Essential Truths in the Heart of a Christian

Author(s): Wilhelmus Schortinghuis
Publisher:  Reformation Heritage Books
Price: $2.99      

This book presents a clear explanation of the main topics of the Reformed faith. Written in the catechetical style of question and answers, the book is noted for its succinctness and ample references to Scripture. The forty brief chapters are characterized by careful doctrinal distinctions, and each one concludes with a question or two asking what the particular subject means for the faith and spiritual reflection of the reader. For today’s readers, it is both an ideal representation of the Dutch Further Reformation’s attention to doctrine and piety, as well as an invitation to carry on that spiritual legacy.

Table of Contents:

About the Knowledge of God from Nature
About Religion
About Holy Scripture
About God’s Being and Names
About God’s Perfections
About the Holy Trinity
About God’s Decrees – General and Special
About Creation
About God’s Providence
About Service and the Law of God
About the Covenant of Works
About the Fall and Its Effects
About Sin and the Punishment of All People
About Satisfaction and God’s Righteousness
About the Covenant of Grace
About the Mediator of the Covenant
About the Names of the Mediator, Jesus Christ
About the Natures of the Mediator
About the Offices of the Mediator
About the State of Jesus’ Humiliation
About the State of Jesus’ Exaltation
About Effectual Calling
About Regeneration
About Saving Faith
About the Levels of Saving Faith
About Justification and its Blessed Fruits
About Sanctification and Good Works
About Prayer
About Sealing
About the Sacraments in General
About Holy Baptism
About the Lord’s Supper
About Worthy and Unworthy Partakers and Ecclesiastical Discipline
About the State of Man after Death
About the Resurrection of All People
About the Final Judgment
About Eternal Damnation
About Eternal Life
About the Church
About the Government of the Church

Series Description:
Classics of Reformed Spirituality Series offers fresh translations of key writings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, making them accessible to the twenty-first century church. These writings from the “Further Reformation” in the Netherlands offer a balance of doctrine and piety, a mingling of theology and life that has seldom been equaled in the history of Christianity. Each book in this series will provide invaluable insights into a vibrant part of the Christian heritage.

Author:
Wilhelmus Schortinghuis (1700-1750) was one of the final leaders of Dutch Further Reformation.

Translators:
Harry Boonstra is a retired theological librarian at The Hekman Library, Calvin College and Seminary.

Gerrit W. Sheeres is a retired pastor in the Christian Reformed Church.

Editor:
James A. De Jong is emeritus President and Professor of Historical Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary.

Endorsements:
“Many will surely welcome this new access to the Dutch authors whose strong writings put faith and certainty into generations of their fellow countrymen. By their closeness to Scripture and their concern for heart and head (heat and light), they remain of enduring value.” – Ian H. Murray, author of The Puritan Hope.

“The rich heritage of Reformed spirituality is long overdue for renewed attention. the Dutch Reformed Translation Society has done a great favor by making these translations available.” – Luder G Whitlock Jr, president, Excelsis

“I am delighted that the Dutch Reformed Translation Society is at last making this material available in the English language. It is a landmark feature of our Reformed heritage, and it is rich food for the soul in this or any other age.” – J. I. Packer, Regent College