04 Sep

Covenant Reformed News - August 2024

Published in Covenant PRC Ballymena, Northern Ireland

Covenant Reformed News
August 2024 • Volume XX, Issue 4

Let Us Rebuild Jerusalem’s Walls!

What did Nehemiah do after his earnest prayers, careful preparations and confidential investigations (Neh. 1:1-2:16)? He called God’s people to a public meeting.

At that assembly, Nehemiah first outlined the problem. In material terms, Jerusalem’s walls were mostly rubble and its gates were charred wood, as he had witnessed personally on his secret night ride around the city’s perimeter. In more emotional terms, Nehemiah reminded the people that they were ridiculed by their enemies.

But did the people themselves not know this? Of course they did! And Governor Nehemiah knew that they knew it: “Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire” (17). The leader clearly states the pressing issue so that all are agreed that this is the problem.

Second, Nehemiah presented the obvious solution. We must rebuild the walls and the gates. Then we will no longer be taunted and mocked, as if our God were unable to defend and care for His people. How did David put it? “Is there not a cause?” (I Sam. 17:29). The cause may be fighting Goliath or building up a local church or training our children in God’s glorious truth or battling against incessant discouragement or a larger scale project, such as establishing a Reformed day school.

Third, after stating the problem and its solution, Nehemiah exhorts, “come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach” (Neh. 2:17).

Fourth, this raises the issue of identification. Nehemiah did not say, “You have a problem and I will give orders to you and you must work to effect the solution.” Instead, Nehemiah identified himself with the problem and its solution, and included himself in his exhortation. Look out for “we” and “us” in the governor’s address: “Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach” (17). Nehemiah spoke of “we” and “us,” because he was a living and godly member in Israel, and he had gotten to know God’s people in Jerusalem.

Fifth, Nehemiah reinforced his exhortation by presenting his double authorization. In the first instance, Jehovah had called and led him: “Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me” (18). At this point, Nehemiah may have informed them of his persevering prayer in his closet (1:4-11) and his ejaculatory prayer in the palace (2:4). “I was Artaxerxes’ cupbearer and am now governor of Judah and I will rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, by our Lord’s good providence.”

In the second instance, Nehemiah appeals to his authority from Medo-Persian Emperor Artaxerxes: “Then I told them [1] of the hand of my God which was good upon me; [2] as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me” (18). The governor informed them that Artaxerxes had granted him imperial authority to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls (5-6) and to requisition the necessary timber from the emperor’s forests (8). There are situations, even in our day, when the Lord’s work requires civil authorization, for example, permits to erect church buildings. Rev. Stewart

The Civil and Ceremonial Laws (2)

We continue our answer to the question: “Is it true that the Lord Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:17-19 that all the law of Moses, including the ceremonial and civil laws, are binding and must be ‘fulfilled’ by believers in the New Testament age?” Having spoken of the ceremonial laws last month, we focus on the civil laws in this article.

The civil laws of the Old Testament are those that had to do with Israel’s every-day life: food and cooking, bodily adornment and appearance, sanitation and health, work and possessions, government and taxes, crime and its punishment, marriage and family. There is not an absolute difference between these and the ceremonial laws, but it is these laws that are haled by Christian Reconstructionists and Theonomists as still in force and necessary for the establishment of their future post-millennial golden age.

These movements teach that, unless such laws are explicitly abrogated in the New Testament, they are still obligatory in the New Testament. Some of them even argue against particular passages of the New Testament that do abrogate various Old Testament laws. Peter’s vision of the unclean animals let down in a sheet from heaven, and the command given him to rise and eat, they say, does not do away with the Old Testament food laws, but was only a command to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Certainly God used a change in those Old Testament food laws to teach Peter and the church about preaching to the Gentiles. Yet God’s word to Peter did concern those formerly unclean animals. Peter was commanded to eat what he formerly was not allowed to eat: “And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean” (Acts 10:13-14; cf. 11:7-8).

