With the publication of this book is completed a Reformed, full-scale, commentary on the Belgic Confession, of which there are few in English today. This second volume is not a summary of the Confession, nor a compilation of sermons loosely based on the Confession, but a commentary. It explains the Confession, article by article, doctrine by doctrine.
Volume two begins with the Confession’s opening article on the doctrine of salvation, continues with the Confession’s lengthy treatment of the doctrine of the church, and concludes with the Confession’s explanation of the doctrine of the last things—eschatology.
Volume two covers Articles 22-37 of the Belgic Confession and includes indexes for both volume 1 and volume 2.
What others are saying about this book:
"Engelsma is emeritus professor of Reformed Dogmatics and Old Testament studies in the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary. When he was a pastor, he often taught the Belgic Confession to older catechumens. During his years of teaching at the seminary, he made frequent reference to the Belgic Confession in his dogmatics lectures to seminarians. For many years he has also taught an adult doctrine class, in which he gave instruction in the articles of the Belgic Confession. He has, therefore, a thorough acquaintance with the Belgic Confession of Faith and is eminently qualified to write a commentary on this creed, which is one of the three sparkling gems in the golden crown which has adorned the head of Reformed churches for several hundred years...In his commentary, Engelsma takes us back to our roots. He makes his readers see how up-to-date and vitally important are the doctrines confessed and defended in the Belgic Confession of Faith. The struggles of the early Reformed churches in the sixteenth century are the church’s struggles still today." -Ronald Cammenga
"Although you may have some commentaries on the Belgic Confession already on your shelves, including the helpful and appreciated work by P. Y. De Jong, The Church’s Witness to the World, you will be well served by adding this commentary set to your library. This commentary is distinctively Reformed, thorough, and interacts throughout with the text of the confession. Engelsma carefully explains the text of the confession, sets it in its historical context, explains its contemporary relevance, bringing in a plethora of texts and exegesis to explain and elaborate on the doctrines. The pastoral warmth of the confession shines through this volume and is enhanced by the author’s own experience as a pastor and seminary professor for over forty years." -Allen Brummel
Read reviews by Allen Brummel (the Standard Bearer), H. David Schuringa (Christian Renewal), Herman Hanko, Nathan Langerak, Ronald Cammenga (PRTJ), and Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms.
David J. Engelsma served as minister to several Protestant Reformed congregations until he was appointed to the Protestant Reformed Seminary in 1988 as professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament studies. He also served as editor of the "Standard Bearer" from 1988-2002. Prof. Engelsma has lectured and preached throughout the British Isles on behalf of the British Reformed Fellowship, which is devoted to the spread and defense of the Reformed faith in the United Kingdom. He lives in Grand Rapids, MI, with his wife and is the father of 9 children. He has authored many RFPA books.
- 400 pages
- hardcover
- ISBN 978-1-944555-35-1
- Release date: June 5, 2019
eBook version available
Other Books in the Belgic Confession Series: Belgic Confession: A Commentary - volume 1