A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH

ARTICLE XXXIV

(continued)

Of Holy Baptism

In our previous discussion of this article we tried to explain that not all those who are baptized are washed from their sins. This cannot take place by mere water, but only by the blood of Christ. As we proceed further into this article, we find that our fathers emphasized the command of Christ to baptize in the Name of the Triune God, saying, “Therefore He has commanded all those, who are His, to be baptized with pure water, ‘in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.’” The apostles have baptized in the Name of the Lord or in the Name of Jesus Christ, but this does not mean that the Name of the Triune God was not used. Today it often happens in the modern churches that baptism is performed in the name of “faith, hope and charity”. Such a baptism is not acceptable for us, since it is contrary to the institution of Christ.

It also states here that it should take place with pure water, and not, as is the custom in the church of Rome, to add oil and spittle to the water. John baptized in the river Jordan, and the eunuch was baptized in water along the way as they travelled. Only clear water takes away the uncleanness of the body, and so the water in baptism points to the all-cleansing power of the blood of Christ; never is the sin too much or the sinner to unclean.

In the immersing or sprinkling with water we find a great similarity between the sign and the true meaning of the sacrament. The immersing, and also the sprinkling, point to the mortification of the old man. Coming up out of the water signifies the resurrection of the new man. or the quickening which becomes visible in man. By the Holy Spirit our mind is enlightened to know our uncleanness, but the Lord also gives then to experience that in Christ the needy are helped. Sin becomes such a burden, but the Holy Spirit teaches how they can receive remission of sin by the blood of Christ. This instruction the Lord is pleased to give also through the sacraments, as is here stated in regard to baptism: “Thereby signifying to us, that as water washeth away the filth of the body, when poured upon it, and is seen on the body of the baptized, when sprinkled upon him; so doth the blood of Christ, by the power of the Holy Ghost, internally sprinkle the soul, cleanse it from its sin, and regenerate us from children of wrath, unto children of God. Not that this is effected by the external water, but by the sprinkling of the precious blood of the Son of God; Who is our Red Sea, through which we must pass, to escape the tyranny of Pharaoh, that is, the devil, and to enter into the spiritual land of Canaan.”

Many times the question is asked whether it is right to sprinkle water on the forehead, since God’s Word so often mentions immersing. In the early days of the New Testament immersing was customary, although it also happened that the water was sprinkled, since God’s Word speaks of the water of sprinkling. The three thousand on the day of Pentecost were probably not all immersed in the water, nor apparently was the jailor. The sick were baptized while on their beds. The Didache, which are old writings from the beginning of the second century, says, “When there is no streaming water, you take dead water; if both are not available, you pour water three times upon the forehead in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

The Synod of Neo-Ceasarea in the year 314 explained that sprinkling with water was according to God’s Word, although preference was given to immersing. In the western countries it was the custom in the 12th century to sprinkle, because immersing was not without danger in the colder climates. The Greek churches require immersing, as do also the Baptists.

Rome teaches that the external water is the washing away of our sins, while Luther binds the grace of God to baptism by the power of the Word. Baptism would then be the beginning of regeneration, that is, when the minister pronounces the baptism formula. The Reformed do not want to hear of such baptismal-grace, since it contradicts the Word of God. The work of God’s servants is not unimportant, but they are not able to give such a blessing. This is well expressed by the apostle Paul, who said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

Not only do God’s servants have no power to bless the sacrament unto salvation, but also the sign, the water, has no such power. In no place can we find in God’s Word that water has such spiritual power as Rome and Luther teach. The servant gives the sign, but the Lord must give the invisible thing signified. How true it is, as described in this article: “Therefore the ministers, on their part, administer the sacrament, and that which is visible, but our Lord giveth that which is signified by the sacrament, namely, the gifts and invisible grace; washing, cleansing and purging our souls of all filth and unrighteousness; renewing our hearts, and filling them with all comfort; giving unto us a true assurance of His fatherly goodness; putting on us the new man, and putting off the old man with all his deeds.” Man is not able to give anything, but the Lord is the giver of all good.