One finds these Theonomists and Reconstructionists scrambling to explain how some of those civil laws apply in the New Testament. The law of Deuteronomy 22:8 required the Israelites to build a “battlement” or parapet around a flat roof that was used as living space. In societies where such roofs do not exist, this is applied to swimming pools and the necessity of a fence around them.

We use this example deliberately. The wisdom of the rule regarding flat roofs, and the wisdom of having a fence around a swimming pool that is accessible to children is unquestionable, so much so that some municipalities require a fenced pool. Such is, we believe, what the Westminster Confession of Faith calls the “general equity” of the Old Testament civil laws (19:4). This refers to legislative principles that are not arbitrary, but just and right. Nevertheless, a man does not break God’s law if he does not have a fence around his swimming pool. He may have to suffer the consequences of that decision but he does not sin simply by having an unfenced pool.

Along these same lines, there was a great deal of wisdom in the food laws which God gave Israel but there is no obligation in the New Testament to follow them. One may eat pork (and eat it much more safely) in the New Testament. Nevertheless, God’s word to Peter stands. One may even have his sons circumcised, though never as something necessary for salvation (Acts 16:1-3; Gal. 5:1-3). What is more, the application of these laws to modern society by way of establishing a Christian society comes very close to a denial of salvation by grace and by faith alone. Fenced swimming pools and a pigless diet do not make a Christian society. God’s sovereign grace alone makes a Christian society and that society is already in existence. Scripture calls it the church: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (I Pet. 2:9). That “society” exists within a society that is always and inimically opposed to the kingdom of God, and which cannot be transformed by the mere application of Old Testament civil law.

The Westminster Confession of Faith is correct when it says that these laws “expired together with the state of that people,” that is, with the expiration of Israel as God’s chosen nation came also an expiration of these laws. There is more that must be said, however, since all this raises the question of how God-given laws can be changed or abrogated.

Here the statement of the Belgic Confession 25 is important: “We believe that the ceremonies and figures of the law ceased at the coming of Christ, and that all the shadows are accomplished; so that the use of them must be abolished amongst Christians; yet the truth and substance of them remain with us in Jesus Christ, in whom they have their completion.”

This Reformed creed reminds us that there is, and always was, a difference between the precepts of God’s moral law on the one hand and the civil and ceremonial laws on the other. The moral law forbids things that are inherently sinful. Idol worship is always wicked because it is a denial of the great truth that there is no God beside Jehovah. The civil and ceremonial laws, however, were an application of the moral law to Israel’s life in the Old Testament. They command and forbid things that were not in themselves sinful or matters of life and death. There is nothing inherently wrong about eating pork, except that in the Old Testament it was forbidden by God. The example has been used of a fish in its watery environment. God’s law for a fish is that it stay in the water. It is a matter of life and death to the fish to “obey” that law. If I try to make the fish truly free by bringing it up onto dry land, the fish dies. So it is with the precepts of the moral law. They are life and death to me. Outside of them are bondage and death; within are liberty and life.

The addition of the civil and ceremonial laws to God’s people in Moses’ day was something like taking that fish out of the lake in which it lived and putting it in an aquarium. Then it is under another law which is much more restrictive, but it is not a matter of life and death, nor something which cannot be changed in the future.

The civil and ceremonial laws, different from the precepts of the moral law, were tools by which God taught Israel the fundamental and unchangeable principles of the moral law, just as a father might use a rule about not riding one’s bicycle on the Lord’s day to teach his children that the Lord’s day is different. There is, of course, nothing wrong in itself about riding a bicycle on the Lord’s day. Indeed, if that is the only way to get to church, it ought to be done, but the rule may nevertheless be useful until such a time as a child learns that the day belongs to the Lord in a special way, at which time the rule should expire.

That the civil and ceremonial laws were used to teach Israel is clear from passages like Leviticus 10:9-11 and 11:45-47, where various civil and ceremonial laws are described as teaching the difference between holy and unholy. They do not stand on the same level as the moral law.

