The Theology of Wilhelmus a Brakel A deductive study of a Brakel’s magnum opus, The Christian’s Reasonable Service Rev. B. Elshout Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary Grand Rapids, Michigan 327 Historical Theology - 1 Credit - 1 - Course Outline Lecture #1 : Historical assessment of Brakel's life and ministry I. Introduction A. Father Brakel and Dutch Reformed Orthodoxy 1. His preeminence among the Dutch divines 2. The pervasive and ongoing influence of The Christian’s Reasonable Service. B. Wilhelmus à Brakel and the Dutch Second Reformation 1. The Dutch Second Reformation (DSR) defined: "The Dutch Second Reformation is that movement within the Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, which, as a reaction to the declension or absence of a living faith, made both the personal experience of faith and godliness matters of central importance. From that perspective, the movement formulated substantial and procedural reformation initiatives, submitting them to the proper ecclesiastical, political, and social agencies, and/or in conformity therewith pursued in both word and deed a further reformation of the church, society, and state." 2. The chronological boundaries: William Teelinck (1579-1629) & Theodore VanderGroe (1705-1784). 3. The DSR and European Pietism 4. The uniqueness of the DSR: It aimed for national reformation 5. à Brakel’s ministry: At the center of the DSR 6. The Christian’s Reasonable Service (CRS): The “textbook” of the DSR C. Wilhelmus à Brakel and English Puritanism 1. The striking similarity between the CRS and Puritan writings 2. The pervasive influence of translated Puritan writings during the DSR era 3. CRS: A bridge between the DSR and English Puritanism II. A Biographical Perspective A. à Brakel's Youth and Education (1635-1662) 1. Born on January 2, 1635 as the son of Theodore & Margaretha à Brakel 2. Wilhelmus à Brakel feared the Lord from his youth 3. 1659 – 1662: Candidate for the holy ministry - 2 - B. Pastor in Friesland: 1. Exmorra: 1662 -1665 a. His ministry blessed to an initially indifferent congregation b. His marriage to Sara Nevius 2. Stavoren: 1665 -1670 3. Harlingen: 1670-1673 4. Leeuwarden: 1673-1683 a. One of six ministers b. Organization of conventicles c. His support of Jacobus Koelman d. The VanGiffen controversy C. Pastor in Rotterdam (1683-1711) 1. Installed on Nov. 21, 1683 2. Three major events during his Rotterdam pastorate: a. His struggles with the Labadists b. His battle for the independence of the church c. His publication of the CRS 3. August 30, 1711: His last sermon preached 4. October 30, 1711: The day of his homecoming! D. à Brakel's Magnum Opus: The Christian’s Reasonable Service 1. The most popular dogmatics of the Reformed in the Netherlands 2. A masterful synthesis of Puritan and DSR theology (“North Sea” theology) 3. W. à Brakel: One of the outstanding theologians of European Pietism 4. At least 26 editions have printed since its original publication 5. The English edition has already been translated into Russian and Chinese, and is now being translated into Korean as well. - 3 - III. The Christian's Reasonable Service A. à Brakel's objective in writing this work: to minister to the congregation 1. Written for church members—not theologians 2. A work permeated with practical applications B. The experiential dimension of this work 1. à Brakel speaks the language of Scripture from and to the heart 2. His experiential content: a. firmly rooted in objective truth b. thoroughly Christo-centric 3. His goal: The experiential application of divine truths to the souls of men C. The general outline of this work: the six loci of Reformed Systematic Theology 1. The organizing principle of the book: The Covenant of Grace 2. The three major divisions of this work: a. Systematic theology (1-41) b. Christian Ethics and Christian living (42-99) c. The History of God’s redemptive purpose 3. 60% of the book devoted to soteriology 4. The CRS includes an extended treatment of spirituality and sanctification IV. Concluding Considerations A. The appendix and à Brakel's exposition of Revelation 1. His exegesis was governed by his millennial views (modified Post-mil) 2. His exposition of Revelation has become an obscure part of his work B. Some noteworthy features of the CRS: 1. The scholarship and precision of Voetius 2. The teaching of Witsius on faith and the covenants 3. Better insights on biblical theology of Coccejus C. God's stamp of approval upon this work 1. Already recognized shortly after its initial publication 2. Continually acknowledged for nearly three centuries 3. Confirmed