Another fundamental doctrine of the Reformed faith is the perseverance of the saints. Briefly stated, this doctrine teaches that all who are chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and renewed by the Holy Spirit, cannot fall from grace but will reach heaven. All who are united to Christ by the bond of true, […]
It is very sad that the atoning death of the Saviour of sinners has been and continues to be a controversial issue in the Church. This in itself is already a good illustration of man’s depravity. Some of the hottest theological battles have been fought over the question: for whom did Christ die? Did He […]
Another key doctrine of the Reformed faith is that of irresistible grace. The salvation of sinners is a work of the Triune God. Each of the Three Persons of the Trinity participates in and contributes to that work. The Father, before the foundation of the world, marked out those who were to be saved and […]
According to Scripture, man is totally depraved. That means that sin has affected every part and faculty of man’s nature. It has blinded the understanding, corrupted the heart, and polluted the mind. Neither has the will escaped. It too, is under the dominion of sin. What actually is the will? The will is the faculty […]
We have seen that predestination refers to the all-encompassing plan or counsel of God, the unfolding of which man calls history. Everything that happens, including the eternal salvation of some men and the just punishment of others for their sins, has been fixed or determined by the almightily and sovereign God. Salvation, therefore, does not […]
No doctrine has been more opposed, misrepresented, or caricatured than the doctrine of predestination. To mention it to some people is like waving the proverbial red flag before an enraged bull. One reason why many people are so opposed to predestination is because they simply do not know what this doctrine is. Such ignorance […]
Faith of our fathers! living still, In spite of dungeon, fire and sword. O how our hearts beat high with joy, Whene’er we hear that glorious Word! Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to thee till death. THAT’s a beautiful hymn, isn’t it? But do you know what that faith of […]
An Important Question Does Romans 7:14–25 describe the experience of a regenerate man who is speaking in this passage? The answer to this question is very important, for it colors one’s views on several key doctrines of the Christian faith. Charles Hodge may say that “there is nothing in the view [namely that Paul is […]
Concerning the modern rejection of Capital Punishment, the writer states: “Not the Word of God, but the word of psychiatrists, anthropologists, statisticians, and sociologists has been followed, and the results speak for themselves.” The writer, Rev. Cornelis Pronk, is pastor of the Free Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan. His article was originally delivered as […]
“Religionless Christianity” was originally delivered as a radio message by Rev. Cornelis Pronk, pastor of the Free Reformed Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and radio pastor for the radio ministry of The Free Reformed Church of North America. Mailing address: The Banner of Truth Radio Broadcast, 950 Ball Ave., N. E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503. […]