VOLUME 64 Number 10 November 2017 EDITION

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FREE REFORMED CHURCHES OF NORTH AMERICA THE MESSENGER November 2017 • VOLUME 64 NUMBER 10 WISDOM’S LOVE AND WISDOM’S EDITOR: Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes 2692 Bridge Place NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 USA • T: 616.977.0599 ext.121 E: [email protected] ASSISTANT EDITOR: Rev. David H. Kranendonk E: [email protected] • T: 226-980-9607 The Editors report to the Synodical Publications PROMISE Committee. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: I love them that love me; and those that Hans VanDoodewaard, Secretary P. O. Box 534, St. George, ON N0E 1N0 seek me early shall find me. T: 519.414.0090 • E: [email protected] • Rev. Ian Macleod Proverbs 8:17 • Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes • Rev. Joel Overduin • Rev. Jerrold Lewis • Rev. Robert VanDoodewaard • Mr. Herman DenHollander • Mr. John DenDekker, Treasurer • Rev. John Procee SUBSCRIPTION RATE Canada & U.S.A. - $31.50 annually per subscription. The Messenger is published 11 times per year (July & August issues are combined). SUBSCRIPTIONS/REMITTANCES MEDITATION Subscription requests, invoices, and payments should be addressed to: Janey Slingerland (Publications Administrator) 18 Chapala Cres. S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 CANADA T: 403-254-6591 • E: [email protected] n this meditation, the focus is on two great truths. The first is Wisdom’s love for SUBMISSIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS/NOTICES Wisdom’s friends. The second is Wisdom’s promise to Wisdom’s early seekers. All articles, notices for family announcements, obituaries, anniversaries, and non-commercial I advertisements for the December 2017 issue should Wisdom’s Love for Wisdom’s Friends reach the editor no later than Friday, December 3, 2017 and should be sent to: (“I love them that love me...”) Mrs. Rhonda Kroesbergen (Messenger Administrator). e: [email protected] The important question is, “Who or what is Wisdom in the eighth chapter of the Proverbs THE YOUTH MESSENGER of Solomon?” Some say that Wisdom is Wisdom personified. Wisdom is one of the attri- This semi-annual publication for youth is under the direction of the Free Reformed Youth & Education butes of God. Others say that Wisdom is Christ. The latter explanation is the correct one. Committee. Editors: Rev. Timothy Bergsma: T: 519.354.3100; In this chapter, Wisdom is Christ. It is not correct to say that whenever we read about E: [email protected] wisdom in the book of Proverbs, it always refers to Christ. However, in the eighth chapter, Rev. Joel Overduin: T: 905-327-3844; E: [email protected] and especially in the latter part of the chapter, Wisdom definitely alludes to the preincar- Open Windows nate Christ, to Christ the Saviour. This bi-monthly publication for children is under the direction of the Free Reformed Publications Just read the following verses: “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, Committee: before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the Rev. Jerrold Lewis, General Editor 160 West Parkway, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444 earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains E: [email protected] abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MISSIONS AND OUTREACH CAUSES SHOULD BE DIRECTED forth” (Proverbs 8:22-25). AS FOLLOWS: Christ loves His friends. The love of Christ is a very special love. You cannot think of a FOREIGN MISSIONS Dietrich DeKruyff, Financial Administrator love more valuable, precious, and comforting. The love of Christ is the purest, the stron- 14 Southland Drive, London, On. N6P 1C2 E: [email protected] gest, and the deepest love that the human heart can possess and experience. You cannot Keep in contact with your missionaries online: possibly measure how long, how wide, and how deep it is. It never can and never will be RADIO EVANGELISM broken. Many waters cannot quench it. Even floods cannot drown it. Sorrows and trials Banner of Truth Radio Broadcast Mr. John denDekker, Treasurer cannot hinder the love of Christ. Sickness and pain cannot lessen its depth. Even death 16726 – 80th Avenue, Surrey, BC V4N 0G8 CANADA T: 604.576.8935 • E: [email protected] cannot separate the believer from his Saviour’s love and care. Christ loves His friends. He HOME MISSIONS says, “I love them that love Me.” Christ does not say, “I love everyone.” No, He only loves Mr. Bert Marskamp, Treasurer 78 Windsor Dr., P.O. Box 126, St. George, ON N0E those who love Him. 1N0 T: 519.448.1763 • E: [email protected] We may ask, “Are there any that love Christ?” The Bible teaches that by nature no one REFUGEE FUND loves Christ. The Word of God also teaches that there are those who do love Christ. For James Van der Zwan, Treasurer 26829 – 33B Ave., Aldergrove, BC V4W 3G8 instance, in the Gospels, we read that the disciples loved the Saviour. The Apostle John T: 604.818.3423 • E: [email protected] made this abundantly clear. He expressed it in this way, “We love him, because he first CHRISTIAN MINISTRY TO ISRAEL Mr. John Wilbrink, Treasurer loved us” (1 John 4:19). Likewise, when the risen Christ questioned Simon Peter about his 8 Weneil Drive, Freelton, ON L8B 0Z6 T: 905.659.7413; E: [email protected] love for the Saviour, Peter responded, “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that Read The Messenger on the Free Reformed website: I love thee” (John 21:17). Thus we conclude on biblical grounds that there are those who www.frcna.org

2 November 2017 Rev. Gerald Hamstra

love Christ, and there are those, sad to say, who do not love Him. CONTENTS Why do certain people love the Saviour? Have they changed their own hearts? Is it through their works or efforts that they have been so blessed? No, definitely not. What makes the difference? It all can be said with one precious, powerful little word: GRACE. Grace produces faith in the heart; this faith works by love. Love is the best mark of grace. Why is 02 that? Because love is the most basic mark of a child of God. At the same time – and this is notewor- Meditation thy – love is the most blessed mark of God’s own dear people. When the grace of God enriches our The Glory of the Reformation lives, what happens? Something very amazing takes place at that time. What is it? A drop of the love God and Christ is poured into our hearts. That precious love causes us to respond. We love Him, because He first loved us. 0 6 EDITORIAL: Wisdom’s Promise to Early Seekers Canada’s Reformed Heritage (“... those that seek me early shall find me”)

How precious are these words! They are Wisdom’s promise to early seekers. We may also say they are Christ’s promise to children. What does Christ promise? He promises something very special. 09 The LORD on the He promises those who seek Him while they are young that they shall find Him. We cannot find a Throne (1) greater and richer Treasure than Christ. Why is Christ such a special and valuable Treasure? It is because He is a most loving, wise, and powerful Saviour. Christ is able to save from the greatest of all troubles, and He provides the richest 12 Interview of all blessings. He even saves from sin and its fearful wages. Sin is ugly; it opposes the perfect Law With Dr. A. Neele of God. Christ’s own words are very clear as to what the Law of God requires of us: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind… And… Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” See Matthew 22:34-40. God made man so that he perfectly obeyed 14 God. However, man chose not to continue in this precious, loving obedience to God. When tempted Calvin’s View of to sin against God, man voluntarily yielded to the temptation. Thus man became an enemy of God. Suffering in the Christian Life He lost the favour of God and was under God’s displeasure and justly deserved to be punished with death, even with eternal death. It was the Lord’s great mercy that He promised and provided a very special Deliverer. In this way, man could be freed from the burden of sin and of its dreadful punish- 17 ment. Preparing for the God’s own dear Son was the Deliverer, who became the most gracious Saviour from sin. The Lord’s Supper blessed Son of God assumed a human nature. This was the greatest wonder ever! God became man, a man without sin, so that He could bear the punishment that sinful man deserved. In harmony 24 with His Father’s will, the loving Saviour willingly chose to suffer on behalf of sinners, so that they Announcements

november 2017 3 MEDITATION Continued...

