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How the Protestant Reformers are Still Changing the World

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R. B. Kuiper on Apostolic Succession

November 12, 2025 /
St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland. John Knox faithfully served here as Pastor from 1559-1572.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…” Acts 2:42a

The quote below from R. B. Kuiper’s classic treatise, The Glorious Body of Christ, really resonated with me. He powerfully argues that, “Organizational succession without doctrinal succession is worthless.” Those churches who have departed from the teaching of the Apostles have no real connection to the true Christian faith. They are mere counterfeits and shadows of what our Lord Jesus Christ intended. Let us, then, “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3b). It is only those who have remained faithful to the teachings of the Lord and the Apostles who should be considered as legitimate churches of Jesus Christ.

Prof. R. B. Kuiper (1886-1966)

Certain churches lay claim to apostolicity in the sense of their being exclusively, or nearly so, the uninterrupted continuation of the organized church as it existed in the days of the apostles. Particularly do they boast of their clergy as the unbroken succession of the bishops ordained by the apostles. This view is known as “apostolic succession” and is held by the Greek Catholic, the Roman Catholic and the Anglican churches…One serious fallacy in these claims to apostolic succession is that they completely overlook the fact that organizational succession does not guarantee doctrinal succession. To say nothing of the other communions just named, the Roman Catholic Church has departed very far from the teaching of the apostles. Does it not deny that doctrine which lies at the very heart of apostolic teaching—justification by faith only? For that reason, among others, the Reformers of the sixteenth century did not hesitate to pronounce Rome a false church. Organizational succession without doctrinal succession is worthless. A church that possesses the former but has lost the latter is no longer a church of Jesus Christ. Our Reformed fathers were right when they said that ‘succession of doctrine’ rather than ‘succession of persons and places’ is a mark of the true church. [See Bavinck, Gereformeerde Dogmatiek, Vol. IV, p. 353]”

— R. B. Kuiper, The Glorious Body of Christ, 64-65.

Remember the distinction made in Kuiper’s quote–that the difference between “organizational succession” and “doctrinal succession” is the determining factor between truth and error. It is only faithful “doctrinal succession” that is worth fighting for. Moreover, upholding the “apostles’ teaching” is a mark of the true church of Jesus Christ.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Source: Kuiper, R. B. The Glorious Body of Christ: A Scriptural Appreciation of the One Holy Church. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1967.

Biographical Statement: Prof. R. B. Kuiper served as the President of Calvin College for 22 years (1930-1952). He then taught at Westminster Theological Seminary for 14 years as the Professor of Practical Theology (1952-1966). He was well-loved for his zeal in teaching the Bible and for the application of its principles to the doctrine of the Church. “Well done good and faithful servant” (cf. Matt. 25:21).

B. B. Warfield on the Doctrine of Assurance

October 28, 2025 /
Archibald Alexander Hall at Princeton Theological Seminary

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…” Rom. 8:16-17a

A close family friend sent this powerful quotation from Dr. Benjamin B. Warfield to one of my family members who has been struggling with her health. What an encouragement it was to her and to all of us! This citation is from a sermon given by Dr. Warfield in Miller Chapel to his students at Princeton Theological Seminary. Over the course of his lengthy ministry of teaching systematic theology in the classroom (1887-1921), he also passionately exhorted his students from the pulpit. Let me share it with you…

Dr. B. B. Warfield (1851-1921)

“If God be for us who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31) Let our hearts repeat this cry of victory today. And as we repeat it, let us go onward, in hope and triumph, in our holy efforts. Let our slack knees be strengthened and new vigor enter our every nerve. The victory is assured. The Holy Spirit within us cannot fail us. The way may be rough; the path may climb the dizzy ascent with a rapidity too great for our faltering feet; dangers, pitfalls are on every side. But the Holy Spirit is leading us. Surely, in that assurance, despite dangers and weakness, and panting chest and swimming head, we can find strength to go ever forward.”

