Timothy

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE V

FROM WHENCE THE HOLY SCRIPTURES DERIVE THEIR

DIGNITY AND AUTHORITY

“We receive all these books, and these only, as holy and canonical, for the regulation, foundation, and confirmation of our faith; believing without any doubt, all things contained in them, not so much because the Church receives and approves them as such, but more especially because the Holy Ghost witnesseth in our hearts, that they are from God, whereof they carry the evidence in themselves. For the very blind are able to perceive that the things foretold in them are fulfilling. “

This article speaks of the authority of the canonical books. It is clear when we read the Bible that God Himself is the Author, because such a wonderful book one can find nowhere else. We know that many people do not believe that the Bible is God’s Word. There are others who say that God’s Word is in the Bible, meaning that when you read the Bible and may receive a blessing for your soul, then it is God’s Word; this is not true. We may have the Bible, which is God’s Word from the beginning to the end, and we must pray the Lord that we may understand that which we read or hear.

There is not another book in the world which can be compared with the Bible. Even Heinrich Heine, who did not believe that it was God’s Word, was filled with astonishment when he read the Bible, and said, “What a book; immeasurable as the universe”. Is this not ashaming for many in our day who mock with God’s Word? Calvin said that famous writers, orators or philosophers can charm us, but when we turn to God’s Word, it will penetrate into the heart so strongly and deeply that we forget all writers, orators and philosophers. It makes it clear that it is God’s Word, explaining the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

The Lord has also protected it against all the enemies who have tried to destroy that Word. Antiochus Epiphanus, king of Syria, commanded that all the Jewish holy books be burned; those who did not obey were to be killed. However, the Lord took care for His Word and gave certain priests the courage to keep their treasure. The Roman Ceasar Galerius tried the same thing. He was present when many Bibles were burned, and took pleasure in watching the fire. As he watched, a partially burned page was carried by the wind and fell at his feet. Picking it up, he read those words from Isaiah 40: “but the word of our God shall stand forever”. It was not long before the Bible was translated into Greek and spread over all the world. Later many others have tried to do likewise, but man was not able to destroy the Word of God.

The Holy Scripture has the absolute authority in the church of Christ. Rome teaches that the truth is only in the Roman Catholic Church and that they are the only church which can save. The Lord did not bind Himself to a church, but to His Word. Where God’s Word is purely preached, there the Lord will give His blessing. This we cannot say of Rome, because with all that takes place, it is and remains a false church.

Modernists say that God can reveal Himself in the heart of men without the Word, thus rejecting the authority of God’s Word. We know that there is nothing too wonderful for the Lord, but it has pleased Him to bind Himself to the Word and to use it to our salvation. In the past the Reformed Churches have maintained the full authority of God’s Word, but, alas, in our days this is also changing, and in some of these churches the absolute authority of the Word is more and more undermined. Certain parts of God’s Word are rejected, whereas God has said, “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book”. How dangerous it is when we deny God’s Word, for then He will also deny us.

We maintain the full authority of God’s Word, but this does not mean that everything written in the Bible is a norm or standard for faith and life in all ages. For example, we think of the civil laws of Israel, which concerned only the civil and political life of the nation of Israel. They were a theocracy, which means that they were governed immediately by the Lord. This came to an end when Jerusalem was destroyed in the year 70. The ceremonial laws of Israel spoke of sacred persons, places, seasons and things, pointing to Christ Who was to come and to His work. It was a visible instruction for Israel, but because Christ has come, it is now past. This does not mean that we must not read these parts of God’s Word since they have no longer any authority; oh no! there are still many instructions in them for us under the New Testament. But these ceremonies no longer have power in our days.

