The Opening of the Theological School

On Tuesday, September 3, 2013, four men gathered together in the Beckwith Church of Grand Rapids where the theological school of our denomination is located. It marked the beginning of a new school year. The last time a new student began the course of studies was twelve years ago. For a period of eight years, no classes were taught, and no instruction was given because there were no students. Last May, however, the Curatorium, along with the Mission Board, did accept a new student to commence studies for missionary minister, so the doors of our school “opened” again. May the Lord’s indispensable favor rest upon it all.

The chairman of the Curatorium, Rev. J. den Hoed, was unable to come at this time. However, we were glad that Rev. RL. Bazen, the vice-chairman of the Curatorium, could attend, as he was in Grand Rapids the Sunday before the opening. Rev. C. Vogelaar and Rev. A.H. Verhoef were present as instructors; Rev. P. van Ruitenburg, also an instructor, was not with us this time, since he would shortly leave for the Netherlands to install his brother into the ministry and to attend the first session of the Dutch Synod. Student E. Maljaars was there as well, of course.

Rev. Bazen read Isaiah 54:11-17 and led in prayer, commending instructors and the student unto the care of the Lord. He spoke a word of welcome and then enlarged somewhat on verse 13: “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” It is a precious and necessary blessing to be taught of the Lord. Then we become a beggar and sigh for help, wisdom, and understanding. Rev. Bazen also pointed to verse 17, that whatever comes against the work of the Lord shall not prosper. The Lord remains faithful. He reminded the instructors that Philip also had one student, but he had to go and teach him.

Before Rev. Vogelaar taught the opening lesson for this new school year, he mentioned what Samuel was given to say when the Lord came to him and called him. What were those words? “Here am I.” This is so necessary time and again, not only at the theological school but also for God’s servants to come to the Lord to be taught by Him and to know what message to bring.

Then Rev. Vogelaar spoke about “Teaching the Aforesaid Doctrine.” When the Lord begins to teach, it is not in the class of sanctification, but He teaches that we are lost and unholy. He then referred to the Form for Baptism where parents are exhorted to teach the aforesaid doctrine. Step by step, he pointed out what our fathers have taught in this Form about the true doctrine and how this is experienced in the heart by the application of the Holy Spirit. Especially Comrie was quoted as one of the many old writers who have preached and written so faithfully and clearly about the aforesaid doctrine. He expressed the hope that, along with the other instructors, the treasures of the past may be opened up.

Rev. Verhoef conveyed the wishes of the Curatorium chairman, Rev. den Hoed, that the Lord’s indispensable blessing may accompany the endeavors at the theological school.

We wish to end this report with the wish expressed by Rev. E.C. Adams in the Corsica bulletin: “The King of the Church grant that the instruction out of His Holy Word be accompanied by the blessed and indispensable teaching of the Holy Spirit. May our theological school be carried upon the wings of prayer, tokens of His divine approval experienced, and may it all prosper in His hands. The Lord grant true wrestlers for Zion in her low estate in these serious and troublesome times. ‘Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem’ (Psalm 51:18).”

— Rev. A.H. Verhoef, St. Catharines, ON

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