The Belgic: "A Confession of the Gospel in all its riches"

The Belgic Confession: A Commentary, Volumes I–II by David J. Engelsma. Jenison, MI: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 2018–19. 348 and 382 pages. Reviewed by Dr. H. David Schuringa, a reformed theologian living in West Michigan (as reviewed in the July 24, 2019 issue of Christian Renewal).

The publishing of Dr. David Engelsma’s two-volume commentary on the Belgic Confession is a welcome event due not only to its meaty content but also to meager current resources. The historic confession comprises a complete dogmatics in its own right as it follows the usual outline of the loci with the doctrines of the Word, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Ecclesiology and Eschatology.

Engelsma maintains, however, that though the con­fession is doctrinal and systematic, it is not a sys­tematic theology as such but rather, “the confession of the gospel in all its riches as this gospel is known by every illumined mind and embraced by every regenerated heart” (II:366f.). That is certainly true in large measure, which in turn makes these two volumes Engelsma’s own dogmatics of sorts. What Berkhof did for Bavinck, he does for Hoeksema.

The professor provides an actual commentary in that his treatment involves a careful analysis and exposition of the revered document’s own words and phrases, with comparisons to Scripture and in con­trasts to other interpretations. His command of the subject matter—whether of the exegetical, confes­sional, historical or contemporary sort—is impres­sive as to its height, depth and breadth. Engelsma knows his stuff and where he stands. Also included are comprehensive indices of Scriptures, creeds and confessions cited voluminously throughout the rock-solid work. And RFPA is to be commended for the release of these handsome volumes.

ESSENTIAL AND STRIKING

Indisputably, for the life-long minister and professor there are no gray areas. In that light he should be appreciated as an essential antithetical, or icono­clastic, theologian whose aggressive style (not the content) is somewhat akin to a Jacques Ellul. This reviewer found the commentary never ad hominem, sometimes generalizing, but always cutting like a knife rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

Admittedly, the work would be impossible to swallow for scholars wandering in the wilderness of contextualization who see everything as far too complicated for “unlearned,” hoi polloi, those whom they deem clueless as to academia’s theory that objective truth is, alas, not merely inaccessible but even nonexistent. You may disagree, but Engelsma’s certain trumpet sound—albeit often in a minor key—strikes a vital chord for the Reformed ensemble in our discordant times.

For this theologian, the Belgic Confession is not some ancient relic that office bearers dust off and sign on to with a wink and a nod, but a re­liable presentation which proves how all biblical doctrine is ever true, and truly connected in a co­herent system. Since all truth is related, compro­mising at one point more than threatens the Walls of Zion.

And who can deny that relentless, “open-mind­ed” wavering and capit­ulation have chipped away at the doctrines of Scripture and the Sovereignty of God until the substitutionary blood atonement itself is politely sidestepped, which then demolishes the entire Christian enterprise.

ORTHODOX AND PASTORAL

That said, the professor’s John-the-Baptist-like zeal is not only for truth’s sake, but also for the believer’s life. Like a loaf of bread fresh from a Dutch oven, the outside may feel crusty, but inside, the warrior is warm and tender for the saints. Not out to impress scholars, Englesma takes to heart his calling to be a theologian for the people of God.

For example, church members today seem in­creasingly left in the dark with evermore perplexing questions in the face of sorrow and calamity, sin and evil. And what about pastors who have little more comfort to offer than a glib, “I’m here for ya, man,” in the midst of the misery of their sheep? Not that we ever rub a mourner’s nose into Romans 8:28, but Engelsma’s treatment of providence early in the first volume dares to take on the bewildering issues of life, because, well, the Bible does. And sure, there is mystery—more than you can imagine—but it is mystery in the good hands of a sovereign God and eternal Father who truly knows best.

At the other end of the volumes is the professor’s exposition on the end times, which in the confession itself is rather compact. In rolling out the doctrine, his discourse soars with inspiration and even awe as he depicts the certain destruction of the reprobate world, as well as the blessed arrival, at last, of our Savior and Lord.

As to everything that falls between, the author delivers profound, as well as helpful, exposition. In getting to the heart of the gospel of justi­fication by faith alone, Prof. Engelsma sorts out current discussions and clarifies the relationship of faith to the declarative act of God and the Spirit’s sanctifying work. Whether expounding upon creation or predestination, the presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper or of the elect in the universal church—his head and heart operate in full gear for those in cove­nant with God.

MEAT, NOT MILK

But no human confession or creed may claim infalli­bility. And Engelsma tackles BC 36 on the role of the government with respect to the church. He reviews the last’s century’s tinkering with the article and then presents concrete ideas for a gravamen to beef it up once and for all.

All being said, the commentary succeeds in keep­ing its promise: it demonstrates how our confession is “rich, lovely, and powerful.” Recommended for meat-eating parishioners, students, pastors and theologians.

While every reader will not assent to every point Engelsma propounds, every point he proffers will make every reader think. If you are looking for something to chew on, then take up and dig in. The distinguished offering will feed the Flock of God well for generations to come.

 Click to read as printed in the July 24, 2019 issue of Christian Renewal.

Volume 1                                          

Volume 2