What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sacrifice of Praise: Meditations Before And After Admission To The Lord's Supper
In this classic work, theologian Herman Bavinck reflects on the Christian's call to publicly profess the name of Christ.
Chapters include:
I. The Basis or Foundation of Confession
II. The Training or Bringing Up Unto Confession
III. The Rule of Confession
IV. The Essence of Confession
V. The Contents of Confession
VI. The Diversity of Confession
VII. The Universality of Confession
VIII. The Obligation to Confession
IX. The Opposition to Confession
X. The Strength for Confession
XI. The Reward of Confession
XII. The Triumph of Confession
Chapters include:
I. The Basis or Foundation of Confession
II. The Training or Bringing Up Unto Confession
III. The Rule of Confession
IV. The Essence of Confession
V. The Contents of Confession
VI. The Diversity of Confession
VII. The Universality of Confession
VIII. The Obligation to Confession
IX. The Opposition to Confession
X. The Strength for Confession
XI. The Reward of Confession
XII. The Triumph of Confession
152 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2013
14 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Herman Bavinck
110 books190 followersHerman Bavinck (1854-1921) succeeded Abraham Kuyper as professor of systematic theology at the Free University of Amsterdam in 1902.
His nephew was Johan Herman Bavinck.
His nephew was Johan Herman Bavinck.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 1, 2023
Five stars for most everything, but I’m gonna dock a star for the silly argumentation against child communion, which flies in the face of the rest of that chapter.
July 6, 2025
This was an encouraging little book, weaving doctrine and practice seamlessly together. Starting with the foundation of confession (the covenant of grace) and moving by steps toward the reward and triumph of confession (at the return of Christ), Bavinck doesn't just teach fundamentals, but in doing so he also highlights the beauty and joy of the Christian life.
"On the foundation of the adoption to God's side, parents must bring their children to a conscious and voluntary confession of faith.
"On the foundation of the adoption to God's side, parents must bring their children to a conscious and voluntary confession of faith.
August 21, 2021
I disagree with Bavinck in our views on children and the relationship to the covenant of Grace. Nonetheless, this book is excellent. For every parent who wants to see their children grow and confess the name of Jesus for themselves and not rely on the faith of their parents, this is a must-read.
Bavinck makes this work accessible, and it is not nearly as scholarly as other works like “The Christian Worldview.” It is clear, simple and completely saturated with Scripture. Nearly every sentence is an allusion to or straight quoting of scripture to prove the point that Jesus is worthy of our sacrifice of praise.
It is also a very short, easy read. I would recommend this for Christians (or even inquiring minds) of all ages. I hope more people read this work.
Bavinck makes this work accessible, and it is not nearly as scholarly as other works like “The Christian Worldview.” It is clear, simple and completely saturated with Scripture. Nearly every sentence is an allusion to or straight quoting of scripture to prove the point that Jesus is worthy of our sacrifice of praise.
It is also a very short, easy read. I would recommend this for Christians (or even inquiring minds) of all ages. I hope more people read this work.
July 10, 2021
Really enjoyed this! Bavinck as a devotional/pastoral self. It highlights the seriousness and importance of confession for all of life! It distills basic doctrinal truths for one to ponder between one’s confession and taking of the Lord’s Supper (Bavinck himself confessed faith at 18 and didn’t take the Lord’s Supper the first time until he was 20!)
August 26, 2019
Herman Bavinck is a Dutch Reformed theologian from the late 19th and early 20th century, known for a four volume work on systematic theology called Reformed Dogmatics. In the past few decades, his work has become more widely known in English-speaking circles and he is renowned as a Reformed scholar clearly equal with the likes of B.B. Warfield. A newly translated work published by Hendrickson Publishers shows another side to Bavinck: he was a churchman with pastoral concern for the practical Christian faith of the average believer.
