Doctrine

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In 1618-19, the great Synod of Dordt met to counter the Arminian error that was threatening the peace and welfare of the Reformed churches in the Netherlands. The fruit of their deliberations were the Canons of Dordt, a creed which has defined the Calvinist and Reformed faith for centuries.

This accessible commentary on the Canons leads readers through the comforting message of the creed: being wholly saved by God’s grace—not one’s own merit—comes with the steadfast assurance of eternal and unchangeable election.

Read reviews by Ron Cammenga (PRTJ), Jake Dykstra (Beacon Lights), Derrick Span, and Philip Harbach.

Martyn McGeown is a pastor in the Protestant Reformed Churches. He is also the editor of the RFPA blog and the author of multiple RFPA publications.

• 384 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-944555-39-9
• Release date: September 6, 2018

eBook version available

 3rd edition

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Is there a "well-meant offer" of salvation to all men? Or is the call of the gospel restricted to the elect only? Is there an alternative to these two extremes?

This book sets forth and defends the Reformed position of the gospel call to all mankind.

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.

• 224 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-20-6

Paperback version available

 3rd edition

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Is there a "well-meant offer" of salvation to all men? Or is the call of the gospel restricted to the elect only? Is there an alternative to these two extremes?

This book sets forth and defends the Reformed position of the gospel call to all mankind.

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.

• 224 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-936054-35-0
• Release date: 1980, 1994, 2014

eBook version available

The Apostles' Creed declares truths that transcend time and space, uniting all of Christ’s saints from past, present, and future.

In the early- to mid-1950s, Herman Hoeksema delivered a series of radio sermons on each of the articles of the Apostles’ Creed, thereby presenting and explaining all of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. This collection of those sermons is therefore an excellent introduction to a Reformed understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.

But the sermons in this book are more than theological expositions of the doctrines of the Apostles’ Creed. Hoeksema offers insightful, practical applications that flow from the truths of the Creed. Both the Creed’s doctrines and practical implications are crucially important—not only to the individual Christian—but also to the church as a whole. By expounding the Apostles’ Creed, Hoeksema demonstrates that its truths are not empty propositions but living declarations pointing to the Christian’s only hope and comfort in life and death—the triune God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Read a review by Mitchell Dick (URC)!

What others are saying about the book:

"As God’s people we embrace the teachings of the Apostles’ Creed. We embrace these teachings because we believe them. However, we believers can easily fall into the practice of treating the Creed as only a simple statement, a statement which we do not think about too deeply. We do not seek to understand the depths of its riches. Consequently, we do not grow in our faith. This fine volume on the Apostles’ Creed, replete with many Scripture references, will cause our faith and understanding of biblical truth to grow." – REV. JEROME JULIEN, emeritus minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America

"Straight-forward, doctrinally tight, unwavering Reformed emphasis." -BEN HOUSE, The Heavy-Laden Bookshelf

HERMAN HOEKSEMA (1886–1965) was a prolific writer who pastored churches in western Michigan. He also served as a professor at the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan from its founding until his retirement in 1964.

• 336 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-67-1
• Edited by Dr. Marco Barone

Hardcover version available

 Look inside the book

The Apostles' Creed declares truths that transcend time and space, uniting all of Christ’s saints from past, present, and future.

In the early- to mid-1950s, Herman Hoeksema delivered a series of radio sermons on each of the articles of the Apostles’ Creed, thereby presenting and explaining all of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. This collection of those sermons is therefore an excellent introduction to a Reformed understanding of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.

But the sermons in this book are more than theological expositions of the doctrines of the Apostles’ Creed. Hoeksema offers insightful, practical applications that flow from the truths of the Creed. Both the Creed’s doctrines and practical implications are crucially important—not only to the individual Christian—but also to the church as a whole. By expounding the Apostles’ Creed, Hoeksema demonstrates that its truths are not empty propositions but living declarations pointing to the Christian’s only hope and comfort in life and death—the triune God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Read a review by Mitchell Dick (URC) and Ben House (The Heavy-Laden Bookshelf blog).

