Our Confession

Every year it is the custom that a number of young people make public confession in the midst of the congregation. This is not a confirmation of new members, but a confession by those who are already members of the church. The membership of children lies in that of their parents and in their baptism. Those who have become adults cannot remain baptized members. They cannot, in this respect, continue to be considered “in” their parents. When a person is come to years of discretion, he or she is placed before a choice. The membership by virtue of birth and baptism can either be broken off, or continued by confession. However, when we do the first, we do this against God’s ordinances.

(See Article 28, Belgic Confession of Faith).

The time in which we live is a time of great decline. Many turn their backs upon the church and openly choose the world. By this they show an unwillingness to live any longer under the Word of God and the holy sacraments. In this way they also withdraw themselves from the official service and church discipline. A life without discipline is a life in open sin. Then we can see more clearly the spirit of the deep which is constantly winning more and more ground. The kingdom of the antichrist becomes great. Not only public sins increase, but all types of sects and divisions also multiply. Jesus has warned against this in Matthew 24:23, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there: believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders: insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.”

In the 19th century, J.C. Ryle already wrote: “I believe that three hundred years ago our fathers understood the essential needs of human nature better than men do at the present time. Naturally, I am well aware that the old paths for which I plead are not loved by many in these days.” These old paths are directly opposite and contradictory to much of the so-called knowledge of our days. Out-moded systems, worn-out theology, cast-off theories, worn-out dogmas, old-fashioned religion, and such like abusive terms are continually spewed out in many publications and from many pulpits. If Ryle had lived in this 20th century, he would label these enlightened views and intellectual explanations as departures from the old paths. Many young people seek something different, something new. Many are brought to doubting by those who teach the doctrine of man, which is that there is yet something that is well-pleasing to God in man. Under such so-called orthodoxy many are misled, and men receive a religion without God.

Imagine for a moment that I give someone a counterfeit banknote, making him very happy. But when he arrives at the bank to cash it, he receives the message that it has no value. This is also the case when men try to point you to Jesus without a prior knowledge of misery and an experience of our state of death in Adam. Men can call this love and preaching of the gospel, but it is nothing else than base deceit. Many young people are thus led astray, and substitute professions for experience.

The seducing spirits are legion. Openly or secretly Satan places his snares, and in doing so he has the restless and bustling times as support. The searching of God’s Word is neglected by many.

Many young people are led astray, and substitute professions for experience.

The profound seriousness of these matters should fill our hearts with sadness. It involves the preservation of our young people, that they should not be dragged along with the stream of the times. Joshua said to Israel, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve;…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

By nature all of us choose the world, the gods of this time. All that is in Adam is dead. We are nevertheless responsible for our deeds and go lost due to our own fault. The Lord grant that these things may be considered, and teach us to pray for the guidance of His Spirit. May He also keep us with His Word. Therefore try the spirits whether they are of God!

Rev. A. Hoogerland (1918-1986) pastored the Gereformeerde Gemeenten (Netherlands Reformed Congregations) of Werkendam (1965-1972), Krabbendijke (1972-1981), Dirksland (1981-1985), and Borssele (1985-1986).

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