailer,  Crispus  and Stephanus were baptized. We may inject the thought here that if, as our
       Baptist brethren will be sure to argue, there were no infants in these families, why is it that Baptists do not practice family
       baptism? Continuing, among these eleven cases of baptism, three of them were purely individual baptisms, the reason being
       obvious when they are identified as Jesus' baptism, Paul's, and the Ethiopian eunuch%.
         What we hope to do, D.V., in the next installment in this series is to begin with the first case of baptism in the New
       Testament, that of our Lord, indicating how to avoid error in connection with it, and proving that it was not at all by
       immersion, but rather in perfect harmony with the Old Covenant's "various baptisms."]

       The Flood was, for the family of Noah, a baptism; plain from the article entitled, "Various Baptisms,"
     so for the congregation of Israel the passage through relative to certain expressions in the Three Forms of
     the Red Sea, and the clouds pouring out water on the Unity and our liturgies. But when the Confession says,
     Lord's inheritance in the wilderness was a baptism. "the Son was seen in the water" (Art. IX), it would be
     Early pictures were these baptisms,. continued in the more accurate to say that he was "seen ,3~ the water."
     frequent prophecies of the outpouring of the Spirit. This is especially true when one understands the
     The subject as treated in the Reformed standards has proper use of prepositions in the Greek New Testa-
     both mode and meaning clearly determined. Mode is ment. The same article in the Confession also states
     there expressed by such terms as poured and sprinkled, that "our Lord was baptized in Jordan." This has the
     implying the also accompanying terms expressing backing of Mark 1:9. But it does not necessarily follow
     meaning, as purging, cleansing and having been washed from His being baptized in a certain river area that He
     with the blood and Spirit of Christ. The actual cases of "was seen in the water." That He was actually seen in
     baptism in the New Testament, about eleven in the water is neither a report of an eye-witness, nor a
     number, so far from being in conflict with all this, will claim of Scripture, explicitly or  implicity'.  No one is
     rather be therewith in confident and unshakable agree- ever going to prove that He was  in  the water, let
     ment.                                                              alone seen in the water.. John says he saw, the .Spirit
       The Lord's baptism is the first case on record in the descending upon Him. From that alone, and so from
     New Testament. It is commonly assumed that He was the manner in which He was baptized with the Holy
     immersed. If the two previous articles are kept in Ghost, it might be legitimately concluded that also the
     mind, such an idea would be viewed as actually impos- water of baptism was seen descending upon Him. For
     sible. The Old Testament does not countenance it. Yet there is always something perfectly visible in every case
     a superficial reading of Matthew's account might lead of baptism, and that is, "water . . . is seen on the body
     one to presuppose immersion, as also a failure to of the baptized" (Art. XXXIV). Matthew in his ac-
     exegete- the passage would. Also one might stick at a count says, not that, upon being baptized, He went up
     minor inaccuracy in our Confession to suppose this. out of the water (KJV), but went up  from the water
     The last statement is not made in any supercilious (Greek).
     sitting in judgment of the Reformed fathers and their                  One of two interesting words in Matthew's account
     highly esteemed credal expressions. This should be is the word apo, from (v. 16). According to this, Jesus


182                                              THE  STAN.DARD BEARER



was not at all in the water, but by the water. Nor is it and added after the verb, as in v. 6, eiselthen eis. (See
anywhere stated in Scripture that He was baptized in Acts  9:6,8,17; Matt.  18:3; John  3:5; Mk.  2:l; Mt.
water, but  with  water. The difference between these 5:20). So then Mark 1: 10, 11 ought to be translated,
two prepositions must not only be maintained, but "coming up, from (ek) the water" and "a voice came
also appreciated. The Greek preposition en has refer- from  (ek) the heavens," as in John  20:  1,  "from  (ek)
ence to place or it has reference to means. When it the sepulchre."
refers to place, as it does in Matt.  3:6, it is properly          The next case of baptism in the New Testament is
translated in. When the idea is that of means or instru- that of the three thousand on the day of Pentecost.
ment, then it is properly translated with. The KJV is Whereas, in the case of Jesus, His baptism with water
correct in having "with water" and "with the Holy               (the symbol) took place before His baptism with the
Ghost" (3: 11). The ASV is correct at this point only in Spirit (the reality), it is just the reverse with the three
its margin. Mark states, "John did baptize in the wil- thousand souls at Pentecost, They first experienced the
derness," "baptized  in  the river Jordan," denoting real baptism, then received symbolical baptism. That
place. The KJ translators properly understood Mark's they "were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (2:4) means
meaning when they translated the same preposition, not that they were somehow put into the Spirit, but
"with water" and "with the Holy Ghost." These vener- the Spirit was put into them (Ezek. 36:27). The Spirit
able translators show understanding of en as it appears came upon them appearing like cloven tongues of fire,
twice in the same place: "in their synagogue . . . a man and "sat upon each of them." So the church was "bap-
with  an unclean spirit" (1:23). In the synagogue he tized with the Holy Ghost" (Acts  1:5). Then Peter
was, but in the unclean spirit he was not; it was in him!       commanded them to be baptized with water, and that
Also we find, "with what judgment ye judge, and with baptism  also  took place  (2:38, 41). How it was per-
what measure ye mete" (Matt. 7:2). Furthermore, en is formed, there is no question. That mode cannot, one
quite correctly rendered by, as in "neither by heaven, way or the other, be determined ,from these New Tes-
nor by the earth, neither by thy head" (5:34-36). So it tament cases of baptism, is a contention which cannot
would be perfectly accurate to have, "the Son was b e   m a i n t a i n e d   i n   t h e   f a c e   o f   A c t s   1:5,  8 ;
seen by the water."                                             2:  3,4,17,18,33,38f. Peter explains the supernatural
  The other interesting word in Matthew 3 is baptism with the Spirit in the words, "saith God, `I
katabainon,  descending. As Jesus was baptized with will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh,' and, `I will
the Holy spirit, the Spirit came descending upon Him, pour  out in those days of My Spirit.' " God through
agreeing with the promise, "I will pour out My Spirit." Christ `bath shed forth" (poured out; same word as in
The Lord's baptism with water is perfectly congruent w. 17 and 18) the Spirit. When Peter exhorted, "Re-
to His baptism with the Spirit. John  1:31-33  (KJV) pent and be baptized" and "they were baptized" (41),
stands in proof of this. Also this perfectly agrees with it could not have been done any otherwise than as
Matthew writing, according to the KJV, that He went graphically delineated in this whole context and in
up out of the water, and with Mark that He was com- every place where is found the promise of the out-
ing up  out  of the water. For while Matthew uses poured Spirit.
"apo",  from  the water, Mark has "ek," which should               The next case is the baptism of the people of
also be translated from (the water). Much appeal has Samaria (Acts 8: 12-l 6). It is remarkable, to say the
been made to two other Greek prepositions, ek and eis, least, that here where you have baptism water is not
to' support, practically exclusively, the ideas out of and mentioned, yet mode is indicated (8: 16)! What follows
into,  respectively, in order to teach that the baptized is the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch. Especially
went down into the water and came up out of the verses 38 and 39 are sure to be emphasized, calling
water, and that in the very act of baptism. But when attention to "down into the water . . . and . . . up out
you examine the usage of eis and ek in Scripture, you of the water." The question is who experienced this
find something quite different from this claim. In John action? Also, which is first, in the account, the action
20, Mary Magdalene comes "unto (eis) the tomb" to of going down, or the action of coming up? In answer,
find the stone removed "from (ek) the tomb." Here it we point out that Philip, as commanded, joined the
is plain that Mary went to the tomb, not into it, and eunuch as he was traveling by chariot in the desert.
that the stone was taken from the tomb, not out of it. Running beside the vehicle, he heard the man reading
Then Peter and John "went  toward  (eis) the tomb" aloud the prophecy of Isaiah. Keeping up with the lum-
and John "came first to (eis) the tomb . . . yet entered bering chariot, Philip greeted the man with the sudden,
not  in." Peter arriving, "entered  into  the tomb . . . "Doubtless so! Yet understandest thou what thou
Then entered in . . . the other disciple" (w. l-8). Here readest?" (Gk.). Then the man desired Philip that he
is demonstrated the distinction between "going  to" would  come up  and sit with him." Then Philip in-
and "going  into." By itself,  eis  means  to,  expressing structed him in the Scripture he had been reading,
motion toward, as in John 20: 1,3,4. To express mo- Isaiah 53. Likely it is that Philip also gave him some
tion into, the preposition is both prefixed to the verb insights into the immediately preceding context,


