A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE III (continued)

Of The Written Word of God

In the previous article we have noticed how the Lord has taken care of His Word, not only that it was spoken, but also that it was kept pure during the first centuries of the world. Why is that situation different now, and why is His Word now a written Word? Is the Lord not Almighty and thus able to take care of His Word? Yes, He is the Lord, and for Him there nothing too wonderful — but He is also wise. We know that after the time of Noah the people did not become as old anymore as they had before the flood, and therefore the necessity that the Word is written becomes greater. A number of reasons can be given why the Lord felt that this was necessary, and we will list a few of them:

(1) That the Divine Revelation should not be forgotten.

(2) That God’s Word might remain pure. The snares of Satan became more severe, but also our corrupt nature was a great danger to the purity of the Word.

(3) That the written Word might be more easily spread throughout the world.

(4) That God’s special care for our salvation might be shown. Without God’s Word we cannot be saved as it is used by the Holy Spirit to teach us.

(5) That the people through the written Word might know exactly the will of God as revealed in His Word.

(6) That the sinner might be warned of the punishment that will come, but also a poor sinner might find encouragement that the Lord is faithful for His children.

These reasons we find written in this third article - “And that afterwards God, from a special care which He has for us and our salvation, commanded His servants, the prophets and apostles, to commit His revealed Word to writing.”

The first writer of God’s Word was Moses, who lived about 2500 years after the creation; the last writer was John on the isle of Patmos, who died about 96 years after Christ. There is a space of about 1600 years between Moses and John. During that period of time the Lord enabled some of His servants to write His Word, which He wanted to use in the following centuries for the benefit of His church. During the Old Testament times those servants were the prophets and in the days of the New Testament they were the apostles and evangelists.

You must understand that not every word which was spoken by God’s servants was written in the Bible. Many things had value only for that moment when they were spoken to a special person or group of people, and not for the church in general. Thus it is in the wisdom of the Lord that those things are written which we find in the Bible, and other things were left out by Him. We know that the Bible contains 66 books, each quite different from the others, and yet it is the Word of God from the beginning to the end. In them is not only spoken of God and His worship, but also of worldly and natural things. The way in which it is written shows that this Book is different than other books and that it has a higher origin.

What is this higher origin? It is written by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. But this is not without God the Father, nor without God the Son, Who is also called the Word. The apostle Paul says of the inspiration: “The holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (IIPeter 1:21). How can we explain the inspiration? Some think that this has been a mechanical inspiration, that these men have been as a machine, a will-less instrument, in the hand of the Holy Spirit. Our Reformed fathers have always denied this; instead they spoke about an organic inspiration, meaning that the Holy Spirit made use of men -holy men- but as rational and moral beings. The thoughts of God were inspired in their minds, but this did not wipe out their human nature. The Holy Spirit made use of their natures and minds, but it was under the leading of the Spirit. These holy men themselves searched out, thought, spoke, and wrote the Word, but the Holy Spirit led them in all truth so that they could not err in their writings. At the beginning of Luke 1 we find it clearly stated that the human mind was used - “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophi-lus.”

The best proof of the organic inspiration is the different styles of the writers, according to character, understanding, talent, education, etc. By this we see that the whole personality, with its gifts and talents, are useful in this work. Although there were many differences among the writers, it was the same Spirit that urged them to write and gave His leading. This writing was not accidental nor against their will, as the Lord inclined their heart for it. Sometimes the Lord gave them an express command to do so, as with Moses and John, but probably not always in this same way. All the words in the Bible are not spoken by God, but some also by men and some even by Satan. Sometimes very wicked things are described in order to warn us from doing the same, for the Lord will surely punish us if we do so.

In the article it is mentioned that a part of the Bible was written by the Lord Himself, namely, the Holy Law on Mount Sinai. The Lord had first spoken these words unto Israel, and afterwards wrote them upon the two tables of stone. Why did the Lord write this with His own finger?

(1) To teach that the Law is of higher authority than all human writings.

(2) To make it very clear that we must hearken to the Law of God.

