2023 Systematic Theology

“Herein lies the thought that the Christian religion does not exist merely in words, in a doctrine...it is a work of God, in word and fact, which was accomplished in the past, is being worked out in the present, and will be fulfilled in the future. The content of the Christian faith is not a scientific theory, nor a philosophical formula of an explanation of the world, but a recognition and confession of the wonderful works of God, which have been wrought through the ages, cover the whole world, and await their fulfillment in the new heaven and new earth, where righteousness dwells...

If the works of God are viewed by their own light, they naturally compel admiration and worship. Then we see that the Christian faith does not merely convey much to its own favor, but it also displays an internal beauty and, by its inherent truth and glory, commends itself to the consciences of humanity. Then we thank God, not that we must but that we may believe.

Then we realize, to some extent, what our faith gives to our thinking and living. And each in his own tongue, we begin again to declare the wonderful works of God.” —Herman Bavinck