Die gebruik van die Ou Testament in die belydenisskrifte, hermeneuties beoordeel

Abstract

In this paper the use of the Old Testament in the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dordt is explored against the background of its use in the time of the Reformation. The most important trends are defined, namely a tendency to actualize, rarely to spiritualize, the interpretation and even quotation of the Old Testament through the New Testament and the use of texts from the Old Testament as dicta probantia (as proof texts). The relation between the Messianic interpretations of Ihe Old Testament in the confessions and the approach of the New Testament is made clear.