What others are saying about the book:

"As God’s people we embrace the teachings of the Apostles’ Creed. We embrace these teachings because we believe them. However, we believers can easily fall into the practice of treating the Creed as only a simple statement, a statement which we do not think about too deeply. We do not seek to understand the depths of its riches. Consequently, we do not grow in our faith. This fine volume on the Apostles’ Creed, replete with many Scripture references, will cause our faith and understanding of biblical truth to grow." – REV. JEROME JULIEN, emeritus minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America

"Straight-forward, doctrinally tight, unwavering Reformed emphasis." -BEN HOUSE, The Heavy-Laden Bookshelf blog

HERMAN HOEKSEMA (1886–1965) was a prolific writer who pastored churches in western Michigan. He also served as a professor at the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan from its founding until his retirement in 1964.

• 336 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-936054-63-3
• Edited by Dr. Marco Barone
• Release date: June 2023

eBook version available

2nd edition

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The 1960s were years of challenges to the infallibility and inspiration of scripture. These attacks were precipitated by the increasingly popular theory of evolution, which was making inroads into Reformed churches and schools. In contradiction to this creeping heresy and in unequivocal defense of the doctrine of scripture, the Reformed Free Publishing Association published In the Beginning God.

Since then the conflict between creation and evolution as the explanation of the origin of the world has intensified, and the doctrine of scripture is increasingly compromised, even in historically Reformed churches and schools.

God’s people must be knowledgeable regarding the doctrines of scripture and of creation so that they are able staunchly to defend these truths. To this end the Reformed Free Publishing Association is pleased to republish this explanation and defense of these timeless truths.

Read a review by Fred G. Zaspel (Books at a Glance).

Homer C. Hoeksema (1923-1989) was the second son of Herman Hoeksema, born during the turmoil of the Common Grace controversy which led to the formation of the Protestant Reformed Churches. He served charges in Iowa and Illinois before being called to serve as professor in the Protestant Reformed Seminary, where he taught Dogmatics and New Testament studies. He also served for years as the editor of The Standard Bearer and wrote many books for the RFPA.

• 144 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-936054-76-3
• Release date: February 25, 2015

eBook version available

2nd edition

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The 1960s were years of challenges to the infallibility and inspiration of scripture. These attacks were precipitated by the increasingly popular theory of evolution, which was making inroads into Reformed churches and schools. In contradiction to this creeping heresy and in unequivocal defense of the doctrine of scripture, the Reformed Free Publishing Association published In the Beginning God.

Since then the conflict between creation and evolution as the explanation of the origin of the world has intensified, and the doctrine of scripture is increasingly compromised, even in historically Reformed churches and schools.

God’s people must be knowledgeable regarding the doctrines of scripture and of creation so that they are able staunchly to defend these truths. To this end the Reformed Free Publishing Association is pleased to republish this explanation and defense of these timeless truths.

Read review by Dr. Fred G. Zaspel (Books at a Glance).

Homer C. Hoeksema (1923-1989) was the second son of Herman Hoeksema, born during the turmoil of the Common Grace controversy which led to the formation of the Protestant Reformed Churches. He served charges in Iowa and Illinois before being called to serve as professor in the Protestant Reformed Seminary, where he taught Dogmatics and New Testament studies. He also served for years as the editor of The Standard Bearer and wrote many books for the RFPA.

• 144 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-77-0

Paperback version available

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The key to understanding Reformed doctrine is found in the title of the first chapter in this book: "God is God." This truth sets the tone for all thirteen chapters—six on God and seven on man. Each chapter on God directs the reader’s attention to a different biblical aspect of the sovereign of the universe: God as God, as creator, as Lord, as good, as the living God, and as love. 

The seven chapters about man open the biblical teaching about a subject often misinterpreted today. Clear explanation is given concerning man’s covenantal relationship to God, his creation in the image of God, his fall, and his totally depraved nature. Like the chapters in part one, these also emphasize that God is God.

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• 152 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-0-916206-87-1
• Release date: March 25, 2016

eBook version available

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The key to understanding Reformed doctrine is found in the title of the first chapter in this book: "God is God." This truth sets the tone for all thirteen chapters—six on God and seven on man. Each chapter on God directs the reader’s attention to a different biblical aspect of the sovereign of the universe: God as God, as creator, as Lord, as good, as the living God, and as love. 

The seven chapters about man open the biblical teaching about a subject often misinterpreted today. Clear explanation is given concerning man’s covenantal relationship to God, his creation in the image of God, his fall, and his totally depraved nature. Like the chapters in part one, these also emphasize that God is God.

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• 152 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-944555-07-8

Paperback version available

God said to Abraham, “I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee” (Gen. 17:7; cf. Lev. 26:12, Ezek. 37:27, Jer. 30:22). This covenant is the intimate relationship of fellowship he has chosen to share with his people in Jesus Christ. God has blessed his Old and New Testament church by way of the truth of the covenant even as he blessed Abraham.

