The Bavinck Challenge
Introduction
“None but a learned man could have written this book, but he has hidden his tools.” With these words, the aged Professor of Theology Nicholas M. Steffens (born 1839) commended Herman Bavinck’s Magnalia Dei when it first appeared in Dutch in 1909. Bavinck wrote numerous complex and sophisticated books during his long ministry, including his magisterial four-volume Reformed Dogmatics, which stands alongside the very greatest works of Reformed theology ever written. But in Magnalia Dei, Bavinck drew upon all the richness of his immense learning with the goal of making it digestible for the general reader, while at the same time preserving the nuance and depth for which he is justly famed. Its theological profundity with literary beauty combine to magnify the glory of the God of whom it so eloquently speaks. With good reason, Magnalia Dei was immediately recognized as a masterpiece.
Professor Steffens concluded his review by expressing the hope that Magnalia Dei would be made available to non-Dutch readers: “We close with the wish that this excellent book may soon appear in an English dress. Our people stand in need of just such a book.” A few decades later, this wish has become a reality with the publication of the English translation, The Wonderful Works of God. I pray that our journey through this book will be enlightening and enriching, stretching our minds and increasing our love for our Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You’ll find below some resources to help you as you approach this remarkable book, including an introductory video, some study notes and discussion questions, and a chapter outline with a suggested timeline for reading. We’ll aim to meet a few times during the year to talk about what we’ve been reading.
Pastor Steve Jeffery, March 11th, 2024
Study notes and discussion questions
I’m aware of two sets of study notes for Bavinck’s work. The first is in the process of being created by our very own Andrew Sies. Andrew’s aim is to “help guide reading, encourage reflection, and prompt discussion,” and he therefore focuses on points that “help solidify a comprehension of the text” and “foster practical and profitable discussion.” I recommend his guide highly.
The second set of notes was produced by Charles Williams, Pastor of Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, Illinois. These are somewhat different in style than Andrew’s notes; it’s possible that you’ll find them a helpful compliment to each other.
Chapter outline and schedule
Here’s a chapter outline, together with a suggested schedule which will take us through the whole book comfortably by the end of 2024. This schedule deliberately starts at a gentle pace, before speeding up a little. At the same time, it also allows extra time for the longer chapters. Lord willing, it’ll get us through the entire book by just before Thanksgiving. Feel free to move faster than this if you’d like, of course.
7 April | Introduction; Foreword; I. Man’s Highest Good.
12 May | VI. The Content of Special Revelation
2 June | IX. The Being of God
16 June | XI. Creation and Providence
21 July | XIV The Covenant of Grace
4 August | XV. The Mediator of the Covenant
11 August | XVI. The Divine and Human Nature of Christ
10 November | XXIII. The Church of Christ