(3) To show that it is an eternal Law which shall never end, just as stone endures for ever (from a human viewpoint).

(4) To signify that it is the Lord Who writes the Law in the hearts of the elect, which never can be destroyed by Satan.

You will perhaps ask why the tables of stone were written upon both sides. It was to prevent the possibility of something being added or erased from the Law. It is our duty to hearken especially to these words of God, but also to the entire Bible, as it is also God’s Word, and is valid until the end of the world. We all know that the Bible is old - almost 2500 years old - but it is not old-fashioned. By it we can become wise for eternity.

The Bible is not only for Israel, but for all nations. It does not begin with the history of Israel, but with the history of creation. It does not end when Israel is no longer a theocracy, but it ends with the new heaven and earth. This shows its international character. Its main content is Christ, both in the Old and New Testament. When we see the sun, then we must acknowledge its existance and glory: likewise when we read the Bible, then we see Its Divine origin and holiness.

As it is the only means which is used by the Lord to our salvation, it is worthy to be searched by young and old, with the prayer in our hearts and on our lips that the Lord may use it for that purpose, even though we have forfeited all blessings for time and eternity.

Rev. A. Den Boer

Norwich

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

This month we have a Bible quiz about men in the Old Testament (but two of the answers will be found in the New Testament). I am sure you will not find the quiz too difficult. The quiz was sent in to me, and I thought it was very good. You will probably be surprised at what is spelled out by the first letters of the answers.

God’s Word has so much instruction for us, and also the persons about whom there is written in the Bible are examples -- some examples of good, by the grace of God revealed in the hearts and lives of His people, but also some examples of wickedness, showing so clearly what man is by nature. May the Lord use them to teach us how we should walk before Him, and that our prayer may be, “O send Thou forth Thy light and truth, Let them be guides to me”.

The quiz is as follows:

Who “chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season”?

Who threw salt in the waters of Jericho and healed them?

Who frequently uttered this prayer - “Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people”?

Of whom was it said, “His hand will be against every man and every man’s hand against him”?

To whom did David say, “See, now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwel-leth within curtains”?

Who was one of the sons of Ish-mael?

To whom did Isaiah say, “Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die”?

Who said, “Hast thou but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father”?

Who hid an hundred prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

Who sang to his wives, “I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt”?

Who refused to defile himself with the king’s meat and with the wine which he drank?

Who went, with his grandson, his son, and his son’s wife, out of Ur of the Chaldees to go into Canaan?

Who was called “a ready scribe in the law of Moses”?

Who said, “To obey is better than sacrifice”?

Who was a son of Japheth?

What king was warned by Elijah of an approaching time when no dew nor rain would fall?

Who is said to have neither beginning of days nor end of life?

What high priest was judge of Israel for forty years?

Who is described as “a mighty hunter before the Lord”?

Who was the son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau?

(Send your answers to Garret Moerdyk at 1104 Roseland Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001)

Answers to the February quiz are as follows:

Turn Thou Us Unto Thee, O Lord” Lamentations 5:21

Trusteth Jeremiah 17:5

Utterly Jeremiah 12:17

Riblah Jeremiah 39:6

Neriah Jeremiah 32:12

Tents Jeremiah 35:6–7

Hilkiah Jeremiah 1:1

Only Jeremiah 3:12–13

Urijah Jeremiah 26:20–23

Unrighteous- Jeremiah 22:13 ness

Search Jeremiah 17:10

Uncle Jeremiah 32:6–12

Nebuzaradan Jeremiah 52:26

Tears Jeremiah 9:1

Overtook Jeremiah 39:4–5

Things Jeremiah 45:5

Heart Jeremiah 4:14

Ebedmelech Jeremiah 38:6–13

Earthen Jeremiah 19:1

Ordained Jeremiah 1:4–5

Lie Jeremiah 28:15

Observe Jeremiah 8:7

Roll Jeremiah 36:21–23

Die Jeremiah 28:16

Answers to the Bible quiz have again been received from the following persons -

Joylynn Mast

Jane Mast

Neil Mast

Julie DeBruine

Denise Zaremba

Joan Lugthart

Karl Van Oostenbrugge

Mary Van Oostenbrugge

Lynn Kamp

Ray VanderKooi

Carrie Blok

Gary Blok

Steven Van Gemert

Julie Van Gemert (2)