The truth of the covenant comforts us in distress, encourages us in our battle against our enemies, and gives strength when we are weak. We as believers must embrace the truth of God’s covenant by developing and nurturing a worldview that is rooted in the blessed relationship which our heavenly Father has made with us in Christ.

With the heart of a pastor and the passion of a preacher, the author has written this book to help believers combat the threatening influences of both the world and our own sin upon the Christian home and church. As a practical exposition of the doctrine of God’s covenant, this volume will aid children of the covenant in directing their lives unto the triune God— in the family, among other saints, and as they live in the midst of an unbelieving world.

Read reviews by Arend Haveman (PRCA) and Geoff Veldman (Grandville Gleaner). 

Wilbur Bruinsma is a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches. He has pastored four congregations, and he has also served as a domestic missionary in the United States and as a missionary to Jamaica. Rev. Bruinsma and his wife have been blessed with five children and many grandchildren.

• 189 pages
• ISBN: 978-0-916206-46-8

God said to Abraham, “I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee” (Gen. 17:7; cf. Lev. 26:12, Ezek. 37:27, Jer. 30:22). This covenant is the intimate relationship of fellowship he has chosen to share with his people in Jesus Christ. God has blessed his Old and New Testament church by way of the truth of the covenant even as he blessed Abraham.

The truth of the covenant comforts us in distress, encourages us in our battle against our enemies, and gives strength when we are weak. We as believers must embrace the truth of God’s covenant by developing and nurturing a worldview that is rooted in the blessed relationship which our heavenly Father has made with us in Christ.

With the heart of a pastor and the passion of a preacher, the author has written this book to help believers combat the threatening influences of both the world and our own sin upon the Christian home and church. As a practical exposition of the doctrine of God’s covenant, this volume will aid children of the covenant in directing their lives unto the triune God— in the family, among other saints, and as they live in the midst of an unbelieving world.

Read reviews by Arend Haveman (PRCA) and Geoff Veldman (Grandville Gleaner). 

Wilbur Bruinsma is a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches. He has pastored four congregations, and he has also served as a domestic missionary in the United States and as a missionary to Jamaica. Rev. Bruinsma and his wife have been blessed with five children and many grandchildren.

• 189 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN: 978-0-916206-46-8
• Release date: February 2023

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What we are told about the relationship of Christ and his church applies to the calling of every one of us. Do you believe? Are you a child of God? Christ is your husband. According to Romans 7:4, we are married to him. To live in that consciousness is the heart of the Christian life, essential also to living joyfully in marriage.

Every Christian’s relationship to Jesus Christ is pictured in the institution of marriage. Using the biblical principles behind this institution, the author provides sound instruction to each one of us on the relationship we have with Christ, our head, and with other members of Christ’s church, the body. Practical instruction on topics such as right communication within marriage and in the church, the biblical roles of husband and of wife, and the calling to walk in the Spirit, will encourage Christians of every station and calling to live joyfully as members of Christ’s body.

Read a review by Rev. John Marcus (PRCA).

Steven Key has been a minister of the gospel for over thirty-five years. This book is based on a series of sermons which he preached in the Protestant Reformed Church in Loveland, Colorado in 2015. Rev. Key married his wife Nancy in 1976, and they have four married daughters and sixteen grandchildren.

• 240 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN: 978-1-944555-96-2

Hardcover version available

Look inside the book

What we are told about the relationship of Christ and his church applies to the calling of every one of us. Do you believe? Are you a child of God? Christ is your husband. According to Romans 7:4, we are married to him. To live in that consciousness is the heart of the Christian life, essential also to living joyfully in marriage.

Every Christian’s relationship to Jesus Christ is pictured in the institution of marriage. Using the biblical principles behind this institution, the author provides sound instruction to each one of us on the relationship we have with Christ, our head, and with other members of Christ’s church, the body. Practical instruction on topics such as right communication within marriage and in the church, the biblical roles of husband and of wife, and the calling to walk in the Spirit, will encourage Christians of every station and calling to live joyfully as members of Christ’s body.

Read a review by Rev. John Marcus (PRCA).

Steven Key has been a minister of the gospel for over thirty-five years. This book is based on a series of sermons which he preached in the Protestant Reformed Church in Loveland, Colorado in 2015. Rev. Key married his wife Nancy in 1976, and they have four married daughters and sixteen grandchildren.

