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On being admitted to the Lord's Supper. In this study the mater of the invitation to the Holy Supper, in paricular the question of who may or should be invited, is discussed. A historical introduction precedes a discussion on the matter among Protestant churches 'n South Arica in light of the fact that children as young as age 6-7 are now being invited in the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk), to participate 'n the Holy Supper. Special attenion is paid to the Caivinist tradition.

Some remarks on the theological insights on the Voortrekker Vow of (16 December) 1838 which contributed to the continued honouring of the Vow. In this study it is noted that after the Batle of Colenso on 15 December 1899 and the Batle of Nooitgedacht on 13 December 1900, the Boer commandos held special meetings to commemorate the Voortrekker Vow of 1838 and the victory at Blood River. The question is asked what the theological background can be. When the Voortrekker Vow of 1838 is studied it becomes clear that the taking of the Vow was possible in the context of the Calvinist orthodoxy, influenced by the Nadere Reformatie of the 17'h Century. This was more or less the accepted theology of the Voortrekkers sustained by the Statenbijbel and the books of the Nadere Reformatie theologians.

Martin Luther's doctrine of baptism according to the De captivitate Babylonica ecclesiae praeludium of 1520. In this study Luther's doctrine on baptism, as found in his 'De captivitate Babylonica ecclesiae praeludium' of 1520 is studied. This is not an exhaustive study of Luther's complete doctrine on baptism. It only explores his views on this sacrament which, according to his thesis, is held in captivity by the Roman doctrine on baptism. It is found that Luther, in this work, shifts the existing emphasis on the sacramental elements to the primacy of the Word and faith in that redemptive Word.

In this study Calvin's two sermons on 1 Timothy 2:1-2 are examined and the contents briely analyzed. The conclusion is drawn that Calvin is not giving a treatise on the biblical doctrine on princes and rulers, but is addressing the faithful. In doing so, he explains to the congregation their position vis-à-vis the rulers and what Paul's injunctions mean intheir situation. It is true preaching as Calvin only expounds the Biblical message as it is found in this text.

Every generation writes its own history of the Church. As the past is continually evaluated from different points of view and as every generation asks new questions, so the understanding of the past changes and history is rewritten. In discussing this situation, three issues are treated: the understanding of the past and what history is, the requirements for writing history and the question whether history has a vision for the future. These matters continually appear in discussions on history and the requirements for writing history.

Church vis it vis culture among the republican Afrikaner of the 19th century - an historical investigation. In this study attention is given to the question of the correlation between and/or position of the church vis a vis culture among the republican Afrikaner of the 19th century. Initially attention is given to a workohle definition of church and culture and then, in the light of Calvinist theology, the relationship is discussed. Eventually the stated problem is discussed and the conclusion formulated that the culture of the Afrikaner was strongly influenced and directed by its theological viewpoints. A few conclusions are drawn.

Reformed ecclesiology: A few major tenets based on Calvin. Reformed ecclesiology is not a closed system. Notwithstanding differences, there is however a remarkable consensus on the major tenets of the doctrine of the church. An outline - mainly of Calvin's view - is given in the article, and the following arguments are brought forward: Jesus Christ is the only head of his body, which is a covenant community. The church is seen as a community sui gen eris, confessing its union with Christ and living its faith in the world.

Historical perspectives on the theological training of ministers of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika at the University of Pretoria In commemorating the establishment of the theological faculty of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk in 1917 at the old Transvaal University College, the forerunner of the University of Pretoria, some historical perspectives are given. In the first place the revised duplex ordo that marked the initial structur; of the faculty is discussed. With the advent and participation of the Nederduitsch Hervormde or Gereformeerde Kerk in the theological faculty, there was a gradual move to a simplex ordo, which was finally achieved in 1952. Concluding remarks are made about the theological intent of the faculty from 1917-1992.

The theological debate: Its value and significance With negotiation and debate being the buzz-words of our day, it is of some value to explore, even if only superficially, the structure and tendency of the theological debate in the history of the church. In the theological debate the cardinal issue is the Word of God which determines the word of man. In this light the theological debate can be distinguished as both an internal debate within the church arid an external debate with those outside the church. The substance of the debate is determined largely by the question of the content and significance of the Word of God Since the Word of God is an absolute norm, the theological debate tends to become a statement and, in many cases, does not develop iruo an exchange of ideas or points of view. The theological debate, with its apologetic, explanatory and didactic elements, is however a necessary element in church life. Within its limits it can be a stimulating expression of the faith of the church.