                                              THE STANDARD BEARER                                                      183



52: 13-15. For since the man requested baptism, we            the eunuch, has them now stepping down out of the
would think naturally the baptism of Isaiah 52: 15            chariot where casual water immediately confronts
would be in mind: "So shall He sprinkle many na- them
tions." Philip complying with the request, the man              For "into (to, eis) the water," compare Matt. 12:41,
"commanded the chariot to stand still: and they both          "they repented at (eis) the preaching of Jonah," Mk.
went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch;         5:19, "Go home to (eis)thy friends," John
and he baptized him. And when they were come up               11:3 1,32,3 8, "she goeth unto (eis) the grave. . . she fell
out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away          down at (eis) his feet . . . Jesus . . . cometh to (eis) the
Philip ." Here three things occurred: (1) they went           grave." Also see again John 20: 1,3,4,8. For "up out of
down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch;         (ek) the water;" compare John  13:4, "He riseth
(2) he baptized him, and (3) they came up out of the          from (ek) supper" and "Mary. . seeth the stone taken
water. To be carefully noted is the fact that the going       away from (ek) the sepulchre" (20: 1). The stone, not
down into the water and the coming up  `out of the            being in the sepulchre, needed not to be removed out of
water did not constitute the baptism. The baptism             it, simply  from  it. Both Philip and the eunuch went
took place between the going down and the coming              down  to  the water, stood at the water, where the
up. Since the going down and the coming up are said           baptism was then performed; then came up  from
of both of them, the words cannot imply immersion,            the water. Sound exegesis sees neither of them in the
as Philip obviously would not immerse himself along water.
with the eunuch. That both went down, both Philip and


The Day  oj Shadows
                           Leaving And Cleaving
                                                 Rev. John A. Heys

  It has been said that married life demands team- now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall
work.                                                         be called Woman because she was taken out of Man."
  With this we can agree. Husband and wife must co-           Then we read, "Therefore shall a man leave his father
operate fully. They must always work together as and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and
members of the  same"team." Never must they think, they shall be one flesh." It might seem as though this is
will or act as players on an opposing team do, or as the continuation of Adam's speech. Were it not for the
individuals with personal goals that militate against the testimony of Jesus in Matthew 19:4,5 we would most
"team" which they represent.                                  likely' take such a position. But Jesus says, "Have ye
  However, let it be clearly understood that in mar- not read that He which made them at the beginning
riage there is no trading of "players" to another made them male and female, and said, For this cause
"team," as is done so frequently in the world of sports.      shall a man leave his father and mother. . . and cleave
The husband may not, for a younger, more vivacious               *
                                                              . . . . and they twain shall be one flesh?" It is God's law
"player" trade off his aging wife who shows the effects       that when a man takes a wife he must consider her and
of bearing his children. The `wife is not to separate         deal with her for life as his wife.
from her husband whose health is broken and whose               The idea is not that a man sins if he does not leave
finances have diminished to a marked degree. She is           his father and mother to take a wife. Paul, who repeats
not to ask to be traded to another "team" where the this principle in Ephesians 5:31 never took a wife. He
financial and social advantages are greater. She is not also has something good to say about single life'in
to do this even though she never literally vowed "for I Corinthians 7 when the considerations are spiritual.
better, for worse, in sickness, in health" to be his wife.    But the meaning is that once a man has taken a wife,
They are not to do this even though they no longer            he must leave father and mother and must cleave unto
love each other. in that physical sense that brought his wife. He may not cleave any longer to father and
them together years before this present state of affairs.     mother. He must cleave to his wife. He must leave his
  The married are married for life. God said that after father and his mother. He may not leave his wife.
He created Eve. Not Adam, not Moses, but God gave               And though these words are addressed to the man
this unbreakable law. Reading Genesis 2:2 1-25 it does who takes a wife, the parents of that man (and
not become plain that this is not Adam's word. He is          woman) will also leave that man. In process of time
speaking in verse 23, and there he declares, "This is         they are going to leave him through the corridor of