— Warfield, Biblical and Theological Studies, 558

I pray the Lord will encourage and strengthen you to go forward by faith in the Christian life. The Holy Spirit who dwells within you, is stronger than all of the temptations and trials of this present world (1 Cor. 3:16 and 6:19-20; 1 John 4:4). His presence in our life is a great blessing, and one that we should regularly remind ourselves of. Recall as well, this ringing exclamation: “If God be for us who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Source: Warfield, Benjamin Breckinridge. “A Sermon: The Leading of the Spirit” in Biblical and Theological Studies. Edited by Samuel G. Craig. Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1968. [page 558] 

This is not a very clear photo–but here is my family and some dear friends gathered at the graves of B. B. Warfield and his wife in the Old Princeton Cemetery (“Heroes, History, and Hope Tour” 2013)

A Reformation Day Sermon: “The Lord is our Fortress” Psalm 46

October 27, 2025 /
The Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, Germany, is where Dr. Martin Luther was safely held for nearly a year in 1521-1522

“The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:11

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to preach for Reformation Sunday at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) here in Austin, Texas. We have four pastors at Redeemer, and since I am the only one who is “semi-retired” I usually preach once or twice a year. Instead, my main role at Redeemer is focused on teaching. I regularly instruct adults in our School of Discipleship classes on Sunday mornings. Beyond that, I am the director of Redeemer Theological Academy teaching college-level courses in Biblical studies, Systematic Theology, Church History, Apologetics, and Ministry. This suits me quite well, and I am grateful to focus my energies on teaching at this point in life. Nonetheless, below is an audio file of my most recent sermon. Also, you will find an introduction to the sermon and an outline of the text. I hope you enjoy it!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

* * * * * * * * * *

“The Lord is our Fortress” – Psalm 46:1-11

Direct, succinct, and pastoral–it is hard to beat Derek Kidner’s fine commentary on the Psalms.

Introduction: The image of a “fortress” or “stronghold” in relation to the Lord shows up in many passages in the Old Testament (e.g. 2 Sam. 22:1-4; Ps. 9:9; 18:2; 31:3; 71:3; 91:2; 144:2; Prov. 18:10; Jer. 16:19). It is a portrait of strength, security, and safety for the people of God. Indeed, the Lord is the only one who could provide such protection in times of trouble. He is the one who created all things and also controls all things (Ps. 103:19). Essentially, this word-picture of a “fortress” and “stronghold” teaches us the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. In other words, we can believe that when everything in our world seems to be falling apart we can take comfort from the fact that all things are firmly under the control of the Lord. Even when misfortunes come our way, or when wickedness is exalted, we can be confident that “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble” (Prov. 16:4). This doesn’t mean that we never experience any difficulties and trials in life. It does mean, however, that God is in the midst of these difficulties and trials, and that he is able to bring good out of them (Rom. 8:28). Let us, then, go forward as those who trust in the sovereign rule of the Lord over all things in our own personal circumstances and in the tumultuous events of this world. Soli Deo Gloria!

Here is an outline of my sermon:
1. The Lord is our Refuge and Strength, (vs. 1-3)
2. The Lord is the Source of All Blessings, (vs. 4-5)
3. The Lord is the Ruler of the Nations, (vs. 6-9)
4. The Lord is the King of His Saints, (vs. 10-11)

These four volumes are good places to start if you want to know more about Martin Luther

Also, here is a short article about the fateful day that Martin Luther was kidnapped and taken to the Wartburg Castle.

The Day Martin Luther was Kidnapped!

Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr. passes into Christ’s Presence

September 27, 2025 /

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Ps. 116:15

I’ve only known Voddie Baucham through his fine books on the Christian family and the fact that my daughter-in-law, Micaela, grew up under his pastoral ministry at Grace Family Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Briefly stated, he had a stellar impact upon the Southern Baptist Convention (through the Founders Ministry and his overseas teaching in Zambia). Moreover, he was an encouraging voice to many families in the broad home-schooling movement. Voddie was widely known as a persuasive and engaging preacher. He boldly addressed many conferences on the benefits of marriage and family, and he lived out these biblical admonitions in his own life by raising a solid Christian family.

Voddie was not shy about making controversial statements. For example, here is his rationale for male headship in the church and the home:

Dr. Voddie Baucham, Jr.

