Learning from Daniel to Pray the Prayer That God Hears

Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.—Dan. 9:3 (Read Daniel 9:1–13)

It is almost seventy years since Daniel came to Babylon. Now a high official in the government, he is reading Scripture one day and discovers in Jeremiah’s prophecy that the Babylonian exile would last seventy years, after which God’s people would “return to this place—Jerusalem” (25:8–11; 29:10–14). It dawns on him that God’s promises are about to be fulfilled! With evident excitement, he turns to “prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes” (v. 3), and in the process he leaves to us one of the great prayers of recorded history. He prays to claim the promises of God, which can only be claimed in prayer, followed by obedient action. True prayer has five parts to it, two of which we consider today, and the other three tomorrow.

True prayer begins with an apprehending adoration of God (v. 4).  Daniel expresses the privilege and pleasure of a believing relationship with God—who is “the Lord my God.” He apprehends God personally. A. W. Tozer observes that to “most people God is an inference, not a reality. He is a deduction from evidence which they consider adequate; but he remained personally unknown to the individual.” Daniel recognizes three particular facts in his opening address to God:

• Who God is in himself: the “great and awesome God,” i.e., who is sovereign over all things and to be worshiped from the heart.
• Who God is to his people: he who “keeps his covenant and mercy,” i.e., who acts in sovereign grace to those who love him.
• What God requires of us: that we “love Him, and keep his commandments,” knowing that anything less is sheer hypocrisy.

When we pray, we are on holy ground, like Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:5), and, like Moses, we must enter God’s presence reverently.

True prayer continues with confession of sin (vv. 5–13). Daniel emphasizes two essential elements of a sincere and genuine confession:

Daniel confesses sin in specific terms. There is nothing here of the easy, generalized “we all sin in thought, word, and deed” approach so popular today. This confesses nothing and is no better than a means of evading any real facing up to our particular personal sin. Undefined sin is unconfessed sin. And admitting “mistakes” is not repentance, nor is “moving on” reformation. Confession requires self-conviction.

Daniel confesses sin corporately for the whole people of God. This is inevitable when anyone leads a group in prayer, whether in a pulpit at a church meeting or at home in family worship. One person speaks audibly, but all participate: “We have sinned and committed iniquity” (v. 5). Daniel cites three main categories of the church’s sin:

• Disobedience to God’s specific known commands (vv. 5, 7–9).
• Disdain for God’s messengers and their messages (vv. 6, 10–11).
• Denial of God’s warnings and discipline (vv. 12–13).

Daniel is here justifying God’s judgments upon his own people for their turning away from him. In Paul’s words to the Galatians, this says to them and to the world, “God is not mocked” (Gal. 6:7).

This is “the sort of prayer that God hears,” says Stuart Olyott. Daniel teaches us how to pray for ourselves and for our church. He teaches us that no one truly prays until he approaches the Lord in believing, heart-felt reverence. No one will truly confess their sin until they are convicted of it in their heart of hearts. Will you look your sins in the face, like Daniel? Cry to Christ, for he will receive you—it is his promise (see Matt. 11:28ff.). May we all pray with such transparent faith, heartfelt devotion, and godly discipleship!

Taken from Gordon Keddie’s recently published devotional book, The Prayers of the Bible: 366 Devotionals to Encourage Your Prayer Life (Crown and Covenant, 2017). I picked up the Kindle version free a few months ago and have been using it at the end of the day. It has been a wonderful blessing and given me instruction in and inspiration for a better prayer life.

This is the devotional for July 8, which is titled “Prayer That God Hears” (divided into two parts, of which this is the first part).

PRC Seminary Library Acquisitions – 2nd Quarter 2020 (2)

As promised two days ago (see my previous post), here is the second part of the 2020 second quarter list of significant book acquisitions to the PRC Seminary library (April – June). I think you will agree that there are some valuable resources here for our seminary purposes, but also for our members and friends to benefit from. Perhaps a title in the theology section or in the practical theology sections will grab your attention and inspire you to delve into a new subject.