Hierdie oorsig is 'n herdenking én in 'n sekere sin 'n oorweging van die kerkvereniging van 17 Junie 1892 toe die Nederduitsche Gereformeerde Kerken, wat as dolerende kerke uit die gemeenskap van die Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk getree het, en die Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerken wat in 1834 afgeskei het, saam 'n nuwe kerkverband gevorm het.

The marks of the faithful and of the church in Calvin’s Institutes, IV.1.7-IV.1.9 Calvin’s treatment of the marks of the church are very well known. Not so generally known is Calvin’s tre a tment of the marks of the faithful. W H Neuser has pointed out that the Institutes IV. 1.8 can be described as ‘an unnoticed part’. Calvin’s treatment of the marks of the faithful is discussed while taking Neuser’s opinion in consideration. It is shown that although the marks of the faithful are not as important as the marks of the church, they should play a very definitive part when discussing the organisation and building up of the congregation.

Church history in our theological training: 1917-1956 After a short summary of the history of the founding of the Theological Faculty at the old Transvaal University College, attention is given to the Department of Church History. During the years 1921-1956 professor S P Engelbrecht built up this Department. Attention is given to his work as Church historian, his theological position is discussed and the result of his labours is given.

Church and nation 1835-1900: A survey The question of the relationship between church and nation is the subject of this historical investigation. Initially, the situation in the Cape colony in the period 1625-1800 is discussed, as well as the emergence of the Afrikaner nation. After the Great Trek and the establishment of Afrikaner republics in the north, church and nation accross the Vaal encompassed the same people. Through the teaching of the Nadere reformaiie, a mainly theocratic society was built and maintained till the war of 1899-1902.

Catechesis, catechisms, and the confession of faith in Geneva during the life of Calvin In this article the catechetical instruction of the children of the faithful, that Calvin introduced in Geneva, is described. In the first place attention is given to the catechetical instruction as Calvin and Farel practised it during the years 1536-1538. On his return to Geneva in 1541 Calvin reorganised the catechetical instruction and expanded it. Attention is given to the catechetical material that was used and the role played by the parents, school and ministers in the religious education of the children. Finally the quality of Calvin’s work is briefly discussed.

Dirk van der Hoff: A schismatic? Dirk van der Hoff, the first minister of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk in the Transvaal is commonly seen as a schismatic and it is said that the consequences of his actions are still felt today in the South African Churches. This article aims to give a very short and synoptic view of the accusations and their tenability.

The priesthood of all believers as seen by Calvin The Lutheran thesis of the priesthood of all believers was also taken over by John Calvin. The position of this thesis in Calvin’s theology is examined and it is shown that Calvin does not trea t this thesis as a separate statement. A short introduction is given of the main points Calvin explores when he discusses the meaning of the thesis. In the end it is shown that Calvin developed the thesis of the universal priesthood in such a low-key form to preserve the order in the Church and the prime position of the preaching of the gospel.

Calvin and Church Order: Some remarks In commemoration of the publishing of Calvin's Institutes in 1536 and in a tribute to Prof Dr PS Dreyer, some of the main principles of Calvin’s church order are discussed. It is pointed out that the christological centre of the church occupied Calvin's attention more than the peripheral question of discipline.

Covenant and volkskerk The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk states in its Church Order that it is a volkskerk. This designation does not immediately signify that it is a nationally exclusive church. A historical line is researched to try and assess what the term volkskerk does imply. The 16th century calvinist position is examined and then the situation during the reign of the Dutch East India Company of the Cape from 1652-1795. The Patriot-period is investigated and also the position of the Church of the Voortrekkers as well as in the old Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek. Historically speaking, the structure of the covenant of grace and Art 36 of the Confessio Belgica give the true meaning of the term volkskerk as used by the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk till 1899. However, it is clear that the term volkskerk in the contemporary Order has another content than the meaning which it carried in the previous century.