18;4                                            THE STANDARD BEARER



 death. The son may not when this occurs be s young cleave to each other for the sake of being one flesh, as
 man any more. He may have seen God's word fulfilled wdl as being oneflesh.
 in the earthly lives of his parents, that they have seen         Now they are joined together as one flesh not only
 their "children's children." But leave him these parents to bring forth the covenant seed. And the idea surely is
 will, sooner or later. However from the moment that that unless they are man and wife they may not live
 their children. have taken husbands or wives, they, the like one flesh. They had better cleave to father and
 parents, must leave them alone. It is not easy after mother then in a son or daughter relation. But they are
ruling them from the days of their birth through some one flesh in order that they may jointly and fully live
 twenty years, more or less, to let go completely and as the bride of Christ. Remember that the things of the
 now let them rule themselves and their wives and fami- kingdom happen in parables. Mark 4: 11. With our nar-
 lies. But the wise parents will keep hands off the dis- row, man-centered, atheistic eyesight the things which
 ciplining of the grandchildren, and they will carefully we see are the real and only thing. The vine is the vine,
 avoid spoiling their children's children. Surely they will the lamb is the lamb. But the Word of God tells us that
 be very careful not to set the grandchildren against Christ is The Vine, and all our vines which we see and
 their parents. It is not, either, an uncommon thing for have classified are but pictures of Him. He is The
 parents to encourage their children  $0 come running Lamb, and the creatures we call lambs are but pictures
 home after a disagreement or difference of opinion df a more wonderful and higher reality in Him. And,
 because their parents have shown that they are not as by the way, in Mark 4: 11 the word these is in italics,
 insistent as God is that they be one flesh. The wise and because Jesus actually says, "All things are done in
 spiritual parent will realize that there is a message for parables." And so our marriage also is not the reality
 him also in this word of God.                                  but a picture of that blessed oneness between Christ
        One message implied in the verse is that wise and and His Bride, the Church. Let it in passing also be
 spiritual parents will warn their children when they pointed out that in Christ and His Bride we have an
 give evidences of planning to link themselves as one eternal cleaving, a oneness that never ends, in a perfect
 flesh with those that are spiritually incompatible. Not faithfulness on the part of Christ. And since our mar-
 only will they point out the sin `thereof, as pictured riage is a picture of that oneness, we may not under
 very clearly by Paul in II Corinthians 6: 14-18. But any circumstances end the cleaving and the being one
 they will emphasize the truth in Genesis 2:24 that mar- flesh. We sin when we break that picture. We sin
 riage is for life, and that such an unequal yoke will against Christ!
 have to be borne for life! They will warn of the conse-          Remember, too, that this word of God is connected
 quences for the children that God may be pleased to up with the creation of Eve, and therefore is presented
 give them.                                                     as -a principle before there was any sin in the world.
   Now the leaving and cleaving are controlled by the The leaving  tid cleaving is not an ordinance made
 being one flesh. Married children are not to leave their necessary by sin, and is not a regulation to restrain sin.
 father and mother in every respect. They are still to It was a divine ordinance that God established for
 cleave to them in love. They must still honor them as righteous Adam and Eve. They were to cleave to each
 their  ,father and mother. And in the twilight of the other and live as one flesh. And it is still the God
 earthly life of these parents they, the married children, ordained way for man through all time in order that he
 are to gladden them with visits as frequently as is pos- may serve God fully with the combined male-female
 sible, or with letters and phone calls. By that time they life.
 ought to be able to appreciate, as they. never could             At the same time the text condemns all bigamy.
 before their marriage, what their parents have done for God made one wife for Adam and told him to cleave
 them. They can then also look ahead a bit and consider to her. It is quite true that in Genesis 2:24 God does
 Jesus' words, "And as ye would that men should do not lead Moses to say, "And the two shall be one
 unto you, do ye likewise to them." Luke 6: 3 1                 flesh." But He does say this on the occasion of making
   Now to cleave unto each other does not simply for man only one wife and in that connection saying
 mean live together, as noble as that may be. They must that they should be one flesh. And it is one flesh that
 cleave to each other as  ooze  flesh.  And that they are He here declares that they shall be. What is more that
 one flesh means that they need  eaih other, that they same Spirit did guide Paul in Ephesians 5 :3 1 to say,
 are two parts of one whole that cannot function as it `6 . . . and they two shall be one flesh." And Jesus said
 ought without each part serving with the other. Each the same thing in-Matthew 19 : 5.
 half, .then, must not try to live for itself. In fact, each      Besides, do not all of our own experiences teach us
 half must not simply live for the other half. This will that a man with two wives or more destroys that very
 become evident as soon as God gives them children. idea of one flesh? Would it not be a flesh and a half, if
 The wife cannot live for the husband, The husband he had two wives? And that is not only nonsense but
 cannot live-for the wife. Both must then live for the exactly makes living as one flesh impossible. Man and
 family, They must leave their fathers and mothers and wife can live one life as one flesh. But the other


