by Rev. J. A. T. van Dorp
The Challenge religious newspaper (NZ) for 3rd November 1993 contains a supplement prepared by the Reformed Church of New Zealand to mark Reformation Day, October 31st, in remembrance of the Reformation.
Many excellent statements are made in it that would make the readers believe that the writers are thoroughly attached to the Reformed Faith. The following are some samples: “Today, as much as at any other time, there is a great need for a clear proclamation of a Christian world view and a reformation in the Church and in our society.” “When claiming to be ‘Reformed’ we are simply claiming to be biblical.” “We believe that the Reformed confessions and catechisms are an accurate statement of biblical truth” and “the Reformed faith to be a clear and faithful
explanation of biblical truth.” “It is not too much to say that the Reformation restored the gospel to the world”; “the study of the Reformation and its development should be mandatory for the modern Christian”; “have we anything to learn from the Reformation that we can apply today?”; “Calvin is well-known for his concern for unity”. The Confessions and catechisms are quoted approvingly, including the Westminster Confession of Faith. Even the need of self-examination.