Die geskiedenis van die Ned. Geref. Kerk (NGK) draai sedert 1960 om twee belangrike hoofmomente - die publikasie van twee beleid-stukke: Ras, Volk en Nasie (RVN) 1974 en Kerk en Samelewing (KES) 1986. Na afloop van die historiese Cottesloe-beraad in 1960 is die NGK met kritieke vrae rondom die rassekwessie gekonfronteer. Vir 14 jaar het die kerk via verskillende sinodes met hierdie vraagstuk geworstel voordat 'n antwoord in 1974 gereed was: Ras, Volk en Nasie en Volkereverhoudinge in die lig van die Skrif. Binne sowel as buite Suid-Afrika het die kerk hom egter vasgeloop teen geweldige kritiek op hierdie standpunt. Dit was teen 1979 duidelik dat die kerk hom in 'n doodloopstraat bevind het. Dit was egter nie alleen die kritiek op sy beleid wat die kerk weer laat dink het nie. Vanaf 1980 tot 1982 het vier belangrike gebeurtnisse plaasgevind wat soos impulse op die kerk ingewerk het. Dit was die Hervormingsdaggetuienis, die Ope Brief, die Vergadering van die Wêreldbond van Gereformeerde Kerke in Ottawa en die aanvaarding van 'n Belhar-belydenis deur die Ned. Geref. Sendingkerk. Hierdie gebeure het met woord en daad gehelp dat die kerk in 1982 ‘n historiese besluit kon neem, naamlik om RVN te hersien. Na vier jaar van hernude Skrifstudie en diskussie het 'n konsepverslag in 1986 voor die Algemene Sinode gedien, waar dit aanvaar is onder die titel: Kerk en Samelewing - 'n Getuienis van die Ned. Geref. Kerk. Oop kerkdeure, oop lidmaatskap, en die veroordeling van apartheid as sonde het duidelik getoon dat die kerk 'n totaal nuwe koers ingeslaan het - met tragiese gevolge! Die beroering wat binne die kerk losgebars het, het binne maande in omvang gegroei, en op 27 Junie 1987 het 'n groep lidmate van die kerk weggebreek om die Afrikaanse Protestantse Kerk te stig. Hierdie gebeure en die stigting van die Ned. Geref. Bond het die NGK by die eerste kruispad op sy nuut ingeslane weg gebring! / Thesis (DD)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Church History and Church Policy / Unrestricted

The gospel according to Matthew has particularistic (i.e. specific to the Jews) as well as universal features. The particularistic features are demonstrated by the Jews included in the gospel, whereas the gentiles (non–Jews) are representative of the gospel’s universal nature. Traditionally, it is said that the gentiles in the gospel often come to confess Jesus as the Messiah, whereas the majority of Jews reject Him. Gentiles who come to confess Jesus will likely become part of the church. However, some researchers doubt whether the gospel according to Matthew does indeed present such a positive picture of the gentiles. This may have implications for the inclusion of the gentiles in the church. The question arises whether gentiles become part of the church by virtue of their confession of Jesus as the Christ. The purpose of this study was thus to determine whether gentiles become part of the church by virtue of their confession. Chapter 1 sets out the background to the research question and the problem statement. Chapter 2 asks whether gentiles do indeed come to confess the Messiah. The birth narratives provide an outlook of gentiles who will come to a confession. In the ministry narratives, the Roman officer and the Canaanite woman acknowledge Jesus’ authority. The Roman officer receives the promise that non–Jews will be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Canaanite woman points towards gentiles who will triumph over the gates of hell. When Jesus dies, the Roman soldiers acknowledge Him as the Son of God. This is based on a literature study. Chapter 3 asks whether the Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah. The fulfilment citations place the unrighteousness of the Jews in continuity with Israel of old, and the disputations and declaration of woe reveal the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders. This is also based on a literature study. Chapter 4 explores the meaning of the word rock (petra) on which Jesus builds His church ? according to Matthew 16:18. In order to establish the meaning of the word, an overview of the word’s interpretation history is provided. Secondly, the meaning of the word is also determined exegetically. Chapter 5 sets out a summary of all the findings of the study. The main findings are: Gentiles often come to confess Jesus; in contrast, most Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus builds the church on Himself as the Rock, but extends the privilege to those, like Peter, who confess Him to become lesser bricks in the church. It can therefore be said that gentiles become part of the church by confessing Jesus as the Christ. / Thesis (M.A. (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The gospel according to Matthew has particularistic (i.e. specific to the Jews) as well as universal features. The particularistic features are demonstrated by the Jews included in the gospel, whereas the gentiles (non–Jews) are representative of the gospel’s universal nature. Traditionally, it is said that the gentiles in the gospel often come to confess Jesus as the Messiah, whereas the majority of Jews reject Him. Gentiles who come to confess Jesus will likely become part of the church. However, some researchers doubt whether the gospel according to Matthew does indeed present such a positive picture of the gentiles. This may have implications for the inclusion of the gentiles in the church. The question arises whether gentiles become part of the church by virtue of their confession of Jesus as the Christ. The purpose of this study was thus to determine whether gentiles become part of the church by