"The Sacrifice of Praise" was first published in Dutch in 1901 and went through several reprintings and editions over the next twenty years. The editors of this edition estimate that around 40,000 copies of the work were produced during that time. In 1920 the work was translated into English by John Dolfin a Reformed pastor in western Michigan. The translators of this work wanted to capture Bavinck’s style more directly and fix some errors in the translation. They also wanted to highlight the many Scriptural references in Bavinck’s writing by providing chapter and verse references — using the text of the English Standard Version (ESV) where possible.
As for the content of this work, it "is best understood as a work of catechetical theology, suitable for sharing with baptized Christians on the occasion of their public profession of faith and admission to the Lord’s table" (pg. xi-xii). The book focuses on the call for Christians to publicly confess Christ. "Lips that acknowledge [Christ]" are "a sacrifice of praise," according to Hebrews 13:15; and it is this passage which gives the book its title.
Bavinck writes with warmth and life. Each page is replete with biblical references. He treats all sides of his topic and goes from baptism and parental instruction, to church confessions, to Christian unity in the faith and Christian duty in the public sphere, and ends with an exultation in the ultimate confession the Church will share with Christ in heaven. He exults in his Lord and his joy is contagious.
I must admit I found the first four chapters (of 12) a bit challenging. They contain a heavy dose of traditional covenant theology and an assumption of infant baptism (albeit with a distinction made that baptism does not regenerate or save the child). The background provided in the introduction prepares the reader by rehashing some of the Dutch Reformed Church controversies of the era when Bavinck wrote. As a Baptist who appreciates Reformed theology I still found those chapters slightly difficult. The rest of the work was more directly relevant, but even in those first few chapters there is much that can be gleaned on the importance of training our children to know and confess Christ. As a side note, I found it intriguing that Bavinck admits "in the New Testament baptism was mostly administered to adults" and only later "became generally acceptable" (p. 34).
Baptist quibbles aside, I found the work practical and helpful. He covers the topic from both a personal and familial perspective as well as from a corporate and even universal point of view. He details the opposition that we face in standing up for Christ and laments the loss of Christian unity in his day. His thoughts, grounded in Scripture as they are, remain helpful for every era. A concluding paragraph from his chapter on the universality of confession provides a sample of Bavinck’s style:
"Thus godliness is beneficial toward all things, having the promise not only of the future but also of the present life. Whoever seeks first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, to them all things will be added [Matt. 6:33]. The best Christian is the best citizen. With their confession, they neither stand outside of nor in opposition to the natural life. But highly and proudly, they carry their confession into the world and everywhere plant the banner of the cross. The gospel of Christ is a joyful message for all creation — for mind and heart, for soul and body, for family and society, for science and art. For it delivers from guilt and redeems from death. 'It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes' [Rom. 1:16]." (p. 57)
Now for a small amount of criticism: I believe the editors missed several Scripture references. The first sentence in the quote above could have a reference to 1 Tim. 4:8; Rom. 14:17 could be added on p. 10, Eph. 6:4 on p. 16, and 1 Thess. 1:9 on p. 85, to name a few more. Additionally, the ESV is used for the verses at the top of each chapter, yet there is an odd case with chapter 5. There the verse quoted is Acts 8:37 (found in the footnote but not the text). I would think at least a note would be in order explaining that the verse in Bavinck’s text is not included in modern versions (like the ESV) today (and why). There was also one glaring misprint in the endnotes section (note 1 for chapter 4 appears as note 49).
To sum up my review, I found "The Sacrifice of Praise" to be an attractively packaged book and a helpful introduction to Bavinck and his theological writing. I greatly enjoyed interacting with his material. Even if you are not Reformed, you will benefit from this book.
For those who are Reformed, the foreword mentions that this work by Bavinck could be read with two other similar works intended to teach believers: "The Wonderful Works of God" (an overview of Christian doctrine from a Reformed perspective – to be republished by Westminster Books later this year), and "Saved by Grace: The Holy Spirit’s Work in Calling and Regeneration" (a work explaining/defending infant baptism). These works may be worth getting and reading along with this fantastic work.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
"The Sacrifice of Praise" was first published in Dutch in 1901 and went through several reprintings and editions over the next twenty years. The editors of this edition estimate that around 40,000 copies of the work were produced during that time. In 1920 the work was translated into English by John Dolfin a Reformed pastor in western Michigan. The translators of this work wanted to capture Bavinck’s style more directly and fix some errors in the translation. They also wanted to highlight the many Scriptural references in Bavinck’s writing by providing chapter and verse references — using the text of the English Standard Version (ESV) where possible.
