What is the meaning of the unpardonable sin, or the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matt. 12, Mark 3, Luke 12)? How does the unpardonable sin relate to the exhortation of Ephesians 4:30 not to grieve the Holy Spirit, and the exhortation of 1 Thessalonians 5:19 not to quench the Spirit? Thank you! The question of the unpardonable […]
When Satan entered the garden and the corruption of sin took hold of Adam and Eve, death and corruption enveloped the whole of God’s good creation. Even so, this did not mark an instant victory of Satan, but rather under the sovereign plan of God, a stage was set for a marvelous display of God’s […]
About a year and a half ago, I attended a young adults summer retreat hosted by Redlands Protestant Reformed Church. During that retreat, Rev. Vander Wal spoke to us, warning us not to give in to the temptation to use our God-given talents for ourselves and our glory. Prof. Gritters also gave a speech, instructing […]
What do you want from us? You keep showing, by your actions, that you hate what we’ve taught you; therefore, you despise us as well. You bring shame to your mother and great dishonor to your father. Why? Why is there no remorse for your deeds? Why do you shrug them off? “Only once” you […]
In 2006 it is apparent that man truly is a lover of the flesh and revels in that which is unseemly. As Christians we antithetically strive to remove ourselves from the lusts of the world only to have it shoved down our throats by every mass media enterprise. The latest and “greatest” that is being […]
Dear Rev. Laning What is the difference, if there is any at all, between one’s holding to false doctrine and one’s living in sin? Michael J. Vermeer Dear Michael A person who is holding to false doctrine is sinning by doing so. But such a person may or may not be impenitently walking in […]
Thoughts for Young Men, John Charles Ryle (Moscow, 2002: Charles Nolan Publishers). Occasionally, while browsing through one of Grand Rapids’ fine Christian bookstores, I’ll come across a title I wish everyone would read. I don’t mean a thick volume—maybe less than a hundred pages—but one saturated with timeless truths and invaluable wisdom. Thoughts for Young […]
Eric wrote this as a senior writing assignment at Covenant Christian High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us […]
Dear Rev. Laning I am a woman in my twenties; I have visited various Christian homes that lack discipline. First, I wanted to know if indiscipline is a character, habit, hereditary trait, environmental influence, or a spirit that dwells in individuals? Secondly, how can we become disciplined children of God? I see discipline as wisdom […]
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O Lord. Ps. 25:7 The sins of our youth; one would think sins committed and repented of years even decades ago would be long forgotten. We know God’s promise to His people that if […]