“When Paul argues for male headship in the church in 1 Timothy 2:12-13, he bases his argument on the Genesis account. Paul sees Adam’s headship in the garden of Eden as the basis for male headship today in the church and the home. The issue for Paul in marriage is not who’s smarter, stronger, or more important; for him, as well as for the other biblical writers, the question is one of God-ordained order. Thus Paul declares that ‘the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God’ (1 Cor. 11:3). This is a crucial point. If male headship is merely a preference, we have no right to argue for it as an essential element of family shepherding. If, however, it’s a truth based on God’s decree and design, we have no right to argue for anything else.”

— Voddie Baucham, Family Shepherds, 101  

This kind of argumentation is biblical, experiential, and rational. Many young Christian men have greatly benefited from Voddie’s clear articulation of the Bible’s teaching about male and female roles in marriage. His books have been like a fresh breeze that blows away all the smoke of a smoldering fire. The sad reality is that God’s structure for the family has been under attack for decades. Voddie has certainly done his part in reversing the trend by putting forward the Bible’s instruction for men as family shepherds. I pray others will now take up the mantle given that Voddie’s voice has been silenced.

Without question, his untimely death is a consequential loss to the Christian community, and it is one that perplexes me in light of the recent deaths of several other key Christian leaders–Dr. John MacArthur and Charlie Kirk. Why at this time, O Lord? Perhaps it is best to simply affirm that God knows when it is the right time to take his servants home to heaven (Ps. 116:15; John 14:1-6; Rom. 8:28). After all, we only “see through a glass darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12) and cannot comprehend the full picture of God’s sovereign plan (Deut. 29:29). Thus, we must trust that God’s ways are better than our own ways (Isa. 55:8-9)!

It is interesting to note that the Lord is currently raising-up lots of individuals to continue the ministries of both Dr. John MacArthur (in expository preaching), and Charlie Kirk (in evangelism and cultural engagement). And in this way, it is exciting to see how the Lord is expanding Christ’s kingdom! Many of those who are now stepping forward may have a new appreciation for Jonah–the reluctant prophet. No doubt, they are asking, “Why send me, O Lord?” But, they must also come to grips with the clear testimony of tens of thousands of reluctant individuals whom God raised-up for his divine purposes. In short, he will make you able to do the hard things that you fear (2 Cor. 3:4-6). The simple fact is that the Lord helps his people to be able to speak the truth in challenging times and under difficult circumstances. By faith, then, let us go forward!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

I have used each one these books by Voddie Baucham to disciple young men on the subjects of fatherhood, family, and preparation for marriage–all of them are winners!

Our First Graduate from the Theological Academy!

September 26, 2025 /
Here is David Parker receiving his Certificate of Theological Studies. David is our first graduate from the Academy!

Yesterday, I had the special privilege of awarding David Parker his Certificate of Theological Studies from Redeemer Theological Academy! Over the past five years David faithfully completed six classes, along with exams and research papers, plus an extensive comprehensive exam at the conclusion of his studies. He exemplified the picture of a diligent student in his research and writing. I often had to remind him that his research papers did not have to be any longer than ten pages. But, he typically ignored my admonitions and wrote twenty page research papers! He so enjoyed the quest of digging deeper into theological subjects, that his zeal manifested itself in longer than required papers.

The goal of our Certificate of Theological Studies program is to equip the men and women of our congregation for various forms of ministry. We are not endeavoring to become a seminary, but we are a church-based theological education program that prepares our students to serve Jesus Christ in their own unique callings–that may be as Bible teachers (both formal and informal), small group leaders, church officers, missionaries, and evangelists. We offer in-person courses in Bible, Theology, Church History, Apologetics, and Ministry. Not all of our students have chosen to pursue the Certificate program. Each student can choose to audit classes (which have no requirements other than attending classes), or to take classes for credit towards the Certificate. It is your choice. All of our classes are offered free-of-charge.