Dogmatics, Biblical Theology, Historical Theology

• Solus Decalogus Est Aeternus: Martin Luther’s Complete Antinomian Theses and Disputations / Martin Luther, 1483-1546; Holger Sonntag. Minneapolis, MN: Lutheran Press, c2008
• Five: The Solas of the Reformation / S. D. Ellison; Michael A. G. Haykin. Lansvale, NSW, Australia: Tulip Publishing, 2020.
• Calvinism and the Making of the European Mind / Gijsbert van den Brink; Harro M. Hopfl, editor. Leiden, Netherlands: Brill, 2014 (Studies In Reformed Theology,) vol. 27
• Propositions and Principles of Divinity: Propounded and Disputed in the University of Geneva, by certain students of Divinity there, under Mr. Theodore Beza and Mr. Anthony Faius, professors of Divinity. …a summary of common places / Theodore de Beza, 1519-1605; Anthony Faius. (1st English, bound photocopy). Edinburgh: Robert Walde-grave, 1592.
• God Has Spoken: A History of Christian Theology / Gerald Lewis. Bray. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014.
• The History and Theology of Calvinism / Curt Daniel; Joel R. Beeke; John MacArthur. Darlington (England): EP BOOKS, 2019.
• The Theology of the Huguenot Refuge: From the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes to the Edict of Versailles / Martin I. Klauber, editor. Grand Rapids, MI : Reformation Heritage Books, 2020 (Reformed Historical-Theological Studies)
• The Works of William Perkins: Volume 9 – A Declaration of the True Manner of Knowing Christ Crucified [Etc.] / William Perkins, 1558-1602; J. Stephen Yuille; Joel R. Beeke, editor; Derek W.H. Thomas. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2020.
• Divine Simplicity: A Dogmatic Account / Steven J. Duby. New York: Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2018, c2016 (T & T Clark Studies In Systematic Theology), vol. 30
• New Studies in Biblical Theology (recently on sale, filled out our holdings in this series), Apollos; InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, IL; Nottingham:
  • Now My Eyes Have Seen You: Images of Creation and Evil in the Book of Job / Robert S. Fyall. ; Donald A. Carson. 2002. (#12)
  • The Cross from a Distance: Atonement in Mark’s Gospel / Peter Bolt, 1958-. ; Donald A. Carson. 2004 (#18)
  • A Mouth Full of Fire: The Word of God in the Words of Jeremiah / Andrew G. Shead; Donald A. Carson. c2012. (#29)
  • The God Who Became Human: A Biblical Theology of Incarnation / Graham A. (Graham Arthur) Cole, 1949-. ; Donald A. Carson. 2013 (#30)
  • The Feasts of Repentance: From Luke-Acts to Systematic and Pastoral Theology / Michael Ovey, 1958-2017; Donald A. Carson. 2019. (#49)
  • Canon, Covenant and Christology: Rethinking Jesus and the Scriptures of Israel / Matthew Barrett, 1982-; Donald A. Carson. 2020 (#51)
• A Theology of James: Wisdom for God’s People / Christopher W. Morgan, 1971-.; Robert A. Peterson. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Pub., c2010 (Explorations In Biblical Theology)
• A Power of God unto Salvation: Or Grace Not an Offer / Herman Hoeksema, 1886-1965. ; Homer C. Hoeksema, 1923-1989, Transl.; Cornelius Hanko, 1907-2005, Transl. — reprint – syllabus. Grandville, MI: Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary, 1996 (Amazingly – and sadly, this English ed. was not in the library!).
• Herman Hoeksema’s Theological Method / David B. McWilliams. Lampeter: University of Wales, 2000.
• Approaching the Atonement: The Reconciling Work of Christ / Oliver. Crisp. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2020.
• Living for God: A Short Introduction to the Christian Faith / Mark Jones, 1980-. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020.
• The Church: Her Nature, Authority, Purpose, and Worship / Jeffrey D. Johnson. New Albany, MS: Media Gratiae, 2020.
• The Covenant of Grace / John Colquhoun, 1748-1827; Sinclair B. Ferguson. Orlando, FL: The Northampton Press, 2020.
• Backdrop for a Glorious Gospel: The Covenant of Works According to William Strong / Thomas Parr. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2020.
• Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage / Gavin Ortlund; Donald A. Carson. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020.
• When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity / Rhyne R. Putman; David S. Dockery. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020.
• Grounded in Heaven: Recentering Christian Hope and Life on God / Michael Allen. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018.
• Biblical Eschatology / Jonathan Menn; Robert W. Yarbrough; Stanley Ntagali. (2nd ed.) Eugene OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2018.
• A Continental View: Johannes Cocceius’s Federal Theology of the Sabbath / Casey B. Carmichael; Herman J. Selderhuis. Gottingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2019 (Reformed Historical Theology) vol. 41
• Eschatology / John C. McDowell; Scott A. Kirkland. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018 (Guides To Theology)

Practical Theology (1) – Christian Living, Ethics, Family, Marriage, Missions, Prayer

• Safe and Sound: Standing Firm in Spiritual Battles / David Powlison, 1949-2019. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, 2019
• Waging War in an Age of Doubt: A Biblical, Theological, Historical, and Practical Approach to Spiritual Warfare for Today / Robert Davis Smart. Grand Rapids, MI : Reformation Heritage Books, 2020.
• Created to Draw Near: Our Life As God’s Royal Priests / Edward T. Welch, 1953-. Wheaton: Crossway, 2020.
• Our Chief of Days: The Principle, Purpose, and Practice of the Lord’s Day / Jeremy R. Walker. Darlington, Co. Durham, England: Evangelical Press, 2019.
• Between Life and Death: A Gospel-Centered Guide to End-of-Life Medical Care / Kathryn Butler, 1980-. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger Through Life’s Defining Moments / David T. (David Thomas) Harvey, 1960-. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2020.
• Marriage and Sexuality in Early Christianity / David G. Hunter, editor. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2018 (Ad Fontes: Early Christian Sources)
• A Covenantal Vision for Global Mission / Paul Ronald Wells, editor; Peter A. Lillback, editor; Henk Stoker, editor. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2020. (*Watch for Rev. D. Holstege’s next missions article in the Standard Bearer, as he interacts with an essay in this book that references H. Hoeksema’s doctrine of the covenant.)
• Recovering from Biblical Manhood & Womanhood: How the Church Needs to Rediscover Her Purpose / Aimee. Byrd. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Reflective, 2020.
• “The Sum and Substance of the Gospel”: The Christ-Centered Piety of Charles Haddon Spurgeon / C. H. (Charles Haddon) Spurgeon, 1834-1892; Nathan A. Finn, editor; Aaron Lumpkin, editor; Joel R. and Michael A.G. Haykin (series eds.). Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2020 (Profiles in Reformed Spirituality)

Practical Theology (2) – Church Government/Leadership, Counseling, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Sermons, Worship

• Ancient Roots for Reformed Polity: De Synagoga Vetere and the Ecclesiology of the Early Church – An Annotated Compendium / Campegius (1659-1722) Vitringa; Joshua L. Bernard, Transl.; H. David Schuringa. (1st English ed.) North Star Ministry Press, 2020.
• Presbyterianism: Its History, Doctrine, Government, and Worship / Samuel Miller, 1769-1850; Allen. Stanton; Harrison. Perkins. (reprint) Madison, MS: Log College Press, 2020.
• Crucified and Risen: Sermons on the Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ [Matthew 26-28] / John Calvin, 1509-1564. ; Robert White, Transl. Edinburgh; Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 2020.
• Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers / Dane C. Ortlund. Wheaton: Crossway, 2020.
• Does God Care How We Worship? / J. Ligon Duncan; Mark Dever. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2020.
• Aiming to Please: A Guide to Reformed Worship / Wes Bredenhof. Fergus, ON: The Study, 2020.