In God’s Word there is also spoken about the sins of many saints. They are not written for us to follow them, but to warn us; it shows that there are so many dangers round about us that we must constantly ask, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”. Also in the Bible we find the lies of Satan and the evil deeds of the wicked, which are also warnings from which we can learn that Satan is always trying to deceive the church, and also that he uses men as instruments for this purpose. The Bible tells us that the Canaanites and heathen nations must be destroyed from the earth; however, this is not our calling, for we must bring God’s Word to the heathen. Thus we find many facts in the Bible which are historically true, but which are no longer a standard for the New Testament church.

Not only do we believe and teach that the Bible is God’s Word, but also that it is a great miracle when the Lord gives testimony in our heart by the Holy Spirit that it is His Word. In this article two proofs are given that the Bible is the truth, namely (1) everything written in the Bible is according to the truth, also historically, and (2) the Lord gives this testimony in the heart of His people. I may believe that all of us believe in the Divine authority of the Bible. That is a great blessing, because the Lord has been pleased to use that Word for many people in the past to their eternal welfare. However, it is necessary that we personally have that testimony placed in our heart by the Holy Spirit; that is the main thing! I hope, young people, that this may also become your desire and that you may ask the Lord day and night for such a blessing. By nature we don’t do this, but the Lord can incline our hearts to His service.

Never forget that God’s Word is the answer to all questions. We discuss so many things, also in regard to daily life, but so seldom ask what God’s Word teaches us. Others show very clearly that God’s Word has not much authority for them. They don’t listen to warnings which come to them and go their own way without the Lord.

We are all familiar with the parable of the wicked husbandmen and the vineyard which was let out to them. When the Lord of the vineyard sent his servants for the fruit, they beat and killed them, and at the last slew also the son. This is what the Jews had done with the Lord Jesus. And when we do not listen to and obey the Word, we are doing just the same, stoning Him to death by our deeds. May the Lord open our eyes for this, and cause us to hear the message which is brought unto us from Sunday to Sunday, and also during the week or when we read God’s Word. Then we will also learn by the instruction of the Holy Spirit that God’s Word is the truth.

Rev. A. M. Den Boer

Norwich

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

It is at this time of the year that we especially remember the suffering, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. What important events these were in the history of the world, but how little do we understand of their true meaning and value. When sin entered into the world in Paradise, the Lord revealed His plan of salvation for lost sinners, for without it all would have been hopeless. It was a great wonder that the Lord was willing to look upon Adam and Eve after their dreadful sin of disobedience, and to send His Son into the world at an appointed time to save them and all His people from their sins. We pray that the Lord may teach both you and me the wonder of that wonder in order that we may truly thank Him for this unspeakable gift.

The first letters of the answers will spell out nine words found in Hebrews 10 (they are mentioned twice there) showing the willingness of the Lord Jesus to come into this world as He did.

In John 1 we read, “And the_____ shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not”.

The two men at Emmaus said to each other, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he_______________to us the scriptures?”

They had said to Him, “We trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed”___________”

On the cross Jesus cried with a loud voice and said, “Father, into Thy hands I____________My spirit.”

The Lord Jesus had said to the men going to Emmaus, “_______ not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?”

Then, beginning at ____________ and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

In the prayer the Lord Jesus taught His disciples is the petition, “Thy will be done in_________

as it is in heaven.”

When the Lord Jesus died, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the_________to the bottom.

The Lord Jesus said of the woman in Simon’s house, “For in that she hath poured this______ on my body, she did it for my burial.”

When crucified, Jesus prayed, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they _____________”.

After the last supper, we read, “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of____________.”

In Luke 24 the Lord Jesus said, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the ___________ day.”

In John 6 Jesus said, “For I came

down from _____________, not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that sent me.”

To the weeping women which followed Him, Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but week for _____________and for your children.”.

In the garden Jesus prayed, saying, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will but as Thou____________.”

Pilate washed his hands before the multitude and said, “I am ______of the blood of this just person.”

Since the coat of Jesus was of one piece, the soldiers cast________ for it, that the scriptures might be fulfilled.

When the soldiers saw that Jesus was dead, they brake not His __________, fulfilling the scripture which said, “A bone of Him shall not be broken.”

