August 27 - 29 marked the first annual Puritan Reformed Conference hosted by the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The theme of the three-day event was "Calvin for the 21st Century." The conference was held at the Prince Conference Center located on the Calvin College campus. It was truly a blessing to see men and women, young and old, come together to learn more about John Calvin and the Reformed faith.
Dr.
David Murray delivered the first address of the pre-conference's afternoon
session, "Calvin on Preaching Christ from the Old Testament." He skillfully
reminded everyone that for Calvin there were both theological and practical
reasons for preaching Christ from the Old Testament--reasons that are essential
for the revitalization of today's anemic church. The second address, "Calvin
and Missions for the 21st Century," was delivered by Dr. Michael
Haykin. Guiding us to the wellspring of Calvin's theology of missions, Dr.
Haykin explored the various facets of Calvin's understanding of the sovereignty
and the glory of God. Rev. Neil Pronk closed the pre-conference with a message
entitled "Calvin on the Church." After drawing on Calvin's clear assessment of
what is vital to a proper and biblical understanding of the church, Rev. Pronk
challenged the audience to evaluate their love and commitment to their local
assembly.
After
dinner, everyone reconvened in the Great Hall for the beginning of what would
turn out to be a wonderful conference. Nearly 400 people gathered for this
year's event. Once again, Dr. David Murray delivered the first address.
Preaching from 1 John 3, Dr. Murray called our attention to the adoptive love
of God. What a powerful testimony this message was to the amazing love of God
in Christ; a love so rich and immeasurable that the only rightful response
anyone can have is to say, "I will live my life to the glory and honor of God."
Dr.
Ligon Duncan ended Thursday evening with his address, "The Resurgence of
Calvinism in America." Looking back over the last two centuries, Dr. Duncan
provided a brief biographical sketch of three towering figures that the Lord
has used in the church to rekindle the flame of Calvinism: Charles Spurgeon,
Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and John MacArthur. Besides these three greatly influential
men, Dr. Duncan pointed out the impact Banner of Truth Trust has had on
ministers and laymen alike. He made note of the contributions by Reformed
scholars to the discussion of biblical inerrancy. He pointed out the
theological and philosophical influence that men like R.C. Sproul and John
Piper have had on America's youth. In addition, he referenced theological
issues that acted as catalysts to realign Southern Baptists and Presbyterians
with their historical Calvinistic roots.
Early
Friday morning, motivated by what they had already heard and experienced the
night before, attendees were eager for the start of day two. Dr. Jerry Bilkes
delivered the first address of the day, "Calvin on the Word of God." Dr. Bilkes
masterfully brought forth Calvin's teaching on the Word of God from three
vignettes of Calvin's life: 1) his conversion as described in the introduction
to his commentary on the Psalms, 2) his work as a preacher, and 3) his writings
on the Word of God. Providing a glimpse into the theology of Calvin on the Word
of God, Dr. Bilkes then brought us back to reflect upon our own responses to
God's Word. Do we reverence the Word of God, are we wholly dependent upon it,
and is there a deep-seeded desire within each of us for it?
As
the day went on, we would hear from Drs. Joseph Pipa, Derek Thomas, and Michael
Haykin. In his address, "The Work of the Holy Spirit for the 21st
Century," Dr. Pipa pointed out that there has been much confusion concerning
the person of the Holy Spirit and the products of the Holy Spirit--the Bible,
the gifts of the Spirit, and the saving work of the Spirit in redemption. He
went on to explain why it was that B.B. Warfield could declare Calvin to be the
theologian of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Pipa's message was a good reminder of the
Trinitarian work of God in both creation and redemption.
After
lunch, Dr. Thomas delivered his address, "Redemption: Speaking Peace in the 21st
Century." Looking at Romans 8:31-32, Dr. Thomas focused on the question that
the apostle Paul puts before each of us, "How do I know God is for me?" He
reminded us that we all tend to say God is for us when things are good, but
what do we say when providence seems to frown upon us? Dr. Thomas directed our
attention to the finished work of Jesus Christ at the cross. For Calvin, he
said, "death was the way to life, and the cross the way to victory."
Four
breakout sessions were then offered: 1) "Calvin on Ethics," by Dr. Nelson
Kloosterman; 2) "Calvin on the Believers' Benefits," by Dr. Cornelis Venema; 3)
"Calvin on the Early Church," by Dr. Ligon Duncan; and 4) "Calvin on
Reprobation," by Dr. Donald Sinnema. Each of the sessions was well attended,
and many people commented on their benefit.
Dr.
Michael Haykin delivered the final address of the day, "Christian Marriage in
the 21st Century." His message was both timely and insightful.
Speaking from Genesis 2:18-25 and Ephesians 5:25-32, Dr. Haykin provided a
history lesson of the various views of marriage throughout the Christian
church. He showed how Calvin and the Reformers restored a proper and biblical
view of Christian marriage--an achievement not brought about in a vacuum, but in
an age similar to our own.
The
evening was closed with a delightful and lively panel discussion between Joel
Beeke, Ligon Duncan, Michael Haykin, and Joseph Pipa, with Derek Thomas serving
as moderator.
Saturday's
first session was brought by Dr. Thomas "Reforming the Church." Dr. Thomas
pointed out that Calvin put forward the argument that God is to be worshipped
in accordance with that which has been revealed in His Word. This is partially
why the Reformation is important for the 21st century. We need to
ask the question, "What is biblical worship?" And in an attempt to answer this
question, Dr. Thomas persuasively reminded us of our need to listen to the
sound counsel of men like John Calvin.
Dr.
Joel Beeke delivered the final address of the conference, "Why is Calvin
Important Today?" Looking at twelve reasons why John Calvin and his doctrine
are important for the church today, Dr. Beeke gently prodded us to see our
indebtedness to Calvin for what we believe to be true orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
He concluded that Calvinism provides Christians with a complete worldview and a
genuine concept of biblical piety.
At
the conclusion of many of the messages, attendees would break only to swarm the
Reformation Heritage Book tables to find the titles mentioned in each address.
For many people, the complementary resources made available by RHB and the
other exhibitors were truly a blessing.
Please
pray that God would continue to bless the efforts of this year's conference. It
is our desire as a seminary that believers around the world would have hearts
inflamed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and would seek to live lives to the
glory of God.
Audio
and video recordings were made of the entire three-day event; whether you
attended this year's conference or not, you can now purchase any or all of the
audio sessions from PRTS. DVD recordings will be available later this year.
Please
join us for next year's conference, in the same fine venue, D.V. The nine
carefully chosen speakers have all agreed to come. You will be in for a
spiritual feast. Circle August 26-28, 2010 on your calendar now.