We use the example of parental rules deliberately. In Galatians 4:1-7, the apostle Paul reminds us that the church of the Old Testament (Acts 7:38) was in its childhood and was, therefore, under a kind of bondage to parental rules that were used by God in the same way we make our rules, not all of them matters of sin and righteousness, to teach our children. Through the coming of Christ and His Spirit, Galatians tells us that the church entered its adulthood and now enjoys “the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free” (Gal. 5:1), liberty from the “bondage” of those Old Testament rules but also the liberty of spiritual maturity, a maturity which has learned the grace of God in Christ and obeys not just for the command’s sake, but out of love and no longer needing the endless rules of childhood.

That principle is applied to us in Galatians 5:1. We must stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and not be entangled again in a yoke of bondage, that is, in bondage to all those Old Testament civil and ceremonial laws. But we must also not confuse liberty with licence (13), as though our freedom in Christ means that we may live as we please without regard for God’s moral law. Freedom is always within the bounds of the moral law, as the example of a fish, used above, reminds us. All this discussion is useless unless we, as New Testament Christians, practise fervently our liberty in Christ, serving God faithfully out of love and gratitude for what the Lord Jesus has done in saving us.

There is one more thing I wish to address: the statement of Belgic Confession 25 that “the truth and substance” of the civil and ceremonial laws remain with us in Jesus Christ. The Confession applies this by saying: “we still use the testimonies taken out of the law and the prophets, to confirm us in the doctrine of the gospel, and to regulate our life in all honesty to the glory of God, according to his will.” This needs explanation in the next issue of the News, DV. Rev. Ron Hanko

Covenant Protestant Reformed Church
83 Clarence Street, Ballymena, BT43 5DR • Lord’s Day services at 11 am & 6 pm
Website: https://cprc.co.uk/ • Live broadcast: cprc.co.uk/live-streaming/
Pastor: Angus Stewart, 7 Lislunnan Road, Kells, N. Ireland, BT42 3NR • (028) 25 891851
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • www.youtube.com/cprcni • www.facebook.com/CovenantPRC

01 Sep

Reformed Witness Hour - September 2024 Messages

Published in First PRC Grand Rapids, MI

September 2024

In September we will continue Rev. W. Bruinsma’s series on The End Times. Please help us share these messages!

September 1

The Gospel Preached to All Nations

Matthew 24:14

September 8

The Rise of Counterfeit Christianity

Mark 13:21-23

September 15

The Emergence of the Antichristian Kingdom

Revelation 17:9-17

September 22

The Man of Sin Revealed

2 Thessalonians 2:3,4

September 29

Peace Shall Destroy Many

Daniel 8:23-25

Listen on Your Favorite Platform

www.ReformedWitnessHour.org www.sermonaudio.com/rwh

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01 Sep

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for September 1, 2024

Published in News

Today, September 1, is the thirty-fifth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024, and another rest stop on our pilgrim journey through this world. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou art shall see the work of the LORD: for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee. ...Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: ~ Exodus 34:10, 12-14

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you; or you may listen online through one of the PRC's livestreams.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

Today Cand. A. Haveman accepted the call to Loveland PRC. We praise and thank the Lord for this confrmation of his call to the ministry and pray for him as he will prepare for the next steps, including his examination at Classis West later this month and then ordination into the ministry and installation as Loveland's pastor, all, the Lord willing.
Today Rev. M. DeBoer declined the call from Hudsonville (MI) PRC.
Last Sunday Rev. G. Eriks (Unity PRC) declined the call to Hope PRC-Redlands, CA.
On August 18 Rev. D. Noorman (Southwest PRC-Wyoming, MI) accepted the call from Georgetown (MI) PRC. His farewell at Southwest PRC will be Sept.8, and his installation at Georgetown PRC is set for Sept.22. May the Lord provide for Rev. Noorman and his family as well as for both congregations during this time of transition.
Hope PRC's Council (Walker, MI) announces a new trio of Revs. N. Decker (Grandville PRC), J. Maatman (Southeast PRC), and J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland). The congregational meeting to vote from this trio will be held on Sept.8, D.V.
Zion PRC's Council has a new trio from which to call a pastor: Revs. G. Eriks (Unity PRC), J. Smidstra (First PRC-Holland), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregation will call on September 8.

Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Prof. C. Griess and Rev. G. Eriks in Georgetown PRC; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. C. Haak in Hope PRC-Walker; Rev. A. Brummel (1st week) in Hope PRC-Redlands; Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. M. McGeown in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. K. Koole (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Rev. D. Kleyn (1st week) in Lynden PRC; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. C. Spronk in Zion PRC. May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!

Special Congregational/Evangelism Notices:

Byron Center (MI) PRC: "The Community Bible Study meets this Thursday, September 5, at 7:30 p.m. at church to continue our study of the book of Philippians. Discussion will begin at chapter 3 verse 16. You are welcome to bring friends and neighbors to join us in this study!"
Hope PRC-Redlands, CA: "Evangelism Lecture: The evangelism committee is excited to host a lecture this week Friday [Sept.6] at 7 p.m. Rev. A. Brummel will speak on “The Importance of Church Membership" followed by refreshments and fellowship."

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

PRC Seminary Convocation will be held this Wednesday evening, September 4, at 7 p.m. at Byron Center PRC (MI). Prof. C. Griess will be speaking on Colossians 2:8-10 under the theme, "The Spoiled Pastor." We encourage you to attend, joining with faculty, students, and the Theological School Committee, to seek the Lord's blessings on the upcoming school year. Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to tune in to the livestream.
The Domestic Mission Committee plans to hire a fulltime website manager for the new PRCA website. The new website is being designed to improve our worldwide evangelism and to improve usability for all PRCA members and churches. Initially the work will be to maintain the current site and assist with the development of the new website. Besides day to day maintenance, the web manager’s future role will be to promote and feature a wide range of PRCA materials. Interested candidates should contact Mike Gritters (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to learn more about this new position.

PRC 100th Anniversary Celebration: All the members of the PRCA, our sister churches, and close contacts are encouraged to come together at Calvin University from June 2-6, 2025 (note the new dates) to participate in this commemorative week. Visit prca100.org for basic event information and to sign up for email updates.

Prof. D. Kuiper leading the first chapel of the new PRC Seminary school year this past Wednesday.

PRC Seminary Notices:

The PR Theological Seminary began its 2024-25 school year this past week. We had a good first week under the Lord's blessing. Remember to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they busy themselves again in the normal semester labors and activities. The first semester's schedule and calendar (2024-25) have been posted on this webpage.
Even though the first week of classes is over, it's not too late to begin auditing a class. The seminary faculty invite interested persons to audit five classes this semester. Prof. Huizinga’s class of Dogmatics – Christology, a study of the person and work of Christ. Prof. Cammenga’s class of NT History – From the intertestamental period through the life of Christ, up to the passion week. Prof. Kuiper’s class of Hermeneutics – a study of the principles and method of biblical interpretation. Prof. Kuiper’s class of Ancient Church History – a study of the church’s history and doctrinal development from AD 100-590. Prof. Griess’s class of Catechetics is open to past and current elders. Please contact the secretary, Bethany Engelsma, at 616-531-1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in attending one of these classes and she can provide you with more information. The class schedule is posted on the PRC Seminary website.
The annual Seminary Convocation will be hosted by Byron Center PRC this Wednesday, September 4, at 7:00 p.m. Professor C. Griess will be speaking on Colossians 2:8-10, "The Spoiled Pastor." We encourage you to attend, joining with faculty, students, and the Theological School Committee, to seek the Lord's blessings on the upcoming school year. Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to tune in to the livestream.
Two students were granted permission by the 2024 PRC Synod to enter the seminary this Fall: Joe Ophoff (Byron Center PRC, previously enrolled in the new Special Student Entrance Program) and Joseph Dick (Sovereign Grace URC), who also took his pre-seminary Greek at PRTS. Continuing students are Aaron van Dyke (senior), Bruce Feenstra (junior), and Isaac Van Baren (sophomore).
Sem. Bruce Feenstra has been licensed to to speak a word of edification in the churches. All scheduling of Mr. Feenstra must be done through the seminary, either by sending a request to the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or the rector, Prof. D. Kuiper (doug.kuiperThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Sem. Aaron Van Dyke is interning this summer and fall in our Wingham, Ontario congregation, under the supervision of Wingham’s Consistory and the mentoring of Rev. Daniel Holstege. The internship runs from July 1 through December 31. Continue to pray for Mr. Van Dyke and his family during his internship. Today he is leading both services while Rev. Holstege is in Michigan yet.
The Spring 2024 issue of the PR Theological Journal is currently available. The digital editions (pdf and epub) are posted on the journal page (visit the link here). This latest issue features three main articles, one dealing with the history of common grace at the 1924 Synod in the Christian Reformed Church (which led to the formation of the Protestant Reformed Churches), one involving another translation of H. Bouwman's work on the Reformed Church Order, and another chapter from Prof. D. Kuiper on the history of Classis West in the PRC. Plus, there is a good number of book reviews again, on a variety of subjects. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Bethany Engelsma, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
100th Anniversary Seminary Conference: Did you know that ministers in our mother 100th Anniversary Seminary Conference: Did you know that ministers in our mother church in 1924 viewed common grace as the middle way between being liberal and fleeing the world? And that our denomination’s fathers rejected common grace as compromising the antithesis? Come to the next seminary conference to hear a fresh perspective on the doctrine that gave rise to our denomination. The theme is “By Grace I Am What I Am”: The PRCA’s Rejection of Common Grace. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 31, through Saturday, November 2, at Grace PRC in Standale, MI. Help us praise God for His grace on the occasion of our centennial!
For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget the blog!

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
- Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. Pastor Tan led both services today while Pastor Wee was in the Philippines: "This week, Pastor Wee will assist with pulpit supply at Provident PRC in the Philippines. Let us keep him in our prayers, along with his wife and family who remain in Singapore. Last week, I had the privilege of helping with pulpit supply in the Philippines. It is always such a joy to visit fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from another land. It helped me keep perspective: our Lord Jesus Christ is not only merciful and gracious to us but also to the saints around the world. He is the universal King of Kings."
- A new issue of Salt Shakers is available - August2024, #73, the third of this year! Once again you will find a variety of articles on timely subjects in this issue! Written especially for young people and young adults, SS is edifying for all adults!

Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
- Rev. A. Stewart continues to bring the Word of truth faithfully in the CPRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland - and beyond!
- The July 2024 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" is the latest available (the August issue has just been published; look for that soon on this website and on hers). Read the articles by Rev. A. Stewart on "Nehemiah's Secret Night Ride" and Rev. R. Hanko's response to a question about "The Civil and Ceremonial Laws" of the Old Testament.
- The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.

PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
- Berean PRC bulletin: Elders Espiritu and Umali led her worship services today. And, "Our pastor and family are scheduled to visit the saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija on Saturday [August 31] and Ptr. Ibe will lead them in their worship service on Sunday at 9 AM and Bible study at 10:45 AM. We pray for God’s continued care and blessings upon them as they hear the Word of God."
- PRCP Classis met this past Monday (August 26, 2024) at Provident PRC church building.. Pastor M. Wee from CERC-Singapore was also able to attend.
- Provident PRC bulletin: "A warm welcome to Rev. Marcus Wee who arrived safely from Singapore yesterday, August 31, 2024. Our congregation praises the LORD and is grateful for having him for the second time in the Philippines and that Rev. Wee responded to our request for pulpit supply from CERC through the contact committee of the PRCA. Pastor Marcus Wee will preach in both of our worship services today, the Lord willing."