Jesus said to His disciples, “All ye shall be_______________because of me this night, for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”

What is the Hebrew name of the

place where the Lord Jesus

was crucified, and which means ‘the place of a skull’?

As the Lord Jesus met with His disciples after the resurrection, we read, “Then___________He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.”

Peter, at Pentecost, said to the people, “Him, being delivered by the____________ counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.”

(Send your answers to me at the

following address - Garret J. Moerdyk, 5211 Woodmont, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.)

The answers to the quiz of last month are as follows —

“Lord, Teach Us To Pray” Luke 11:1

Lord - Jonah 2:1

Ought -Luke 18:1–8

Remember - Luke 23:39–42

Dust - Genesis 18:27

Temptation - Matthew 6:9–13

Eli -I Samuel 1:9–14

Attentive - Nehemiah 2:4–6

Cornelius - Acts 10:3–5

Harvest - Matthew 9:38

Use - Matthew 5:44

Sinner - Luke 18:13

Turned - II Kings 20:1–2

Open -Daniel 6:10

Perish - Matthew 8:23–25

Rhoda - Acts 12:12–13

Ananias - Acts 9:10–11

Yonder - Matthew 26:36

Answers to the Bible quiz were received from the following boys and girls -

Mark Bleeker

Carol Jean Boluyt

Laurie Bleeker

Steven Bleeker

Chuck VanDenToorn

Jim Rosendall

Mary Lou Rosendall

Laura Rosendall

Steven VanOostenbrugge

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Mary VanOostenbrugge

Joan Lugthart

Jim Bazen

Linda Bazen

Sonja Boonzaayer

Mary Polderman

Elise Polderman

Paula Timmer

Michelle Timmer

Joan Kay VanGiessen

Liz VanGiessen

Janny VanWingerden

John Stapel

Janice Stapel

Lynn E. Kamp

Margot Mast

Joylynn Mast

Jane Mast

Timothy Nieuwenhuis

Mark VandeBerg

Tom Kwekel

David Kwekel

Dan Kwekel

Amy Kaat

Henry Kamp

Linda Kamp

Dan Klaasen

Dave Klaasen

Art Klaasen

Arline Kieboom

Ella Kieboom

Kristi Rosendall

Rick Rosendall

John Rosendall

Cori DeMeester

Dan DeMeester

Jerry Boon

Carla Boon

Julie Boon

John denHollander

Anita Schouten

Jeanette Slingerland

Tammy Van Beek

Lysbeth Procee

Richard Procee

David Procee

Teressa Procee

Betty VanderWeile

Bill VanWingerden

Maynard Degraaf

Carrie Jane Blok

John Blok

Meloni Geiger

Jeff Geiger

Molly Geiger

Julie VanGemert

Kim Timmer

James Kraayeveld

Herman John VanderMeulen

Ann Marlene VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

Marilyn Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Bill Kamp

Jonathan VanDalen

Ruth Ann VanDalen

Jay VanDalen

Sue Schelling

Angela Stam

Peter Bazen

Steve Bazen

Steve Boluyt

Kristi Boluyt

Julie Ann DeBruine

Annette Koppelaar

Joyce Koppelaar

Andrew Koppelaar

Walter Koppelaar (2)

Laura Talbot

Leah Talbot

Mark Heystek

JoAnn VanRavenswaay

Esther VanRavenswaay

Norman VanRavenswaay

Alma VanBeek (2)

Anden VanBeek (2)

Joann VanBeek (2)

Terry VanBeek (2)

Adrian Bush

Mark Heystek

Kathy VanBemden

Mike VanBemden

James Leon Schelling

Nicholas Bush

Wayne VandeWaerdt

Ruth VanDyke

John VanDyke

David VanDyke

Daniel VanDyke

Mary VanTilburg

Leah VanTilburg

Alida Greendyk

Donna Marie Hubers

Helen Hubers

Marcia Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Howard Hubers

Bill Kroesbergen

Hendrika Kroesbergen

Gail denHoed

Mary L. Kievit

Adriana S. Kievit

Alane VanRavenswaay (2)

