The Covenant of Works In the eighth chapter we have depicted Adam in his eminent, holy, and glorious nature. We shall now speak of him as being in covenant with God—the covenant of works. Acquaintance with this covenant is of the greatest importance, for whoever …
Category: Wilhelmus à Brakel
THE CHRISTIAN’S REASONABLE SERVICE – XI
The Providence of God The Providence of God Defined Having considered the creation of all things in general and the creation of angels and men in particular, we will now proceed to consider the providence of God concerning all His creatures. We understand this to …
The Foundation of Religion
First, the foundation of religion is the character of God. The works of His omnipotence and benevolence are indeed reasons to stimulate man to serve God; however, they are not the basis for such service. This foundation is the very character of God. God possesses …
THE CHRISTIAN’S REASONABLE SERVICE – X
Anthropology: The Doctrine of Man Concerning Man, Particularly the Soul Having discussed the most eminent creatures of heaven, the angels, we will now proceed to consider the most eminent creature upon earth, man. In the original language, the Hebrew tongue, man is called אדם …
THE CHRISTIAN’S REASONABLE SERVICE – IX
Angels and Devils Since angels and men have the highest measure of perfection among all creatures, we shall consider them separately. First, we shall consider the angels. The Name “Angel” Defined The name Angel (Hebrew: מלאך Maleach) is used for a variety of persons in …
THE CHRISTIAN’S REASONABLE SERVICE – VIII
The Creation of the World Having considered the intrinsic works of God, we proceed to consider His extrinsic works—in the realm of nature and in the realm of grace. His works in nature are creation as well as His providence in regard to His creation. …
THE CHRISTIAN’S REASONABLE SERVICE – VII
CHAPTER SEVEN: The Covenant of Redemption Between God the Father and God the Son Concerning the Elect; or, the Counsel of Peace Having considered the decrees of God in general, and the predestination of men in particular, we now proceed to the discussion of the covenant …
THE CHRISTIAN’S REASONABLE SERVICE – VI
CHAPTER SIX: Eternal Predestination: Election and Reprobation General Observations about Predestination Having spoken of the decrees of God in general, we shall now proceed with a discussion of the specific decrees of God, speaking particularly of those relating to man’s salvation and damnation. Due to repeated …
THE CHRISTIAN’S REASONABLE SERVICE – V
Theology: The Doctrine of God CHAPTER FIVE The Decrees of God: General Observations Having considered the principal sources from which God may be known, and who and what He is in His Being, attributes, and the Persons of the Godhead, we proceed with a discussion …
THE CHRISTIAN’S REASONABLE SERVICE – IV
Theology: The Doctrine of God CHAPTER FOUR The Divine Persons The Holy Trinity Having considered the name, the essence, and the attributes of God, we will now turn to the mystery of all mysteries, the Holy Trinity. Throughout history all parties opposed to the truth …