Thus the confession has defended the truth against Rome and Luther. However, there are more errors to be discussed. We are thinking of the Anabaptists and the Baptists, who believe that baptism is only to be administered to adults by immersing. They want a church of only converted people, and those who were baptized in infancy are baptized again. To what extent this doctrine has spread we will see next time, the Lord willing. We do not believe in a second baptism; once is sufficient. Baptism is the institution of the Lord, but we must also be baptized with the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit of Pentecost work powerfully in our hearts.

Sioux Center, Iowa

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

This month we again have a crossward puzzle, and all the answers with the exception of two are the names of places. The events of Bible times, many of which displayed the wonders of God’s doings, took place in many different parts of the civilized world of those days. Even today the Lord continues to work and to control the events which take place, nothing happening by chance or without His will. Above all else, might we yet see the powerful workings of His Spirit in the hearts of young and old, so that from place to place it might be said that the Lord has also displayed the wonders of His doings. In one of the psalters we sing, “When the Lord shall count the nations, sons and daughters He shall see, born to endless life in Zion, and their joyful song shall be, Blessed Zion, Blessed Zion, all our fountains are in thee.”

What a blessing if you, young people, might also be among those who are thus counted by the Lord.

Here is the crossward puzzle:

ACROSS:

3. The city where Rahab the harlot lived.

7. The place where Solomon built store cities.

9. The city upon which the Lord rained brimstone and fire.

10. One of the seven churches of Asia.

11. Naaman thought the rivers of this place were better than all the waters of Israel.

12. In Hosea the Lord says, “I will give her the vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of________”

14. The place where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees.

16. The sons of Jacob carried the body of their father Jacob into the land of_________, and buried him.

18. The Lord Jesus raised to life the widow’s son just outside of this city.

19. As the children of Israel travelled, they went up by the way of Bashan, and _______ the king of that place went out against them.

21. Pharaoh gave to Joseph Asenath, the daughter of the priest of_________, to be his wife.

24. The Lord told Jonah, “Arise, go to_________, that great city, and cry against it.”

26. Some of those present at Jerusalem on Pentecost were from parts of__________

28. The city where Abraham first lived.

30. In what place was Philip found after baptizing the eunuch?

31. The Philistines took the ark of God and brought if from Ebenezer unto__________

32. A taxing of all the world was first made when Cyrenius was governor of__________.

34. Paul said to the sailors, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from__________.”

35. After the stoning of Achan, the Lord said, “See, I have given into thy hand the king of__________, and his people, and his city, and his land.”

DOWN:

1. In__________the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai.

2. The eunuch whom Philip baptized was from what country?

4. It was told Saul, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of ______________.”

5. The Lord Jesus upbraided the city of__________ because they repented not.

6. The city which was a worshipper of the great goddess Diana.

8. The place of bitter waters.

13. King Jeroboam put a golden calf in this place.

14. John was baptizing in______, because there was much water there.

15. Paul in a night vision saw a man of______________, who prayed him, saying, “Come over and help us.”

17. Doeg smote__________, the city of the priests, with the edge of the sword.

20. After being made king, Saul went home to__________

22. Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer in______________ the palace.

23. The mount of__________was a place where the Lord Jesus often went.

25. The last chapter of Hebrews contains a salutation from the saints of___________.

27. The men out of____________ helped Gideon in pursuing after the Midianites.

29. Moses and the children of Israel sang of Pharaoh, “His chosen captains also are drowned in the ____________ sea.”

33. The men of Israel fled before the men of__________because of the sin of Achan.

(Your answers should be sent to Garret J. Moerdyk, 5211 Woodmont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001).