Misc. (Apologetics, Culture, Dutch History, Education, Music, Politics, Science, Work, World Religions, etc.)

• Origins of Teacher Education at Calvin College, 1900-1930: And Gladly Teach / Peter P. DeBoer. Lewiston: E. Mellen Press, c1991 (Mellen Studies in Education) vol. 18
• “That Old Dutch Disease”: The Roots of Dutch Calvinist Education in Alberta / Peter C. Prinsen. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta, 2000.
• Models for Christian Higher Education: Strategies for Survival and Success in the Twenty-First Century / Richard T. Hughes, (Richard Thomas); William B. Adrian. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., c1997.
• With Wings as Eagles: A History of the First One Hundred Years of God’s Blessings to Plymouth Christian Schools, 1908-2008 / 100th Anniversary Committee; Kevin. Ash; Ben Engelsma. Grand Rapids, MI: Plymouth Christian Schools, 2008.
• Dutch Households in U.S. Population Censuses, 1850, 1860, 1870: An Alphabetical Listing by Family Heads – Volume One: Aamink to Hoogesteeger; Volume Two: Hoogesteeger to Slaan; Volume Three: Slabbekoorn to Zymen and Addendum / Robert P. Swierenga. Wilmington, DE: Scholarly Resources, 1987.
• The Reformed Christian Day School Movement in North America / Arthur H. DeKruyter. Princeton, NJ: Princeton Theological Seminary, 1952.
• Faith and Culture in the Governance of Calvinistic/Reformed Christian Schools / Leroy A. Hollaar. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta, 1989 (2 vols.)
• The Spirit of Calvinist Christian Schools from the Netherlands to North America / William. Lodewyk. Chicago: Loyola University Chicago, 2004 (2 vols.)

I wish to thank Gary Vander Schaaf (Credo Books) for all the great Christian school resources, as well as the academic theses and other great books he brings by the seminary for my preview and purchase (and many that he donates). Through his knowledge and expertise we continue to add many valuable resources to the library. Never tire of seeing Gary’s van pull up in the parking lot! 🙂

August 2020 Tabletalk – “Christian Discourse”

We are already over halfway through the month of August and that makes it overdue to introduce the August issue of Tabletalk, Ligonier Ministries monthly devotional magazine.

The theme for this month is “Christian Discourse,” that is, how we as Christians must converse (carry on discourse) with others – with our fellow believers, including those of our own household, and with our unbelieving neighbors.

Burk Parsons gives his usual pithy summary of the subject (“Gentle Christian Discourse”), pointing out that

Elders, deacons, teachers, and all Christians are called to communicate with others in a charitable, gentle, and loving way. At the same time, we are called to speak the truth and to tell people hard things that they sometimes don’t want to hear. We are called to admonish, and we are commanded to go to our brother when he has sinned against us that he might have the opportunity to repent. Parents are called to train up their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Pastors are called to reprove, rebuke, and exhort. We are all called to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. Nevertheless, we must never forget that we are also called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, speak the truth in love, and rebuke with patience. As Christians, we engage with other Christians in all of life, and as we do, we must strive to be humble, gentle, honest, and gracious. When we fail, we must be quick to repent, and we must all be quick to forgive and restore as we live in light of the gracious truth of the gospel coram Deo, before the face of God.

After that one paragraph, we already feel convinced of how relevant this matter is – and convicted of how miserable we fail to carry out truly Christian discourse.  But, there is a way forward, by the grace of God in Christ our Savior and by the power of the Holy Spirit He has given us. And with the Bible as our guide and goad, and the multitude of counselors with articles in this issue as our teachers, we can learn anew the way to speak to one another – from wife to co-worker.

One of the articles I read this past Sunday before service was especially helpful: “Truly Loving Discourse” by Dr. Jason K. Allen. Here is a section of it that strikes at the heart of what it means to practice biblical conversation with others:

One of Scripture’s most salient passages on the believer’s discourse is Proverbs 27:5–6, which states: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” In short, verse 5 instructs us to speak words of biblical rebuke, whereas verse 6 encourages us to receive them. These two instructions are pointed, perhaps challenging your sensibilities or forcing you outside of your comfort zone.

Yet, for you to live a healthy Christian life and to enjoy healthy Christian community, you must practice both. To this end, consider four words of reflection from these verses to foster truly loving discourse.

First, speak the truth in love. The Apostle Paul issued these words of instruction to the church at Ephesus (Eph. 4:15). Yet, they are essential for us in modeling truly loving discourse. Note that there is peril in undercommunicating either truth or love. Truth without love may be harsh and will likely win no one. Love without truth is mush and will win them to nothing helpful. The goal of confrontation is restoration, not alienation. Truly loving discourse works toward that end. Moreover, you should ask yourself if you’re equipped to receive such counsel. Do your spouse, friends, minister, or colleagues sense such an openness from you? Cultivate it in yourself just as you desire it in others.

Second, root out passive-aggressive behavior. Passive aggressiveness imperils Christian communities. Families, churches, and Christian institutions collapse under its weight. Accumulated grievances and festering conflicts bring about a relational frigidness that will persist until an eruption occurs. Truly loving discourse actually engages in discourse, not insinuation or subtlety.

Third, be willing to confront sin. Proverbs 27:5–6 speaks precisely to this point, both in confronting and receiving confrontation. It is always right to warn the sinner of his ways—doubly so if he is a loved one. This is why Jesus instituted church discipline in Matthew 18. James 5:20 reminds us, “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Fourth, learn to pronounce the word “no.” For many Christians, pronouncing the word no doesn’t come naturally. Whether out of fear of disappointing others or a reluctance to be perceived in a negative light, many Christians simply can’t utter this word. However, a sign of Christian maturity is developing this ability. Invariably, loved ones will embark on a hazardous path or contemplate a dangerous decision. Your ability to lovingly pronounce the word no might be their salvation.