• 240 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-944555-95-5
• Release date: 2022

eBook version available

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"The book is controversial. It was controversial when it was written. It is still controversial in Reformed churches..."

Originally published in Dutch (De Gemeene Gratis) at the end of the nineteenth century, Particular Grace's explanation and development of the gospel of salvation by the grace of God in Jesus Christ was controversial then and continues to be so today. But by no means is the book controversy alone. Within is the lively, warm writing of a Reformed theologian who influenced much of the Reformed church world in his time. Kuyper is fresh. Kuyper is fervent. Kuyper storms the heart of the believer.

What others are saying about the book:

"The Reformed Free Publishing Association has accomplished a breakthrough. For the first time, with the possible exception of Kuyper's work on the Holy Spirit, the Kuyper of sound Reformed doctrine and church reformation is presented to the English reading public…"

"The book is biblical, deliberately and pervasively so…"

"Reformed believers will surely be impressed with the power of the author's language and argument, the breadth of this acquaintance with past and contemporary discussion, and the cumulative weight of his case. They will also find Kuyper surprisingly fresh and pointed. Many contemporary denials of particular grace are anticipated by his arguments." —Mid-America Journal of Theology

• 376 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-36-7

Hardcover version available

ON SALE FOR APRIL

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"The book is controversial. It was controversial when it was written. It is still controversial in Reformed churches..."

Originally published in Dutch (De Gemeene Gratis) at the end of the nineteenth century, Particular Grace's explanation and development of the gospel of salvation by the grace of God in Jesus Christ was controversial then and continues to be so today. But by no means is the book controversy alone. Within is the lively, warm writing of a Reformed theologian who influenced much of the Reformed church world in his time. Kuyper is fresh. Kuyper is fervent. Kuyper storms the heart of the believer.

Read a review by David Engelsma.

What others are saying about the book:

"The Reformed Free Publishing Association has accomplished a breakthrough. For the first time, with the possible exception of Kuyper's work on the Holy Spirit, the Kuyper of sound Reformed doctrine and church reformation is presented to the English reading public."

"The book is biblical, deliberately and pervasively so."

"Reformed believers will surely be impressed with the power of the author's language and argument, the breadth of this acquaintance with past and contemporary discussion, and the cumulative weight of his case. They will also find Kuyper surprisingly fresh and pointed. Many contemporary denials of particular grace are anticipated by his arguments." —Mid-America Journal of Theology

• 376 pages
• hardcover 
• ISBN 978-0-916206-66-1
• Release date: May 16, 2014

eBook version available

Prosperous Wicked and Plagued Saints is a commentary on Psalm 73 that sets forth the truth of God’s goodness to his people in their trouble and of God’s curse on the wicked in their prosperity.

In light of the teaching of Psalm 73, the book takes issue with a theory about earthly prosperity and earthly woe that, for all its strange popularity with Reformed and evangelical Christians, only intensifies the believer’s temptation to doubt in the hour of trouble: the theory of common grace.

What others are saying about the book:

"This book arrived yesterday and I'll finish it today. Can't recommend it enough...The prosperity of the wicked is an illusion. What grace is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul? The answer is none. While it's popular today to say things like, 'God is good all the time and all the time God is good' or 'Have a blessed day' or 'I am blessed,' let's not be deceived. God is good towards His elect alone. All things work together FOR GOOD to those who are CALLED, to those who are in Christ Jesus and ONLY those who are in Christ Jesus." - Tim, from Arkansas

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. He has authored many RFPA books.

• 120 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-0-916206-96-3
• Release date: July 25, 2014

eBook version available

Prosperous Wicked and Plagued Saints is a commentary on Psalm 73 that sets forth the truth of God’s goodness to his people in their trouble and of God’s curse on the wicked in their prosperity.

In light of the teaching of Psalm 73, the book takes issue with a theory about earthly prosperity and earthly woe that, for all its strange popularity with Reformed and evangelical Christians, only intensifies the believer’s temptation to doubt in the hour of trouble: the theory of common grace.

What others are saying about the book:

"This book arrived yesterday and I'll finish it today. Can't recommend it enough...The prosperity of the wicked is an illusion. What grace is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul? The answer is none. While it's popular today to say things like, 'God is good all the time and all the time God is good' or 'Have a blessed day' or 'I am blessed,' let's not be deceived. God is good towards His elect alone. All things work together FOR GOOD to those who are CALLED, to those who are in Christ Jesus and ONLY those who are in Christ Jesus." - Tim, from Arkansas

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. He has authored many RFPA books.