Thomas Erastus on the church, the rulers and the community In this, largely descriptive paper, the views of Thomas Erastus (1520-1583) of Heidelberg, are discussed. Erastus' views on the church, the rulers and the community are put forward in his Treatise Explicatio gravissimae of 1568-69, published in 1589. It is clear that Erastus depends on the Zurich covenant-theology in his view that the community is essentially a Christian community ruled by the pius magistratus. In this community the church does not appear as a separate coetus or societas, but is ruled by the godly prince who rules according to God's law. Erastus' view gained popularity in the ecclesia AngUcam and was, to a certain extent, also a plea for the divine rights of kings.

The free church: Some comments on the origins and contents of this idea. In 1859 fifteen members of the then established Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk in the ZAR notified the Synod of that church that they were relinquishing their membership of the said church to form their own free church. Thus the first Afrikaans free church was formed. In this study the history of the idea of the free church is traced to independentistic tendencies in English puritanism which found its way to the Dutch Nadere Reformatie. From there the idea was carried forward by the Moravians and implanted in the European Réveil. Within the climate, created by the Réveil, the 1834 schism took place in the Netherlands. From this Dutch free church the idea was brought to the ZAR. The contents of the idea are briefly examined and contrasted with the idea of the established church based on the covenant.

The function of the Confession and Doctrine in the structure of the NHK and the implications thereof for a minister of the Word The whole question of the function of the Confession and Doctrine in the structure of the NHK is mainly a question of church order. This matter is treated, in the first place, by looking at history and the calvinist roots of the Church. Because the Confessio Belgica names the true preaching of the Word as one of the marks of the Church, it is of paramount importance for the Church to maintain true preaching. The norm by which true preaching is measured, is the regula fidei, i e the Bible and in the second place the Confession and the Doctrine. In the form of subscription by the ministers of the Word they acknowledge that Confession is in accordance with the Word and therefore a true norm for measuring true preaching. Three cases of alleged heresy committed by ministers are examined to determine in which way the Church Councils applied the mentioned norms.

The thoughts of Calvin and some of his followers on the certainty of faith In this paper Calvin's thoughts on the certainty of faith are traced as he expresses this in the Institutes. It is also shown that the Heidelberg Catechism faithfully follows Calvin's line of thought as the priority of faith over repentance and rebirth, which are seen as fruits of faith, is stressed. It is shown from the Institutes that for Calvin the certainty of faith lies in adhering in faith to the objectively given surety of the Word of God and His promises. In the second part of the article it is shown how in Beza's work, in Calvinistic scholastic orthodoxy and in the Nadere Reformatie of the 17th and 18th century in the Netherlands there is a gradual shift of emphasis in this matter. The implications of this shift in accent is briefly discussed.

The influence of Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920) on South Africa in the spheres of Church History and Church Polity A short biography of Kuyper is followed by an attempt to qualify him as a typical theologian of the 19th century, as leader of the Doleantie-movement in the Dutch church and as a man of many parts. His personal contact with South Africa is traced, as well as his direct and indirect influence in the South African churches. It is interesting to note that the influence of Kuyper's theology in the Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika was largely initiated by JD du Toit while his father, SJ du Toit, introduced Kuyper's theology in the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk. Subsequently it was mainly the influence of the VU (Bavinck and Rutgers) which prevailed in the abovementioned churches.

The Great Trek and the Church The emigration of about 15 000 pioneer-farmers from the eastern Cape districts to the interior of Southern Africa, was a definite turning point in South African history. In 1852-1854, which can be regarded as the final date of the Great Trek, there were in South Africa two British colonies i e the Cape and Natal and two Boer republics i e the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. This study traces the history of the church during the emigration and the establishment of the church by the emigrants.

Dit is ’n algemene aanvaarde feit dat Suidelike Afrika vandag in ’n bedreigde posisie staan. Binne Suidelike Afrika is die sterkste enkele bolwerk die Republiek van Suid-Afrika. Geestelik en stoflik is die Republiek die kragbron wat Rhodesië, Mosambiek en Angola die selfvertroue gee om staande te bly te en die meervoudige strategieë wat ontwerp is om Suidelike Afrika te bevry en dan te omvorm.

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