could be saved from their sin and guilt and become entirely reconciled to a holy God. The Word of God teaches that every sinner, whether old or young, may and must seek this precious Saviour. Those who seek for very special and valuable treasures often experience certain obstacles and difficulties in seeking them. Often the most precious treasures are the hardest to find. This is no different for those who seek for the Treasure of all Treasures. Their seeking, even in the days of their youth, is not without troublesome hindrances. Wisdom, that is Christ, knows quite well that those who seek Him meet with difficul- ties in their search for Him. By our fallen nature, we do not realize the greatness of our need. In our own view, we are not so seriously ill, and we are not aware of our urgent need of the Divine Physician. Never- theless, Christ can make us become truly aware of what sin really is and what it does. We may even ask Him for that. We may pray, “Show me my sinful self.” Many have found this lit- tle prayer very helpful. I think it is well to add another prayer to this one, namely, “And show me Thyself; show the grace of Thy most loving heart.” In this way, the Spirit enlightens our hearts and minds to see our great need, as well as the beauty of the Saviour. Remember, seeking the Lord is the most urgent matter in life. Tomorrow may be too late, and that is too late forever. Don’t discard used Christian literature or Bibles! Never forget the encouragement that Christ has given those CHRISTIAN SALVAGE MISSION that seek Him early: They shall surely find Him. Just as the “Worldwide Distribution of Evangelical Literature” father of the prodigal son was waiting for his son to return, so 3 – 120 Lancing Drive, Hamilton, ON Canada L8W 3A1 Christ is waiting for poor sinners that seek Him for His grace. Phone/Fax: 905-574-3334 • Email: [email protected] He waits particularly for the young, for He gave them a spe- www.csmcanada.org cial encouragement. Never forget Wisdom’s special promise to The mandate of Christian Salvage Mission is to gather Bibles and early seekers. They that earnestly seek shall find. Then Christ other evangelical Christian literature no longer needed from the shall be theirs and they shall be Christ’s! Forever! shelves of people across Canada and ship it to Christians in third world countries who are less blessed than we are. Rev. G. Hamstra is an emeritus Free Reformed pastor who “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost” resides in St. George, Ontario, having pastored congrega- John 6:12 tions in Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands.

4 NOVEMber 2017 Continued... GREAT SELECTION OF CHRISTIAN ReformedBookServices BOOKS AT PROMOTING GODLINESS, REVIVAL & REFORMATION LOW PRICES With an and adult. It is a life This is the original text with a new • Apologetics Everlasting Love story, depicting the layout. It is fully subtitled, which makes it • Bible Studies Selected Sermons life which Bunyan more accessible to a new generation of of Rev. Hugh M. • Bibles himself lived and readers. “Allow Owen to challenge your Cartwright also the life with thinking. For this is a book to make you • Bunyan’s As a preacher, Rev. which all Christians think.” -- Sinclair B. Ferguson. Softcover, Allegories Hugh M. Cartwright can substantially 448 pages, Christian Focus Publications (1943-2011) excelled identify. Augustus M. RBS Price $23.00 • Catechism & at opening up Scripture in a way which Toplady wrote that the book describes Confessions pointed his hearers to the Saviour. 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November 2017 5 CANADA’S REFORMED HERITAGE

GUEST EDITORIAL

efore the Puritans came from England and settled the world. At peace, the world appears to be friendlier and in what is now the United States of America, the less harmful. French Huguenots were already seeking a place to call their own, free from the persecution they TO CANADA wereB suffering at the hands of the Roman Catholic Church. Peace. This was what brought the Huguenots to the shores We know them as the Huguenots, but they preferred to call of what we now call Canada. Peace had come again to France themselves the “reformes” (“RAY-for-may,” meaning the “re- because of a peace treaty signed in 1598 that gave the Hu- formed”). Using a mean play on words, French Catholics in- guenots religious freedom in France. Historians say that stead called them the “deformes” (“DAY-for-may,” meaning never has a peace treaty worked as well as this peace treaty the “DE-formed”). did. Complete peace seemed to be restored almost over- One Huguenot well known to us is John Calvin. Having night. This is when the Huguenots looked to the shores of fled to Geneva, he became very involved in searching for a our country—not as a place of refuge, but as a place of work. new home in the New World for his fellow Huguenots. This To the Huguenots, Canada was a place of opportunity, a search came at a heavy cost. Colonies were founded in Brazil land of bountiful fish and fur—two things that the European (1555), South Carolina (1563), and Florida (1564), but each market coveted. The first Europeans to settle in Canada failed. When the Catholic King of Spain heard of the colony were the Huguenots. They had already been coming to fish in Florida, he sent soldiers, who massacred all the residents. the waters off the East Coast every summer for many years, Then he had a sign hung above their bodies that read: “These but now with the great demand for fur in Europe, they came wretches died, not because they were French, but because not just to fish, but to settle. The name they gave this place they were heretics and enemies of God.” When this third col- was “New France.” ony failed, a collective gasp went out from the Huguenots in Canadian history books are very reluctant to use the word France, and they despaired of ever finding a new home or a “Huguenots” or to give them any sort of recognition. How- life free of suffering. On top of that, religious war had fully ever, the Huguenots first settled Canada. Five of the first broken out in France. seven governors of New France were Huguenots. Jacques Such was the life of the “reformes” in France in the 1500’s. Cartier, the French (Catholic) explorer, is famous for making This ought to make us pause and think of how blessed we three voyages to New France. On the first two, he explored are with peace and the freedom to worship in our country the shores of Canada, and on the third one, he planted the today. God has been gracious to us and to our churches. At first settlement near present-day Montreal. However, this the same time, we ought also to be watchful to not allow this third voyage was not so much his voyage as it was the voy- peace to make us complacent or willing to compromise with age of Jean-François, Lord of Roberval, who was the one in

6 NOVEMber 2017 Rev. Tim Bergsma charge of this first settlement. Jean-François was a Hugue- torian and poet of New France) wrote: not. Cartier, whose role was to be his guide, actually aban- “I can say truly that if ever any good comes out of New doned him with a ship full of fool’s gold and fake diamonds, France, posterity will be indebted for it to (Pierre du Gua), thinking he had struck it rich. But when he brought them to author of these enterprises.” France, he learned they were fake. This resulted in a new say- ing in France: “As false as a Canadian diamond.” After this, WHAT HAPPENED? Cartier disappears from history, but the Huguenots in New Much more could be said (and researched!) about this early France continue. period, which will only confirm we have a Reformed herit- Interestingly, Jean-François and John Calvin share some age in this country that goes back to the very beginning. So history. One night in Paris in 1534, Protestants put up signs what happened to it? Where are the Huguenots today? all over the city that spoke out against the Roman Catholic History can never properly be answered with one word, Mass (including one on the king’s bedroom door!). This “Af- but if we had to give a one word answer to this question fair of the Placards” started a short, more aggressive period we might say: “peace.” For an approximate 30 year period of persecution against the Protestants in Paris. This persecu- starting with the signing of the peace treaty in 1598, Hu- tion made young John Calvin flee Paris and find himself trav- guenots settled and founded New France in earnest. What eling through Geneva – and the rest is history (as they say). does the Church often do in times of peace? It comprom- Well, Jean-François, the future first governor of New France ises. We allow worldliness to creep in. Peace can also cause and one who laid the foundations of Canada, also had to flee us to lose our zeal to spread the gospel. During the religious Paris due to the aftermath of the Affair of the Placards be- wars in France, young men were fleeing to Geneva to study cause he, too, was a “reformes.” Sadly, years after this event, theology under John Calvin —and then ran right back into Jean-François was murdered as he came out of a church ser- France when they were done their studies, eager to pas- vice in Paris because he was a Protestant. tor a persecuted church. Geneva sent hundreds of men Another governor of early Canada was Pierre du Gua. back into France as pastors during this time of persecu- He was the founder of Port-Royal in the Annapolis valley tion, and almost all of them were martyred. Yet they kept of Nova Scotia. Port-Royal would become the first perma- returning. But when peace came, it seems the Huguenots nent European settlement in North America. Textbooks and lost that zeal and compromised. For example: Do you know popular culture generally attribute this settlement to Sam- who the first missionaries were in Canada? Roman Cath- uel de Champlain. In reality, Pierre du Gua, a Huguenot, led olic priests, hungry to reach the natives. You can read book this colony. One of the colonists, Marc Lescarbot (who prided after book of their journals. Do you know how they came to himself in the hopes of one day being recognized as the his- Canada? In Huguenot ships run by Huguenot governors.

