Insufficientia? In gesprek met die Reformatoriese tradisie en M.A. Kruger oor die (on-)genoegsaamheid van die Godsopenbaring in die skepping, onderhouding en regering

Abstract

Insufficientia? In discussion with the Reformed tradition and M.A. Kruger on the (in-)suffiency of God’s revelation in creation, preservation and government

In this article the author investigates the issue of the meaning and suffiency of the revelation in creation. Reformed churches confess in Article 2 of the Belgic Confession that we know God by “two means”, first by “the creation, preservation and government of the universe”, and secondly, “more clearly and fully”, by His holy and divine Word. The question considered in this article is the following: Is God’s revelation in creation sufficient for man to obtain saving faith? Regarding this issue the author reflects on answers given by some influential theologians, deals with confessional and theological considerations, and ends with a description and assessment of the views of M.A. Kruger. The article concludes with a recapitulation of the ideas explored.