In the Old Testament circumcision was the sacrament of initiation and reception into the covenant community. Circumcision defined the covenant community; it was the sign and seal of covenant membership. In this article, I will argue that baptism has replaced circumcision as the sacrament of initiation and reception into the covenant community. Just like circumcision […]

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God.” (Revelation 3:12a) Philadelphia–the city of brotherly love! What a beautiful name! But was it a fitting name? Not according to the Bible. Brotherly love can only exist and thrive where God is loved first of all, because love comes from Him. […]

Scripture establishes that Christians should follow the example of the biblical saints. The author of Hebrews, for example, explained Christian faith by pointing to the example of Abraham among others. Urging believers to imitate such faith, the author explained that “the world was not worthy” of them. James also appealed to the example of Abraham: […]

A Great Controversy One of the greatest controversies during the Reformation was over the Lord’s Supper. The doctrine that divided the Protestant churches from the Roman Catholic Church was Rome’s doctrine of “transubstantiation.” This doctrine became official dogma at the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215, and taught that the substance of the bread and wine […]

The opening of the first six seals sets before us scenes that would shake our souls. The first seal is opened and the gospel goes forth conquering and to conquer; it goes forth and it kills, even as it makes alive. The second seal is opened and much blood is shed upon the earth. The […]

In our consideration of the Old Testament evidence for paedocommunion, we noted that the appeal to the precedent of covenant children’s participation in the Old Testament Passover is a key part of the paedocommunionist argument. Though paedocommunionists appeal to a variety of Old Testament examples of the participation of children in covenant observances, the most […]

In just a shade more than eight hours, delegates to a recent meeting of Classis Central US approved the addition of one church and two ministers, as well as addressing requests for advice in more than a dozen discipline or pastoral matters. On Tuesday, March 21, Classis Central US convened in the sanctuary of Grace […]

The Delegates of Classis Michigan met at the Covenant United Reformed Church in Kalamazoo on June 6, 2006. Chairman for the day was Rev. Art Besteman, with Rev. Brian Vos serving as Vice-Chairman and Rev. Wybren Oord serving as Clerk. After the chairman led the delegates in singing and prayer, the business of the day […]

The 17th meeting of Classis Southwest U.S. was held in Ripon, California, “The Almond Capital of the World,” June 26, 2006. Delegates from nineteen organized churches came together as the broader assembled to examine a man for ordination, candidacy, deal with an overture, as well give concurring advice to several churches in their labors to […]

Holy Scripture maintains the fundamental doctrine that God takes the initiative and speaks to the human race in a number of ways. Two of the principal channels of the divine communication are mentioned in the opening sentence of the epistle to the Hebrews. The apostle calls our attention to a progression in the revelation from […]