As for the content of this work, it "is best understood as a work of catechetical theology, suitable for sharing with baptized Christians on the occasion of their public profession of faith and admission to the Lord’s table" (pg. xi-xii). The book focuses on the call for Christians to publicly confess Christ. "Lips that acknowledge [Christ]" are "a sacrifice of praise," according to Hebrews 13:15; and it is this passage which gives the book its title.
Bavinck writes with warmth and life. Each page is replete with biblical references. He treats all sides of his topic and goes from baptism and parental instruction, to church confessions, to Christian unity in the faith and Christian duty in the public sphere, and ends with an exultation in the ultimate confession the Church will share with Christ in heaven. He exults in his Lord and his joy is contagious.
I must admit I found the first four chapters (of 12) a bit challenging. They contain a heavy dose of traditional covenant theology and an assumption of infant baptism (albeit with a distinction made that baptism does not regenerate or save the child). The background provided in the introduction prepares the reader by rehashing some of the Dutch Reformed Church controversies of the era when Bavinck wrote. As a Baptist who appreciates Reformed theology I still found those chapters slightly difficult. The rest of the work was more directly relevant, but even in those first few chapters there is much that can be gleaned on the importance of training our children to know and confess Christ. As a side note, I found it intriguing that Bavinck admits "in the New Testament baptism was mostly administered to adults" and only later "became generally acceptable" (p. 34).
Baptist quibbles aside, I found the work practical and helpful. He covers the topic from both a personal and familial perspective as well as from a corporate and even universal point of view. He details the opposition that we face in standing up for Christ and laments the loss of Christian unity in his day. His thoughts, grounded in Scripture as they are, remain helpful for every era. A concluding paragraph from his chapter on the universality of confession provides a sample of Bavinck’s style:
"Thus godliness is beneficial toward all things, having the promise not only of the future but also of the present life. Whoever seeks first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, to them all things will be added [Matt. 6:33]. The best Christian is the best citizen. With their confession, they neither stand outside of nor in opposition to the natural life. But highly and proudly, they carry their confession into the world and everywhere plant the banner of the cross. The gospel of Christ is a joyful message for all creation — for mind and heart, for soul and body, for family and society, for science and art. For it delivers from guilt and redeems from death. 'It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes' [Rom. 1:16]." (p. 57)
Now for a small amount of criticism: I believe the editors missed several Scripture references. The first sentence in the quote above could have a reference to 1 Tim. 4:8; Rom. 14:17 could be added on p. 10, Eph. 6:4 on p. 16, and 1 Thess. 1:9 on p. 85, to name a few more. Additionally, the ESV is used for the verses at the top of each chapter, yet there is an odd case with chapter 5. There the verse quoted is Acts 8:37 (found in the footnote but not the text). I would think at least a note would be in order explaining that the verse in Bavinck’s text is not included in modern versions (like the ESV) today (and why). There was also one glaring misprint in the endnotes section (note 1 for chapter 4 appears as note 49).
To sum up my review, I found "The Sacrifice of Praise" to be an attractively packaged book and a helpful introduction to Bavinck and his theological writing. I greatly enjoyed interacting with his material. Even if you are not Reformed, you will benefit from this book.
For those who are Reformed, the foreword mentions that this work by Bavinck could be read with two other similar works intended to teach believers: "The Wonderful Works of God" (an overview of Christian doctrine from a Reformed perspective – to be republished by Westminster Books later this year), and "Saved by Grace: The Holy Spirit’s Work in Calling and Regeneration" (a work explaining/defending infant baptism). These works may be worth getting and reading along with this fantastic work.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
April 25, 2025
This little book is among the most popular that used to be widely distributed to first-time participants in the Lord’s Supper in Dutch Reformed churches. It is a reflection upon the duty and delight of every believer to continually confess the faith from a pure heart through the power of the promised Spirit of Christ.