Neil Slingerland

Nellie Slingerland

Joanne Slingerland

Jannie Slingerland

Edward van Heek

Lenny van Heek

Irene van Heek

Marianne Van Hoepen

John Van Hoepen

Ruth Ann Van Dalen

Jacob Van Dalen

Jonathan Van Dalen

Jan Van Dalen

Bill Van Der Weide

Wendy Eslinger

Michelle Timmer

Laura Rosendall

Jim Rosendall

John Verhey

Steve Boluyt

Kristi Boluyt

Steven Bleeker

Laurie Bleeker

Debbie Kamp

Bill Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Tom Kamp

Meta De Peuter

Henry de Kok

Cornell de Kok

Jany de Kok

Ellen Van Grouw

Kathy Overeem

Casey Overeem

Corrie Overeem

Jenny Overeem

Joanne Overeem

George Van Strien

Maria Boonzaayer

Richard Grisnich

Rhonda Grisnich

Cheryl Grisnich

Wendy Grisnich

Stanley Bylsma

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

JoAnn Van Ravenswaay

Esther Van Ravenswaay

Norman Van Ravenswaay

Mary Kievit

Audrey Kievit

Karen Goeman

David Marvin Goeman

Ruth Bouma

John Bosch

Tammy Troff

Teresa Vander Meulen

Frances Vander Meulen

Harmen Vander Meulen

Sidney Vander Meulen

Joyce Vander Meulen

Chuck Van Den Toorn

Lisa Neels

Jim Bazen

Linda Bazen

Willem Den Boer

Margaret Den Boer

Marnie Giebink

Joanne Giebink

Hendrika Kroesbergen

Bill Kroesbergen

Linda Schelling

Beth Schelling

Kathryn Schelling

Kent Schelling

Brenda Kay Schelling

Janice Van Voorst

Kathy Van Bemden

Carol Van Bemden

Linda Van De Vendel

Sharon Van De Vendel

Nancy Vande Stouwe

Todd Vande Stouwe

Sidney P. Vander Meulen

Carol Mol

Alane Van Ravenswaay (2)

Minda Van Ravenswaay (2)

Joel Van Ravenswaay (2)

