Rousas John Rushdoony

#2

1999

This new printing of Louis Berkhof's Systematic Theology offers a bit of a surprise and, we hope, a significant service to the readers of this eminent volume. For most of its history under the title Systematic Theology, Professor Berkhof's work has appeared as a theological system without introduction or prolegomenon. In this new edition of Berkhof's work, we have returned his prolegomenon to its proper place. For Berkhof did indeed write a formal prolegomenon to his theology, titled Introduction to the Study of Systematic Theology. That Professor Berkhof himself intended the Introduction to be read together with the system is immediately evident. It is also the case that the Introduction was an integral part of Berkhof's address to theology from the outset of his teaching. We can only hope that the publication of Berkhof's Systematic Theology, now complete with its prolegomenon, will increase its usefulness and extend its time of service to the world of theology. It remains the best modern English-language introduction to the doctrinal theology of the Reformed tradition. - Back cover.

#3

Studies in Daniel and Revelation concerning the Lordship of Jesus Christ Few people realize that the New Testament actually emphasizes Christ’s Lordship just as much as His redemptive work with which it stands inseparably related. Luke 1:71-73 teaches that Jesus not only redeems his people from sin, but also from their enemies, so that we can serve Him without fear. In 1 Corinthians 15:25 the apostle Paul writes that Christ must rule as King until “He has put all enemies under His feet.” "The Book of Revelation refers to Christ as the Παντοκράτωρ (“Pantokrator”) nine times, a title which translates as “Ruler of all things.” Rousas John Rushdoony refers to a text such as Revelation 4, where the future is revealed to the apostle John, as a description of the all-encompassing Lordship of Jesus Christ: providential government and authority go forth from the Throne [of Christ] in an unbroken circle of dominion and light … in terms of this, therefore, the expectation that history will culminate in the triumph of the Antichrist is not only a dualistic surrender of the material world to Satan, but also a direct offense against the announced power and supremacy of God in, through, and over all creation and history." Christ actively governs creation. He is not just the Source of all that exists, but also the very Purpose for which all things exist. For this reason Scripture also teaches in Romans 11:36 that “of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.” All that exist are to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We ought therefore live out our obedience to Christ in every facet of our lives. The essence of sin is also disobedience to Christ’s Law as revealed in the Bible. Sinful man refuses to submit to Christ’s authority and therefore we read in Psalm 2:2-3: The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.” The Hebrew word translated as “taking counsel together” literally means to conspire. What Scripture therefore speaks of here is literally a conspiracy against the God the Father and against Christ’s Lordship. However, all their plans will fail and every pretentious authority which sets itself up against the Lordship of Christ will be demolished (II Corinthians 10:5). Christ actively reigns right now. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). We are therefore to serve Him with all of our being. We are to dedicate our lives to the expansion of his Kingdom.