Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

ewustzijn de zekerheid aangaande de verkiezing zich ontwikkelen moet; dat door heel
de verbonds-bediening heen, ook de volstrekte, alomvattende beloften Gods, zooals zij
uit de verkiezing voortvloeien moeten worden in het oog gehouden, bij Woord en
Sacrament beide; dat eindelijk het wezen des verbonds, deszelfs volle realiseering
slechts bij de ware kinderen Gods wordt aangetroffen, en dus niet wijder is dan de
uitverkiezing. Vooral op het tweede punt dient gelet te worden. Behalve dat er overal,
waar Gods verbond bediend wordt, eene verzegeling is van dezen inhoud: In de
vooronderstelling der aanwezigheid van geloof, wordt u het recht op alle
verbondsgoederen verzekerd — behalve dat, zeggen wij, is er steeds een plechtige
betuiging en verzegeling, dat God in alle uitverkorenen den geheelen omvang des
verbonds will verwerkelijken.” 52
The idea that the covenant is fully realized only in the elect is a perfectly Scriptural
idea, as appears, for instance, from Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-12. Moreover, it is also entirely
in line with the relation in which the covenant of grace stands to the covenant of
redemption. If in the latter Christ becomes Surety only for the elect, then the real
substance of the former must be limited to them also. Scripture strongly emphasizes the
fact that the covenant of grace, in distinction from the covenant of works, is an
inviolable covenant, in which the promises of God are always realized, Isa. 54:10. This
cannot be intended conditionally, for then it would be no special characteristic of the
covenant of grace, but would apply to the covenant of works as well. And yet, this is
exactly one of the important points in which the former differs from the latter, that it is
no more dependent on the uncertain obedience of man, but only on the absolute
faithfulness of God. The covenant promises will surely be realized, but — only in the
lives of the elect.
But now the question arises, whether in the estimation of these Reformed
theologians all the non-elect are outside of the covenant of grace in every sense of the
52 That is, “It need hardly be said that with all this it is not meant that the administration of the covenant
originates from the election, nor that all who are not elect stand outside of every relation to this
administration of the covenant. It is far more intended thus, that out of the strengthened covenant
consciousness the certainty respecting the election must develop itself; that through the entire
administration of the covenant, also the absolute, all-comprehensive promises of God, as they issue from
the election, must be borne in mind in connection with both Word and Sacrament; that, finally, the essence
of the covenant, its full realization, is found only in the true children of God, and therefore is not more
extensive than the election. Attention should be paid especially to the second point. Besides that
everywhere, where God’s covenant is administered, there is a seal having this content: In the supposition
of the presence of faith, you are assured of the right to all the blessings of the covenant, — besides that,
we say, there is always a solemn testimony and seal, that God will realize the whole content of the
covenant in the elect.” De Verbondsleer in de Gereformeerde Theologie, pp. 46 f.
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