                                                     THE STANDARD BEARER                                                           185


woman. (or man) who is added will see to it that the no longer be flesh. All shall be the bride of Christ
oneness between the first two is disrupted. That mafi cleaving to Him as a perfect body of varied members,
cannot give all to more than one wife, cannot co- each member in its place functioning with the other
operate fully with two. He will always be holding back members in a perfect service of love.
something from the one that he gives to the other. And              Let those, then, who contemplate marriage give ser-
does not Scripture also teach clearly the truth that one ious thought to the fact that it is going to be for life.
man and one wife are one flesh, and anything more Let them also bear in mind that they are to be one
destroys the whole picture of Christ and His Bride?               flesh for a full service to Christ in every aspect of their
What trouble there was for Abraham from the day he life. They are to be one in body and soul. If for spirit-
took Hagar to stand beside Sarah! What a miserable life ual reasons they already see the impossibility of such a
Jacob had, what a disruption of the oneness there was life together, it ought not be entered into, and all plans
between him and his two wives! Let no man say that to do so should be dropped. Our young people ought
Scripture does not condemn bigamy. These stories did to seek that other half in the church; and their first
not need to be recorded in Scripture to give us a full consideration should be the prospects for a full sharing
account of the covenant line and for the revelation of of life in the worship and service of Christ. Doctrinal
Christ as our Saviour. But they are included and in differences can prevent full cleaving with the soul, and
unmistakable language set forth to show that he who produce a fraction of the "one flesh." A marriage that
violates this principle that they two shall be one flesh is a four-fifths flesh instead of one flesh is tragic. But
is sinning against an unchangeable ordinance of God. so is one that is a nine-tenths flesh instead of one
  The expression "one flesh" also indicates that this whole flesh.
oneness is only for this life. They are not one spirit,             And those already joined as one flesh find so much
but one flesh. Husband and wife do not lose their spir- need to go to this God Who ordained marriage to pray
itual identity, nor their own personal spiritual life. But for the grace of His Son to enable them to live a life
they are one flesh, and that means that being joined as that is a true picture of His faithful cleaving to His
husband and wife, they are such as long as the flesh of bride, and to live a life that is indeed one flesh, putting
both of them lives. In the life to come they will be aside selfish interests and carnal ambitions that
neither male nor female, husband nor wife. They will threaten to divide that one flesh into one battle field.


Contending for the Faith

                                     The Doctrine of Atonement
                                                THE REFORMATION PERIOD
                                                    THE SYNOD OFDORDT

                                                          Rev. H. Veldman

  It is also of interest to read the reaction of the Neth-             out the sins of all men, even of the greatest, but. also
erlands professors to the position of the Remonstrants                 to save all the descendants of Adam, even though
with respect to the atonement of Christ and their own                  there were many more, if they but embrace the same
view of the same. These professors were Gomarus,                       with a true faith.
Polyander, Thysius and Walleus. Sybrandus Lubbertus,                         (a) Acts 20:28. God has purchased His Church
another professor, read this judgment of his colleagues                with His own blood.
and expressed his agreement with it.                                         Heb. 9:14. How much more shall the blood of
  First of all, these professors, in three propositions,               Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself
                                                                       without spot to God, purge your conscience from
set forth the greatness of the satisfaction of Christ and              dead works to serve the living God?
that this ransom of the cross must be proclaimed to all                      1 Pet. 1: 18. Forasmuch as ye know that, ye were
men without distinction.                                               not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and
                                I                                      gold, from your vain conversation received by tradi-
       We confess that the merit and the power of the                  tion from your fathers;  But with the precious blood
    death and the satisfaction of Christ is so worthy and              of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
    of such great value, nof only because of its complete-             spot.
    ness but also because of the infinite worthiness of His                  (b) 1 John 1:7. The blood of Christ cleanses us
    persons, that the same (a) is not only sufficient to blot          from all sins.


186                                                       THE STANDARD BEARER


          John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that He                onciliation with God through His merits, but that He
       gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth             would also impart to them Iiis powerful grace, by
       in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.             which He would actually make us partakers of them.
          Ram. 3:22. Even the righteousness of God which              Having set  forth these  propositions,  the Netherlands
       is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them       professors then proceed to base view upon Scripture
       that believe: for there is no difference.                    and logical reasoning based upon the Scriptures. They
          1 Cor. 6: 11, And such were some of you (namely
       Idolaters, adulterers, thieves, covetous); but ye are        quote Matt. 1:21, John 10, Acts 20:28, Eph. 5:25 and
       washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in       Rev. 5: 8, 9. Their references to Matt. 1:2 1 and John
       the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our         10 are understandable. Interesting is their observation
       God.                                                         in connection with Rev.  5:8,9: "And when he had
                                  II                                taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty
                                                                    elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of
          Neither need we doubt but that this has been the          them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are
       meaning and the purpose of God the Father, deliver-
       ing His Son; and of Christ, delivering Himself, that He      the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, say-
       Should pay such a great ransom. For all that Christ          ing, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open
       has accomplished by His death, He has .done that ac-         the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast re-
       cording to His Father's and His own purpose and de-          deemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred,
       sign.                                                        and tongue, and people, and nation." Commenting
          a. I seek not My will, but the will of the Father,        upon this passage, the professors remark that it cannot
       who has sent me; John 5: 30.                                 be said of them for whom Christ died to have been
          As the .Father gave Me commandment, even so I             redeemed  out  of all peoples and nations if the Lord
       do; John 14:31.                                              died for all men, head for head.
                                  I I I                               Secondly, in support for their contention that Christ
          And this has never been denied by those of ortho-         died only for His own elect, the Netherlands professors
       dox sentiment, that to Christian peoples and to all          observe that Christ died for His own effectually, died
       those to whom the Gospel is proclaimed, this same            for them as their Head; this implies that He died for
       ransom of  Christ  must be proclaimed  as such and           them in the sense that He delivered them from the
       without distinction, and offered in the name of              guilt of death. In support of this they  rema.@ that
       Christ, and this seriously and according to the counsel      otherwise it would be impossible for God to condemn
       of the Father, in the meantime leaving His hidden
       judgments to God, Who distributes and appropriates           and punish them for their sins. This reasoning, too,
       this grace to as many and far as He wills, and to            cannot be refuted. It is surely easily understandable. If
       whom He wills.                                               Christ died for all men, and He died atoningly, then He
          Acts 13:38,  39. Be it known unto you therefore,          paid for the sins of all men. Then God, of course,
       men and brethren, that through this man is preached          cannot punish any man for sins committed, inasmuch
       untb you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that        as they have been blotted out by the blood of the
       believe are justified from all things, from which ye         cross. However, this also means that the doctrine of a
       could not be justified by the law of Moses.                  universal atonement is a contradiction in terms. That
                                                                    Christ died for those who perish means that He did not
          2 Cor. 5:20. Now then we are ambassadors for              atone for their sins. And this means that, according to
       Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray         the Arminian conception of the cross of Calvary,
       you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
          b. Acts 11:20,  21. And some of them were men             nothing really happened upon the cross of Golgotha.
       of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come               Thirdly, these Netherlands professors make an inter-
       to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the           esting observation concerning the promises of Holy
       Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them:          Writ. They speak of those to whom the promises were
       and a great number believed, and turned unto the             committed, namely the promises given in the Old Test-
       Lord.                                                        ament, that Christ  would be delivered into death, and
          1 Cor. 3:6. I have planted, Apollos watered; but          that the fruit of it and the saving benefits would accrue
       God gave the increase.                                       through  l3.m to the Congregation. They  d&are that
          John 3:s.. The Spirit bloweth where it listeth.           Christ died effectually only for them and that these
          1 Cor.  12:3. No man can say that Jesus is the            promises were committed only to the elect.,In support
       Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.                                 of this they refer to Rom. 9:7-8: "Neither, because
          But if you view the peculiar and particular pur-
       pose, and the saving power of the death of Christ,           they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children:
       then we declare that Jesus Christ, according to the          but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They
       counsel of the Father and His own, did not die effec-        which  are the children of the flesh, these are not the
       tually for the reprobates, but only for the elect and        children of God: but the children of the promise are
       who shall believe, namely, in order that He would not        counted for the seed.
       only obtain for them the forgiveness of sins and rec-          We consider .this to be a very interesting statement.