• 120 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-47-3

Softcover version available

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Brought into English for the first time is this commentary on the Reformed baptism form by Bastiaan Wielenga, a prominent minister of the word in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (GKN) in the early to mid 1900s. This commentary sets forth, defends, and applies the creedal Reformed faith concerning the covenant of grace—the foundation of baptism. This commentary will be especially helpful to Reformed churches, ministers, and other members in its explanation of the baptism form’s authoritative treatment of covenant and election in relation to the baptism of infants.  The faith of every believer concerning the sacrament of baptism will be expanded and enriched by the commentary. 

From the author’s preface: “The ardent desire of my heart is that by the publication of this writing many people reading this work learn to regard baptism more purely, appreciate it more warmly, and more zealously plead the covenantal promises on behalf of believers and their children, before the throne of him who calls himself I Am That I Am."

Read reviews by Prof. David J. Engelsma (PRCA), Jerome Julien (The Outlook), Nathan Langerak, Martyn McGeown (The Standard Bearer), and Carl Schouls (The Messenger).

Bastiaan Wielenga was a minister of the word in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (GKN) in the early- to mid-1900s. He attended the Theological School in Kampen and earned his doctorate at the University of Heidelberg in 1899.

• 448 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-944555-12-2
• Release date: August 25, 2016

eBook version available

Other Books in this Series:

Reformed Lord's Supper Form

• 448 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-944555-13-9

Hardcover version available

Other Books in this Series:

Reformed Lord's Supper Form (eBook)

This set contains volumes 1 and 2 of the Reformed Dogmatics series by Herman Hoeksema. Buy the books individually here: Volume 1 and Volume 2.

2nd edition

This is a two-volume series titled Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Hoeksema. A clear, systematic study and exposition of Reformed theology written by a man who held the Chair of Dogmatics for some forty years at the Protestant Reformed seminary, the book is divided into the six generally-accepted branches of theology (theology, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology). This scholarly work is logical, Scripturally sound, and faithful to the Reformed creeds and traditions.

Read a review by M. Eugene Osterhaven (Christianity Today).

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

eBook version of the set available here.

This set contains volumes 1 and 2 of the Reformed Dogmatics series by Herman Hoeksema. Buy the books individually here: Volume 1 (eBook) and Volume 2 (eBook).

2nd edition

This is a two-volume series titled Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Hoeksema. A clear, systematic study and exposition of Reformed theology written by a man who held the Chair of Dogmatics for some forty years at the Protestant Reformed seminary, the book is divided into the six generally-accepted branches of theology (theology, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology). This scholarly work is logical, Scripturally sound, and faithful to the Reformed creeds and traditions.

Read a review by M. Eugene Osterhaven (Christianity Today).

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

Hardcover version of the set available here.

2nd edition

This is the first in a two-volume series titled Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Hoeksema. A clear, systematic study and exposition of Reformed theology written by a man who held the Chair of Dogmatics for some forty years at the Protestant Reformed seminary, the book is divided into the six generally-accepted branches of theology (theology, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology). This scholarly work is logical, Scripturally sound, and faithful to the Reformed creeds and traditions.

Read a review by M. Eugene Osterhaven (Christianity Today).

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• 646 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-0-616206-76-5
• Release date: 1966, 2004

eBook version available

2nd edition

This is the first in a two-volume series titled Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Hoeksema. A clear, systematic study and exposition of Reformed theology written by a man who held the Chair of Dogmatics for some forty years at the Protestant Reformed seminary, the book is divided into the six generally-accepted branches of theology (theology, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology). This scholarly work is logical, Scripturally sound, and faithful to the Reformed creeds and traditions.

Read a review by M. Eugene Osterhaven (Christianity Today).

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• 646 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-78-7

Hardcover version available

2nd edition

This is the second in a two-volume series titled Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Hoeksema. A clear, systematic study and exposition of Reformed theology written by a man who held the Chair of Dogmatics for some forty years at the Protestant Reformed seminary, the book is divided into the six generally-accepted branches of theology (theology, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology). This scholarly work is logical, Scripturally sound, and faithful to the Reformed creeds and traditions.

Read a review by M. Eugene Osterhaven (Christianity Today).

