Defence of the Truth is a website which aims to provide articles which give reformed direction and ‘test the spirits’ in submission to the truth of the Holy Bible, the doctrine of which is confessed in the Three Forms of Unity – The Belgic Confession of Faith, the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort.
Latest articles
A closed Lord’s Supper Table is not proof of a sectarian spirit but shows ecclesiastical faithfulness
In our contacts with other churches we find differing views about who may attend the Lord’s Supper. The late Prof. J Geertsema (CanRC) identified three different ways of celebrating the Lord's Supper: the open Table (where everyone is invited to attend), the restricted Table (requiring approval through an interview...
For and against
He who is not against us is for us. He who is not with me is against me.He who does not gather with me scatters.
(Luke 9:50b; Mark 9:40; Luke 11:23; Matthew 12:30)Dr Klaas Schilder, a faithful minister of the Word, prolific writer and, according to Henry van Til, “the...
Coldplay, rock music and Christians
Last November the band Coldplay performed twice in Perth, Western Australia. According to the mass media 120,000 people attended two concerts by what it called “the iconic British rock band”. I’ve heard that a number of ‘our’ Christian youth also attended. Subsequently, concerns about this were expressed at a...
Lord’s Day 38 and Christian day schools
LD 38. What does God require in the fourth commandment?First, that the ministry of the Gospel and schools be maintained…Second, that all the days of my life I cease from my evil works, let the Lord work in me by his Holy Spirit, and so begin in this life...
The Dynamics of Christ’s Church-gathering Work
Somebody asked Rev. E. Heres, of the DGK, to write an article about “the dynamics of Christ's church gathering work” in line with Article 28 BCF. The reason is that whilst Article 28 is about everyone's duty to join the true church, there are church members who speak in...
ChatGPT and the Christian
Recently I received a letter from a reader in Canada alerting me to the potential danger of using ChatGPT, particularly for making sermons by ministers of the Word. Information about the possible use and misuse of this recent medium also applies more broadly to church people wanting to remain...
As churches how do we deal with other churches? 4 (& final)
Can someone who is a member of another church, partake in the celebration of the Holy Supper? If so, what are the conditions?
For whom is the Holy Supper intended?
The celebration of the Holy Supper is a highly precious event in the church of Christ; it means nothing less...
As churches how do we deal with other churches? 3
What are the dangers of pluriformity and denominationalism?
Definitions
Pluriformity of the church is the idea that different churches may coexist beside each other while worshipping God in different ways and professing their faith in Him in various forms. Although they are different, they are all considered to be churches of...
As churches how do we deal with other churches? 2
Seeking unity
Unity with other existing churches
In addition to continually examining our own church in light of God’s Word, we must, over time, also look around at other churches and assess whether they can be recognized as churches that are built on the same foundation. If this is the case...
As churches how do we deal with other churches? 1
What makes you a church of Jesus Christ?
Christ and His churchWe believe in Christ as our Savior and the Head of His Church. We also believe a holy catholic Christian Church, the communion of saints. However, we do not believe in the church itself but in Christ. This...