Last, remember, as Jesus said, the tongue speaks from the overflow of the heart (Luke 6:45). These verses remind us that our discourse—even our willingness to lovingly confront—indicates deeper spiritual realities within us. Thus, to practice truly loving discourse, you don’t need a more polished or polite tongue; you need a redeemed one.

Appropriating the Means of Grace | June 2020 Tabletalk

Now that it is the end of June I remember that I never did a post on this month’s issue of Tabletalk, Ligonier Ministries’ monthly devotional magazine. “The Ordinary Means of Grace” is the theme this month, and once again the issue is filled with edifying articles centered on that subject.

Burk Parsons says this in part in his introduction to the issue:

When it comes to our worship of God, too many Christians think that it doesn’t really matter what we do or how we do it because our sovereign God can use any means to accomplish His ultimate purposes. That, however, does not justify our using means that God has not given us. Nevertheless, many Christians and many churches believe that we may use whatever cleverly devised means we invent to bring about our desired ends.

If we actually believe God is sovereign, we must trust His sovereignly appointed means to bring about His desired ends. The means that God has appointed for our spiritual nourishment and growth in grace are what we call the ordinary means of grace—namely, the Word, prayer, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and, necessarily joined to these, the church’s discipline and care of souls. These means are appointed by God, are empowered by the Holy Spirit, and point us to Christ, and they sustain us and nourish us in our union with Christ as we rest in the sovereign ends of our triune God.

One of the featured articles is by Dr. Ryan McGraw, professor of systematic theology at Greenville Seminary. In “Appropriating the Means of Grace” he treats the necessity of our using God’s appointed means for our preservation in faith and growth in grace. At the outset he ties this use of God’s means to the church:

The means of grace highlight the necessity of the church in the Christian life. The Lord has not designed us to live the Christian life alone. It has been remarked that believers are like hot coals. Alone they go out, but together they fan into a flame. Public worship is the place where we enter into the special presence of the omnipresent God (Pss. 113:4; 139:7). When the Father gathers His family together, Christ speaks to them through the preaching of the Word (Rom. 10:11–17; Eph. 2:17) as we offer our prayers by the Spirit and enjoy God’s presence in the sacraments. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves (Heb. 10:25) means more than simply being with other Christians. The public assemblies of the church under its officers are where we receive means to sustain us in salvation. We must appropriate and use the means of grace by faith, preparing ourselves to receive them and studying their nature and use from Scripture.

And at the end of the article he shows what great things God accomplishes in our lives when we regularly use His appointed means:

…Just as we perish without food and water, we perish without receiving Christ as our spiritual food and drink (John 6:53). Though the means of grace are simple and at times seemingly unremarkable, God does great things through them. In our sanctification, we should expect slow and steady progress (most of the time). There are rarely quick fixes for sin, and giant leaps in sanctification are unusual. God delivers some people instantly from sins that are deeply set in their lives, but most of the time we need to fight to put to death the deeds of the flesh by the Spirit (Rom. 8:13). The triune God uses the means of grace to kill sin in us and to lead us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Ps. 23:3). Skipping church is like skipping meals. Each meal may not be spectacular, but all of them together keep us alive. We often do not learn how much we grow by the means of grace until we neglect or lose them.

The Lord uses the means of grace to nourish spiritual life in Christ. We should expect the Spirit to bless the Father’s chosen means by faith. We should prepare to receive the means of grace by study and meditation. We should trust in God to use means to bring us to the Savior rather than trusting in the means instead of the Savior. Let us look for the Lord in the means of grace to foster the work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope (1 Thess. 1:3) as we confidently endure to the end of our race (Heb. 12:1). Jesus is the pioneer and end of our faith, and He will place our feet in wide places (Ps. 31:8) as we use the means that He has appointed to walk with Him.

Good thoughts for us as we ponder our way in these spiritually dangerous times. Now as never before we need to be diligent in using God’s means of grace. For only by grace will we stand and persevere and thus enter our everlasting reward.

Source: Appropriating the Means of Grace | Tabletalk

Being Protestant, Protesting Injustice, and Learning from John Bunyan

Teacher and author Douglas Bond had a significant post this week, pulling together thoughts about the ongoing protests against injustices in America, being a committed Protestant Christian, and his latest book project on John Bunyan. He has some powerful thoughts that help us evaluate the present crisis and keep proper perspective as believers.

Here are his opening paragraphs before he goes into some detail about his book on Bunyan. To finish reading his thoughts, visit the link at the end.

We’ve seen sustained protests in the streets of cities all across American, protests that have erupted into mayhem and violence, more evil, more injustice, and more death, including the death of a Black retired police officer, and a Black female on-duty police officer, both shot and killed by participants in the protests, ironically, protesting police violence against Black people.

I am unapologetically a Protestant Christian, finding my spiritual and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation. Did you notice the word protest in the word Protestant? In a fallen world filled with sin, falsehood, and injustice, there will be times when we must stand and protest. But when and how do Christians go about taking their stand, protesting against falsehood, injustice, and evil? I’ve been thinking a great deal about this in the last two months as I have been writing about the life of John Bunyan, a man who protested, took his stand against unjust laws and corrupt magistrates. What did he get for his protest? Threatened with deportation to the colonies or being stretched by the neck until dead. Determined to stop his unlicensed gospel preaching, his enemies unjustly threw him in jail for twelve long years.

Immersed in Bunyan’s history and life, as a writer the last seven weeks have been an absolute delight. I thought I loved John Bunyan before writing The Hobgoblins of John Bunyan, but now I love him to an incalculable degree. His entire life is an enactment of God’s way in the gospel: God chooses the foolish to confound the wise (I Cor 1), the younger brother over the elder, the things that are of no account and are mocked and scorned by the world–these are precious in the sight of our God and Savior.

That was Bunyan, a poor, peasant tinker, with little formal education, surrounded by the Puritan age, an age of great piety, of great learning and erudition, and of great literary accomplishment. And along comes humble Bunyan, his life transformed by the power of the gospel, and, undaunted, he preaches, and suffers, and writes, including penning the best-selling book of all time (next to the English Bible), never out of print since 1678 (ignore JK Rowling’s claim to have exceeded Bunyan; it took her seven books to his one; that’s not how it works).