If you find yourself in Austin, Texas on a Thursday, then feel free to drop by as a guest and see what we are all about. Our current classes are:

  • “Ecclesiology & Eschatology” (Systematic Theology III) — This class will be taught by Marcus Serven and meet on Thursday mornings [9:30-11:30]. Besides the weekly lectures and handouts, we will read The Glorious Body of Christ by R. B. Kuiper and Christ and the Future by Cornelis Venema. Sept. 18 through Dec. 11.
  • “The Old Testament Scripture” (Biblical Studies I & II) — This class will be a survey of all 39 books of the Old Testament, their authors and key themes. The class will be taught by Max Smith with readings given out each week—from your Bible and from various websites. It will meet on Thursday afternoons [12:30-2:30] Sept. 18 through Dec. 11.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven, Director of Redeemer Theological Academy

Charlie Kirk: A Christian Martyr

September 13, 2025 /

Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” ——- 2 Timothy 3:12-13

When we hear the words “Christian martyr” typically we think of a person who died a long time ago for the sake of Jesus Christ. For example, the Romans brutally persecuted Christians in the Early Church putting many believers to death for their faith in Jesus Christ. Over the centuries, however, this horrendous practice has continued–Christians have been put to death because of their trust in God all around the globe. Interestingly, the word “martyr” actually means to be “a witness” (Gk. martureo = “to be a witness” “to bear witness” “to testify”; marturia = “a witness” “testimony” “a proof”). One of the wise fathers of the Early Church, Tertullian, prophetically wrote, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Indeed!

As most adults know, Charlie Kirk was gunned down this past week while engaged in civil discourse on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. It was a terrible moment that unfolded on the internet for all to see. In my opinion, Charlie Kirk is a “Christian martyr”–clearly he was “a witness” who bore a powerful testimony to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Watch a video from any one of his many debates on college campuses around the world and it is quickly evident that the foremost thought in his mind was to defend the core beliefs of his faith in Jesus Christ. Moreover, he sought to challenge the prevailing atheistic philosophies of this dark age–whether it was the ever-changing theories of evolution, the destructive purges of Marxism, the hopelessness of Nihilism, or the prevalent despair of Postmodernism. Charlie debated all of these errors with compassion, humor, irrefutable logic, a sharp wit, and an abundance of rational evidences for the reality of Jesus Christ. He was good at it, and those who hated God were threatened by his successes. For this he was assassinated.

Also, he will be widely remembered for making the important connection between his faith in Jesus Christ and how we are to live as Christians during this particular time in history. Dr. Francis Schaeffer asked the same essential question in his ground-breaking book, “How Should We Then Live?” Like Schaeffer, Charlie Kirk took his worldview from the Bible. As a result, he extolled the dignity of all humankind (Lat. imago Dei) in contrast to those who were eager to destroy babies in the womb through abortion. He defended God’s design of two sexes (male and female), rather than to undermine this fundamental reality. His political views probably got him in the most “hot water” as he debated all-comers on the college campus. But, it must be acknowledged that his political views were merely an extension of his faith in Christ and from what he read in the Bible. He brilliantly and forcefully answered the question–How Should We Then Live?

Here is Charlie Kirk doing what he loved best–contending for the truth on college campuses

He was reviled for his views on various cultural issues: abortion, the blessing of children, election integrity, a Christian view of history, the sacredness of biblical marriage, the wrongness of men competing in women’s sports, his conviction that transgenderism was a mental disorder, and the priority of the America First agenda in contrast to globalism. Again, these views were all extensions from his basic starting point–the true revelation that God had given through the Bible. Charlie Kirk will always be remembered as a sincere disciple of Jesus Christ, a devoted husband and father, and the founder of Turning Point USA. The Bible affirms the following truth about all who die in Christ:

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!’” Revelation 14:13

Another Semester Completed at Redeemer Theological Academy!

July 15, 2025 /
Here is a normal Thursday morning class at Redeemer Theological Academy–I am being peppered with questions by our eager students!

Below are a few pictures from our post-semester celebration at Rudy’s BBQ here in Austin, TX on May 15th. In these pictures some of us were caught with our mouths full of food–nevertheless a good time was had by all! Not everyone from our class was able to attend this celebratory BBQ. Typically, our class size was 20 students each week. The Lord continues to prosper this educational ministry of our church. We look forward to what He will do in the semesters that lay ahead. 

This past year (2024-2025) we studied the “History of the Early Church.” Starting with the Apostolic Age we worked our way through the key personalities, significant events, and important doctrinal formulations of the first four and a half centuries of the Church of Jesus Christ (up to the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451). It was an exciting study, and one that brought about a lot of fervent discussion and spiritual growth. We also read the Early Church Fathers and Augustine’s Confessions. Both volumes were outstanding!