Jim Neels

Joe Neels

Mike Neels

David Neels

Stanley Aart Vander Waal

Judy Van Voorst

Rhonda Van Voorst

Perry Hoogendoorn

Gene Hoogendoorn

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Paul Verhoef

Hank Verhoef

Robert John Southway

Sandra Louise Southway

Betty Van Der Weile

Casey Van Wingerden

Amy Kaat

Donna Marie Hubers

Helen Hubers

Marcia Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Howard Hubers

Paul Van Wingerden

Glenn Van Wingerden

Jerry Boon

Carla Boon

Julie Ann Boon

Arie Van Vugt

John Van Vugt

Richard De Bat

Jane De Bat

Linda Kamp

Mary Kamp

Henry Kamp

Leah Van Tilburg

Mary Van Tilburg

John Rosendall

Richard Rosendall

Melanie Van Brugge

Linda Vande Waerdt

Wayne Vande Waerdt

Bill Van Wingerden

Ken Van Wingerden

Amy Mieras

Bruce Verblaauw

Richard Rozeboom

Harlan Rozeboom

Adrian Jacob Bush

Nichalas John Bush

Barbara Southway

Robert Glenn Southway

Elaine Frens

Leonard Frens

Sharon Frens

Mary Frens

Julie Frens

Loretta Faye Olivier

Ella Kieboom

Arline Kieboom

Ellen Kros

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Jenny Lee Sweetman

Judy Sweetman

Janet Sweetman

Daniel J. Sweetman

Laurie Sweetman

Nancy Kwekel

David Kwekel

Randy Van Giessen

Mary Van Giessen

Sonja Boonzaayer

Karel Boonzaayer

Janice Stapel

John Stapel

Sue Van Ess

Rick Van Ess

Abraham Korevaar

John Korevaar

Andy Korevaar

Adrian Korevaar

Lisa Neels

Joanne deBruin

Kathy Van Giessen

Liz Van Giessen

John Martin Vander Wiele

Jane Ellen Vander Wiele

Judy Lynn Vander Wiele

Mariene Van Veldhuizen

Steve Bazen

Tim Van Stelle

Andy Van Stelle

Nancy Hoogmoed

Joanne Hoogmoed

David Klarenbeek

Arlen Klarenbeek

Darwyn Klarenbeek

Thomas Berkenbush

Mineva Ymker

Billy Greendyk

Paul Greendyk

Alida Greendyk

Alan Greendyk

David Greendyk

Ralph Van Zweden

Janet Van Zweden (2)

Mark Van Zweden (2)

Albert Bouma

Mary Van Zweden

Herman John Vander Meulen (?) Van Beek

Peter Vander Wal

Helen Vander Wal

Lisa Markus

Rebecca Jane Markus

Dan Meeuwse

Mark Meeuwse

Rita Neels

Donna Klarenbeek

Barbara Klarenbeek

Pamela Klarenbeek

Teresa Klarenbeek

John Kroesbergen

Cathy Kroesbergen

Ken Kroesbergen

Jane Kroesbergen

Maryjean den Hoed

Neal Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Bobby Boerkoel

Ruth Boerkoel

Gladys Van Bochove

Rhonda Van Bochove

Jeanette VandenBerg

Paul VandenBerg

John VandenBerg

Henry VandenBerg

Jane Korevaar

Gerda Grisnich

Helen Grisnich

William Grisnich

William Grisnich

Bob Van Kempen

Nancy Sisco

Elizabeth Sisco

June Sisco

Karen Van Kekerix

Martin Vlietstra

Peter Vlietstra

Trudy Vlietstra

Jimmy Vlietstra

Nelly Koppert

Elizabeth Koppert

Chris Koppert

Kaye Vande Berg

Mark Vande Berg

Kathy Greyn

William Slingerland

Bastiaan De Peuter

Jeanette Slingerland (2)

Kevin Verbeke

Rita Erickson

Roger Erickson

Debbie Erickson

Deanna Erickson

Delia Vanden Brink

Stephan Brink

Gerda Vanden Brink

Roy Brink

Willem Den Boer

Margaret Den Boer

Irene Van Heek

Steve Van Gemert

Meloni Geiger

John Bezooyen

Gerrit Bezooyen

Arthur den Hoed

Joleen den Hoed

Kathleen den Hoed

And now our replies to the letters received -

MARGARET DEN BOER - I am sure everyone noticed that a question was left out, Margaret. The words don’t spell correctly with one letter missing. Do you have a place to keep a horse? We do hope to visit Vancouver Island again, the Lord willing and we live, but it is difficult to say when that might be.

GERDA VANDEN BRINK - It was nice to hear from you again, Gerda. Today we are having some rain, but earlier this week there was quite a bit of snow on the ground. We also had some cold weather, but now it is about 40 degrees outside. Give our greetings to your parents and grandparents.

BASTIAAN DE PEUTER - It is nice to have you join in answering the Bible quiz, Bastiaan. Did you find that the answers were quite difficult to find? It is good to learn to know the Bible. When Bibles were expensive and there were very few of them, some boys and girls memorized whole chapters.

AMY KAAT - Since we are not farmers, we do not know how important the snow is during the winter months, Amy. How great is the wisdom of the Lord displayed also in giving snow in its season. We have catechism on Saturday morning for the younger boys and girls, and the other classes on Sunday.

CHRIS KOPPERT - We certainly will have to stop and see your family again when we are in Canada, D.V., Chris. I am sure you have all grown since we saw you last. We are all quite well. Since April will soon be here, the cold weather will also be about over.