November 2017 7 EDITORIAL Continued...

The Huguenots came for the furs, and they brought and left When the persecution reached France again, the Hugue- the priests. Peace. Is this not a very real danger today also for nots again fled. But now Canada — the place that they found- the Reformed churches in Canada? “It is (Dan. 8:25).” ed — was the most dangerous place for them. So they fled However, this peace for the Huguenots did not last. Peace to Holland and Scotland and mixed into our Reformed com- was first taken from them in Canada. The Huguenot govern- munities. Some of us in the Free Reformed Churches have or was deposed, and Jesuit priests took over. From then on, some Huguenot blood in our families. And so the Reforma- the Jesuits were the leaders of New France. Soon the very tion, as it came to Canada, was cut off and now today is al- charter of New France stated that no one who followed the most forgotten and even rewritten. Reformed religion was allowed to even immigrate or settle in Canada. To test them, they forced every colonist who came “BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD” off the boat to take the Mass. Let me finish with this anecdote: There was a time when the songs of Geneva (the very Psalms we sing in our churches today) were sung and heard in this country, but in an unexpected setting. In 1626 came the order: Protestant worship was forbidden in New France, and ship captains were told that “Protestant seamen could sing their Huguenot hymns and psalms in ships at sea, but not in the St. Lawrence River.” Yet in an old letter from a Jesuit priest to Samuel de Champlain, we read this: The (Huguenot) sailors … pay no attention to the re- strictions … in the matter of psalm-singing; they go on with it in spite of these, and in such a way that all the savages can hear them from the shore. A Roman Catholic historian later described it this way in his history book: All exercise of the Reformed religion, on land or water, was prohibited within the limits of New France; but the Huguenots set the prohibition at naught, roar- ing their heretical psalmody with such vigor from their ships in the river, that the unhallowed strains polluted Isaac Ambrose the ears of the Indians on shore. Next time you sing a Genevan tune, think of these in Ukraine Huguenots, in their ships on the St. Lawrence River at night, not allowed to come ashore in the country they founded because they were again the “deformes.” COAH recently translated parts of the book Looking unto Jesus by Think of them singing with vigor. If you listen, you can Isaac Ambrose. Two smaller booklets were published Looking unto Jesus almost hear them, can’t you? The voices of a male choir in His Resurrection, and Looking unto Jesus in His Ascension and Intercession. ringing over the water in the still night: “Unto God our Thousands were distributed throughout Ukraine. May the Lord bless this King...” We also have Champlain’s response to this priest. He book ministry richly to those who read these books and to those who replied and told him this in passing: “There is no use support this work. talking to them (about their singing). It is their great zeal for their faith that impels them.” May God be gracious unto us and continue to give to our Reformed churches in Canada this same zeal for Him, not only in times of difficulty, but also in our time of peace.

Phone: 888-844-2624 Website: coah.org Email: [email protected] Rev. T. Bergsma is pastor of the Free Reformed Church of Chatham, Ontario

8 NOVEMber 2017 The Lord on the throne (1)

BIBLE STUDY By Dr. G.M. Bilkes

e are beginning a new series of studies on Isaiah 6, known him better than most people. But now that Uzziah’s life where Isaiah tells us what happened when he saw was ending, the biography would also end. Wthe Lord on the throne. It is packed full of lessons We don’t know whether Uzziah had died before Isaiah had for all of us and well worth a careful study. this vision. The text simply said it happened in the year that he died. If it happened after his death, we would expect: “In Read: Isaiah 6:1 and 2 Chronicles 26:1-23 the first year of the reign of Jotham” (Uzziah’s successor). If it happened before his death, we might expect: “In the final “The king has died!” This news swirled through Jerusalem year of the reign of Uzziah.” But instead, we read: “In the year around 740 BC. Powerful though they may be, earthly mon- that king Uzziah died.” Clearly, the death of Uzziah hung over archs have no power against death. The sentence of death lies Isaiah’s mind as a preoccupying cloud. over us all, and God executes that sentence when He will. The Death should sober us, especially if it is the death of someone time had come for Uzziah to meet his Maker. close to us. Death is no respecter of persons. It comes to the old The time had also come for Judah to lose its earthly king. and young; to the powerful and less powerful; to those far off Death is always difficult, but to have a king die must have been and those close by. It is an enemy, even for the people of God. very unsettling for the people – especially when he had reigned It reminds us of our sin, which brought death. And we grieve for fifty-two years, as Uzziah had (2 Chron. 26:3; Uzziah is over the loss of people whom death takes. It makes us see how also called Azariah in 2 Kings 15:1-7). His fifty-two-year reign small and helpless we really are. It confronts us with our own had brought political stability and economic prosperity to the mortality: one day we also will meet our Maker and Judge. southern kingdom, as you can read in 2 Chronicles 26:1-15. Seeing the tenure of this earthly head of the nation come to an A Dark Cloud end must have made for a lot of uncertainty. The cloud of Uzziah’s death was especially dark due to the spe- cial circumstances surrounding it. We grieve when we lose true Sobering Death Christians to death, but we are glad for where they are. For Isaiah knew Uzziah well. We read that Isaiah was responsible them, death is a conquered foe and a passageway into ever- for writing his biography (2 Chron. 26:22), so he must have lasting life. Sin and misery are forever gone, and they possess

November 2017 9 TEACHING POSITION Continued... The Board of BIBLE STUDY OXFORD REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL invites applications for an Elementary Vice-Principal everlasting joy. For them, death has lost its sting, and we do not grieve as those for the 2018/2019 school year. who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13). For Uzziah, however, things were very differ-