Source: Being Protestant and Protesting Injustice

A Christian Reading Manifesto (Worth Your Time!)

This was a mention in one of Tim Challies’ a la carte last week, and it is powerful piece on the need for a new generation to take up the deliberate and diligent labor of reading. Yes, the author writes especially with young adults and young people in mind, and I would echo that urgent plea.

The author, Dr. David Steele, begins by laying out his concern as we face our technologically rich “information age”:

Despite the benefits of recent technological tools, we are also experiencing a phenomenon that should be of grave concern to pastors and Christian leaders. Many people, especially millennials (people born between 1981 and 1995) are eager to learn but appear resistant to reading. They are “on the verge,” in the prophetic words of Neil Postman, “of amusing themselves to death.”² They may eagerly listen to a podcast or watch a YouTube video, but a growing number of people pass when it comes to the written page. They are quick to listen but slow to read. Thus, we stand at the crossroads. We have a wealth of information at our fingertips but many resist the challenge to read books. Pastors should be especially concerned as they seek to train and equip the next generation of Christian leaders, who are in many cases, reluctant to read.

But then he lays the groundwork for his “reading manifesto”:

Mark Noll laments, “The scandal of the evangelical mind is that there is not much of an evangelical mind.”³ Thirty years earlier, Harry Blamires offered an even grimmer assessment: “There is no longer a Christian mind; there is no shared field of discourse in which we can move at ease as thinking Christians by trodden ways and past established landmarks.”⁴ These allegations should serve as a warning and alert Christians, thus refueling their resolve for learning and spiritual growth. My own view is one of cautious optimism. That is, I maintain (despite the evidence) there is still hope for the evangelical mind. But a new awakening will require a commitment to, you guessed it … reading.

I offer this Christian Reading Manifesto as a brief rationale and apologetic for evangelicals, especially young people. My hope is that many will respond to the challenge and enter a new era of learning which will accelerate their Christian growth and sanctification. Lord willing, this new resurgence of learning will impact countless lives in the coming days and help spark a new Reformation.

What follows are his seven (7) points about reading, each of which is essential. I encourage all our readers – and especially our young people! – to take note of these points. Print this article off and reference repeatedly this summer. And then dive into a classic of the Christian faith. Steele offers some good suggestions, but there are plenty of others. I think of J.I. Packer’s Knowing God or A.W. Pink’s Sovereignty of God. If you need help finding a book, I’d be happy to assist you. I’m confident we could find one that matches your interests and that would challenge you at the same time.

Source: A Christian Reading Manifesto – Veritas et Lux

PRC Seminary Spring Journal Now Available!

The Spring 2020 issue of the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal is now available in digital forms (pdf and epub), with the print version soon to follow (our publisher says a few weeks yet).

This new issue is filled with thought-provoking articles and stimulating book reviews, of interest to and beneficial for pastors and officebearers as well as church members. The editor, Prof. R. Cammenga, provides a summary of this issue in his “notes” at the beginning, from which we quote in this post.

To download and read this new issue, visit the Journal page. And while there, perhaps the past issues will also be of interest to you (all 53 volumes!).

To be added to our mailing list for the print version, or the digital editions (pdf and ePub), send us a note at seminarysecretary@prca.org.

And now, Prof. Cammenga’s “editor’s notes”:

You hold in your hands the April 2020 issue of the Protestant Reformed Theological Journal. This issue completes the fifty-third year of uninterrupted publication of the Journal of the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary. We thank the Lord for His abundant grace and our readers for their support.

You will find in this issue an article by Dr. C. N. “Nick” Willborn entitled “Nineteenth-Century Southern Presbyterians and Their Theological Contributions.” Dr. Willborn is the senior pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and adjunct professor of historical theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. (Can anyone recall the important role that Oak Ridge had in bringing WWII to an end?) This is the first of two articles that began as presentations that Dr. Willborn gave at the seminary last fall on the theology of the Southern Presbyterians. His lectures focused on the stalwarts of Southern Presbyterianism: Thornwell, Girardeau, Dabney, Palmer, Peck, and others. The lectures were well received by our students and faculty. And we thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of Dr. Willborn and his wife, Carol. We are grateful for his willingness to have his lectures published in our Journal.

The most recent addition to the faculty of PRTS is Prof. Brian Huizinga. This is his first contribution since accepting the appointment and being installed as Professor of Reformed Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies. Prof. Huizinga is presently working on his advanced degree. All will profit from his article entitled “John Calvin and the Reward of Grace.”

The undersigned contributes “A Plea on Behalf of the Biblical Languages.” The article addresses the trend that diminishes the importance of learning and retaining the biblical languages for the work of the ministry. It intends to underscore the importance that Reformed churches have placed on the biblical languages since their recovery at the time of the Reformation. And it makes a plea that mastery of Hebrew and Greek continue to be required of seminary students preparing for the ministry of the gospel. This issue includes two review articles. Review articles are extended critical book reviews. The first is Prof. Douglas J. Kuiper’s review article of A Christian and a Democrat: A Religious Biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt. All will profit from this careful analysis of one of the greatest presidents in the history of the United States of America, known especially for leading the nation through most of WWII.

The second review article is by the Rev. Martyn McGeown, who for several years has labored in Ireland and who recently accepted the call from Providence Protestant Reformed Church in Hudsonville, MI. Pastor McGeown favors us with an insightful review of The Crux of the Free Offer: A Biblical, Confessional, and Theological Explanation and Defense of the Well-Meant Offer of the Gospel, by Sam Waldron.

The review first appeared recently in the British Reformed Journal, of which the Rev. McGeown is editor. Seldom do we print two reviews of the same book. The last issue of PRTJ included a review article of this same book by Prof. David Engelsma. But considering the importance of the book and the interaction of its author with the position of the Protestant Reformed Churches on the well-meant offer of the gospel, it was thought worthwhile to print a second review of the book. Our readers will profit from this second review article.