                                            THE STANDARD BEARER                                                  187



We read in Canons III and IV, Art. 8: "As many as are benefits, are committed only to the elect?
called by the gospel, are unfeignedly called. For God         Finally, in support of their contention that Christ
hath most earnestly and truly declared in His Word, died only for the elect, these professors quote several
what will be acceptable to Him; namely, that all who Scriptural passages. They declare, moreover, that,
are called, should comply with the invitation. He, according to the Word of God, Christ never knew the
moreover, seriously promises eternal life and rest to as reprobates, Matt. 7 and 25, is not merciful to them but
many as shall come to Him, and believe on Him." Now hates them, Rom. 9, and also that the reprobates are
it ,is true that we read the expression in this article:    all hardened. They also add that these expressions of
"should comply with the invitation." However, this Holy Writ permit but one interpretation. One may in-
can hardly be called a correct translation of this article. terpret these passages as gently as possible, according
A correct translation of this article, according to the to these professors, but they cannot be interpreted in
Prof. H. C. Hoeksema's article in the Standard Bearer, any other way than that Christ died exclusively for the
Vol. 33, page 283, would be: "As many, however, as elect.
are called by the Gospel, are seriously called. For God       These professors conclude their opinion by rejecting
has seriously and most truly shown in His Word, what is certain Arminian presentations of the death of Christ.
pleasing to Him, namely, that the called should come We need not call attention to these Arminian views at
unto Him. He even promises seriously to all those com- this time. They taught, among other things, that Christ
ing to Him and believing rest of soul and eternal life." did not die specifically for the elect, but only for their
We have no difficultly seeing the difference between good, that the possibility exists that none for whom
this translation and the article as it appears in the back Christ died would be saved, and that Christ did not
of our psalter. We may notice that this article speaks of arise from the dead for all for whom He died. We will
the promises of God, that the Lord seriously promises have opportunity to call attention to these errors of
eternal life and rest to as many as shall come to Him the Remonstrants when we treat what the Canons have
and believe on Him. Is it not very interesting that the to teach us in their second head of doctrine. It is clear,
Netherlands Professors, in their statement quoted however, generally speaking, that the delegates to the
above, maintain that the promises of the Old Testa- Great Synod of Dordt were opposed to any universal
ment, involving Christ and His cross and its saving conception of the cross and death of Christ.



The Strength of Youth

                Commanded To Bear Children

                                                Rev. J. Kortering

  In our study of the Christian family, we now come methods have been advanced that will allow a husband
to the subject of parenthood. We have considered and wife to engage in sexual relationship without
courtship, marriage, the role of husband and wife, and      producing children. These methods have become
quite naturally we now should take a look at the place      widely publicized, and the necessary  applicances or
of children within the home thus begun by marriage.         medication are easily accessible to anyone. As a result
  Young people are interested in this subject. Quite of this, having children has entered into the area of
often we read in church bulletins that our young volition. True, this has been somewhat true in the past;
people are going to discuss the population explosion, yet marriage manuals of only a decade ago warn
birth control, ecology and overpopulation, etc. There couples that any method of birth control is not en-
is a place for this subject in this youth rubric as well. tirely reliable, except to abstain entirely from sexual
                                                            relations. Things are different today.
CHILDREN NOT WANTED                                           Secondly, social pressures are placed upon  newly-
  In the past, we could properly assume that marriage       weds not to have children, or at least to have very few.
and children were inseparably connected. If a young These pressures are many and varied. Under the  in-
couple were able to reproduce, they were expected, fluence of women's liberation, many women consider
and they usually desired, to have children. This bearing children an interference with their personal
assumption, however, cannot be made today. There are satisfaction in life. Who wants to get tied down with
two reasons.                                                kids? Who can find fulfillment in doing dishes,  pre-
  First, through the technology of modern medicine, paring meals, changing diapers, getting up nights to