O.R.C.S. is a vibrant, unified, parent-run ent. We read the story in 2 Chronicles 26:16: “But when he was strong, his heart school serving the needs of several Reformed was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, church communities for over twelve years. We and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.” have been blessed with a new facility located Pride fueled presumption, and no one could stop Uzziah as he ran head-long in Mount Elgin, a rural village in Oxford County towards his own destruction. Chronicles tells us that eighty-one priests (2 Chron. (south-western Ontario). Our present enrol- ment in our K-12 program is over 325 students. 26:17) tried to call him back from the brink of his sin: “It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, We have a need for an experienced, ener- getic, motivated elementary school teacher/ that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast tres- Vice-Principal to complement our staff team. passed; neither shall All qualified applicants passionately commit- it be for thine honour ted to the Reformed faith and to Christian from the LORD God” education are encouraged to apply before (v. 18). But Uzziah Questions January 31, 2018. would not listen. In- Uzziah’s death must have really affected Applications must include a resume, stantly, leprosy ap- 1. Isaiah. When death comes close, it can really statement of faith, philosophy of Christian peared on his face, change our lives. What effects have the death education, and references. of others had on you? for “the LORD had Promptly send to: O.R.C.S., smitten him” (v. 20). How do we sin like Uzziah? What does pride destroy and how? What should we do with c/o Mr. W. Van Brugge (principal), That very moment, 2. pride? 333182 Plank Line, PO Box 87, the priests drove him Mount Elgin, ON N0J 1N0. When people in positions of authority fall from the temple, and E: [email protected]. 3. into sin, how should we respond? T: 519-485-1142. knowing what had What are some of the contrasts between happened, he himself 4. Uzziah and his great Descendent, the ran out, never to sit Lord Jesus Christ? on the throne again. Uzziah lived out his final, miserable days alone in isolation. When he died, he wasn’t buried next to his fathers but a dis- tance away (“in the field of the burial”; v. 23), for he had been a leper. The mighty king had become a miserable leper. “Be not highminded, but fear,” the Bible says (Rom. 11:20). When we, as it were, see the leprosy on the faces of those who sin openly and boldly, and God judges them for it, let us not look down at such people in pride. Pride is the very thing that led Uzziah to destruction. Let us rather understand and know that Uz- ziah’s leprosy indwells us and, unless God prevents it, could very well break forth as it did with him. Isaiah knew this, as you can read in the first chapter of his prophecy, verse 6. There he speaks of the leprosy of the whole nation: “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, nei- ther mollified with ointment.” Uzziah was not the only one who was a leper. Pride wasn’t just Uzziah’s problem. What happened dramatically in the life of Uzziah is a picture of what affects all of us. Unless atoned for and mortified, pride in the human heart will land all of us in the isolation and everlasting misery that spiri- tual leprosy brings with it. What we need is to confess our leprosy, our pollution, our sin. Isaiah would do exactly this in our chapter: “Woe is me … because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (v. 5).

10 NOVEMber 2017 A Platform of God’s Power Not infrequently has death been God’s platform to show His power and grace to someone. One of the most difficult things for us to realize is that God is on the throne. Most of us know with our minds that God is on the throne and that we must one day give an account of all that we have done, said, and thought. But often, this is just a concept we hold at a safe distance from our lives. Yet, God has ways of bringing this close. This is what He did one day with great and lasting effect for Isaiah person- ally in this vision of the Lord on the throne. Through his record, countless people the world over have stood face to face with the Lord on the throne, and often God has used difficulty, grief, and trouble to do this. When our thrones are empty, God is still on His throne. He cannot relinquish it. He will not relinquish it. God is King forever.

A Better High Priest Uzziah was succeeded by Jotham, but Uzziah’s name would reappear in Scripture. The line of the Lord Jesus Christ would run through Uzziah (“Ozias”; Matt. 1:8-9). He did not consider it below His dignity to be counted from the lin- eage of Uzziah, as well as other sinners like Uzziah. Uzziah was forced to leave. his throne. The Lord, whom Isaiah saw on the throne, would one day leave that throne, but freely so. He left His throne to come and deal with the leprosy of His people. Uzziah was cast out of the temple because of his sin; Christ suffered outside the camp because of His people’s sin. Uzziah took the honor of a priest upon himself “The Reformation is a much broad- without warrant. Christ was both Priest and King, and that er event than that singular day. To be by divine right! Uzziah burnt incense, but heaven could not accept his sacrifice. Christ’s prayers rose up like incense to sure, the Reformation began on that day. God, who did hear Him (Ps. 22:21). The Reformation, however, spanned If you are a leper like Uzziah, know that Christ is forever on the throne of heaven to intercede for leprous sinners two centuries and who come to Him for pardon. In no wise will He turn such encompassed a cast of characters lepers away, but He reaches out His hand to cleanse them. “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come from a variety of nations. Luther unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make interces- may very well be at the center of the Refor- sion for them” (Heb. 7:25). This High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, is King. He is “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate mation, but he does not stand alone.” from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Heb. —Stephen J. Nichols, author, The Reformation 7:26). Though there was a year in which He died, the just for the unjust, He ever lives. He will never leave His throne, for His is an everlasting Kingship and everlasting Priest- hood, by right. For that reason, He can give the same grace SUBMITTING PICTURES ELECTRONICALLY He showed to Isaiah to leprous sinners still today. Please note that to meet the standards of printing, any pictures sent electronically have to be scanned in high resolution, at least 300 dpi Dr. G.M. Bilkes is professor at Puritan Reformed Theo- (dots per inch) and should be in jpg format. logical Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For questions, please contact [email protected]

November 2017 11 INTERVIEW WITH DR. A. NEELE PRTS DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary is a rapidly developing and preaching). institution. The major recent development is the formation of a Thirdly, doctoral programs offered by public and private uni- program of doctoral studies. What is the purpose and value of versities have historically focused on academics; indeed, many this program? Learn from the interview below with Dr. Adriaan schools of the Reformed or evangelical persuasion have transi- Neele, Director of the PRTS Doctoral Program and Professor of tioned in recent decades from scholarship that demonstrates a Historical Theology. vested interest in serving the church to a program that is merely academically satisfactory. Furthermore, a perceived and some- 1. Dr. Neele, you have served in various capacities at a times forced dichotomy of the scientia (academics) and pietate wide range of institutes of theological study through- (biblical piety) resulted in doctoral programs emphasizing the out the world. What drew you to serve PRTS in the de- one over the other, often at the expense of pietate. Thus, among velopment and now directorship of the PhD program? those in North America and beyond who appreciate the biblical In the way of the Lord’s gracious providence, I was led to PRTS. and Reformed doctrines and desire experiential preaching and The vision and mission, as well as the international character teaching there is a growing demand for a program focused on of the seminary, played an unmistakable role in my serving at learning and piety. PRTS. I have long been an admirer of Voetius’ work at Utrecht University in the 17th century: the training of a next generation of pastors and preachers of the Reformed church, such as Wil- helmus à Brakel, but also a next generation of professors for the church and academy from Germany, Hungary, Scotland, Poland, and other countries. This view of theological education resonates strongly at PRTS.

2. You have stressed that you believe this program is a calling of God for PRTS. What void does PRTS fill with its doctoral program? First, and foremost, the training of men to the gospel-ministry is the heart of the seminary. The doctoral program is, therefore, an integral part and extension of preparing students to serve Christ and His church through biblical, experiential, and practical min- Doctoral Faculty Historical Theology, (left to right) S. Meyers, A. Neele, and istry. G. Salazar Secondly, foundational to our doctoral program is the academ- ic and spiritual formation of the student. The doctoral program 3. The PRTS PhD program began with a PhD in Histori- is designed to meet the widespread demand for a comprehen- cal Theology in 2016 and has just started a PhD in sive doctoral program that captures academic rigor and integ- Biblical Studies. Why did PRTS start with Historical rity, combining this with biblical piety (de pietate cum scientia Theology? Why did it add Biblical Theology? Are there conjungenda) — in other words, a doctoral program designed to plans to add other areas of specialization, and if so, serve the ministry of both the academy and the church (teaching why?