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• 736 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-0-916206-77-2
• Release date: 1966, 2004

eBook version available

2nd edition

This is the second in a two-volume series titled Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Hoeksema. A clear, systematic study and exposition of Reformed theology written by a man who held the Chair of Dogmatics for some forty years at the Protestant Reformed seminary, the book is divided into the six generally-accepted branches of theology (theology, anthropology, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology). This scholarly work is logical, Scripturally sound, and faithful to the Reformed creeds and traditions.

Read a review by M. Eugene Osterhaven (Christianity Today).

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• 736 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-79-4

Hardcover version available

As the subtitle indicates, The Reformed Faith of John Calvin is a summary (not an abridgment) in one volume of John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. In a succinct, systematic way, the book sets forth the essence of the great reformer's teachings in his Institutes on all the truths of the Christian religion.

Throughout, this sum of Calvin's explanation and defense of the truths of the Christian faith is either expressed or supported by quotations of Calvin. The book is replete with quotations from the Institutes (in the judgment of the author, the most important and vivid statements of Calvin), so that the reader hears Calvin himself.

One who reads this book will know the Institutes and its comprehensive, powerful instruction in the Reformed faith—the faith of the sixteenth-century Reformation of the church and the faith of true churches of Christ in the twenty-first century.

The book also gives a brief explanation of certain of Calvin's teachings, offers analysis of Calvin's doctrine, applies the reformer's teachings to contemporary doctrinal issues, and even, rarely, becomes so bold as to criticize Calvin's doctrine, for instance, Calvin's teaching that the magistrate is called to enforce the first table of the law of God.

Many seminarians, pastors, elders, and laity, perhaps even a theologian or two, although desirous of learning the content of the Institutes, are put off from reading it by the sheer size of the massive, two-volume work or are hindered by the demands of their calling. This summary will supply their want and, it is hoped, motivate them to read the Institutes itself.

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.

• 472 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-936054-00-8 
• Release date: February 4, 2016

eBook version available

The form itself was adopted by the Synod of Dordt (1618–19) as the authoritative form for the administration and celebration of the sacrament of the Supper by both the Reformed churches in the Netherlands and by Dutch-speaking churches in the tradition of Dordt elsewhere in the world. Over the years the form has been adopted, translated, and used by most—if not all—Reformed churches that stand in the tradition of Dordt.

The Lord’s supper form, therefore, expresses the faith of orthodox, Reformed Christianity concerning the supper and all the rich implications of the supper for doctrine and life.

Read reviews by H. D. Schuringa and Dan Key!

Bastiaan Wielenga was a minister of the word in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (GKN) in the early- to mid-1900s. He attended the Theological School in Kampen and earned his doctorate at the University of Heidelberg in 1899.

• 426 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-936054-57-2
• Release date: March 2023

eBook version available

Other Books in this Series:

Reformed Baptism Form

The form itself was adopted by the Synod of Dordt (1618–19) as the authoritative form for the administration and celebration of the sacrament of the Supper by both the Reformed churches in the Netherlands and by Dutch-speaking churches in the tradition of Dordt elsewhere in the world. Over the years the form has been adopted, translated, and used by most—if not all—Reformed churches that stand in the tradition of Dordt.

The Lord’s supper form, therefore, expresses the faith of orthodox, Reformed Christianity concerning the supper and all the rich implications of the supper for doctrine and life.

Read reviews by H. D. Schuringa and Dan Key!

Bastiaan Wielenga was a minister of the word in the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands (GKN) in the early- to mid-1900s. He attended the Theological School in Kampen and earned his doctorate at the University of Heidelberg in 1899.

• 426 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-59-6

Hardcover version available

Other Books in this Series:

Reformed Baptism Form (eBook)

What is and is not acceptable in a church service? Many churches today cater to the whims of their members when answering this question. This book, using the regulative principle and scripture as its guides, lays the groundwork for decision making regarding public worship.