New Additions to the PRC Seminary Library – 1st Quarter 2020

At the end of March, I completed the first quarter list of significant book acquisitions to the PRC Seminary library for this year. I make it a habit to share this list with the TSC (Theological School Committee) as well as with the faculty and students so that they can keep abreast of new titles in the library.

But, to my mind, the list is of value to you too. As noted before, part of my reason for posting this list here is not only to show you the kinds of books the seminary adds to its library, but also to stimulate you to find something to read. Yes, there are books here for the layman and laywoman, for the young adults and for teenagers – even children (at times we purchase Bible story books that assist pastors, teachers, and parents). Browse this list and perhaps you will find something of interest to you.

This time we will give you the entire list in one post. Keep in mind these are not all the titles purchased, just the more significant ones.

Happy browsing! Be on the alert for that book (or those books) that you may wish to read yourself! But you don’t have to worry about the Dutch ones. 🙂

Biblical studies/ Commentaries/ Biblical Theology
Series:

• Dordtrecht Bible Commentary (6 volumes, OT & NT): Dordrecht Bible Commentary, The – Ordered by the Synod of Dort, 1618-1619 According to the Th. Haak Translation 1657, Commissioned by the Westminster Assembly / Theodore Haak, 1605-1690, Transl.; Henry D. Schuringa. (new reprint pb) Allegan, MI: North Star Ministry Press, 2019
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Wm. B. Eerdmans): The Letter to the Romans / Douglas J. Moo; Joel B. Green. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2018.
• Pillar NT Commentary (Eerdmans): The Gospel According to Luke / James R. Edwards; Donald A. Carson, 2015.

Other Commentaries (Individual)

• Job and Ecclesiastes Expounded by Theodore Beza: Partly in manner of a commentary, partly in manner of a paraphrase, faithfully translated out of Latin into English / Theodore de Beza, 1519-1605. London: John Legatt, 1589.
• The Song of Songs / G. I. (Gerald Irvin) Williamson (reprint) Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 2020.
• Be Resolute: An Old Testament Study – Daniel / Warren W. Wiersbe. Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, c2000.
• The Whole Armor of God: How Christ’s Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare [Eph.6:10-20], Iain M. Duguid. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.
• Early Latin Commentaries on the Apocalypse / Francis X. Gumerlock, editor. Kalamazoo: Western Michigan University, 2016.

Individual Biblical Studies Titles

• God’s Relational Presence: The Cohesive Center of Biblical Theology / J. Scott. Duvall; J. Daniel Hays. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2019.
• Last Things First: Unlocking Genesis 1-3 with the Christ of Eschatology / J. V. Fesko. Fearn, Ross-shire, Great Britain: Mentor, c2007.
• Sermon on the Mount: Restoring Christ’s Message to the Modern Church / Charles L. Quarles. ; E. Ray Clendenen. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic, c2011. (NAC Studies In Bible & Theology) vol. 11
• Scriptural Authority and Biblical Criticism in the Dutch Golden Age: God’s Word Questioned / Dirk van Miert, editor; Henk J. M. Nellen, editor. ; Piet Steenbakkers, editor. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2017.
• Word of Life: Introducing Lutheran Hermeneutics / Timothy J. Wengert. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2019.
• Matthew, Disciple and Scribe: The First Gospel and Its Portrait of Jesus / Patrick. Schreiner. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2019.
• The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament / G. K. (Gregory K.) Beale; Benjamin L. Gladd. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2020.

Language Tools

• The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament / Ludwig Kohler, 1880-1956. ; Walter Baumgartner, 1887-1970. ; M. E. J. Richardson. Study ed. Leiden ; Boston: Brill, 2001. (2 vols.)

Church History, General and Biography

• The Rise of Western Christendom: Triumph and Diversity, A.D. 200-1000 / Peter Brown; Jacques Le Goff (10th anniv. rev. ed.). Chichester, West Sussex; Malden, MA: WileyBlackwell, 2013.
• De Afscheiding van 1834 in Friesland: Deel I: De Classis Wanswerd (Dokkum) van de Afgescheiden Kerken / J. Wesseling. Groningen: De Vuurbaak, 1980 (3 vols.)
• De Afscheiding van 1834 in Overijssel, 1834-’69, Deel I: De Classis Zwolle / J. Wesseling. Groningen: De Vuurbaak, 1984 (2 vols.).
• Dr. A. Kuyper, 1837-1937: Gedenkboek uitgegeven bij gelegenheid van de herdenking op 29 October 1937 van het feit, dat Dr A. Kuyper honderd jaar geleden te maassluis geboren werd / L.W.G. Scholten. ; C. Smeenk. ; J. Waterink. Kampen: J. H. Kok, 1937.

Creeds, Confessions, History of

• Catechizing upon the Heidelberg Catechism of the Reformed Christian Religion: Published after Precedent Inspection and Approbation of the Rev. Classis of Hoors …, and Now after the Sixtienth Impression translated for the English Reformed Congregation in Amsterdam / Petrus De Witte, 1622-1669. Amsterdam: Gillis Joostens Saeghman, 1664 (retypeset copy, 2 parts)
• An Exposition or Commentary upon the Catechism of Christian Religion: which is taught in the schools and churches both of the Low Countries and of the …Palatinate / Jeremias Bastingius, 1551-1595. London: John Legatt, 1614.
• To the Praise of His Glory: Outlines on the Canons of Dort / J. Faber; H. J. Meijerink; C. Trimp. Launceston, Tasmania: Publication Organisation of the Free Reformed Churches of Australia, 1971.