REFORMED RESOURCES for EDUCATION, EDIFICATION, and EVANGELISM

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

W Bruinsma RWH

This month - September2024 - the RWH continues broadcasting five gospel messages by Rev. W. Bruinsma on the subject of Christ's return and its signs. Today's message is titled "The Gospel Preached to All Nations" based on Matthew 24:14.
The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Committee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Union Christ 2024 BRF

New from the Covenant PRC Bookstore, the PRC Seminary bookstore, or your local PRC! "Union with our Lord Jesus Christ, the subject of this book, is a profound and beautiful biblical truth that exalts the Triune God and comforts believers. This book consists of the speeches and sermons at the 16th British Reformed Fellowship (BRF) Family Conference held in Castlewellan Castle, County Down, Northern Ireland on “Union With Christ” (9-16 July, 2022). Though all the addresses have been reworked somewhat for publication in written form, one of them has been extensively developed: “Christ Is Made Ours:” Calvin’s Doctrine of Union."

The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) is now operating out of its new store in downtown Hudsonville (3472 Harvey St.). Visit the store and browse the variety of resources for your Reformed-Christian faith and walk, including many children's titles. They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1.

In need of sound biblical and Reformed catechism materials for children and young people? Check out the PRC's full curriculum of materials here. Call the PRC Seminary for help with any of these materials (616-531-1490).
For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

WHO IS JESUS? The Resurrection and the Life

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” John 11: 25,26

"Jesus himself is the power over death. He has conquered and defeated this killing force. Jesus is the power to raise the dead out of the grave, to bring life out of death. Jesus is the power to form new bodies that are adapted for heaven. Jesus gives that life that can never perish. What a power of victory, joy, peace, and comfort. He is the resurrection.

Jesus not merely possesses the power of the resurrection and the power of life. He is the resurrection and the life. He does not merely say that he will be that in the future when he comes again. He is that right now, in himself. “I am…” Jesus is the resurrection because he is the life.

What is the connection between these two titles for Jesus? Jesus has the power to raise folks from the dead because he is the Life. His life is the cause of his being the resurrection. That Jesus is the Life does not merely mean that he has life or possesses life. He is the living One. He is the source of all life. This can only be because he is God! We have in our text another of Jesus’ “I am…” statements. Jesus is the eternal and natural Son of God.

When Jesus says that he is the life, he does not mean merely physical or biological life. It is not mere earthly existence. Jesus is spiritual life. That life is fellowship and friendship with God. Jesus, with this statement also means that he is the life to sinners who are in the grip of death (separation from God). Jesus is the life to dying people. He is the saving life. He is that life because he delivers sinners from the penalty and power of death and gives them life! Jesus is this life to us because he is the Savior. He came into this world of death. He took the penalty of our sins, suffered it, and conquered it. On the cross, he said, “It is finished.” Debts paid in full.

Because Jesus has this life in himself, he is also the resurrection. He has power to bring life out of death. This was true of his own death for us. He died on the cross, and on the third day he arose from the dead. After his resurrection, Jesus was seen in his body by over 500 of his saints. He is now in heaven in that resurrection body.

Jesus is the resurrection to and for his people, those who believe in him. He raises our dead souls to new life. This is called regeneration. Some are given this new spiritual life while yet in their mother’s womb. Others receive this gift of new life later (like the thief on the cross). This is called the new birth, being born again, or, being born from above. From being dead in trespasses and sins, we are made alive.

What Jesus does for our souls, he will also do for our bodies when he comes again. Martha had it right. “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” When you and I stand by the sickbed of a loved one or bury them in the grave, Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life to those who believe in him. The body that is placed in the grave is called a “sleep”, because when Jesus comes again, our loved one will be awakened. As Jesus called, “Lazarus, come forth”, so also Jesus will cause all those who are his to come forth from the grave in a new body fit for heavenly life. We are called to comfort one another with these words (I Thess. 4:18)."

~ Taken from the series "Who Is Jesus?" (based on the "I ams" of Jesus found in the Gospel according to John) by Rev. A. Spriensma

25 Aug

PRC and Sister-Church News Highlights for August 25, 2024

Published in News

Today, August 25, is the thirty-fourth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2024, and another rest stop on our pilgrim journey through this world. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. ~ Psalm 150