Table of Contents

1 The Regulative Principle of Worship, David J. Engelsma 1
2 The Basis of the Regulative Principle of Worship, David J. Engelsma 6
3 The Regulative Principle of Worship Applied, David J. Engelsma 13
4 The Regulative Principle of Worship and Singing, David J. Engelsma 20
5 Contemporary Worship Practices, Barry Gritters 28
6 A Reformed Critique of Contemporary Worship, Barry Gritters 35
7 Proper Worship, Barry Gritters 39
8 The Active Participation of Believers, Charles Terpstra 44
9 A Conscious Involvement, Charles Terpstra 50
10 A Serious Preparation for Worship, Charles Terpstra 55

• 70 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-0-916206-83-3
• Release date: April 5, 2016

eBook version available

Other Books in the Rightly Dividing Series:

Common Grace Revisited

Always Reforming

Sixteenth Century Reformation

What is and is not acceptable in a church service? Many churches today cater to the whims of their members when answering this question. This book, using the regulative principle and scripture as its guides, lays the groundwork for decision making regarding public worship.

• 70 pages
• ISBN 978-1-944555-08-5

Paperback version available

Other Books in the Rightly Dividing Series:

Common Grace Revisited (eBook)

Sixteenth-Century Reformation

Always Reforming (eBook)

The five points of Calvinism (TULIP) are clearly explained and defended in this wonderful teaching tool. Typical objections to the "doctrines of grace" are answered using Scripture and the Reformed creeds as the authors present their arguments in an easy-to-follow format.

Ronald Hanko was ordained and installed in 1979 as minister at Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Throughout his time as a minister of the Word, he also served congregations in Houston, TX; Lynden, WA; and as a missionary in Northern Ireland. He has authored multiple RFPA books.

Ronald L. Cammenga is professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies at the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary in Wyoming, Michigan. He is a former pastor, and he and his wife, Rhonda, have eleven children and many grandchildren living in four states.

• 264 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-0-916206-74-1 
• Release date: 2002

Written by two young ministers embroiled in conflict, this book was originally published in Dutch in 1923. Dead aim is taken at the doctrine of common grace, and great care is taken to prove its errors using Scripture and the Reformed creeds. The doctrine of the antithesis and the organic idea of the covenant are also developed. This is a logical refutation of a common error, as well as a lesson in twentieth-century Reformed church history.

Henry Danhof and Herman Hoeksema are considered two of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. 

• 288 pages
• ISBN 978-1-944555-04-7

Hardcover version available

Written by two young ministers embroiled in conflict, this book was originally published in Dutch in 1923. Dead aim is taken at the doctrine of common grace, and great care is taken to prove its errors using Scripture and the Reformed creeds. The doctrine of the antithesis and the organic idea of the covenant are also developed. This is a logical refutation of a common error, as well as a lesson in twentieth-century Reformed church history.

Henry Danhof and Herman Hoeksema are considered two of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. 

• 288 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-0-916206-73-4
• Release date: 1923 (Dutch), 2003

eBook version available

From sketches of the lives of Martin Luther and John Calvin to an explanation of the reformers’ distinctive doctrine of the last things, this book ranges widely over the sixteenth-century Reformation of the church.

The Sixteenth-Century Reformation of the Church is divided into three parts: (fascinating) “Lives”; (significant) “History”; and (fundamental) “Doctrines and Issues.”

Written for believers and their children, rather than for scholars, the short but meaty articles will serve to introduce the Reformation to the reader who is ignorant of that grand work of Christ; to remind the reader who is familiar with the Reformation of its glories and worth; and to ground the believing reader in the truth of the Reformation confessed, as well as to help him or her in the holy life the Reformation called for. Especially the young people of the covenant will benefit from this book.

The writers are ministers of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America and of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia.

• 202 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-0-916206-95-6
• Release date: 2007

Other Books in the Rightly Dividing Series:

Common Grace Revisited

Reformed Worship

Always Reforming

Can believers and their children understand more about God’s covenant fellowship with his people with his people if they have a better understanding of the inner, triune life of God in himself? Does the life of Jesus Christ revealed in the Holy Scriptures help? What have Augustine, John Calvin, Karl Barth, Leonardo Boff and others offered on this topic?

Trinity and Covenant: God as Holy Family by Professor David Engelsma answers these questions and more.

In the light of profound insights of Augustine, following the lead of certain theologians in the Reformed tradition, and on the basis of the Holy Scripture, this book conceives the life of God in himself as fundamentally family fellowship. The fellowship of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit determines the nature of God’s works in the creating and redeeming humanity. The reader of this book will grow in the understanding of God’s covenant fellowship with his people.

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.

• 158 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-44-2

Hardcover version available

Can believers and their children understand more about God’s covenant fellowship with his people with his people if they have a better understanding of the inner, triune life of God in himself? Does the life of Jesus Christ revealed in the Holy Scriptures help? What have Augustine, John Calvin, Karl Barth, Leonardo Boff and others offered on this topic?