virtue of their confession. Chapter 1 sets out the background to the research question and the problem statement. Chapter 2 asks whether gentiles do indeed come to confess the Messiah. The birth narratives provide an outlook of gentiles who will come to a confession. In the ministry narratives, the Roman officer and the Canaanite woman acknowledge Jesus’ authority. The Roman officer receives the promise that non–Jews will be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Canaanite woman points towards gentiles who will triumph over the gates of hell. When Jesus dies, the Roman soldiers acknowledge Him as the Son of God. This is based on a literature study. Chapter 3 asks whether the Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah. The fulfilment citations place the unrighteousness of the Jews in continuity with Israel of old, and the disputations and declaration of woe reveal the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders. This is also based on a literature study. Chapter 4 explores the meaning of the word rock (petra) on which Jesus builds His church ? according to Matthew 16:18. In order to establish the meaning of the word, an overview of the word’s interpretation history is provided. Secondly, the meaning of the word is also determined exegetically. Chapter 5 sets out a summary of all the findings of the study. The main findings are: Gentiles often come to confess Jesus; in contrast, most Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus builds the church on Himself as the Rock, but extends the privilege to those, like Peter, who confess Him to become lesser bricks in the church. It can therefore be said that gentiles become part of the church by confessing Jesus as the Christ. / Thesis (M.A. (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Although there are a lot of popular books available on the subject of hope I still believe that there is a need for another study on the phenomenon of hope. Especially where proper exegesis and a multidiscipline approach are taken into account. In this study I’ve researched the effect of a society in transition on hope. I suspect that the changes since 1994 have a significant influence on the attitude, thought and behaviour of the Afrikaner especially. To come to such a conclusion the study take theories of change in Sociology into account. Some information were gathered from papers. The reason for that is the influence papers have on the spirit of society, and in this case its influence on people’s hope. Unfortunately one of the conclusions is that a lack of hope can very well be one of the consequences of the changes in society since 1994. The contemporary study is followed by a study on hope in Paul’s letter to the Romans. The background of the author, the congregation and the theology of the letter were taken in consideration. In most of the cases I’ve used the verses in the letter where the word hope was used. Surprisingly there is quite a comparison between the letter of Romans and society today as far as the reasons that causes hopelessness. Therefore Romans can be of great value to give hope in a disorientated society. Until now we know that there is a lack of hope in society, and that Romans give us reason to hope, but what is the person looking like that we want to communicate with? The study on post modernity show us how this “new” paradigm looks like. Post modernity is very different to modernism. The latest paradigm is universal and no one and nothing can escape it. Social sciences, the arts, economy, science itself and the theology were largely influenced by post modernity. With its larger emphasis on spirituality it creates wonderful opportunities for preaching. On the other side though, one should also keep its threats in mind, especially the proneness to relativism and New Age. In the last chapter I use all the information and conclusions of the previous chapters to get to a homiletic strategy for a postmodern context. The most important part of this chapter is to conclude that confession is a suitable hermeneutical and homiletical tool for preaching in post modernity. There is no need to prove confession, it is about something that is believed. The Bible therefore is still as relevant as ever. Communication strategies are included to guide the preacher in the most effective way when preaching in a postmodern context. The chapter ends with certain specific homiletic contents from the Roman letter that can be used today. We can know for certain that hopelessness is part of our society today. However we’ve got the promise of Romans 15:13 that God stays our God of hope. Our tasks are to posision us homiletically, hermeneutically and strategically in such a way that we give our faith the best possible chance. / Dissertation (MTh (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Practical Theology / MTh (Practical Theology) / unrestricted