188                                        THE STANDARD BEARER



feed a whimpering child? Freedom to these people how many you will agree to have? If you seriously
means being free from children. Similarly, from the -come to some of these conclusions, you will not be
husband's point of view, less children means more alone. This is very common, even among Christian
money for pleasures, more free time, less headaches (at young people. How much must the concern for over-
least from the noise of kids). Parents face a great deal population affect the church? Must the church leaders
of pressure from ecologists and those concerned about join planned parenthood? If so, the answer will be the
the pollution problem, brought on in part from over- usual, but I beg to differ. The reason is not that we
population. These pressures are tremendous. It used to laugh at the world's problem of pollution, nor that we
be that parents with a large family would go shopping bury our heads in the sand as the proverbial ostrich
and people would smile, "My what a nice family!" and ignore the social implications of bearing children.
Today you might get a scowl, or `even the lip, from The reason is that God tells us to bring forth children.
someone asking why you are contributing to the The strength of youth is not in man's judgment, but in
world's woes with such a tribe. Government pressures God's command. The title of  this article is, "Com-
are mounting along the same line. Thousands of tax manded to Bear Children." This is Scriptural.
dollars are being used to promote planned parenthood,        Let's consider four Scriptural principles that must
sex education in the public schools, educating people help us reach a correct conclusion.
about the patriotism of restraint. We may even see the       First, child bearing is the wifely role designated by
day when legal action will be taken to control directly God. Consider Gen. 3: 16, "Unto the woman he said, I
the size of families. Laws are seriously being con- will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception, in
sidered today to grant the government power to take sorrow shalt thou bring forth children and thy desire
children out of a home that the government thinks shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee."
cannot provide properly for these children. Why not Paul in his letter to Timothy comments on this. "And
logically prevent their birth in the first place? The Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived
pressure is on.                                           was in transgression. Notwithstanding, she shall be
  This general attitude helps us understand the horri- saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and
ble plight of the unwanted child. If married people charity and holiness with sobriety," I Tim 2: 14, 15.
become so selfish that they don't want children be- What does this mean, "She shall be saved in child-
cause they are a nuisance, or they "righteously" are bearing?" Some are quick to explain that this applies
determined to prevent the birth of children in support only to the Old Testament women who would find
of man's survival upon the earth, what happens if these themselves in the line of Abraham and David, thus
efforts fail? Suddenly a woman learns of the fact she is producing the seed which would ultimately produce
expecting a child; she forgot her pill, something went Christ the Savior.  This is, of course, true. Does this,
wrong. What about the child? The answer, "Kill it." however, exclude the New Testament women? Again
No, not him or her; kill it! They reason away life and the answer is No; it includes them, for Paul broadens
extoll the freedom of abortion. Some do not have the out, "If they continue in faith and charity and holiness
courage for that; they give birth. These children and with sobriety." This he applies to the New Testament
many others, become the objects of abuse and neglect woman. This is true: God uses women as the means to
that is a shame to our nation. Doctors tell us that one bring forth the covenant seed, and by this activity
of the worst demonstrations of our nation's im- Christ was born in the fulness of time and Christ will
morality and depravity is the unwanted child who is return at the end of time. For a woman to ignore or
abused. Kicked, burned, starved, sometimes beaten to refuse this role is to reject her salvation and turn her
a pulp, the helpless and defenseless child bears the back on God's redemption.
brunt of a generation of people who put that kind of        Secondly, the Word of God commands wives to bear
value on children. This happens so often that anyone children. In Old Testament language, "Be fruitful,
with a conscience cannot help but wince at the multiply, and replenish the earth and subdue it," Gen.
thought. Is it because some people are sick? Basically, 9:l. This command came after the flood, and God
it is because America is so depraved that the general willed to populate the world once again. We have the
value placed upon children, usually unwanted, is same idea expressed in I Tim. 5 : 14, 15, "I will there-
brought to its horrible conclusion that that which fore that the younger women marry, bear children,
isn't wanted can be abused as well.                       guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to
                                                          speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside
MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN                                     after Satan." Timely exhortation, isn't it? Notice care-
  Wherein lies the strength for covenant youth? If you fully that Paul in the Holy Spirit is not saying that it
are seriously dating, perhaps engaged to be married, might be nice to have children if you can afford it, or
you undoubtedly discuss at times what should be your if you like children; but he says, "I will that younger
attitude toward children? When you get married, will women marry and  bear children."  This isn't man's
you want children? Will you determine ahead of time opinion, but it is God's Word.


                                           THE STANDARD BEARER                                                189



  Thirdly, the beauty of marital harmony is demon- marriage is not to avoid having children, but for
strated in the children produced through this union. It spiritual  i-eflection. It is interesting to observe that
is God's will that through the complete union of hus- I Cor. 7:3-5 is the supposed Biblical support for the
band and wife, body, soul, and spirit, children be born rhythm method of birth control. "Let the husband
as expressions of this true love. The important ques- render unto the wife due benevolence; and likewise the
tion is this: can it be called true love (according to the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her
Word of God) if husband and wife want sex without own body, but the husband; and likewise  also the
be,ing willing to accept the children God may be husband hath not power of his own body, but the
pleased to give them through that relationship? Scrip- wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with
ture emphasizes that they two shall be one flesh consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to
through marriage, Eph. 5 :3 1. This is realized through fasting and prayer; and come together again, that satan
the complete fusion of life in those married not only, tempt you not for your incontinency." If husband and
but in a very concrete way, in the children that are wife mutually decide to abstain from sexual relation-
born through  this union. How can husband and wife ship for the sake of spiritual reflection, this is
say before God that they love each other in the fear of warranted; only it should not be of long duration.
the Lord if they do not want the fruits of this love, Notice the emphasis is on the spiritual, not the physi-
namely children? Only one conclusion is evident: re- cal. The reason is for God, not to avoid having
fusal to bear children, whether on the part of husband children.
or wife, is selfishness and cannot be construed to ex-      In conclusion, we may summarize the Scriptural
press obedience before God.                               directive this way: if a young man and woman desire
  Closely connected with this is the term the Bible to be married, but refuse to bear the responsibilities of
uses to describe the love-life between husband and bearing children, they sin against God by getting
wife. This is the verb "to know." An example of this is married. Before God, marriage and children go
found in Gen. 4: 1, "Adam knew Eve his wife and she together in the divine plan. Rather, they must desire to
conceived and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man have children according to the will of God and seek His
from the Lord." Reference is made in Matt. 1:24, 25       guidance upon their love-life.
to Joseph, "Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as      This distinguishes us from the world. Our relation-
the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto ship to God determines for us our relationship to our
him his wife and knew her not till she had brought fellow man. The children born to covenant parents are
forth her firstborn son; and he called his name Jesus." not just so many individuals that burden the whole
The Good  News for  Modem Man  translates this text, human race; they are by the grace of God the children
"But he had no sexual relations with her before she of the covenant. We place this value upon them, a
gave birth to her son." This is, however, a wrong trans- value that the world of unbelievers and apostates can-
lation. For a husband to know his wife implies more not appreciate.
than to have sexual relations with her; it implies all      There are ways to deal with the pollution and social
that love implies; and the sexual aspect is the physical ills of our day, but forbidding the birth of covenant
side of it. This "knowledge" in the context of marriage children is not one option for the Christian. His ap-
means that husband and wife seek to conform their proach concentrates upon pointing man to his sin of
love-life to the will of God. For them it is not animal covetousness and greed as man reveals himself an un-
passion, it is a conforming of their whole life to the worthy steward in God's creation.
service of God. If it pleases God to grant children         Married believers do not view having children as a
through such a union, a Christian woman joins Eve in human choice, rather a divine calling which they are
wb, "I have gotten a man fvom the Lord. "                 willing to obey if God be pleased to give them the
  In the fourth place, the only time the Scripture precious seed of the covenant.
allows for not having sexual relationship within





                                          Have you ordered our Iatest? Believers And Their Seed, $2.95.