Trinity and Covenant: God as Holy Family by Professor David Engelsma answers these questions and more.

In the light of profound insights of Augustine, following the lead of certain theologians in the Reformed tradition, and on the basis of the Holy Scripture, this book conceives the life of God in himself as fundamentally family fellowship. The fellowship of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit determines the nature of God’s works in the creating and redeeming humanity. The reader of this book will grow in the understanding of God’s covenant fellowship with his people.

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.

• 158 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-0-916206-93-2
• Release date: June 24, 2014

eBook version available

Using Scripture as his guide, author Herman Hanko in this book develops the truth of God's covenant as it relates to the baptism of the infants of believers. "We" (the elect people of God) and "our children" are and should be inseparably linked because they both belong to the covenant of grace, though some Christian denominations deny this beautiful truth when they refuse to baptize their children. 

Herman Hanko (1930-2024) served as a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches from 1955 to 1965, when he was appointed to serve as professor in the Protestant Reformed Seminary in Grandville, MI. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2001. Until his passing in April 2024, he continued to lecture widely in the USA, the United Kingdom, and other countries, including Singapore and the Philippines. He is the author of several RFPA books.

• 184 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-0-616206-79-6
• Release date: 2004

"And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17).

In this beloved volume, Hoeksema refutes the common misinterpretation of this phrase and pastorally brings home to the believer its rich, personal meaning, explaining the doctrine of sovereign, particular grace regarding coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

What others are saying about this book:

"An excellent book, and so much needed in this day of dishwater doctrine. It displays God on the throne, not man." —Christian Literature World

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• 126 pages
• paperback 
• ISBN 978-0-916206-67-3
• Release date: July 25, 2014

eBook version available

"And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17).

In this beloved volume, Hoeksema refutes the common misinterpretation of this phrase and pastorally brings home to the believer its rich, personal meaning, explaining the doctrine of sovereign, particular grace regarding coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

What others are saying about this book:

"An excellent book, and so much needed in this day of dishwater doctrine. It displays God on the throne, not man." —Christian Literature World

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• 126 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-48-0

Paperback version available

NEW in 2024! Click here for a study guide to The Wonder of Grace.

This guide was written by Kyle Bruinooge, who teaches New Testament and Worldviews at Covenant Christian High School.

"The questions in this study guide are of varying forms. Some questions are simply designed as an aid to give organization and structure to the chapters. Other questions are crafted to foster and promote profitable and lively discussion on the topics raised in the book. Finally, my overall aim was that a number of questions would be personal and real for the child of God. For these questions, each individual who studies the book can respond uniquely and personally to how God has used the precious truths of grace in his or her life." -Kyle Bruinooge, 2023

2nd edition

 Click for a sample

Originally a series of radio sermons broadcast on the Reformed Witness Hour program, The Wonder of Grace was first published as a book in 1944. In Wonder, the author develops the concept of salvation by grace. Each of the fifteen chapters is devoted to one aspect of the grace that God bestows on the believer in the process of salvation. The reader of this work will grow in the knowledge and confidence that salvation is by grace alone and that God is worthy of all praise and glory.

This edition of The Wonder of Grace is a reprint of the 1982 edition of Herman Hoeksema’s little classic on God’s sovereign grace. In order to remain faithful to the words and ideas of the author, changes made to this edition were stylistic in nature.

Chapter 1: The Idea of Salvation by Grace
Chapter 2: Chosen by Grace
Chapter 3: Reconciled by Grace
Chapter 4: United with Christ by Grace
Chapter 5: Regenerated by Grace
Chapter 6: Called by Grace
Chapter 7: Believing Through Grace
Chapter 8: Justified by Grace
Chapter 9: Converted by Grace
Chapter 10: Working Out Our Salvation by Grace
Chapter 11: Good Works Through Grace
Chapter 12: Suffering Through Grace
Chapter 13: Victory Through Grace
Chapter 14: Assurance of Grace
Chapter 15: Glorified Through Grace

Herman Hoeksema (HH) (1886-1965) was ordained into the ministry in the Christian Reformed Churches in 1915. He is considered one of the founding "fathers" of the Protestant Reformed Churches in America. He taught in the Seminary of the Protestant Reformed Churches from its founding and until his retirement in 1964.

• 120 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-944555-97-9
• Release date: January 5, 2017