'Wir tun nichts Gutes, wobei wir nicht sündigen' : De heiliging in de verkondiging binnen de gereformeerde kerk in het 19e eeuwse Wuppertal

Abstract

In the turbulent years of the mid–19th century the preacher Hermann Friedrich Kohlbrügge (1803–1875) stood up against the prevailing opinion of an optimistic feel good religion with a biblical preaching in which Jesus Christ is glorified. When he preached, he did not portray with a pencil, which can be erased easily. His words were engraved in the hearts and conscience of the people listening to him. His way of highlighting the ‘deeds’ in Christian belief, are issues people still discuss today. This is how he sees it: a Christian does good deeds and is completely sanctified in Christ, yet ‘Wir tun nichts Gutes, wobei wir nicht sündigen’ (Kohlbrügge 1903:33). The practical and modern day issues of life are not placed in the experienced way people were used too, but the reality is being shown in the light of the Risen Lord. How do we prevent our framework from being pulled into the wrong direction? A direction in which the human and spiritual is separated. Sanctification means an integrated life.