The answer to the quiz of last month are as follows:

“Go Ye And Teach All Nations”

Matthew 28:19

Gentiles -Acts 9:15

Over -Acts 16:9

Youth -Acts 26:4

Ethiopia -Acts 8:26-27

Acquila -Acts 18:1-2

Nicolas -Acts 6:5

Damascus -Acts 9:22

Thyatira -Acts 16:14

Eat -Acts 11:2-3

Alexandria -Acts 18:24

Cornelius -Acts 10:1-2

Hired -Acts 28:30

Antioch -Acts 11:26

Lydda -Acts 9:32-33

Libya -Acts 2:10

Neapolis -Acts 16:11

Athens -Acts 17:22

Testified -Acts 23:11

Island -Acts 28:1

Own -Acts 2:7-8

Niger -Acts 13:1

Samaria -Acts 8:5

Answers to the Bible quiz have been received from the following:

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Rachel Rosendall

Kenny Kanis (2)

Debbie Kanis (2)

Yvonne Kegel

Brian Kegel

Julie DeBruine (2)

Randy DeBruine (2)

Carl Mast

Doug VerBeek

Rhonda Van Veldhuizen (2)

Sheila VanVeldhuizen (2)

Audrey VanVeldhuizen (2)

Kristi VanVeldhuizen (2)

Phyllis VanVeldhuizen (2)

Steve VanOostenbrugge

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Stan Bylsma

Chris Bylsma

Judy denHoed

Robert denHoed

Dorenda Sue denHoed

Artis denHoed

Dikkie Dunsbergen

Krista Roth

Anita Roth

Jolene VandenBerg

Babette Sommer

(?) Sommer

Trudy VanderWaal (2)

Jason DeSmit

Julie DeSmit

Michael DeSmit

Julie VanGemert

Laurie Bleeker

Darla Rus

Anthony VandenHoek

Hilda VandenHoek

Ray VanderKooi

Dan Bazen

Peter Bazen

Sharon Bazen

Ed Bazen

Scott Van’tZelfde

Tammy VandenToorn

Jeff Boot

Jeremy A. Boot

Bobby Hults, Jr.

Ronald Kranendonk

Susan Kranendonk

Leona VandenBrink

Louise Brink

Annette Brink

Reineke Bertram (2)

Ronald Bertram (2)

Rein Bos

Doug Maljaars

Gary Dekker

Arlen denHoed

Sharon denHoed

Sheryl denHoed

Margaret Karelse

Shirley Karelse

Karen Karelse

Michelle Karelse

Bob Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Joanne Boerkoel

David Kaat

John Kaat

Tim Kaat

Karrie Beeke

David Roelofs

Larry Roelofs

Dan Roelofs

Kristi Boluyt

Dwaine Johnson

Steven Johnson

Douglas J. Mol

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Rob Nieuwenhuis

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Elaine Frens

Jonas Arnoldussen

Leah Talbot

Laura Talbot

Linda Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Mark Talbot

James VandenBrink

Laura Jane Troff

Pamela Koppelaar

Shawna Koppelaar

Leslie VanWyk

Jeffrey VanWyk

Edward VanWyk

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Norm VanRavenswaay

Tim VanSurksum

Lisa VandenToorn

Steven Bleeker

Pamela Schelling

Renita Schelling

Andy DeVries

Brian DeVries

Len DenBoer

Peter DenBoer

Glen VanderKooi

Peter VanBrugge

Nancy deJong

Leanne VandenDorpel

Wendy vanKlei

Kevin Traas

Joyce vandenBrink

Neal Lindhout

Judy Maljaars(2)

Klaas Bos

Monique Delooff

Tonny vanEwijk

Gordon denBoer

Marilyn Kooyman

Marie Luteyn

Jim Luteyn

Margaret Slootweg

Nadine Luteyn

Maureen Guliker

Lisa Kerkhoff

Janetta Stoutjesdyk

Diana Sommer

Herma Schutte

Cathy Neels

Marieke VanRumpt

Campbell Goudzwaard

Lena Neels (3)