Minda VanRavenswaay (2)

Joel VanRavenswaay (2)

Janet Sweetman

Paul VanGrouw

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Judy Sweetman

Daniel John Sweetman

Mary Frens

Sharon Frens

Leonard Frens

Elaine Frens

Jenny Sweetman

Ralph VanZweden (2)

Mary VanZweden (2)

Janet VanZweden (2)

Roy VanZweden (2)

Mark Van Zweden (2)

Brad Zomer

Brenda Zomer

Kevin Zomer

Vonda Zomer

John Bosch

John Boluyt

Bob Boluyt

Judy VanVoorst

Rhonda VanVoorst

Tim VanStelle

Andy VanStelle

Sue VanEss

Rick VanEss

Jennie Sue Easterhoff

Marlene Herfst

Robert Herfst

Yvonne Herfst

Janet Sommer

Irene Sommer

Ingrid Sommer

Tom Thiessen

Diane Thiessen

Neal Boerkoel

Ruth Boerkoel

Bob Boerkoel

Janny VanWingerden

John Boerkoel

Ruth Pols

Marilyn Pols

John VanderBoon

Virginia VanderWaal

Stanley VanderWaal

Pamela Hoogmoed

Patricia Hoogmoed

Alan Greendyk

Paul Greendyk

David Greendyk

Richard DeBat

Ken VanWingerden

Jonathan VanBeek

David VanBeek

Roger VanBeek

Rhonda Hertig

Ellen Vroegindewey

Gladys VanBochove

Rhonda VanBochove

Jonathan Kamp

Richard Kamp

Robert Kamp

Frances VanderMeulen

Joyce VanderMeulen

Harmen VanderMeulen

Sidney VanderMeulen

Mark Meeuwse

Arie VanVugt

John VanVugt

Edward Dekker

Kathy VanGiessen

Amy Mieras

Marlene VanVeldhuizen

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Edwin Rus

Howard Rus

Virgil Rus

Harold Rus

Robert Southway

Sandra Southway

Trudy VanderWaal

Gerrit Bezooyen

John Bezooyen

Art denHoed

Kathleen denHoed

Joleen denHoed

Mary Lynn Fluit

Carolyn VanKoeveringe

Jane Korevaar

Charlene VanGinkel

Joyce VanGinkel

Jeffrey VanWyk

Jacob VanDalen

Leslie VanWyk

Mike Fintelman

Mark Fintelman

Martin VanWyk

Henry Vandenberg (2)

John Vandenberg (2)

Paul Vandenberg

Jeanette Vandenberg

Alice Hamstra

Thomas Berkenbush

Maynard Degraaf

Ken Kroesbergen

John Kroesbergen

Jane Kroesbergen

Cathy Kroesbergen

Joyce Koppelaar

Annette Koppelaar

Rebecca Markus

Lisa Markus

John denHollander

Gary Blok

Bruce Verblaauw

Nicky VanGrouw

Sharon VanDeVendel

Linda VanDeVendel

Peter Vlietstra

Trudy Vlietstra

Jimmy Vlietstra

Andy Korevaar

Kathryn Lynn Schelling

Kent Dean Schelling

Brenda Kay Schelling

Linda Schelling

Jany deKok

Andre deKok

Herbie deKok

Henry deKok

Cornell deKok

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Todd VandeStouwe

Beth Schelling

David Allen Klarenbeek

Arlen James Klarenbeek

Darwyn Gene Klarenbeek

Robbie Southway

Barbara Southway

Ruth Bouma

Albert Bouma

Donna Kuiper

Ray VanderKooi

Nancy Hoogmoed

Joanne Hoogmoed

Billy Greendyk

And now we’ll try to answer the letters which we have received -LINDA SCHELLING -I hope you are feeling much better again, Linda. There seems to be quite a lot of people with the flu at the present time. Did the whole family have it? It looks like you have a busy schedule every week.