Dogmatics, Biblical Theology, Historical Theology

• The Thiselton Companion to Christian Theology / Anthony C. Thiselton. Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans, 2015.
• The Culture of Theology / John Webster, 1955-2016; Ivor J. Davidson, editor; Alden C. McCray, editor. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2019.
• Faithful Theology: An Introduction / Graham A. Cole, 1949-. ; Graham A. Cole and Oren R. Martin (series). Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2020 (Short Studies in Systematic Theology).
• Common Places of Christian Religion: Gathered by Wolfgangus Musculus, For the Use of Such As Desire the Knowledge of Godly Truth. Wolfgang Musculus, 1497-1563; John Man, 1512-1569 (1st English ed.) London, 1563.
• A Brief Declaration of the Table of Predestination / Theodore de Beza, 1519-1605. ; William Whittingham, Transl. London: Tho: Man, 1613. [retypeset ed.]
• The Abridgment of Christian Divinity: So exactly and methodically compiled… / Johannes Wollebius, 1586-1629; Alexander Ross. London: T. Mabb, 1660.
• The Works of William Perkins: Volume 8 – Discourse on Conscience [Etc.] / William Perkins, 1558-1602. ; J. Stephen Yuille; Joel R. Beeke, editor; Joel R. Beeke and Derek W.H. Thomas. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2019.
• 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding and Teaching Theology / Gregg R. Allison. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2018.
• James Ussher and a Reformed Episcopal Church: Sermons and Treatises on Ecclesiology / James Ussher, 1581-1656. ; Richard. Snoddy. Moscow ID: Davenant Institute, 2018.
• Enjoying God: Finding Hope in the Attributes of God / R. C. (Robert Charles) Sproul, 1939-2017 (repackaged ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2017.
• The Forgotten Trinity: Recovering the Heart of Christian Belief / James R. (James Robert) White (revised, updated) Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2019.
• Divine Action and Providence / Oliver Crisp, editor; Fred Sanders, editor; William J. Abraham. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018 (Explorations In Constructive Dogmatics)
• The Christian Doctrine of Humanity / Oliver Crisp, editor; Fred Sanders, editor; Marc Cortez. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2018 (Explorations In Constructive Dogmatics)
• Against God and Nature: The Doctrine of Sin / Thomas H. McCall; John S. Feinberg. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019 (Foundations of Evangelical Theology Series)
• David’s Son and David’s Lord: Christology for Christ’s People / Ian Hamilton. ; Joel R. Beeke. ; Gregory K. Beale; Ryan M. and L. Michael Morales McGraw. Darlington, UK: EP BOOKS, 2019.
• Engaging the World with Abraham Kuyper / Michael R. Wagenman. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.

Philosophy, Logic, Ethics

• Christian Philosophy: A Systematic and Narrative Introduction / Craig G. Bartholomew; Michael W. Goheen. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013.

Practical Theology (1) – Christian Living, Ethics, Family, Marriage, Missions, Prayer

• Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans / Robert Elmer, editor. Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2019.

Practical Theology (2) – Church Government/Leadership, Counseling, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Sermons, Worship

• The Form of Prayers and Ministration of the Sacraments used in the English Congregation at Geneva, and approved by that famous and godly learned man, John Calvin — photocopy pd. — Geneva: John Crespin, 1556.
• “Can We Close the Back Door?”: A Project to Facilitate the Assimilation of New (Non-Dutch) Members into a Traditional, Middle Class Large to Medium Size Christian Reformed Congregation / Arthur J. Schoonveld. Deerfield, IL: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1990.
• The Challenge of Church Union: Speeches and Discussions on Reformed Identity and Ecumenicity / Cornelis Van Dam; J. De Jong; Cornelis Pronk; Cornelis Van Dam. Winnipeg: Premier Pub., 1993 (Publication of the Burlington Reformed Study Centre) vol. 1
• Biblical Pastoral Oversight / James A. Hufstetler. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformed Baptist Church, 1989.
• Pastor Paul: Nurturing a Culture of Christoformity in the Church / Scot McKnight; Andy Johnson. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2019.
• Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability / Stephanie O. Hubach; Joni Eareckson. Tada. (revised, expanded ed.) Phillipsburg, N.J. : P&R Pub., 2020.

Misc. (Apologetics, Culture, Dutch History, Education, Music, Politics, Science, Work, World Religions, etc.)

• Down an Indian Trail in 1849: The Story of Roseland / Marie K. Rowlands. Palos Heights, IL: Dutch Heritage Center, Trinity Christian College, c1949, 1987.
• Calvin and the Foundations of Modern Politics / Ralph C. Hancock. Ithaca, N.Y. : Cornell University Press, 1989.
• The Adam Quest: Eleven Scientists Who Held on to a Strong Faith While Wrestling with the Mystery of Human Origins / Tim Stafford. Nashville : Nelson Books, 2013.

Periodicals (Old & New)

• The Southern Reformed Theological Journal (Southern Reformed Theological Seminary, Houston, TX), 2017-2020

May 1, 2020 Standard Bearer – Special Issue: “Since by Man Came Death…”

The latest issue of the Standard Bearer has been released digitally (printed copies are not allowed at present due to the COVID-19 pandemic), and you are encouraged to download and read this timely issue. The May 1, 2020 issue is the second special issue in this volume year (96) and carries the theme “Since by Man Came Death….”

At the time the editors planned this issue (in January/February of this year), we had no idea how timely and relevant it would be in the face of the worldwide coronavirus situation. But now this crisis has put death and dying before all of us, and, while unbelieving fears are being exposed, true faith is also being tested. How can we face the awful reality of an unknown disease with its prospect of severe illness and perhaps death? What hope do we have in such times – for this life and for the hereafter?

The articles in this special issue address these questions and more – openly and realistically – yet also with sure faith and hope, because the answers come from God’s Word and from the biblical and Reformed confessions of Christ’s church based on that Word (penned in times of crisis like our own). If you are living with real fear right now, and are without hope, then this issue is must reading. But even if you are an established believer, and your faith is being tried deeply in these days, then these articles will speak peace to your heart and give you sure hope in Jesus Christ.

