De Moor on Predestination

[dildaysc]

A translation of De Moor's massive and masterly treatment of the much-controverted Doctrine of Predestination is underway! Jump in here at the beginning!

First, who is De Moor? and why translate his "Didactico-Elenctic Theology"?

Who Is De Moor?

Bernardinus de Moor was born on January 29, 1709. He studied at the great Dutch University of Leiden, which had been a center of Reformed scholarship from the time of its founding in 1575. Its faculty had included some prominent Reformed theologians, such as Franciscus Junius (1592-1602),[1]...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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Sometimes the best books on difficult subjects (like the Doctrine of Predestination) are difficult to read. Don't despair! and don't give up! It will take some work and practice, but you can do it.

Reading Difficult Books: A Personal Reminiscence (by Dr. Steven Dilday)

Shortly after my conversion to Christ, I became a regular listener to the radio broadcast of Dr. R.C. Sproul. Through Dr. Sproul I was exposed to Reformed theology for the first time, and, from the first, I was captivated. I was quite interested, of course, when he mentioned that he thought...

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Volume 2 of De Moor's "Didactico-Elenctic Theology" covers a number of topics, beginning with the Doctrine of Predestination.

This is the Dedicatory Epistle to Volume 2, providing a brief preview of things to come!

De Moor: Dedicatory Epistle for Volume 2

To the Most Serene and Lofty PRINCE WILLIAM V of Orange-Nassau, Hereditary Governor of the Dutch Federation, and the Military’s Supreme Commander over Land and Sea,[1] etc., etc., etc. MOST LOFTY AND SERENE PRINCE, You will grant with no difficulty at all, MOST LOFTY PRINCE, that I receive with...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

[Sovereign Grace]

A translation of De Moor's massive and masterly treatment of the much-controverted Doctrine of Predestination is underway! Jump in here at the beginning!

First, who is De Moor? and why translate his "Didactico-Elenctic Theology"?

Who Is De Moor?

Bernardinus de Moor was born on January 29, 1709. He studied at the great Dutch University of Leiden, which had been a center of Reformed scholarship from the time of its founding in 1575. Its faculty had included some prominent Reformed theologians, such as Franciscus Junius (1592-1602),[1]...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

Any timetable of when it will be completed?

 

[dildaysc]

Any timetable of when it will be completed?

Grateful for your interest.

I hope to have volume 5 on the Trinity in print by Fall. Volume 6 on the Decree should follow closely upon the heals of that.

However, with respect to the whole, I am not sure. Just chipping away...

 

[dildaysc]

As we prepare for De Moor's study of the Doctrine of Predestination, we return to his general introduction to his entire work...

De Moor's Preface to the Reader

Greetings. When in the latter part of Psalm 22 the Messiah joyfully gives a presentiment of the saving and super-abounding fruit, that, by His Sponsorial Merits and vicarious Passion, the people, given to Him by the Father to be redeemed to Himself, were going to carry off, which people were to...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

[Sovereign Grace]

Grateful for your interest.

I hope to have volume 5 on the Trinity in print by Fall. Volume 6 on the Decree should follow closely upon the heals of that.

However, with respect to the whole, I am not sure. Just chipping away...

Are any available for sale now?

 

[dildaysc]

Are any available for sale now?

Yes. You can find them here: https://www.lulu.com/search?page=1&q=bernardinus+de+moor,+steven+dilday&adult_audience_rating=00

 

[dildaysc]

As we prepare for the presentation of De Moor's treatment of the Doctrine of Predestination, it is worthwhile to review his system as a whole, and note the placement of Predestination in it.

Outline of the Entire System of Doctrine

A TREATMENT OF REVEALED CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY HERE FOLLOWS: I. A Nominal treatment, Chapter I, § 1-6, II. A Real treatment, in which you may see True Theology’s A. Diverse distribution, Chapter I, § 7-26, B. Definition as Revealed Theology, Chapter I, § 27, which Definition is explained, א. With...