Marianne Neels (3)

Jack Neels (2)

Joanne denHertog

Peter VanMaren

Richard denHertog

Maria VanMaren

Johnny VanderHoek

Peter Eckhardt

Ada Koppejan

Christine denHertog

Julia VanderWaal

Marcella denBok

Tim Roos

Greg Dyck

Brian Jelier

Fred Neels

Ken Hoef akker

Eva Neels

Billy Malj aars

Diane Stoutjesdyk

Nelly Schroevers

Liana Schipper

Paul Visscher

John Kooyman

Cindy VanderKooi

Cathy Neels

Jacqueline deJong

Kristi Lamain

Sara Lamain

Sally VanBemden

Mike VanBemden

Debbie VanBemden

Michele Klaasen

Stephanie Kegel

Brenda Spaans

Jennifer Sue Rose

Denise VanDeMoere

Diana VanDeMoere

Karen Wesdyk

John Wesdyk

Kristi DeVries

Brian VanHoepen

Eugene VanHoepen

Gerrard Stubbe

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Constance VanderMeulen

Aimee Beth Engelsma

Dave Engelsma

Dan Kwekel

Tom Kwekel

Doug Post

Vicki Post

Anita VanTilburg

Jonathan Kamp

Daniel Kamp

Linda Bazen

Karen Bazen

Jim Bazen

Benjamin VanderMeulen

Ann VanderMeulen

Frances VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

David VanderMeulen

Philip Schouten

Anita Schouten

E stella Schou ten

John Heystek

Les Lagemaat

Nita Lagemaat

Tim Lagemaat

Robert Lagemaat

Rich Carlson

Randy Carlson

Stan Bylsma

Chris Bylsma

Laurie VanEss

Timmy Vandenberg

David Vandenberg

Henry Vandenberg

Elizabeth Vandenberg

Hugo Kranendonk’

May VanBrugge

Helen VanBrugge

Corry VanBrugge

Yvonne Kegel

Brian Kegel

Sharon VanderWaal

Virginia VanderWaal

Peter DenBoer

Len DenBoer

David Hoogendoorn (3)

Kent Hoogendoorn (3)

Karen VanGinkel’

Tom Hoefakker

Rachel VanDyke

Timothy VanDyke

Ken Kievit

Lisa Stalker

Petra Muis

Amy Beeke

Lori Beeke

Rosemary Kardux

Janet Kardux

Bryan Vande Vrede

Cindy Hulshof

Ronald Hulshof

Susan Malj aars

Pauline Dekker

Mike Traas

Gordon Schep

Cathy Guliker

Yvonne Bisschop

Marina Schroevers

Arlene Wierks

Nellie VanKlei

Dirk Sterkenberg

Casey Guliker

Kenny Guliker

Judy Bremer

Brian Stoutjesdyk

Teddy Visscher

Henry Neels

Pieter Velthuis

Eddie Malj aars

Marion Luteyn

Marilyn VanDenBrink

Francy Neels

Ben DeRegt

Leanne Dekker

Ken Jansen

Grietje Bos

Carrie Witvoet

Debbie Witvoet

(?) Kanis

Ted VandeLagemaat

Louie VandeLagemaat

Lisa Hoogendoorn

Harriet Hubers

Howard E. Hubers

Duane Hubers

Mary Hubers

Again we have letters to answer—

BRYAN VANDE VREDE - We are glad to have you join in answering the quiz with all the others, Bryan, and hope that you will be able to answer them for quite a few years. You will be living real close to school when they build the new one. How far do you live from the present school?

ROSEMARY KARDUX - We are doing quite well, Rosemary. Are you always a good example for your little sister? We know how quickly they learn words which they shouldn’t say because they have heard someone else say it. Are you keeping busy during the summer?

PHILIP SCHOUTEN - A bike with no brakes is rather a dangerous vehicle, isn’t it, Philip? Do you go for long rides? Boys and girls also need “brakes”. Do you know what I mean by that? Let me know what you think that would be.