The editorial, “Confronted by Our Mortality and Our Last Enemy – Death,” was written by Rev. Ken Koole. We post an excerpt here today, urging you to read all of it – and the rest of the issue in the next few weeks. It will enrich your faith, strengthen your hope, and increase your love for the Lord God, in whom alone we have the victory over this mighty foe. By all means “take up and read.”

 But… but… is hope and gladness clean gone forever? Has God forgotten to be kind, that God whom we and our first parents have so highly offended? After all, death is His sentence and His “creature” set loose upon the human race and on creation itself. Is there no remedy? Just the sadness of farewell and the terror of what follows hereafter?

What can be said to the dying or to those struggling to cope with that empty spot due to a beloved family member taken and gone? What indeed.

Not this: this is evil. It is not God’s will or doing. It is just the Devil’s mischief. God is too loving and kind to have willed this to happen.

Not so. For, if the calamity was not what God willed, He was, evidently, powerless to prevent it. And then, to what purpose is this death? Really, to no good purpose at all, except to magnify Satan’s power prevailing against God’s will. All comfort is gone. We cannot put our trust in or turn to God as the Almighty after all. Who can be sure whether death will not have the last word and mocking laughter after all!

Powerless to prevent it, powerless to overcome it.

Away with such nonsense!

To be sure, death is an awful power, and as far as we mortal men are concerned, invincible. But there is one mightier than death, and that is the Almighty One, who is Jehovah God.

And God be thanked, to those living in the midst of death in a creation under the sentence of death, this Lord God has given a Word, a Word that gives us mortal men words to withstand the horror of death. Words that give hope so real that the believer can stand at the lip of the grave and say “Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?” Words of defiance when nothing but a corpse remains and the grave is about to swallow our loved one.

How can this be?

It can only be because of who Jehovah God is. The almighty Creator God to be sure, but also God triune, who as such is a covenant-making and keeping God. And not only within Himself, but also regarding a people, a remnant of the human race He would call His own.

How God’s people dealing with the awful power of death need to hear this!

How pastors and preachers need to remember this!

A Heavenly Vision – Our Hope of Seeing the Face of God

The April 2020 issue of Tabletalk carries the theme of “Misunderstood Doctrines,” and considers such truths as Sola Scriptura, Limited Atonement, Predestination and Human Actions, and Paedobaptism (infant), among others.

Burk Parsons, the editor, includes these comments in introducing the issue:

The proper study of doctrine is not easy. It takes time, a lot of hard work, and much prayer. For those reasons, many people don’t study doctrine. Others don’t study doctrine because they think it is just for professionals, and even some pastors don’t study doctrine because they think it is just for scholars. Still, there are others who don’t study doctrine because they are indifferent to it. They are content with being fed milk and knowing only the basics of the faith, but they are largely apathetic to pursuing the doctrinal meat of the faith.

I find it hard to tolerate this kind of indifference in myself and in other Christians. Indifference when it comes to what we believe is deplorable, for how can we be indifferent to those vital truths that can save or damn our souls? As one Puritan pastor said, “Indifference is the mother of heresy.” If we become indifferent about doctrine, we will soon become indifferent about Scripture and eventually indifferent about God. [“Indifference to Doctrine”]

The featured articles are worth reading (I found the one on Limited Atonement by Jonathan Gibson to be excellent!), but the one I wish to highlight this Saturday evening is one that appears in the back of the issue. It is written by Stafford Carson for the rubric “Heart Aflame” and is titled “A Heavenly Vision.” It seems especially relevant for these times. And as we anticipate the Lord’s Day tomorrow, we have a foretaste of what he describes and calls us to hope for.

I give here an extended quotation, but find the rest at the link provided here.

There is only One who shows us the Father, and in Him we see His glory, “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14; see also 6:46). The glory of the gospel is that the invisible God makes Himself visible to us in Jesus Christ. Having tasted His grace and truth, we desire to view that face in all its majestic glory and attractive radiance.

Recent theological reflection on eschatology has not given prominence to this hope of seeing the face of God. The emphasis has been on the renewal of creation rather than on understanding Christian hope as “going to heaven when we die.” For many people, the climax of redemptive history consists merely in our resurrected bodies and the renewal of the earth. Little is made of our hope of standing in the presence of God and beholding the face of God first in heaven and then in the new creation.

Without denying that more earthly understanding of the glory to come, rightly maintaining a heavenly perspective is crucial to our Christian devotion and discipleship now. The psalmist prays,

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. (Ps. 27:4)

Of all the matters for which David sought the Lord, here is his first priority, his “one thing”: to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.

The priorities of our lives are transformed by this desire to see the face of God. As a result of our fallen nature, we once lived “in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind” (Eph. 2:3). But now we are called to consider our “spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (1:3), to be filled with “all the fullness of God” (3:19), with “the fullness of him who fills all in all” (1:23). Maintaining that eternal focus means that our loves and desires here and now have been recalibrated (4:1–3). Consider John Owen’s words:

The constant contemplation of the glory of Christ will give rest, satisfaction, and complacency unto the souls of them who are exercised therein. Our minds are apt to be filled with a multitude of perplexed thoughts;—fears, cares, dangers, distresses, passions, and lusts, do make various impressions on the minds of men, filling them with disorder, darkness, and confusion. But where the soul is fixed in its thoughts and contemplations on this glorious object, it will be brought into and kept in a holy, serene, spiritual frame. For “to be spiritually-minded is life and peace.” A defect herein makes many of us strangers unto a heavenly life, and to live beneath the spiritual refreshments and satisfactions that the gospel does tender unto us.

The psalmist realizes that one day he will fall asleep in death. But that will not be the end of his story or his experience. He will awake and will be satisfied with seeing God’s face and in being fully transformed into the likeness of his Savior. The face of God will not destroy him or annihilate him; it will satisfy him. All his longings, desires, and hopes will be fulfilled. If this life is one of unfulfilled longings and unmet desires, then that will not be true of the life to come. Then we will say: “This is it. This is what I have longed for and desired all my life. I need nothing more.”