THE CHRISTIAN’S REASONABLE SERVICE

WILHELMUS à BRAKEL

VOLUME 1

Theology:

The Doctrine of God

Chapter One

The Knowledge of God from Nature

The title of this book, The Christian’s Reasonable Service , has been derived from Romans 12:1, “...which is your reasonable service.” Religion ¹ consists of four matters: 1) its foundation or basis, 2) its form or essence, 3) its regulative principle, and 4) its practical manifestation.

The Foundation of Religion

First, the foundation of religion is the character of God. The works of His omnipotence and benevolence are indeed reasons to stimulate man to serve God; however, they are not the basis for such service. This foundation is the very character of God. God possesses within Himself all glory and worthiness to be served, even if there were no creature. No creature could have its existence, except it be of Him and through Him. By its very existence the creature is obligated to God’s majesty to exist

1 à Brakel uses “religion” here since Romans 12:1 reads as follows in the Dutch Bible: “. . . welke is uw redelijke godsdienst,” that is, “. . . which is your reasonable religion.”