In addition, Mr. Max Smith taught a class on “Survey of the New Testament Scriptures.” All twenty-seven books were surveyed and discussed. Class size varied between 3-5 students. We appreciate your prayers and encouraging words as we move forward by faith at Redeemer Theological Academy. 

Until next semester,

Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Dr. John MacArthur (1939-2025)

July 15, 2025 /

Dr. John MacArthur, in my opinion, was one of the finest preachers in America. He is now with the Lord having succumbed to the ravages of pneumonia on Monday, July 14, 2025. Over the years I greatly appreciated Pastor MacArthur’s commitment to the full inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. He popularized expositional preaching (“verse by verse”) at a time when people were wanting topical and applicational preaching. He was also known for his thoughtful commentaries on the New Testament and his many other books.

In particular, MacArthur stoutly led the charge in the 1980’s against the “easy-believism” of modern Evangelicalism by emphasizing the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Moreover in the mid-1990’s, along with Dr. R. C. Sproul, he defended the erosion of the gospel against a resurgent Roman Catholicism. When other Protestant theologians were willing to compromise with the Roman Catholics, MacArthur refused to do so believing that the very essence of the gospel was at stake. Later he wrote against the excesses of Charismatic worship and stood firmly against the overreach of civil government during the Covid crisis.

Even though he was a life-long Baptist (similar to C. H. Spurgeon) and a Dispensational Premillennialist (i.e. holding to a future millennial reign of Christ on the earth), MacArthur firmly adopted the Doctrines of Grace in Reformed theology (i.e. Five-Point Calvinism), oversaw a God-centered worship service each week that was regulated by Scripture, and practiced a Presbyterian form of government within his own local church (i.e. led by elders). The English Puritans were a major influence upon this theology and he delighted in promoting the works of various Puritan authors and sponsoring several conferences on the Puritans. In particular, he appreciated the preaching ministry of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones of the Westminster Chapel in London, England and widely endorsed his sermons and biblical commentaries.

Here are two illustrative quotes that greatly influenced me from MacArthur’s well-regarded book, The Gospel According to Jesus:

“We must remember above all that salvation is a sovereign work of God. Biblically it is defined by what it produces, not by what one does to get it. Works are not necessary to earn salvation. But true salvation wrought by God will not fail to produce the good works that are its fruit (cf. Matthew 7:17). We are God’s workmanship. No aspect of salvation is merited by human works (Titus 3:5-7). Thus salvation cannot be defective in any dimension. As a part of His saving work, God will produce repentance, faith, sanctification, yieldedness, obedience, and ultimately glorification. Since He is not dependent on human effort in producing those elements, an experience that lacks any of them cannot be the saving work of God.”

— John MacArthur, The Gospel According to Jesus, 1st Edition, 33.

Also, consider this forceful quote,

“Thus the test of true faith is this: does it produce obedience? If not, it is not saving faith. Disobedience is unbelief. Real faith obeys.”

— John MacArthur, The Gospel According To Jesus, 1st Edition, 47.

These powerful citations demonstrate MacArthur’s commitment to not separate the believer’s justification from his sanctification. The Christian life embraces both aspects of the sovereign work of God–the forgiveness of our sins by forensic justification and our sanctification by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. We do not have the freedom to claim Jesus Christ as our Savior while at the same time rejecting Him as our Lord. Both go together and there is no separation.

The massive sanctuary at Grace Community Church seats 3,500 worshippers for each service–and in my experience, it was always full! People are hungry for the Word of God!

My wife and I had the unique privilege of attending Grace Community Church in 1985-1986 when I returned to seminary for further studies in Systematic Theology and New Testament Greek. We heard Dr. MacArthur preach verse by verse through many books of the Bible over that formative year. This was a delight to us and his style of preaching deeply influenced me when I returned to the ministry of the pulpit in 1987. I will always be grateful for his unflagging example of personal devotion to Jesus Christ and his steadfast pastoral leadership.