An underlying theme of creation can be found in the text of Colossians 1:13-20. Certain words and expressions in the passage can be directly linked with the first act of creation. These words and expressions can corporately be described as "creation language". From this it follows that "creation language" is the way in which the work and Person of Jesus Christ is described in relation to the Old Testament (Genesis) creation accounts. In Collossians 1:13-20 we find a focus on the Creator. The message of redemption is cast within the framework of the continuing creation activities of God. It is an actual fact that God (the Father and Creator) takes initiative in the redemptive process. It is He who redeems believers by transferring them from the hostility of the darkness to a new Lordship. The Son - being the image of the invisible God - is the Instrument of redemption. It is the Creator though that is the "acting Person" behind the redemptive process. The power of the Creator is a strong underlying motive in Colossians 1:13-20. His power is shown in the act of the first creation and reiterated in the resurrection of the Son. The focus is on God's - and his alone - power to create life out of death. Something comparable to the creation of "life out of nothing" during the first creation. Being the Image of the invisible (Creator) God, the Son is the perfect Representative of the powerful God. He represents God's presence, but more specifically his power. Christ's Lordship over everthing in the creation is therefore repeatedly mentioned in Colossians 1:13-20. By describing the church as the body of Christ, believers are reminded that they are drawn into the powerful presence of their Creator's power. They are reminded of the impact of their redemption by referring to the process by which they were redeemed and their identity under the headship of Christ. On an ethical level they are urged to live accordingly - to be transformed to the likeness of their Creator. The content of Colossians 1:13-20 represents a confession from antiquity about the nucleus of the ancient believers' faith. Along with this it creates a "stencil of interpretation" for the message of the whole letter. The fact that the passage is written in "creation language" reminds us of the importance of this motive for New Testament studies in general. In conclusion, it can be noted that the writer of Colossians 1:13-20 employs "creation language" as a vehicle to describe the work and Person of Jesus Christ while focusing on the active involvement of the Creator. In a unique and uncomplicated manner it is shown that the redemptive work of Christ is to be understood within the framework of the active creation process of the Creator as it is described in the Old Testament creation reports. / Dissertation (PhD (New Testament Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / New Testament Studies / unrestricted

AFRIKAANS: Die Belhar Belydenis was sedert sy ontstaan in 1982 ‘n omstrede dokument in die NG Kerkfamilie. Ná die Kerkbode-debat in 1998, is Belhar al hoe meer gesien as ‘n struikelblok in die weg van eenwording. Denke oor die Belydenis het gepolariseer tussen diegene wat dit aanvaar as konfessie teenoor diegene wat dit nie aanvaar nie. Besware wat teen die Belydenis ingebring is, het te make met sy ontstaansgeskiedenis, sy status as konfessie en inhoudelike besware. Die negatiewe persepsies oor die Belhar Belydenis is diep gewortel. In hierdie studie word ‘n derde posisie voorgestel, naamlik dat die missionêre waarde van die Belhar Belydenis vir die NG Kerk genoeg rede is om die inhoud van die belydenis te ontgin, ongeag of die belydenis as konfessie aanvaar word of nie. Deur ‘n bestudering van die sendingbenadering en –beleid in die NG Kerk as historiese aanloop tot die Belhar Belydenis, word die belang van inheemswording in terme van die missie van die kerk uitgelig. Die NG Kerk het ‘n sendingbeleid rondom die negentiende-eeuse Europese teologie van inheemswording ontwikkel wat bygedra het tot die ontstaan van afsonderlike kleur-bepaalde kerke. Hierdie beleid van inheemswording het bygedra tot ‘n versmelting van kerk en volk by die Afrikaner, met ‘n verdere gevolg van toenemende isolasie, ‘n geloofwaardigheidskrisis en ‘n missionêre gevangenskap. Dit vorm die missionêre agtergrond van die Belhar Belydenis. Ongelukkig het die NG Kerk die belydenis baie negatief ontvang – saam met ‘n aanklag van kettery en afgodery. Selfs te midde van hierdie negatiewe persepsie van die Belhar Belydenis, het die belydenis nogtans ‘n vormende en bevrydende invloed uitgeoefen op die sending van die kerk tot op hede, weereens: missionêre waarde. Die leemte in die inheemswording van die NG Kerk is dat dit tot volks-inheemswording beperk was. ‘n Nasionale inheemswording-benadering word uitgewys as ‘n meer relevante uitdrukking van die missie van die kerk in Suid-Afrika, met ‘n Suid-Afrikaanse Gereformeerde kerk as oogmerk. In terme hiervan is die Belhar Belydenis ‘n instrument tot inheemswording vir die hele NG Kerk-familie. Belhar is nie die struikelblok in die weg van eenwording nie. In die herenigingsgesprekke het ‘n inwendige teenstrydigheid ontstaan, en dít is die werklike struikelblok. Verskillende benaderings tot belydenisse bring verskillende beoordelings van Belhar mee. Karl Barth se teologie van Gereformeerde belydenisse dui op ‘n derde weg uit die hereniging-dilemma. Die aanvaarding van ‘n belydenis in die Gereformeerde benadering geskied altyd in vryheid, want Gereformeerdes staan onder gesag van die Skrif en Christus alleen. Die gesag wat die Kerk aan ‘n belydenis toeken word nie ontken nie, maar eerder ontgin. Die studie sluit af met riglyne vir die ontginning van die missionêre waarde van die Belhar Belydenis, gegrond op 14 onderhoude met teoloë uit die NG Kerk en VGKSA. Die onderhoude word weergegee as stimulasie tot gesprek tussen die lede van die NG Kerk-familie, veral tussen die NG Kerk en die VGKSA. Die studie eindig met enkele praktiese riglyne vir leraars en gemeenteleiers wat die missionêre waarde van die Belhar Belydenis wil ontgin deur ‘n oop en eerlike gesprek oor die Belhar Belydenis. ‘n Verwysingsbron van aktuele temas in die Belhar Belydenis word as hulpmiddel gegee. ENGLISH: Since its inception in 1982, the Belhar Confession has been a controversial document in family of Dutch Reformed Churches. After the debate in Die Kerkbode (1998), Belhar was progressively seen as an obstacle in the way of church unity. Opinion on the Confession polarized between those who accepted Belhar as their confession and others who did not want to accept it altogether. Objections on Belhar has to do with factors surrounding its inception, its status as confession and objections on certain textual formulations. The negative perceptions of the Belhar Confession is deep rooted. This study proposes a third position, namely that the missionary value of the Belhar Confession reason enough gives to make use of the contents of the Confession, irrespective of whether it is accepted as confession or not. Through a study of the missionary approach and policy of the Dutch Reformed Churches, the importance of indigenization as mission of the church is highlighted. The Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) developed its missionary policy based on nineteenth century European theology of indigenization. This policy of indigenization, however, contributed to the formation of separate churches determined by colour. This policy of indigenization also contributed to a fusion of church and “volk” (indigenous people) of the “Afrikaner”, further resulting in isolation, a crisis of credibility and a missional imprisonment in die DRC. This is the missional background of the Belhar Confession. The DRC, however, had a very negative reception of the Confession, since it was accompanied by a charge of heresy and idolatry against this church. Nevertheless, even in the midst of this negative perception of Belhar, the Confession still had a formative influence on the mission of the church until now: hence its missional value. The shortfall in the indigenization of the DRC is that it was confined to “volks”-indigenization. A national indigenization approach is shown to be a more relevant expression of the mission of the church in South Africa, with a South African Reformed Church as objective. In terms of this, the Belhar Confession is an instrument of indigenization for the whole DRC-family. Belhar is not an obstacle in the way of church unity. In the re-unification talks, an internal contradiction appeared, which is the actual obstacle. Different approaches to confessions lead to different evaluations of Belhar. Karl Barth’s theology of Reformed confessions points to a third way out of the dilemma of the re-unification process. In the Reformed approach, the acceptance of a confession is always voluntary, because the reformed believer is only under the authority of Christ and his Word (Scripture). The authority that the church gives to a confession is not denied, but rather discovered. The study concludes with a contemporary reading of the Belhar Confession, based on 14 interviews with theologians in the DRC and the Uniting Reformed Church. These interviews are presented to stimulate a conversation between members of the DRC-family, especially between die DRC and the Uniting Reformed Church. At the end of the study, some practical guidelines are given for church leaders and pastors who wish to make use of the missional value of Belhar by facilitating and organizing an open and honest dialogue between members of the DRC-family. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Science of Religion and Missiology / unrestricted

This dissertation presents a contribution to measure the church order and ecclesiastical law in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church of Africa against the Presbyterial-synodal understanding of church government. The latter forms the canonical outline of Biblical Reformative Theology as an indication of the theology currently practiced in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church of Africa. At the outset a historical overview is given on the origin and development of the Presbyterial-synodal church government that was mainly shaped by Calvin in Geneva and later elaborated upon in Paris, and then further developed in the Netherlands. Reference is also made to the Algemeen Reglement of 1816, the 1951 church order of the Nederlandse Hervormde Church, as well as the 1951 church order of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church of Africa. A description is given of what is understood by Biblical Reformative Theology as a revelation theology, which objectively assesses man as a sinner redeemed by grace through Jesus Christ. In this regard the church is willed by God and exists in eschatological expectation when Jesus will be everything in everyone. An exposition of Presbyterial-synodal church government calls attention to the church's existence from the beginning of time, founded by God, and it is therefore of a covenantal nature. Offices are seen as gifts from God to mankind to bring those who had been saved by Jesus Christ to faith in Him. Office bearers gather together in an assembly of offices to govern the church according to the Word of God. The church is a confessing church who confesses its faith with the church of all ages, as summarized in the ecumenical creeds and the three formularies of unity. Reference is also made here to the sacraments, ceremonies, church festivals and days of remembrance. The chapter concludes with a reference to church discipline as well as the relationship between church and state. Finally the church order and ecclesiastical law in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church of Africa is measured against the previous definition of the Presbyterial-synodal understanding of church government. / Thesis (PhD (Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Church History and Church Policy / unrestricted