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De Moor whets our appetite for his study on the Doctrine of Predestination with this extensive outline!

De Moor VII: Outline of the Doctrine of Predestination

I. This Chapter treats of the Term PREDESTINATION, and its, A. Etymology, B. Synonymy, § 1. C. Homonymy, whereby it denotes either, א. Every Decree of God, ב. Election alone, ג. Election and Reprobation together, which sense, α. Is Proven; β. Is Defended against the Papists, the...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

[Sovereign Grace]

De Moor whets our appetite for his study on the Doctrine of Predestination with this extensive outline!

De Moor VII: Outline of the Doctrine of Predestination

I. This Chapter treats of the Term PREDESTINATION, and its, A. Etymology, B. Synonymy, § 1. C. Homonymy, whereby it denotes either, א. Every Decree of God, ב. Election alone, ג. Election and Reprobation together, which sense, α. Is Proven; β. Is Defended against the Papists, the...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

Is this available now or is it in print right now?

 

[dildaysc]

Is this available now or is it in print right now?

No. The translation of this section is just getting underway. As it is translated, it will be posted here.

 

[Sovereign Grace]

No. The translation of this section is just getting underway. As it is translated, it will be posted here.

One more quick question, when is it expected to be ready to order?

 

[dildaysc]

An ancient Predestinarian heresy? What?!!

De Moor provides a theological definition for the term "predestination", and sifts the evidence as to whether or not there was such a heresy...

De Moor VII:1: The Term "Predestination"

Among the other Decrees, PREDESTINATION is eminent, and has a special regard to us, concerning which, therefore, our AUTHOR sets up a special treatment in this Chapter. It denotes the Destination of Men unto their certain end before their existence, even indeed before the existence of the world...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

[dildaysc]

One more quick question, when is it expected to be ready to order?

Hard to say. A year or two for volume 7.

 

[dildaysc]

The term "Predestination" does not have only one definition and use, but several. For the sake of clarity and cogency in argument, it is important to be aware of its various uses.

De Moor explores and illustrates these...

De Moor VII:2: The Homonymy of "Predestination"

As far as its Homonymy is concerned, the term Predestination is taken, 1. more Broadly, for every Decree of God, especially concerning man, Acts 4:28;[1] 17:26;[2] 1 Corinthians 2:7.[3] 2. More Strictly, for Election alone in the writings of the Fathers, in which matter it is also commonly...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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In Scripture, the language of "election" is used, not only of men, but also of Angels.

De Moor briefly surveys this topic...

De Moor VII:3: Double Meaning of "Predestination"

Predestination is also extended to Angels: α. Certain of which, α. are called Elect, ἐνώπιον—τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων, before…the elect angels, 1 Timothy 5:21, whether the word ἐκλεκτῶν/elect be taken nominally, or rather participially, in the same manner in which ἔκδοτος in Acts 2:23 is taken...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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In good Scholastic fashion, before analyzing the concept of Predestination, De Moor wants to assure himself of its Biblical reality.

De Moor VII:4: The Reality of Predestination

Predestination is not able to be denied, α. since God has decreed all future things, according to Chapter VI, § 11. β. But if God has decreed all things, even the least, there can be no doubt concerning Predestination, if, by arguing from the lesser to the greater, you consider the maximal...

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A definition for "Predestination" is furnished by De Moor's great Preceptor, Johann a Marck!

De Moor VII:5: A Definition of "Predestination", Part 1

Concerning the Definition of Predestination,[1] consult TRIGLAND’S Kerckelycke Geschiedenissen, volume 1, pages 3b-5a. [1] Marckius’ definition from his Compendium, chapter VII, § 5: “Now, to us Predestination is, the Decree of God, partly concerning the Deliverance and Salvation of Men, who are...

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[dildaysc]

De Moor expounds the definition of "Predestination", and asks whether Predestination ought to be ascribed formally to God's Intellect or Will?

Interesting!