TRUDY VLIETSTRA - As we hear from the east and from the west, we notice what a variety of weather conditions there are in our country Trudy. And then to think that the Lord rules over all things throughout the whole world and also knows the thoughts of everyone.

RITA NEELS - We welcome you also, Rita, in answering the Bible quiz. And time spent with the Bible is time well-spent - for boys and girls, but also for fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers. The Lord uses His Word for the welfare of souls.

JANET VAN ZWEDEN - We found the pictures and the report of Mr. and Mrs. Louwerse very interesting, Janet. It gave a very clear picture of the work being done there, but also of the problems they face. How great their need is of the Lord’s help and protection in their work, but this we also need.

ARLINE KEIBOOM - How did you do on your exams, Arline? It seems only a short time ago that school was starting in the fall, and now the school year is more than half finished. How quickly the weeks go by. Say Hello to your parents and Ella and Andrew.

CASEY VAN WINGERDEN - I hope to use your Bible quiz next month, Casey. It was very good. Do you help your father with his work during vacation time? Do you already have new neighbors in the house next door? If not, I imagine you are wondering who will live there.

JOLEEN DEN HOED - Here we do not have a school holiday for Washington’s birthday, Joleen. At the moment we have snow falling again, and they expect several inches of it. Do you have a lot of grape growers in your area? The Bible speaks often about grapes and vineyards, as they were common in Bible lands.

CONNIE BOUMA - Thank you for your letter, Connie. Tonight it is quite blizzardy outside. Yes, the wickedness of our nation is great; that with the Psalmist, with Daniel, and with others, we might confess our sins before the Lord.

BRENDA KAY SCHELLING - It must be that you did not have all that snow where you live. Tonight in the paper I noticed that some parts of Iowa had quite a lot of snow again. So perhaps you had it this time, Brenda. I suppose it takes quite a lot of wood to keep a stove burning all day.

MARGARET DEN BOER - What time do you have to get up on school days, Margaret? For some the bus comes quite early. As long as you are in bed on time at night, it isn’t so bad to be up early. The Bible speaks of a virtuous woman, who “riseth also while it is yet night”. Do you know where that is found?

LISA NEELS - Two feet of snow makes travelling most difficult, Lisa. How far is it from your house to church? I am sure there would not be many people there, unless they lived real near by. Did you find that the questions were easy this time?

JOHN BOSCH - John, it was real nice to hear from you far off in New Zealand. Your answers arrived very promptly, considering the distance. Do you have a large dairy farm? I looked at the map of New Zealand, but couldn’t find just where you lived.

RUTH ANN VAN DALEN -Have you had some weather for ice skating, Ruth Ann? That kind of weather will soon be past again. Thank you for your season’s wishes. The Lord’s blessing is a thing most desirable for all of us, but especially if it might be for our souls.

NELLIE SLINGERLAND - Sunday does not seem the same when you have to stay home because of the weather, does it, Nellie? This is especially true when you go to church regularly every Sunday. The Psalmist said, “For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand.” Do you know which Psalm this is?

MARIANNE VAN HOEPEN -Did you check up on the answer that you couldn’t find, Marianne? Sometimes the answer is just where we don’t expect it to be. Do you have spring vacation in March? After several months of school, it always seems good to have a few days off.

KATHLEEN DEN HOED - You didn’t sound to unhappy that the school bus might not make it through the snow drifts, Kathleen. It must be you were also looking for a day of vacation. How are you getting along in school? I assume that you are getting good marks.

IRENE VAN HEEK - You have quite a few subjects in school, Irene. Which do you like the best? Or do you like them all equally as well? There are so many things that we need to know before we can finish school. Our Catechism tells of three things necessary to know to live and die happily. Do you know what they are?

JANNIE SLINGERLAND - I see that your letter is the last one this time, Jannie. Congratulations with the new baby brother. Are you taking good care of him? I’m sure that he gets lots of attention. In your family the girls outnumber the boys.