JEANETTE VANDENBERG -Congratulations with the new baby brother, Jeanette. God’s Word tells us that children are an heritage of the Lord, and I also find that Job was blessed twice with seven sons. We read of one other man in the Bible who had seven sons. Do you know who he was?

ALICE HAMSTRA - It was real nice to hear from you, Alice, and we hope that you will write again. Do you live near Ann-Marlene, or do you see her at school? I have a daughter whose name is Alice and she also plays the organ. Do you like to practice?

KATHLEEN DEN HOED -We are all quite well, Kathleen, and hope the same of you and your family. At present the weather here is quite nice. Spring is always quite welcome after the snowy weather of winter. Did you. have a good report card at the end of the third quarter?

ELLA KIEBOOM - To accept willingly and thankfully what God gives us is not our nature, Ella, and we often grumble. We would have liked to be present for the service on the anniversary of your father in the ministry, but it was just not possible. Say hello to your parents for us.

BRUCE VERBLAAUW - We hope that the Lord will remember you and your family in all your needs, Bruce. In such situations we feel so much the need of His help and His blessing, but they are also needed in time of health. How is your sister feeling?

IRENE SOMMER - Have you ever been in Holland, Irene? Years ago it was not so easy to make such a trip, but today it is done so often and so easily. Do you have quite a few relatives there? In the Bible days they also made long journeys to visit relatives. Can you think of any examples?

ANN-MARLENE VANDER MEULEN - Your birthday is already past, Ann-Marlene, but we hope it was a happy one for you and that you may be blessed with many more of them. What are you studying about in school? Does your teacher give you much homework?

KATHRYN LYNN SCHELLING - Did you have the flu also, Kathryn? Or were you able to be the nurse? How much we appre-

ciate, when we are sick, the blessing of help from parents, relatives, friends, doctors, nurses, etc. So if others are not well, we should try to be helpful to them.

TAMMY VAN BEEK - Thank you for the nice letter, Tammy. Do they still use the church in Alvord very much, Tammy? When I was a boy of about twelve, we spent a week on a farm near Alvord, so I have some idea where you live. Do write again sometime.

ANITA SCHOUTEN - It was nice to hear from you, Anita, especially from far-off new Zealand. How long have your parents lived there? How large this world is in our mind, yet God’s Word tells us that in His sight, “the nations are as a drop out of a bucket”, and He seeth all things at all times.

JOLEEN DEN HOED - How far are you from Chilliwack, Joleen? It must be several hundred miles, I would guess. Now that nicer weather has arrived, I can imagine that there are lots of things to be done in the fields. Do you have any animals on your farm?

SHARON AND LINDA VAN DE VENDEL - Your grandmother must have been happy to have you visit her on her birthday. Does she live quite far from your house? Yes, there are people who become older, but all of them will tell you that, just as the Bible tells us, life is like a shadow.

AMY KAAT - Do you know which of the books you asked for, Amy? I don’t want to send you a book which you already have. It is strange that you did not receive your book, but it could have happened that we missed your name when making out the lists.

KENT DEAN SCHELLING-How is your grandmother feeling now, Kent? An older person does not recover as quickly from an operation. We hope she is feeling much better. How far do you live from your grandmother’s house? Do you visit her often?

CAROLYN VAN KOEVER-INGE - It had been quite some time since we heard from you Carolyn, so we were glad to receive your reply to the quiz and your letter. Mr. Johnson is in church quite regularly and is feeling quite well. What are they doing on your new church at present?

GAIL DEN HOED - It is nice if you write the place where you found your answer, Gail, as it shows you really looked them up and also helps you remember them better. Do your cousins live in Washington? We are glad to have you join in answering the quiz.

