Questions from Our Readers

Before I answer this question more concretely, I would like to make two observations about the question itself, or the way it is worded—not to criticize the question but because it was thought provoking. In the first place, let us hope that what you stated in the first sentence is, indeed, the case because I am not so sure that in the days we live “stricter lifestyle” always does become so apparent. I will not mention examples, but let us hope that our lifestyle, in reality, radiates what we might expect from a people that has been set apart by the Lord in baptism. My second observation pertains to the last sentence, namely, that many of the things that a stricter lifestyle shows, sadly, might not actually belong to the core of what we personally believe.

Here, I would like to state I do believe that all we do or do not do should belong to the core of what we believe… In other words, should not everything we do or not do belong or at least be related to the core of what we believe? I am afraid that many discussions about lifestyle issues are ignored or discarded because “they do not belong to essential matters.” I am afraid that the argument that something “is not essential” has often in a subtle way led to more worldly lifestyles and freedoms which are not scripturally warranted. Often the argument is used that the Lord looketh on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)—as if that means that the Lord does not take the outward appearance into account at all. The text in question mentions that man looks at the outward appearance—only—but, of course, that does not mean that the Lord does not look at the outward appearance at all.

I would, therefore, defend the argument that I believe all core beliefs of our doctrine must have consequences for every aspect of our lifestyle. Justification and sanctification (two core beliefs) in Scripture always belong together; they are inseparable. See Ephesians 5; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 John 1:7a; Philippians 3:16 and many other texts, especially in the New Testament. We can also say it this way: justification comes back and becomes visible in sanctification! Another example would be 2 Peter 3:11, where the entire doctrine of eschatology (the doctrine of the last things) caused Peter to write, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?”

More practically, the first thing to keep in mind is that it is not always possible to give our every reason for what we do or do not do. I think it is more important, first of all, that we ourselves must know and be convinced why we do what we do or not. Practically speaking, I think that we do not always owe an explanation to our neighbor for exactly what we do or not. Let our example simply speak. If a stranger would ask me at an airport why I pray before my meal and give thanks afterward, I would probably answer him that this is what I am used to doing…The same counts for why I go to church two or three times on Sunday. The Bible is not written to be used as a search-engine where an answer pops up for every question we may ask. This counts not only for us but also for those around us who are wondering why we do what we do.

My practical advice would be that if relevant questions are asked, there has to be a suitable time and place for a conversation. Ample time, a suitable opportunity, and a sincere effort may then result in a well-formulated, positive answer, with an emphasis on the fact that “strict” in no means is meant to be “oppressive” or “restrictive,” but that the Laws of the Lord are a joy to walk in and observe. I think in this context of what many of our home-mission posts do in the Netherlands. Next to bringing the Word on Sunday, there are opportunities for strangers to come and visit during the week at which time explanations and answers can be given to questions asked.

Finally, if there is an opportunity for an in-depth conversation, always try to let the Word of God speak and give a good report of the land as the two spies did of the promised land. We do not do things based on opinions or mere customs or routine, founded on our imaginations or the institutions of men, (see Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 33, Question 91) no matter how outwardly correct these may be. In Matthew 15:9 the Lord Jesus warned, “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Our life must be according to God’s Word. Our actions, walk, and talk must be according to the rule of Scripture and show something of the fact that the Lord is so worthy to be feared—that His service is a service of love and not of slavery—that our religion is not about touch not, taste not, and handle not but about a walk in the fear of the Lord’s worthy name.

I realize that this is a very wide field, where modesty, sobriety, humility, and sincerity all must have a place. To be in the world and not of the world is easier stated than biblically practiced. However, of Zacharias and Elizabeth we read, “Walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6b). No, it does not say sinless, but their walk gave no offense to anyone; most importantly, it was a walk with, and in, the fear of God. May such a walk and such testimonies be more evident and visible today so that by our godly conversation others may be gained to Christ (Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 32, Q. 86).

Send your questions to: Rev. H. Hofman, 2339 Deer Trail Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, or hofman@premieronline.net.

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