And so, many thanks to all of you for your answers and letters. We hope, the Lord willing, to hear from you again next month. May the Lord bless you with your dear ones.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret

LUTHER’S PRAYER

“O almighty and everlasting God, how terrible is this world! Behold, it openeth its mouth to swallow me up, and I have so little trust in Thee. How weak is the flesh, and how powerful is Satan. If it is in the strength of this world only that I must put my trust, all is over. My last hour is come; my condemnation has been pronounced! O God, do Thou help me against all the wisdom of this world. Do this-Thou shoul-dest do this-Thou Alone; for this is not my work, but Thine. I have nothing to do here; nothing to contend for with these great ones of the earth. I should desire to see my days flow on, peaceful and happy; but the cause is Thine, and it is a righteous and eternal cause. O Lord, help me! Faithful and unchangeable God, in no man do I place my trust-it would be vain. All that is of man is uncertain; all that cometh of man fails. O God, my God, hearest Thou me? My God, art Thou dead? No, Thou canst not die; Thou hidest Thyself only. Thou hast chosen me for this work--I know it well. Act then, O God.

Stand at my side for the sake of Thy well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who is my Defence, my Shield, and Strong Tower. Lord, where stayest Thou? O my God, where art Thou? Come, I am ready; I am ready to lay down my life for Thy truth. Patient as a lamb, for it is the cause of justice-it is Thine. I will never separate myself from Thee, neither now, nor through eternity. And though the world should be filled with devils--though my body, which is still the work of Thy hands, should be slain, be stretched upon the pavement, be cut to pieces, reduced to ashes, my soul is Thine. Yes, I have the assurance of Thy word, my soul belongs to Thee. It shall abide for ever with Thee. Amen. God help me.”

This prayer explains Luther and the Reformation.

THE BIBLE FROM INVERSHIN

John, a careless and frivolous young man from Invershin in Scotland, joined the army against his parents’ wishes. A godly old woman in the neighborhood requested John to stop and see her before going away, and he did so. She presented him with a Bible as a parting gift, and urged him to make it his companion. As she was handing it to him, she read where it opened at the seventh verse of Psalm 91 - “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.”

“Now,” she said, “that’s for you, John; you will be taken through every danger unharmed.” The young man was encouraged by what she said and accepted her gift gladly, but only to carry it about as a memento or charm, for he had no desire to read it.

He passed through many dangers unharmed, until the morning of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. That morning he found himself without his Bible, and, hurrying back for it, tucked it under his belt. As the battle was fought, it fell from his belt. Fearing that it should be trampled or lost, he stooped to pick it up. At that moment a bullet passed over his head and killed the man behind him.

John, realizing what had taken place, was greatly impressed by the goodness of God in sparing his life and was by this means led to repentance. The Bible was soon being used as the donor, the godly old woman, had intended it to be.

Years later John Mackenzie (for that was the soldier’s name) had this invaluable book, which was used for the preservation of his body and the salvation of his soul, bound in gold. Truly, a Word of Life! - Young People’s Magazine.

PROVIDENCE

Say not, my soul, from whence

Can God relieve thy care,

Remember that Omnipotence

Hath servants everywhere.

His method is sublime,

His thoughts supremely kind;

God never is before His time,

And never is behind.

Wm. Gadsby

COUNSEL TO THE YOUNG

Ponder well the path you’re treadng,
Go not where ‘tis dangerous footing;
Shun first steps in open sin,
Lest they draw you deeper in.

Pause, and heed the solemn warning,
Lest you take some fatal turning;
Tempting baits are thickly laid
In your pathway; look ahead!

If for pleasure you are thirsting,
Join not with the vicious worldling,
Who would only lead you where
All would end in black despair.

O, beware of Sabbath-breaking,
‘Tis a dangerous path to tread in;
O my child! My child, beware,
You will get no blessing there!

Waste not time in fiction reading,
Vain it is, and most deceiving;
May the Book of God be yours,
While in youth, or growing years.

Ponder well this precious treasure;
It has blessings without measure;
Joys and pleasures ever new,
May it be so unto you.

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