ANNETTE BRINK - It is not so nice to be in school when the weather outside is warm and the sun is shining. When is your school year finished? It is nice to pass on to a higher grade, but it also means another year has done by.

JANET KARDUX - Did you name the two kids, Janet? What other animals do you have? South Africa is a long distance from here, but perhaps some day, D.V., you will be able to meet your penpal. Does she write in English or is it in Dutch?

ANITA SCHOUTEN - Yes, Anita, only the Lord knows the time when the last day on earth will be. Man tries to guess, but will always be wrong. A minister once asked a group of people one by one if they thought it would be that same night. They all answered, “No”. He said, “It will be at such a time as this, for God’s Word says, For in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”

JOHN WESDYK - How did the concert go, John? Did you play perfectly? It isn’t always as easy to play when lots of people are listening. Or doesn’t that bother you? We hope you may have a safe summer vacation.

REINEKE BERTRAM - The Banner of Truth travels to many places, Reineke. I haven’t seen a recent hst, but I will try to let you know. Others might also find it interesting. We hope it may be used for a blessing for many people.

KAREN WESDYK - That is nice stationary, Karen. Do you write lots of letters? If you have stationary, you will have to make good use of it. Did you have your tonsils removed in May, or was it postponed? We hope everything goes well.

ESTELLA SCHOUTEN - Your letter is the last one this month, E stella. We have put our warm clothes away. The Lord made the world with its climates, its seasons, and its changing weather; and we can only be amazed at the great wisdom and power to be seen in these things.

Many thanks and best wishes to all.

With Love,

Your Friend

Uncle Garret

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Dear young friends,

For quite some time I have been looking at a small bundle of questions which were submitted at the last Youth Day, and which we were not able to answer because of lack of time. It is now almost a year ago, and much has taken place since then, especially when we think how Rev. Vergunst was then yet in our midst. It is now an empty place among us, but a place is filled in heaven. Thus the building of the spiritual temple continues, even until the last stone is added. The great question is whether we belong to that temple which the Lord is building.

We also have to go through this world with all its problems, and this was reflected in the many questions we received at the Youth Day on our subject of marriage. We promised to anser them in the Banner of Truth, if this would be permitted. This permission has been granted and therefore we will try to give a short answer where possible; however, if it is an important question, the answer will be more lengthy. With the help of the Lord we will make a beginning, and we hope that it may be to the edification of the readers.

The first question asks: “Marrying a Catholic girl — is it or is it not a mixed marriage?”

Because it is a marriage formed by two persons of different religions, this is a mixed marriage. A minister receives many questions about mixed marriages. The answer is always difficult, especially when advice is asked after the date of the marriage has already been set, meaning that the decision has already been made.

So often we try to convince our young people in the catechism classes that when they meet a young man or young woman who may become their husband or wife, it is wise to speak about the church and our faith. The church is more important than many of our young people realize. They assume that when they are married they can solve these problems, but this usually proves to be a delusion. From the very beginning we should speak about our desire to join the Netherlands Reformed Church. There will be many differences about daily things, but much more regarding God’s Word and about the way of salvation, which is Christ only.

It was forbidden for the Jews to marry with heathens. These laws are no longer applicable, since the wall of partition is taken away. The church of God will be built out of all generations of the world. However, if we take God’s Word and our confession seriously, then it is not possible to marry someone when there are such great differences. In such marriages it often is found that there is no place for the reading of God’s Word, for prayer and thanksgiving. To keep peace they go a third way.

Of course, it is possible that the young woman or young man will become a member of our church and also that she/he will be converted to the Lord. Even though we do not know what the Lord will do, it does not take away from us the responsibility to be very careful in these matters. The courtship between the young persons should not be short, but, I would say, at least a few years, so that the other party may understand the truth and show sincerity about joining the church. Often in these cases we see a great enthusiasm for spreading the Word, but in practice it most often shows that the other party is the stronger. The end result is that our children are leaving that truth which can make them wise unto salvation.