12 NOVEMber 2017 PRTS seeks to adhere to the Reformed and Puritan tradition 6. What requirements must a student fulfil in order to be of learning together with piety, exemplified by John Calvin, awarded a PhD degree? William Perkins, William Ames, Gisbertus Voetius, Archibald The requirements of the doctoral program include twelve doctor- Alexander, and many others. We aim to do so by offering a al courses, teaching or preaching, a comprehensive examination, doctoral program that is distinctive in its academics and bib- and the writing, defense, and publication of a doctoral disserta- lical piety. Several reasons led to the establishment of a PhD tion. The aim of the doctoral program is academic and spiritual program in Historical Theology and Biblical Studies. First, the formation, whereby the fulfilling of the requirements enables William Perkins Library at PRTS is one of the best libraries in the student effectively to serve the church and academy by God’s North America, with resources for studies in Reformation, Pu- grace. ritan, and Nadere Reformatie (Historical Theology), as well as many resources for Biblical Studies. Second, the demand for a doctoral program with biblical, reformed, and experiential teaching. Third, the limited number of PhD programs offered by conservative and confessional schools. Consideration is be- ing given to the adding of a PhD and DMin degree in Homilet- ics (preaching). The training for gospel-ministry includes also the equipping of a new generation of instructors for preaching.

4. What interest has there been in enrolling in the program? How does PRTS determine who to accept into its program? The interest in the doctoral program is encouraging. Since 2016, there have been over one hundred applications initiated, though only a limited number of applicants is admitted. We Biblical Studies PhD Student Sherif Atef are seeking students who are called to the ministry of teach- ing and/or preaching; demonstrate high potential for local 7. How is the PRTS PhD program networking with other and regional influence through current and future ministry of institutions globally? What is the value of doing so? teaching and preaching after completion of studies; possess a In partnering with like-minded institutions, we hope and pray second master’s degree in theology from an accredited institute that the vision and mission of PRTS is extended around the globe. of higher learning; have teaching and/or preaching experience; The Lord has entrusted the seminary with many resources, which adhere to the Three Forms of Unity and/or Westminster Stan- we desire to share for the propagation of the gospel. On the other dards; and last, but not least, demonstrate biblical piety and hand, partner institutions are encouraged to send qualified stu- character. dents to PRTS for further training. In that regard, we are thankful for the cooperation with the Theological University Apeldoorn – 5. How many are presently enrolled in the doctoral the seminary of the Dutch sister churches of the Free Reformed program? From where do they come and what hopes Churches of North America. Doctoral students of both PRTS and of service do they have? A few examples is sufficient! TUA are permitted to study at and obtain a degree from both in- Fifteen students, 11 in Historical Theology and 4 in Biblical stitutions. Studies, are enrolled in the doctoral program. These students come from Brazil, Egypt, the Netherlands, the Philippines, 8. How have you been blessed in your service to the Lord South Korea, Taiwan, and the US. Most of them are in leader- in this PhD program? ship positions of the church and academy. For example, in the Leading the doctoral program is a privilege and a responsibility. Historical Theology program, Lieutenant Major Jason Fite has The support of congregations and the continuing prayers that been appointed as professor of history at the US Naval Acad- the Lord will send students to the seminary is heart-warming. emy and Rev. Brian Najapfour has been called to be academic To serve in a community of faculty and students around the core dean of a seminary in the Philippines — both are required to principals of biblical, historical, confessional, and experiential have a PhD and considered PRTS, among other schools. In the teaching is a blessing, and it is my prayer to be a blessing to the Biblical Studies program, Elder Sherif Atef is a lecturer and church and academy, denominationally (FRC and HRC, among academic dean of the Alexandria School of Theology in Egypt others) and globally. and Rev. Tiago Oliviera has been called to be president of a Re- formed Baptist seminary in Lisbon, Portugal — both opted to Interviewee, Dr. Adriaan Neele, is director of the PRTS Doctoral apply to PRTS, and we are thankful to be of service to these Program and Professor of Historical Theology. Interviewer, brothers in the ministry. Rev. D. Kranendonk, is secretary of the Free Reformed Theologi- cal Education Committee.

November 2017 13 Calvin’s View of

Suffering in the Christian Life “He promotes our salvation by inflicting the cross upon us.”

hen we think of the Reformation, we think of the preach, write four letters, settle several disputes and receive doctrines of grace and the five solas, and rightly so. more than ten visitors.” He got up at four o’clock every morn- WBut a neglected theme that the Reformation presses ing and barely took any time for himself. Even when he was upon us is how the Christian life is one of cross-bearing and sick, he tried to keep working. This could be overwhelming for suffering. The Reformers endured much suffering in body and him: “I cannot think of a day this year in which I was so over- soul, in their families and ministries. Isn’t this the real test: whelmed with all kinds of things as today.” Calvin met with Will the doctrines of grace be able to sustain us through tribula- open opposition. People called him a heretic. As he walked the tions of the worst kind? streets, they sent their dogs after him, shouting “sic em!” The work of reformation was difficult and resulted in Calvin being Calvin’s Sufferings banished from Geneva for three years. When the city council of Let me first give some glimpses into the suffering which John Geneva pleaded with him to return after three years, he wrote Calvin experienced. He had suffering in his youth. Calvin’s in a letter that it would be better to perish once for all than to be parents had seven children, two of which died young. Grief en- tormented again in that place of torture, and suffer repeatedly tered this home. When John was only six years old, his devoted on the torture rack. He dreaded going back, but in September mother died. At the age of fourteen, Calvin was sent from home 1541, Calvin returned. This meant more trials. Calvin found to study at different schools. One student recalled hard beds, life in Geneva so difficult that he once wrote: “Today, I urgently sleepless nights and spoiled food. Many left this same school prayed and begged God at least twenty times that he might let with bad health, lice, and fleas; some even called it “the college me die.” of lice.” Calvin left this college with a weakened constitution. Calvin had suffering in his family. At the age of 31, Calvin Calvin had suffering in his work. During his conversion, he married a widow, Idelette van Buren, who had also fled for her began to condemn his past life with groans and tears, and ear- faith. Calvin later wrote that she would have gone with him into nestly beg God for mercy. Afterwards, he began to preach the exile, misery and death. Almost two years after they were mar- gospel but was soon forced to flee France to avoid arrest. Wil- ried, she gave birth to a pre-mature baby boy, who passed away liam Farel, founder of the Reformed Church in Geneva, needed after only twenty-two days. Even though Calvin could submit to help, and insisted that God’s will was for Calvin to stay there. the Lord as he wrote: “God is himself a Father, and knows what Calvin was seeking a quiet place to study, but when Farel said is best for his children,” this painful event stayed with him for that God would curse his rest, if he did not stay, Calvin was filled the rest of his life. Idelette had weak health, and could not get with terror, gave up his plans, and stayed in Geneva. He suf- over the death of this pre-mature son, Jacques. Her weakened fered much in Geneva. He writes of one day: “I had to lecture, condition continued for years and after nine and a half years of