by the world-wide reception of the English translation - 4 - Lecture #2 : Brakel’s Experiential and Practical Applications Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Word of God Sixthly, read, search, and meditate upon the Word of God with all diligence and persistence. This should even be the practice of kings. "And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life" (Deu. 17:19). It is the duty of scholars as well. "Give attendance to reading" (1 Tim. 4:13). It is the privilege and obligation of the lowly and of every individual. "Search the Scriptures" (John 5:39); "Have ye not read?" (Mat. 12:3). The eunuch read while riding in his chariot (Acts 8:28). The Bereans searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). How everyone ought to practice this in private, prior to going to work, both by himself alone, and with his family! At noon when one nourishes his body, he ought also to nourish his soul. In the evening after work, one must end the day by seeking some refreshment from the Word of God. In the meantime, while engaged in his occupation, by meditating upon what has been read, the soul will maintain communion with God. He will be enabled to understand the spiritual meaning as well as to experience the power of God's Word. This will cause the soul to grow in grace, protect against vain thoughts, control the tongue, suppress corruptions, and direct man to fear God (I: 77). Chapter 3: The Essence of God It is essential that one considers God to be His God in Christ. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God is to be found in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). Outside of Christ, God is a terror, and can only be viewed as terror, and can only be viewed as a consuming fire. In Christ, however, one may have liberty; and God reveals Himself to such who approach unto Him in that way. Then one will be able to better endure the light of God’s countenance, rejoice in it, and therein glorify God. One ought to be cautious, however, of becoming too free and irreverent when considering God as Father in Christ and in the contemplation upon His perfections which are unveiled by the covenant of grace (I: 138). Chapter 4: The Divine Persons Being temples of the Holy Ghost, how holy ought the conduct of believers to be, in order that He might find delight in dwelling in them! How carefully one should seek to prevent the desecration of the temple of God, either by personally engaging in sin or by causing others to sin. “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy” (1 Cor. 3:17). How careful we should be not to grieve the Spirit by either blatantly sinning in spite of His warnings, by a careless walk, or by resisting the way in which He leads us. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30). Rather, acknowledge His indwelling, willingly yield to His operation, listen to His comforts, and willingly follow in the way of His leading, in order that He may delight Himself in you and may work in you with ever increasing efficacy. Behold, must you not admit that faith in the Holy Trinity is profitable? Is it not the only foundation of a truly godly life and the fountain of all comfort? (I: 191). Chapter 5: The Decrees of God Do you desire to profit from this comforting doctrine? First, seek to rid yourself of inordinate and close attachment to earthly things, and be diligent in renouncing your own will. The things of this earth are not your portion, and therefore cannot satisfy. Have you not often experienced that instead of resulting in more holiness, they rob you of your peace and spiritual liberty, hindering you from running your course with joy? Have you not often perceived in retrospect that - 5 - it was God's wisdom and goodness that He did not give you the desire of your heart, and that at times you were uncomfortable when your desire was granted? Why then are you so set upon receiving your desire? Is it not much better to rest in God's decree? (I: 207-208) Chapter 6: Eternal Predestination The assurance of one’s election also affords much liberty and gives much support in prayer. One may approach unto God and say, “My Father! Hast Thou not known me by name and have I not found grace in Thine eyes? Hast Thou not eternally known me to be one of Thy own, chosen me to be Thy child and the object of Thy love, and wondrously to glorify me by Thy grace, mercy, and faithfulness, which manifests itself in the way in which Thou hast led me and wilt lead me? Therefore, oh Father, consider the trials and tribulations which I fear, the troubles which press me down, and my sinfulness which oppresses me.