Young people, I would advise, when there is no future for an united church life on good grounds, it is best to break relationships as soon as possible, no matter how difficult this may be.

Sioux Center, Iowa

QUESTIONS YOUNG PEOPLE ASK

Could you list for us what things are proper to do on Sunday?

Answer: The Sabbath Day is meant to be a day set aside by God to serve God. It is a day in which God gives us the great privilege of resting from our daily labors to worship Him alone. Therefore Sunday should not be a day that consists of no more than church attendance, sleeping and eating. Rather, it should be a day set aside for such things as (1) prayer, (2) meditation on things of God and His kingdom, (3) searching of the Word of God and reading sound religious books that can make us wise unto salvation, (4) family worship, including domestic singing, reading, and speaking together of spiritual truths — especially the sermons which were heard should be discussed by the father, as head of the household, with his children, and (5) visiting the sick with godly conversation.

I hope, young people, that the Lord may cause Sunday to be your favorite day, as it is with all His people. Then your problem will not be finding enough to do, but rather you will find more to do than you can find time for. Especially use this day to carefully persue the valuable books written by our godly forefathers. Ask the Lord to prepare you for the heaven of heavens, which will consist of nothing but eternal Sabbaths of worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

What does “salute him not” mean in II Kings 4:29?

Answer: When persons met one another on the street in Bible times, they engaged in a regular ceremony of greeting one another with a kiss and an embrace, as well as a more detailed and verbal interest in each other’s welfare and families than is shown in our day. Therefore to avoid saluting means to travel in haste, not stopping at all along the way to exchange greetings or conversation.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITHOUT HIM?

I could not do without Him!
Jesus is more to me
Than all the richest, fairest gifts
Of earth could ever be.
But the more I find Him precious,
And the more I find Him true,
The more I long for you to find
What He can do for you.

He is waiting to receive you —
To make you all His own!
Why will you do without Him
And wander on alone?
Do you not want a Savior?
Do you not want a Friend?
One Who will love you faithfully,
And love you to the end?

What will you do without Him
In the long and dreary day
Of trouble and perplexity
When you know not the way?
And no one else can help you,
And no one guides you right,
And hope comes not with morning,
And rest comes not with night?

What will you do without Him
When death is drawing near?
Without His love — the only love
That casts out every fear?
When the shadow-valley opens
Unlighted and unknown,
And terrors of its darkness
Must all be passed alone!

What will you do without Him
When the great white Throne is set,
And the Judge Who never can mistake
And never will forget —
The Judge Whom you have never here
As friend and Savior sought —
Shall summon you to give account
Of word and deed and thought?

What will you do without Him
When He has shut the door,
And you are left outside because
You would not come before?
When it is no use knocking —
No use to stand and wait —
For the word of doom tolls in your heart
That terrible “Too late”.

You cannot do without Him!
There is no other name
By which you can be saved —
No way, no hope, no claim!
Without Him, everlasting loss
Of love and life and light!
Without Him, everlasting woe
And everlasting night!

But with Him — O, with Jesus,
Are any words so blest?
With Jesus, everlasting joy
And everlasting rest!
With Jesus, all the empty heart
Filled with His perfect love;
With Jesus, perfect peace below,
And perfect bliss above!

Why should you do without Him?
It is not yet too late;
He has not closed the day of grace,
He has not shut the gate.
Why will you do without Him?
He calls, and calls again:
“Come unto Me! Come unto Me!”
O, shall He call in vain?

Submitted

PRAISE

Health and every needful blessing
Are thy bounteous gifts t’ bestow;
Comforts undeserved possessing,
We before thy footstool bow;
Young and old do now before thee
Their united tribute bring;
Lord of life, and light, and glory,
Hear thy hymn of praise we sing.

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