14 NOVEMber 2017 marriage, she passed away. Calvin wrote: “I am no more than sets us straight: “There is no such thing as fortune or chance. half a man, since God recently took my wife home to himself.” This erroneous opinion has prevailed in every age… name- Calvin had suffering in his body. Calvin was often sick. He ly that all things happen by chance, and hereby the truth of had headaches and colds but this did not stop him from preach- God’s providence has been obscured and almost buried.” But ing. On September 3, he wrote: “I had a very bad headache, whatever suffering we meet with, the Christian will remem- but I am so accustomed to them that they barely bother me any ber the overruling hand of God in all things. “Those who have longer. As I suddenly began to feel hot while preaching on the learned from the mouth of Christ that all the hairs of their following Sunday, I noticed that the fluids that had stuffed up heads are numbered (Matt. 10:30) will look farther for the my head were suddenly turning liquid. Even before I left the cause and hold that all events whatsoever are governed by church, I caught a punishing cold that left me with a constantly the secret counsel of God.” Yes, the Christian should lift up running nose until Tuesday. When I preached on that day as his heart to God, “whose hand is most capable of impressing usual, I had a very hard time speaking because my nose was so us with patience and peace of mind. If Joseph had dwelt on congested from the flow, and I was so hoarse that I almost felt a review of the deceitful treachery of his brothers, he never like I was being choked. And then I suddenly felt a shudder could have recovered his fraternal affection for them. But as go throughout my whole body.” He also suffered from kidney he turned his mind to the Lord he forgot his injuries and was stones and a severe case of gout. so inclined to mildness and clemency as even voluntarily to administer consolation to them, saying, ‘It was not you that Calvin’s Counsel sent me here, but God sent me before you to save your lives’ Calvin’s life was not easy, but he knew that suffering belonged (Gen. 45:5,7-8).” to the life of the Christian. “For whomever the Lord has adopt- ed and deemed worthy of his fellowship ought to prepare them- 2. “Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” selves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very Why does the Lord send affliction upon His people? The scrip- many and various kinds of evils. It is the heavenly Father’s will tures say several things about it, but Hebrews 12:6 is one of thus to exercise them so as to put his own children to a definite those reasons: Fatherly chastisement to teach and correct His test. Beginning with Christ, his firstborn, he follows his plan people. Calvin says this: “However severe and angry a judge with all his children.” Calvin directs us to see several things. God may shew himself towards the reprobate, whenever he punishes them; yet he has no other end in view as to the elect, 1. “His Fatherly hand” but to promote their salvation; it is a demonstration of his People often attribute suffering to bad luck or chance. Calvin paternal love.” He continues: “Let us then remember that

November 2017 15 the taste of God’s love towards us cannot be had by us un- of his Son – as it is fitting that there should be conformity der chastisements, except we be fully persuaded that they are between the head and the members of the body.” fatherly scourges by which he chastises us for our sins.” For the believer, this is true: “he is chastised because he is loved 4. “Pour out your hearts before Him.” by God.” What should we do in times of trial? When God’s hand seems against us and we feel overwhelmed? David gives wise coun- 3. “Knowing that tribulation worketh….” sel: “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart Calvin realizes that God has a multifaceted purpose in view before him: God is a refuge for us” (Ps. 62:8). Calvin says: when He sends affliction to His people. Paul realized that the “We are bound to honour his name by remembering, in our thorn in the flesh was meant among other things to keep him greatest extremities, that to him belong the issues of life and humble (2 Cor. 12:7). Calvin writes: “Whatever the infirmity death. And as we are all inclined at such times to shut up is under which we labour, let us bear in mind that we are, as our affliction in our hearts – a circumstance which can only it were, buffeted by the Lord, with the intent of making us aggravate the trouble and embitter the mind against God – ashamed, and in this way, of teaching us humility…. These David could not have suggested a better remedy than that of things are not merely rods of the heavenly Master but buffet- turning over our cares to God.” What then must we do with ings, intended to humble them and beat down all presump- our load of distress? Take it to the Lord in prayer. As Calvin tion and pride.” He realized what Augustine said that the says: “Under trying circumstances we must comfort ourselves poison of pride cannot be cured except by poison. by reflecting that God will extend relief, provided we just free- Suffering is also meant to produce patience (Rom. 5:3). “God ly roll our burdens over upon him.” has promised to be with believers during times of trial, and when they feel the truth of the promise, supported by his 5. “They desire a better country.” hand, they endure patiently.” Desire for heaven marked the patriarchs (Heb. 11:16). In his The Lord also intends to purify His people through suffer- deep sufferings, Job also looked for a better day (Job 19:25- ing. Calvin gives an illustration of iron in the fire: “As the iron 26). “Death could not destroy the hope of Job” (Job 13:15), which has become rusted is of no use until it is heated again for after all, His Redeemer lives. Calvin tells on one occa- in the fire and beaten with the hammer, so in the same way… sion of a woman who was a child of God. He was by her side no one can give himself cheerfully to prayer until he has been early on the morning of her death. His words comforted her, softened by the cross and thoroughly subdued.” and then she spoke: “The hour draws near that I must needs Moreover, the Lord wants His people to be marked by love depart from the world; this flesh asks only to go away into and pity for others. How can we be filled with compassion corruption, but I feel certain that God is withdrawing my soul if we don’t know what it is to suffer ourselves? Let us pity into his kingdom…. My confidence is in his goodness, and in those who suffer, “to comfort them and aid them, and when the death and passion of his Son. Therefore, I do not doubt of we are unable to do them any good, to wish for their salva- my salvation, since he has assured me of it.” Calvin gives fit- tion,” writes Calvin. ting advice: “When God’s children suffer abuse, or poverty, or “Beyond all else, God desires us to be conformed to the image disease, ‘Let them lift up their eyes above this world, and they will not have any difficulty to maintain their peace of heart under such circumstances.” The day came that Calvin went the way of all flesh. He who had suffered for the Lord Jesus went to His eternal abode, a place to which all of God’s people will come – not because of their sufferings, but because of the sufferings of Christ their Head. EACE AVEN PFREE REFORMEDH ASSOCIATION Sources Cited: PEACE HAVEN, a ministry of Free Reformed deacons, 1. Sinclair B. Ferguson, “Calvin’s Heart for God,” in John Calvin: A heart for de- votion, doctrine & doxology, (Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust, 2008), 31- offers you and your family help with disabilities: 53. • a listening ear 2. Joseph Hill, Suffering – Understanding the love of God; Selections from the • help accessing church and government resources Writings of John Calvin (Darlington: Evangelical Press, 2005). • meaningful day and evening programs 3. herman J. Selderhuis, John Calvin: A pilgrim’s life (Downer’s Grove, IL: Inter- • respite or vacation care Varsity Press, 2009). • residential care Rev. L. J. Bilkes is pastor of the Ebenezer Free Reformed Church Contact your deacon or Peace Haven Director, Margaret Heemskerk, of Dundas, Ontario. [email protected] or 519-770-8816.

