The Practice of Faith, Hope and Love - Classics of Reformed Spirituality (Udemans)

Pagan philosophers of old spoke of virtues of justice, self-control, prudence, and courage as necessary for a civil society. However important these may be, Scripture tells us that Christians have three chief virtues necessary for living a truly virtuous and godly life before God: faith, hope, and love. In this book, Godefridus Udemans carefully explains the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, using them as standards and guides for cultivating faith, hope, and love in our hearts. Udemans particularly excels in demonstrating the practical relevance of these teachings, making this not only an overview of Reformed doctrine but also a handbook for living blessedly forever. 

Table of Contents:

Part 1: The Chief Chrisitan Virtues

Part 2: The Practice of Faith - The Apostles' Creed

Part 3: The Practice of Hope - The Lord's Prayer

Part 4: The Practice of Love: The Ten Commandments

Series Description 

Classics of Reformed Spirituality Series offers fresh translations of key writings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, making them accessible to the twenty-first century church. These writings from the "Further Reformation" in the Netherlands offer a balance of doctrine and piety, a mingling of theology and life that has seldom been equaled in the history of Christianity. Each book in this series will provide invaluable insights into a vibrant part of the Christian heritage.

Author

Godefridus Udemans (1582–1649) was an important pastor and theologian from the Dutch province of Zeeland.

Translator 

ANNEMIE GODBEHERE has a PhD in Christian literature and works as a translator of Dutch theological works.

Editor 

Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and a pastor of Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Endorsements 

“In the fine translations made available here, one sees the ecumenical nature of Reformed spirituality and the close relationship between the church and true believers. The sources of the Further Reformation deserve greater recognition. The heritage of Reformed Protestantism contains hidden treasures for which we in our modern era should be grateful and of which we could make use with profit.” — Willem van ’t Spijker, Theological University of Apeldoorn

“I am delighted that the Dutch Reformed Translation Society is at last making this material available in the English language. It is a landmark feature of our Reformed heritage, and it is rich food for the soul in this or any other age.” — J. I. Packer, Regent College

“Many will surely welcome this new access to the Dutch authors whose strong writings put faith and certainty into generations of their fellow countrymen. By their closeness to Scripture and their concern for heart and head (heat and light), they remain of enduring value.” — Iain H. Murray, author of The Puritan Hope