The Bible affirms the following truth about the death of believers, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!'” (Rev. 14:13). Such is now true for Dr. John MacArthur. Although he is absent from the body, he is now present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:6-9). No doubt, he will be deeply missed! But let us pray that God will raise-up in our own age more preachers with the same gifts and spiritual zeal as Dr. John MacArthur. Soli Deo Gloria!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

An Addendum: There is a very fine biography of Dr. John MacArthur’s life and ministry written by Iain H. Murray that I would highly recommend.

Here are the details:

Murray, Iain H. John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2011.

Cornelis Venema on “The Session of Christ”

June 6, 2025 /

“The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool’.” Psalm 110:1 

Over the past two weeks as I was preparing to preach on the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven (Acts 1:4-11), I came across these two very fine quotes from Dr. Cornelis Venema on “The Session of Christ.” Essentially, the term “Session” (Lat. sessio = a sitting) refers to how Jesus Christ now reigns in heaven over the Kingdom of God here on earth. When Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, he not only finished his public ministry (as a Prophet), completed his saving work on the Cross (as a Priest), but he also began to reign over his kingdom (as a King). Moreover, during this time between the resurrection of Christ and the return of Christ the Kingdom of God is growing and expanding (Matt. 13:31-33; Matt. 16:18). In addition, Christ’s enemies are being defeated and the gospel message is spreading throughout the entire world (Matt. 12:29; Luke 10:17-18; John 12:31-32). There may be times of discouragement in life when we lose all hope and can’t see it’s growth. Yet the promise of the Bible is that the Kingdom of God is “in the midst” of us (Luke 17:20-21). Dr. Venema capably expands on these thoughts with these two quotes:

Dr. Cornelis P. Venema

“Just as Christ fulfills all of the Old Testament promises (2 Cor. 1:20), Christ also guarantees the future consummation of all God’s promises by his resurrection from the dead, session at the Father’s right hand, and outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. These events are disclosed in the New Testament as end-time events, that is, events which mark a decisive turning point in history. These events signal that Christ has been given all authority in heaven and on earth and will reign until all things have been subject to him, including death, the last enemy (1 Cor. 15:25-26). By his resurrection from the dead, Christ has become the ‘first fruits’ of all who will through union with him share in his victory. By his session at the Father’s hand, Christ has been given the keys to unlock God’s plan for history until he is revealed at the ‘last day.’ And by his outpouring of the Holy Spirit, he has entered into the last and most decisive epoch in his church-gathering work which, once completed, will serve to prepare all things for his coming again.” 

— Venema, The Promise of the Future, 8-9

Dr. Venema further explains,

“The biblical revelation regarding the future, therefore, always fixes our attention upon Christ. Just as God’s ways with his people in history in times past have all met in Christ, so all of his ways in the future will meet in Christ. The great event on the horizon of the future, in biblical perspective, is accordingly the event of Christ’s return or ‘Second Coming’. This event is the great future toward which all history is moving. It is the event that gives meaning to present history and which will consummate God’s work of redemption. the entirety of the biblical teaching about the future is intimately linked to the coming of Christ at the end of the present age.”

— Venema, The Promise of the Future, 9

These words–and all of the Scripture passages that back them up–give me hope. All that Jesus said would happen regarding his death and resurrection have come to pass. And now that he reigns over his kingdom (i.e. in his “Session”) we can be confident that it will be fully consummated upon his return. Alleluia!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Resources for Further Study: 

Elwell, Walter A., ed. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 1st Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1984.

  • “Ascension of Christ” by Alexander Ross
  • “Kingdom of Christ, God, Heaven” by George E. Ladd
  • “Millennium, Views of the” by Robert G. Clouse
  • “Offices of Christ” by Robert L. Reymond
  • “Session” by David H. Wheaton
  • “States of Jesus Christ” by Wayne A. Grudem

Venema, Cornelis P. The Promise of the Future. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2000. 

Venema, Cornelis P. “The Four Main Millennial Views” in These Last Days: A Christian View of History. Edited by Richard D. Phillips and Gabriel N. E. Fluhrer. Co-Published by the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals (Philadelphia, PA); and P&R Publishing (Phillipsburg, NJ), 2011.

Note: There was a technical problem when I posted my sermon a few days ago and it was not mailed out to my subscribers. You can find it here with this link: A Sermon: “The Glories of Christ’s Ascension” Acts 1:4-11

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