16 NOVEMber 2017 Preparing for the Lord’s Supper

By Dr. Joel R. Beeke

“We must not only examine whether we have a wedding garment, 29). God reckons with an unworthy partaker “as with a crucifier of but also whether it be well kept and brushed; whether no moths be the Lord Jesus,” Watson writes. “He does not drink Christ’s blood, got into it, no new spots dashed upon it.… Graces are to be purified, but sheds it; and brings that curse upon him, as when the Jews said, as well as sins purged out; grace, as well as metal, for want of rub- ‘His blood be upon us and our children.’”5 bing and exercise, will gather dust.” — Stephen Charnock1 Preparation for the Lord’s Supper reflects our preparation for the The commemoration of Jesus’ death at the Lord’s Supper is not Judgment Day. We can deceive people in the church when we at- to be approached lightly. We too often minimize preparation for tend the Lord’s Supper; we can come without the spiritual wedding this sacrament. Perhaps we prepared ourselves thoroughly before garment of Christ’s righteousness. But we will never fool Christ on our first communion, but having done that, we often do not see the the great Judgment Day. If we neglect self-examination here, God need for further preparation. To properly prepare for the Lord’s will examine us on the Last Day before His throne, where we will Supper, we must understand why preparation is necessary, how we have no answer to a thousand questions (Job 9:3). are to examine ourselves, and the purposes of the Lord’s Supper. How We Must Examine Ourselves Why Preparation is Necessary Self-examination is much maligned these days. Many Christians Here are four reasons why we must continue to prepare for the view it as an unhealthy and morbid introspection. Admittedly, self- Lord’s Supper: examination has its dangers. If we perform it apart from the Word and the guidance of the Spirit, building our righteousness upon 1. The Command of God ourselves rather than upon Christ, it will end in ungodly introspec- “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and tion. John Calvin says self-examination can become “sure damna- drink of that cup,” says 1 Corinthians 11:28. God commands us to tion” to us or we can let “carnal security insinuate itself.”6 Neverthe- prepare because He knows that we are prone to self-deceit. The cor- less, Paul’s instruction to conduct biblical self-examination before ruption of our heart makes us prone to spiritual thievery, and the eating the bread and drinking the wine is ignored at our peril (1 Cor. rebelliousness of our heart makes us prone to avoid self-examina- 11:28 – 29).7 tion. True self-examination for believers, according to the Westmin- 2. The Recipients of the Supper ster Larger Catechism, includes examining their “being in Christ, Since the Supper is reserved for true believers in Christ, we must ex- their sins and wants; the truth and measure of their knowledge, amine whether we possess true faith (2 Cor. 13:5) and other marks faith, and repentance; love to God and the brethren, charity to all of grace, such as those presented in the Beatitudes (Matt. 5) and men, forgiving those that have done them wrong; their desires after named as the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22 – 23).2 The Lord’s Supper Christ, and their new obedience” (Q. 171). These marks of grace are does not plant faith but strengthens faith that is already planted. summarized in the Dutch Reformed confessional literature, which Thomas Watson writes, “None but the spouse communicates with says that proper self-examination consists of three parts: degree of her husband; a stranger may drink of his cup, but she alone has his guilt, experience of grace, and sense of gratitude.8 An undue focus heart — so strangers may drink of the cup at the Lord’s Table, but on any one to the exclusion of the others will lead to unhealthy and true faith alone can drink of Christ’s blood and have true commu- potentially dangerous results. nion with Him.”3 Degree of Guilt 3. The Design and Holiness of the Ordinance To examine how we would stand before God apart from Christ, we The greatest purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to remember Christ must first consider our sins and the curse due them. This is not a (1 Cor. 11:24b). That demands asking ourselves whether we truly pleasant exercise. It is painful to recall the many ways in which we know Him personally (John 17:3). have rebelled against our Creator. This is a time to grieve our past Also, the holiness, royalty, and excellence of the Lord’s Supper and present sins and to ask ourselves whether we experience a real was instituted by Christ. Since Communion is a holy ordinance es- depth of heartfelt sorrow for having transgressed God’s law. tablished by a holy Institutor with a holy purpose, it is intended The aim of this examination is not depression, however. Nor are only for those who are made holy in Christ.4 we to incite sinful passions in ourselves by dwelling on what tempts 4. The Dangers Involved us most. Rather, we are to consider how far short of God’s stan- There is great danger in coming unworthily to the Lord’s Supper. dards we fall, how just God would be to condemn us to an eternity The tragic consequences of doing so include being “guilty of the apart from Him, and how undeserving we are of His mercy. body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:27) and condemnation (v.

November 2017 17 Experience of Grace for these weaknesses, and earnestly desirous to fight against our We must next examine ourselves regarding our experience of God’s unbelief and to live according to all the commandments of God; grace and our faith in Christ. Do we trust God and His graciousness therefore we rest assured that no sin or infirmity which still re- toward us? Having looked into the blackness of our own hearts, do maineth against our will in us can hinder us from being received we still trust God’s mercy displayed in Jesus Christ? Having reck- of God in mercy, and from being made worthy partakers of this oned with our sin, do we still believe we are forgiven because of heavenly meat and drink. Christ’s perfect, substitutionary sacrifice, or are we trying to expi- Self-examination has several purposes. It dissuades unbelievers ate it ourselves through right living? from taking Communion, to which they have no divine right, and, Perhaps we looked deeply into our hearts and concluded that sin with the Spirit’s blessing, persuades them to turn to Christ, so that is still too much a power in our lives. Perhaps we wondered if such they too might enjoy the blessings of the gospel, including Commu- sins as we are guilty of can truly be forgiven. Or, on the other hand, nion. It is also designed for believers to stir up love for Christ and a perhaps we looked shallowly into our hearts and concluded that we sense of awe at the grace and mercy bestowed on them as unworthy haven’t sinned too much and don’t realize that we are in dire need sinners. And it strengthens their resolve to press on through the of Jesus. These are issues we must address. We are not to look for difficulties of life, to reject sins that have crept back into their lives, perfection; rather, we must ask if we have the fundamental faith to and to pursue holiness with renewed vigour. take refuge from the just wrath of God in the arms of Jesus Christ the righteous. The Purposes of the Supper Preparing for the Lord’s Supper also clarifies the purposes of this Sense of Gratitude holy sacrament. Many of us are surprisingly unclear about exactly Finally, we are to examine our Christian walk what we are doing when we partake of the sacrament. We know and ask ourselves whether we — out of grati- that the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper do not change into tude to God — are striving against sin and pur- the body and blood of Christ (which Roman Catholics believe), nor suing holiness. Are we resolved to continue the do we eat Christ in, with, and under the elements (which is what Christian fight, or are we sick of it and already Lutherans believe), but as Reformed Christians, what do we really contemplating future sins? Do we hate sin and believe happens in the Lord’s struggle against our spiritual enemies — our- Supper? selves, the lusts of the world, and Satan? Do Calvin says that, we yearn to have our faith strengthened in the Supper, we and our lives made holier? Do we earnestly commune with desire to obey God, to walk in His ways, and Christ by faith and to be more conformed to Christ? Or, have we grown spiritually, that is, weary of God’s standards and abandoned them? Do we merely “in heavenly places.” Christ maintain a religious façade to keep peace with our spouses, friends, does not leave heaven to enter the bread; rather, in the Holy Sup- and church? Are we living in loving harmony with all our Christian per, we are called to lift up our hearts to heaven, where Christ now brothers and sisters? Have we kept ourselves from sins that Paul is. We do not cling to the external bread and wine, but seek for says disqualify us from coming to the Lord’s Table? Christ crucified in glory. Calvin writes, “Christ, then, is absent from Again, the goal is not to find perfection within ourselves but to us in respect of his body, but dwelling in us by his Spirit, he raises us cultivate a desire to honor God above all, which is evidence that to heaven to himself, transfusing into us the vivifying vigour of his God is sanctifying us. Consider the following words from our Form flesh just as the rays of the sun invigorate us by its vital warmth.”9 for the Administration of the Lord’s Supper. Having recounted a When we next prepare for the Lord’s Supper, let us focus on par- long list of sins that disqualify one from Communion, the form taking of this sacred meal humbly and reverently before God. The says: Lord’s Supper is a feast testifying that though we are poor, needy But this is not designed (dearly beloved brethren and sisters in sinners, we have become rich in grace through the sufferings of our the Lord), to deject the contrite hearts of the faithful, as if none glorious Saviour. Focus on five aspects of this amazing feast, re- might come to the supper of the Lord but those who are without membering that it is: sin; for we do not come to this supper to testify thereby that we 1. A Commemorative Feast are perfect and righteous in ourselves; but on the contrary, con- John Flavel writes, “The Lord’s Supper is memorative, and so it sidering that we seek our life outside of ourselves in Jesus Christ, has the nature and use of a pledge or token of love, left by a dying we acknowledge that we lie in the midst of death; therefore, not- friend to a dear surviving friend. It is like a ring plucked off from withstanding we feel many infirmities and miseries in ourselves, Christ’s finger, or a bracelet from His arm, or rather His picture as namely, that we have not perfect faith, and that we do not give from His breast, delivered to us with such words as these: ‘As oft ourselves to serve God with that zeal as we are bound, but have as you look on this, remember Me, let this help to keep Me alive in daily to strive with the weakness of our faith and the evil lusts of your remembrance when I am gone, and out of sight.’”10 We profit our flesh; yet, since we are (by the grace of the Holy Spirit) sorry