           The R.F.P.A., Box 2006, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49501-That's  the address for good books.


190                                          THE STANDARD BEARER



Book  Reviews

                        Apostolic History And The Gospel

APOSTOLIC HISTORY AND THE GOSPEL (Essays in I Timothy  3:16," by Robert H. Grundy.  "Reveia-
presented to F. F. Bruce), Edited by W. Ward Gasque tion and Tradition in Paul," by G. E. Ladd. This essay
and Ralph P. Martin; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing alone is almost worth the price of the book. "I Corin-
Company, 19 71; 3 78 pp., $7.95.                             thians  11:2-l 6: An Interpretation," by William J.
       It has become increasingly common to commem- Martin. "The Theme of Romans," by Leon Morris.
orate some anniversary of outstanding scholars in the This essay ends with the following quote:
field of Biblical studies with a "festschrift." Such a              The point I have been concerned to make in this
festschrift is a series of essays written by scholars and        essay is that (Romans) is not (like the other books of
                                                                 Scripture). God comes more prominently before us in
presented to the scholar whose anniversary is being              Romans than in any other part of the New Testament
acknowledged as a recognition of his labors. This book           (with the possible exception of I John). Elsewhere
recognizes the vast learning and notable contributions           Paul dwells on Christ and what Christ has done for
which F. F. Bruce, Rylands Professor of Biblical Criti-          men. This theme is not absent from Romans; but as
cism and Exegesis at the University of Manchester, has          long as we concentrate on it to the overlooking of the
made to the field of New Testament studies. There is             stress on God, we do not get quite what Paul is saying
no question about it that F. F. Bruce deserves this              to us. Romans is a book about God and we must bear
honor which is given to him on his 60th birthday.                the fact in mind in all our interpretation of what it
Twenty-four scholars from all over the world and from            says. Otherwise we shall miss some of the wonderful
many different denominations have contributed to this            things it says.
                                                             "Further Reflexions on Philippians 2:5-l 1," by C. F.
book.                                                        D. Moule. While we cannot agree with all that the
       The book is divided into three sections: the first author writes concerning this difficult passage, he
contains various essays based on the book of Acts; the
second deals with subjects relating to Paul and the points to some very important aspects of the text
Pauline epistles; the third section has three essays which are often overlooked. "Caesarea, Rome, and the
which consider the Chi-Rho sign, some of the apocry- Captivity Epistles," by Bo Reicke. Again we do not
phal Acts and epistles and the implications of Romans agree with the author's conclusions - that Philemon,
1 for missionary work.                                       Colossians and Ephesians were written while Paul was
  With so many different authors contributing to the in captivity in Caesarea, while Philippians was written
book it is not surprising that there is considerable vari- from Rome. But the material the author presents is
ation in the quality of the essays. Nevertheless, there interesting and important.
are sufficient essays of worth to make this book well          The book is very technical and is therefore of value
worth purchasing. It is impossible in this review to to those who are ministers and teachers. But to them
comment on each essay separately. But, in my opinion, this volume is highly recommended. And we join in
some of the outstanding essays are the following. "The congratulations to F. F. Bruce and in acknowledging
Form, Meaning and Background of the Hymn Quoted his many contributions to Scriptural studies.



                          The Heart Of The Yale .Lectures

THE HEART OF THE YALE LECTURES, Introduc- portunity to evangelical ministers to lecture for the
tion by Ralph G.  Turnbull,  edited by  Batsell Barrett      seminary students on the subject of preaching. It was
Baxter; Baker Book House, 1971; 332 pp., $3.95               to be called "The Lyman  Beecher Lectureship on
(paper).                                                     Preaching." Since that time, every year, with a few  I
       In 1871 Mr. Henry N. Sage donated to Yale College exceptions, various outstanding ministers have de-
the sum of $lO,OOO.OO for the purpose of founding a livered a series of lectures on various aspects of the
lectureship in the Department of Theology, in the subject of preaching.
branch of Pastoral Theology which would give  op-              This book is a summary of those lectures which dealt


                                              THE STANDARD BEARER                                                191



in whole or in part with the  technique  of preaching. mass of worthwhile and important material. It takes,
That is, these lectures deal with the formal aspects of for the most part, a properly serious view of preaching
preaching, with the aspect of delivery and related and emphasizes the importance of preaching in the
topics. The book does not simply quote the lectures as Church of Christ. It exposes many weaknesses to
a whole, but organizes the lectures under various head- which ministers pay insufficient attention. It gives ex-
ings and gives quotes and comments on different cellent suggestions to improve a minister's delivery of
aspects.                                                    his sermon. It is delightfully humorous in places and
  The book is divided into three parts: the first deals discusses matters which all ministers will appreciate. It
with the preacher and discusses such subjects as "The is  almost required reading for anyone who enters the
Power of Personality," "Qualifications," "Attitudes" pulpit and can well serve as a textbook in Homiletics.
- towards self, towards the audience and towards the          We urge all our ministers to purchase this book. We
ministry. The second part deals with the sermon and have no doubt that it will be of assistance to them and
covers such subjects as "Style," "Delivery," "Setting that many hours of enjoyable reading will result from
for the Sermon," "Types of Sermons," "Length of the purchase of this volume.
Sermons," "Maturation," etc. The third section deals          It is another book in Baker's series on "Notable
with the congregation and discusses "Analysis of the Books on Preaching." We recommend it to all our Semi-
Audience," "Approach to the Audience," etc.                 nary and Pre-seminary students as well.
   The book is a very excellent one. It is filled with a