De Moor VII:6: A Definition of "Predestination", Part 2

Predestination is, as a Decree, 1. an Act of God, since He alone is eternal, most free, most wise, independent, and the immutable Lord of all; which Attributes, as in a general way we saw God to exercise them in the Decrees, Chapter VI, § 6-11; so the same will no less appear conspicuous to us...

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[dildaysc]

Every Bible-believing Christian must have some doctrine of Predestination; Scripture expressly ascribes it to God.

One of the great questions: Is Predestination properly eternal, and, if so, in what manner?

De Moor VII:7: The Eternity of Predestination

It was seen in § 4-6 that Predestination has regard to the Decrees of God; it follows that the same is also Eternal, α. on account of the Eternity of the Decrees assert in a general way in Chapter VI, § 6; β. on account of specific passage, which assert the same concerning the Decree of...

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Is God rightly described as "most free"? Is He more or less free than a man? What are the implications for His decrees?

De Moor explores...

De Moor VII:8: The Liberty of Predestination

As in Chapter VI, § 7, I gave a proof for the Liberty of the Decrees in General, so the same comes to be applied in particular to the Decree of Predestination; in which: α. Scripture sets forth God specifically as Lord Most Absolute, disposing of His Creatures according to His Good Pleasure...

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De Moor defends the Wisdom of God in Predestination...

De Moor VII:9: The Wisdom of Predestination

Divine Wisdom, which we have already observed in a general way on His Decrees, Chapter VI, § 8, especially comes to be celebrated in the Decree of divine Predestination, to which, α. Paul especially has regard, Romans 11:33, 34; and, β. which Wisdom is displayed by the most excellent nexus of...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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A lengthy chapter on God's Independence in Predestination should be ready in about a week...

 

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Wow, this chapter on God's Independence in Predestination is really quite lengthy. Hopefully I should have it finished in another week.

 

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Does God predestinate, foreseeing faith and good works in the creature? or unto faith and good works in the creature?

In other words, is God's predestination dependent upon the creature? or independent?

De Moor explores...

De Moor VII:10: God's Independence in Predestination

What was expounded and enlarged in Chapter VI, § 9, even the Independence of the Divine Decree in general, that no less than other Attributes of the Decrees comes also to be applied to this eminent Decree of Predestination: hence we say that Predestination is Independent of every Cause and...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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Here, De Moor defends God's Independence in Predestination against the ancient adversaries of the doctrine.

Stimulating!

De Moor VII:11: God's Independence in Predestination Defended, Part 1

The Adversaries here are many, whether ancient, or more recent, against whom the truth just now confirmed must be maintained. The ancient Origenists, dreaming that Souls, first created in heaven, obtained diverse bodies, various conditions, and life or death, according to their merits, whether...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

 

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Almost there on the next installment...the history of Lutheran opinion on the doctrine of Predestination...

 

[dildaysc]

Here, De Moor defends God's Independence in Predestination against the Reformation-era adversaries of the doctrine.

Stimulating!

De Moor VII:11: God's Independence in Predestination Defended, Part 2

Among the Adversaries of the more recent age, following in the footsteps of the Pelagians and Semi-Pelagians, the Papists at the Council of Trent separated into parties, with some asserting with Augustine the gratuitous Election of God, but others with the Pelagians and Semi-Pelagians suspending...

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[ReformedChristian]

Does God predestinate, foreseeing faith and good works in the creature? or unto faith and good works in the creature?

In other words, is God's predestination dependent upon the creature? or independent?

De Moor explores...

De Moor VII:10: God's Independence in Predestination

What was expounded and enlarged in Chapter VI, § 9, even the Independence of the Divine Decree in general, that no less than other Attributes of the Decrees comes also to be applied to this eminent Decree of Predestination: hence we say that Predestination is Independent of every Cause and...

www.fromreformationtoreformation.com

Its interesting that even Aquinas rejected the idea of Predestination based on works and Foreseen faith. See his Summa Question 23.