18 NOVEMber 2017 most when we focus on Christ. We remember what He has done for 4. Cultivate a Humble and Sensitized Conscience us from eternity past, in His teaching ministry on earth, and in His The best way to prepare for Communion is to humble ourselves suffering and death; is now doing for us at the Father’s right hand; before God. God brings us low to exalt us. So, search your con- and will do for us when He comes to take us to Himself to be with science for any sins of which you have not repented. Confess them Him forever. to God and to anyone whom you may have sinned against. Ask for strength and grace to mortify the old nature in yourself. 2. A Covenanting Feast We remember God’s covenant with us in the Supper and respond 5. Fellowship with Believers in gratitude by covenanting ourselves — soul, mind, and strength Spiritual bonding before the sacrament is a great way to build — to Him in thanksgiving. We surrender our lives in response to holy desire for God. Getting together with other Christians the the heavenly banquet God spreads for us in the Supper. The Sup- Saturday evening before Communion to pray and speak about per enables us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice of praise and who Christ is and what He means to you can be an excellent thanksgiving to God.11 means of preparation.

3. A Strengthening Feast 6. Be Much in Prayer It strengthens our faith, our love, and our hope, and fills us with Do not only pray for a blessing for yourself, but pray also for the gratitude and assurance as it directs us to the perfect sacrifice of minister who officiates at the Lord’s Supper, the elders who su- Christ on the cross. pervise it, and for the congregation in general. Pray that Christ will be exalted, that the faith of believers will be strengthened, 4. A Witnessing Feast and that new communicants will experience the peace of God that As we partake of the Supper, we continue to remember the Lord’s passes understanding. Pray for adults and children who may be death, testifying that His death is our only hope of acceptance with present to witness the administration of the sacrament, that they, God. too, may be drawn to Christ. 5. A Love Feast Ultimately, the Lord’s Supper is about love: perfect love, superlative Preparing for the Lord’s Supper is not like preparing for an love, divine love, everlasting love. As we prepare for the Supper, we exam. The goal is not to pack one’s mind full of theological knowl- contemplate God’s amazing love to us in Christ. That so stirs up our edge, though such knowledge can certainly benefit us at the Table. hearts that we may say with John, “We love him, because he first Rather, the goal is to cultivate a tender conscience, a loving and loved us” (1 John 4:19). The Lord’s Supper is a love feast in which believing heart, and reverential thankfulness toward God. Com- communicants also cherish each other and testify of the bond that ing to the Table in such a way, we are certain to benefit from the they enjoy with each other as the body of Christ.12 sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

Practical Helps Dr. Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of Systematic Theol- Here are six practical ways to prepare for the Lord’s Supper. ogy and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and a pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congrega- 1. Review Christ’s Sufferings in the Bible tion of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This article is taken from the Read the gospel accounts, especially the narratives of the institu- Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth (December 2008). tion of the Supper and Christ’s passion. How can we remember ______Christ in the Holy Supper if we have only vague recollections of 1. Cited in I. D. E. Thomas, The Golden Treasury of Puritan Quotations what Scripture says about His sufferings and death? (Moody, 1975), 172. 2. for a helpful list of the essential marks of grace, see the Belgic Confession 2. Read a Great Book of Faith, Article 29. Read about the sufferings of Christ or the Lord’s Supper the week 3. Thomas Watson, The Ten Commandments (Banner of Truth Trust, 1998), prior to Communion. Among the many available, my favourites 244. 4. Cf. Wilhelmus à Brakel, The Christian’s Reasonable Service, trans. B. are Friedrich W. Krummacher’s The Suffering Saviour, Matthew Elshout (Reformation Heritage Books, 1999), 2:570. Henry’s The Communicant’s Companion, and Wilhelmus à Brakel’s 5. Watson, The Ten Commandments, 233. “The Practice of the Lord’s Supper” in A Christian’s Reasonable 6. John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 3.2.7, 24. Service. 7. for an excellent help in preparing for examination, see Gerard Wisse, “May I Partake of the Lord’s Supper?,” in his Christ’s Ministry in the Chris- 3. Meditate on Great Doctrines of Grace tian (Free Reformed Publications, 2012), 99-123. Brakel suggests meditating on eternal election, the covenant of re- 8. See especially Heidelberg Catechism, Questions 2 and 81, and the Lord’s demption, the coming of the promised Messiah, the sufferings of Supper Form. 9. institutes, 4.17.12. Christ in bearing the wrath of God, and Christ’s resurrection and 10. Cited in Thomas, The Golden Treasury, 171. 13 ascension. 11. institutes,4.18.13. 12. institutes, 4.17.44. 13. Brakel, The Christian’s Reasonable Service, 2:582 – 84.

November 2017 19 announcements

Obituary ANNIVERSARY October 16, 1992 – 2017 May 29, 1956 - October 6, 2017 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

25th Wedding Anniversary

Margaret Grace Tamminga Harold & Janey Slingerland With thankfulness to our Lord God and Saviour for the blessing of On Friday, October 6, 2017 the Lord peacefully took to 25 years of marriage, we would like to wish our parents and Opa Himself Margaret Tamminga in her 62nd year. and Oma a blessed anniversary.We pray that God will continue to Margaret had special needs (cerebral palsy) and was deaf and bless and strengthen you both for many more years to come. mute from birth. Her early years were spent at home and lat- Chris & Tessa (Brayden, Violet, Austin) er moved to Pine Rest Christian Residence, Grand Rapids, MI Janelle for 20 years, and since 1980 has lived in the Bethesda homes, Nicole Vineland, ON. We thank the many staff and caregivers who Home Address have been part of her life for many years, for their love, care 18 Chapala Crescent, SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3M4 and support. She will be lovingly remembered by her parents, Email: [email protected] John and Corrie Tamminga and her siblings, Jack and Nelly Tamminga ANNIVERSARY Peter and Mary Tamminga November 20, 1992 – 2017 Anthony and Grace Tamminga Dave and Dinie Tamminga “Except the LORD build Carolyn and Tim Beeke the house, they labour in many nieces and nephews. vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, and by the Bethesda staff, her friends and roommates the watchman waketh The funeral service took place on Wednesday, October 11, but in vain.” 2017 in the Vineland Free Reformed Church, with Rev. W.E. (Psalm 127:1) Klaver officiating. The message was from Psalm 46:10a, “Be With joy and thanks- still, and know that I am God”. Rev. C. Schouls spoke at the giving to the Lord, we graveside. Memorial donations may be made to the Bethesda celebrate the 25th Foundation. wedding anniversary “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the of our dear parents. deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, RON & KAREN KRANENDONK And the tongue of the dumb sing. And the ransomed of the (NEE VANDENBEUKEL) LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With ever- May the Lord continue to bless and keep you. lasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, With much love from your children, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Amy & Gerald Kroesbergen, Katie & Jeff Kroes- Isaiah 35: 5-6, 10 bergen, Heidi (Brent VanLagen), Rachel, Esther, Anthony, Steven, Benjamin, Sophie, Philip Mailing Address: 246 – 261 Stone Church Road E, Hamilton ON L9B 2X3 Address: 3 Molson Road, Brantford, ON N3T 5M1