            RESOLUTION OF SYMPATHY                            KATHERINE (BRUNSTING) VANDER WERFF.
  The Ladies' Society of the  Doon Protestant  Re-            "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
formed Church wishes to express its heartfelt  sym- and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor
pathy to one of its members, Mrs. Ann Miersma, in the crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the
passing of her father,                                      former things are passed away." Rev. 2 1:4
                MR. JAMES VER HEY.                                              Mr. Ed Vander Werff
May our Lord comfort the bereaved family. "And we                               Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Brunsting
know that all things work together for good to them                             Mr. and Mrs. George Hoekstra
that love God, to them who are called according to His                          Mr. and Mrs. Albert Karsemeyer
purpose." (Romans 8 :28).
                                    Rev. R. Moore, Pres.                        Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Vander Werff
                                                                                 17 grandchildren
                          Mrs. Peter Van Den Top, Sec'y.                          4 great-grandchildren


            RESOLUTION OFSYMPATHY
  The Consistory and Congregation of the Randolph                              IN MEMORIAM
Protestant Reformed Church hereby expresses their             On December 12, 1971, it pleased the Lord to call
sincere sympathy to Mrs. William Huizenga in the home unto Himself our beloved husband, father and
recent loss of her husband                                  grandfather,
             MR. WILLIAM HUIZENGA.                                          WILLIAM HUIZENGA
  "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto
His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have at the age of 57 years.
suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish,                 "For our light affliction, which-is but for a moment,
strengthen, settle you. To Him be the glory and domin- worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight
ion forever and ever, Amen." (I Peter 5 : 10, 11).          of glory, for the things which are seen are temporal;
                                   Jacob Regnerus, Pres. but the things which are not seen are eternal." II Cor.
                                    Don De Vries, Clerk. 4:17,18.               Mrs. William Huizenga
                                                                                Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Huizenga
                                                                                   Beth, Jill, .and Jane
                    IN MEMORIAM                                                 Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Tamminga
   On the 7th of December, 197 1, it pleased the Lord                           Mr. and Mrs. James Huizenga
to call home unto Himself our beloved wife, mother,                             Mr. and Mrs. Allen Huizenga
step-mother, and grandmother,                                                   Mr. Roger Huizenga


192                                          THE STANDARD BEARER


                             News From: Our Churches
  The following notice has appeared in several of our to the News Editor.
church bulletins in the Grand Rapids area: "The Re-           After reading what follows, we're sure you'll under-
formed Witness Hour is now open for membership stand why we decided to quote, in its entirety, the
from any of our area Prot. Ref. Churches." The Re- section of Rev. Woudenberg's letter dealing with
formed Witn.ess Hour, as you may recall, had its origin Lynden's mission activities.
in First. Church of Grand Rapids, and is presently            "The work which we are performing here seems to
under the sponsorship of that church's consistory. As pass through various phases as time goes on. Originally
one would expect, the composition of the Radio Com- our primary con&n was to prepare and develop a pro-
mittee has long been men and women who were mem- gram of doctrinal study which could be used both by
bers of First Church. As is evident from the advertise- our own people and by others through the mail. This
ment just quoted, a decision has been made to change we did with our study sheets and with tapes, and for a
that. Not long ago, at the request of First Church, long time we were preoccupied with making contacts
other churches began to assume some of the financial and broadening our distribution of these. After that we
support of the Reformed Witness Hour. Other of our prepared a series of Bible studies to be tranilated for
churches, then, are already playing an important part use in Indonesia, 50,000 of which are presently being
in the radio ministry. It was the feeling of the commit- distributed there. Presently, however, while continuing
tee, apparently, that this share in the work ought to be these other programs, we are focusing our attention
extended to participation in the actual operation of more on our local area. Each week we are presenting a
this important project - hence, the invitation to mem- full hour long Bible Study of the Air on our local
bers of area churches to contact the Radio Committee Radio station, with opportunity given for remarks and
concerning possible membership.                             questions from the audience by means of the tele-
  Incidentally, that 45-minute program describing the phone. In turn, we are also presenting a bi-weekly dis-
work of the Reformed Witness Hour is still available cussion group for further consideration of these studies
for the asking. It includes slides and a tape-recording, with a good number of people attending from various
presented by a member of the committee who will also different churches. Also we are holding a weekly Bible
be happy to answer any questions concerning the work. study class with a group of young people up in Canada.
The program has been presented four times already, we         "Generally, what we would like to do is to become
are told, and has always been well-received. For society more and more identified as the voice of sound Re-
after-recess programs, that should be a real winner.        formed doctrine in this area, with a clear indication of
                       *****                                the basis of these doctrines in the Scriptures for the
  There's something of a scarcity of news items for sake of those who are unacquainted with them but
the news column in this issue of the Stunduvd Bearer. who do have a loyalty to the Bible. Certainly, it is
That means that I'll have to dip into my little box of striking how many of the problems of our day can be
material that's reserved for emergencies  - in which dealt with by simply emphasizing one or another part
categorj this occasion assuredly belongs. The signifi- of our doctrinal position while remaining free from the
cance of the box, as long as there's something in it, is tensions, fears, and conflicts which have become so
roughly epuivalent to that of the blanket of Charles much a part of our present age. May God give to us the
Schulz's Linus; so, ordinarily, it's opened with some grace to continue to exercise our heritage in this direc-
reluctance. But the fact is that I'm happy there's suf- tion.
ficient space this time to include a rather lengthy item
concerning the mission work of our little congregation        "We would also like to remind you that, if there are
                                                            any in your congregation who would like to receive
in Lynden, Washington.                                      our study sheets or tapes, they are available upon re-
  The diaconate of First Church in Grand Rapids re- quest simply by writing to us at:
cently received, from Lynden, a letter of appreciation
for a gift from the congregation of First Church, in               Studies in Biblical Doctrine       ~
support of the "Studies in Biblical Doctrine" program               8541 Depot Road
of Lynden's congregation. The letter included, also, a             Lynden, Washington 98264
short account of the extent of Lynden's efforts. The                  In the service of sovereign grace,
deacons of First Church felt, and, we think, properly,                  Lynden Protestant Reformed Church
that the information would be of interest to our                         Studies in Biblical Doctrine program"
people generally. We thank them for supplying a copy                                                           D.D.