ANGELA STAM-I think it would be very nice to visit your school sometime, Angela. Mrs. Beeke is my niece, so I know your principal quite well. It would be easier to come there if Chilliwack were not quite so far away. Are you doing well in school?

BRENDA KAY SCHELLING -We have been thinking about a book again for the boys and girls, Brenda, but have not found any yet. But we haven’t forgotten it. I see your letter was the last one this month, so this finishes our work for this month. We hope to hear from you again next time.

Many thanks to all the boys and girls for the many replies and the letters received. But what is most important is that the Lord would bless His Word to our hearts. Pray much for this. And may the Lord spare all of us again until next month. Some failed to notice that my address is changed; it is now 5211 Woodmont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

GOD FIRST

In my bedroom hangs this motto;

its place is near the door

So that it may ever remind me,

God all else must be before.

Never do I cross the threshold,

but the motto seems to say,

Just a word with God thy Father

ere thou goest on thy way.

When I’m dressing in the morning, as I see it hanging there,

It reminds me of my duties, help for which I seek in prayer.

Duties, burdens, worries, troubles, all may come to me this day;

How can I prepare to meet them?

How, I ask, except I pray?

When I plan fresh undertakings, then the motto seems to say,

Don’t in thine own strength begin it; first of all about it pray.

When I’m ready dressed for walking, perhaps with little time to spare,

Still I cannot leave my bedroom when I see the motto there.

Till I kneel for just a moment,

and in earnest, secret prayer Place myself and all my doings in

my heavenly Father’s care.

I have told you how it helps me;

it will help you too, I’m sure;

Through it will be abundant fruit

which ever will endure.

Young People’s Magazine WHAT DO YOU READ?

I would affectionately warn you about poisonous food for the mind, such as bad books, novels, and erroneous books. The Word of God contains a striking record which shows the necessity of caution in eating (and also in reading).

Godly Elisha, the prophet, said to his servant, “Set on the great pot and seeth pottage for the sons of the prophets. And one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of pottage, for they knew them not.” Alas! boys and girls, “And it came to pass, as they were eating of the pottage, that they cried out, and said, O thou man of God, there is death in the pot. And they could not eat thereof” (II Kings 4:38–40).

Does not this sad event show the wisdom and caution needful in the food we eat? and also the need for caution in reading books? Can it not be said of many works of fiction, novels, books of startling adventures which never took place, and all books of error, “There is death in the pot!”?

The Lord wrought a miracle to remove the death in the pot at Elisha’s dinner table. He said, “Then bring meal. And he cast it into the pot....And there was no harm in the pot” (II Kings 4:41). And when boys and girls read injurious books, a miracle must be wrought by the God of Truth to heal the diseased mind. Only the grace of God can counteract and conquer the harmful effects of poison imbibed in the mind in reading.

Godly Mr. Tiptaft used to say, “Show me a man’s books, show me a man’s company, and I will tell you what he is.” (Ears for Little Gleaners).

ADAM

On man, in His own image made,

How much did God bestow,

The whole creation homage paid,

And owned him Lord below!

He dwelt in Eden’s garden, stored

With sweets for every sense;

And there, with his descending Lord,

He walked with confidence.

But, oh! by sin how quickly changed!

His honor forfeited,

His heart from God and truth estranged,

His conscience filled with dread!

Now from his Maker’s voice he flees,

Which was before his joy;

And thinks to hide amidst the trees

From an all-seeing eye.

Compelled to answer to his name,

With stubborness and pride,

He cast on God Himself the blame,

Nor once for mercy cried.

But grace, unasked, his heart subdued

And all his guilt forgave;

By faith the promised seed he viewed,

And felt His power to save.

Thus we ourselves would justify

Though we the law transgress;

Like him, unable to deny,

Unwilling to confess.

But when by faith the sinner sees

A pardon bought with blood,

Then he forsakes his foolish pleas,

And gladly turns to God.

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