Bavinck has a unique ability to bring the entire Bible together for the sake of identifying exposition of a practical and important part of the Christian life in the local church!
As I read, I wondered if a contemporary Baptist version of the same biblical truths needed to be written.
Bavinck has a unique ability to bring the entire Bible together for the sake of identifying exposition of a practical and important part of the Christian life in the local church!
As I read, I wondered if a contemporary Baptist version of the same biblical truths needed to be written.
May 30, 2019
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Hendrickson Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Although he may not be familiar to many potential readers, Herman Bavinck was one of the leading lights of late 19th and early 20th century Dutch Reformed thinking, along with his sometime rival Abraham Kuyper, who is perhaps more familiar to contemporary readers. This book is an English translation of one of the author's works that is particularly focused on Reformed catechetical theology, and is of particular interest to readers who either share the author's Calvinist perspective or who are at least curious about the implications of Calvinist thinking when it comes to the aspects of praise that are involved in the life of a Christian. Admittedly, as an Arminian myself I have very different views than that of the author regarding the aspects of praise, but even so I must admit that I found this book to be a very forceful discussion of praise from the point of view of a thinker who was very focused on maintaining the full strength of Calvinism, and if that view is not personally appealing there are likely many people who will appreciate a good deal more than I did.
This short book of a bit more than 100 pages begins with a foreword that places Bavinck's writing in this book in the context of his writings in general (which I am largely unfamiliar with) as well as the time in which they were written by the author after having seceded from the mainstream and compromising Dutch state church of the author's time. After the author's foreword and preface to various earlier Dutch editions of the book, the author covers various aspects of praise in a dozen chapters. There are discussions of the foundation of confession (not only of sins but of faith) (1), how one brings up a child for confession of faith (2), the rule of confession (3), the essence of confession (4), the contents of confession (5), the diversity of confession (6), the unity/universality of confession (7), the obligation of confession (8), the opposition to confession on the part of our sinful nature, the world, and Satan (9), the strength of confession (10), the reward of confession (11), and the triumph of confession (12). After this there is a fair-minded review of the book from W.H. Gispen along with a bibliography, notes, subject, and some information about the editors of this particular volume.
In reading this book, I could not help but feel as if perhaps there was a bit of problem with the title of the book, at least what it implies. The Dutch title of this book could be translated as "The Offering Of Praise" as well as "The Sacrifice Of Praise," and viewing confession as a matter of offering perhaps hits closer to what the author (and the Bible) mean when it comes to the living sacrifices that readers offer through their prayers and through their confession of faith and of sin. The author struggles, as one might expect, with his Calvinist beliefs concerning the actions of believers, viewing the offering of praise to God as something that comes from God, and stating at one point that even to confess one's sins in the first place requires divine involvement. Much of this book consists of the author's application of human reasoning from Calvinist premises with regards to different aspects of confession, some types of which are devoted to God (like confession of our sins and faults) and some of which are focused on the world at large (like our public confession of faith), and the extent to which one appreciates this will depend in large part on the author's fondness for Calvinist thinking in general.
Although he may not be familiar to many potential readers, Herman Bavinck was one of the leading lights of late 19th and early 20th century Dutch Reformed thinking, along with his sometime rival Abraham Kuyper, who is perhaps more familiar to contemporary readers. This book is an English translation of one of the author's works that is particularly focused on Reformed catechetical theology, and is of particular interest to readers who either share the author's Calvinist perspective or who are at least curious about the implications of Calvinist thinking when it comes to the aspects of praise that are involved in the life of a Christian. Admittedly, as an Arminian myself I have very different views than that of the author regarding the aspects of praise, but even so I must admit that I found this book to be a very forceful discussion of praise from the point of view of a thinker who was very focused on maintaining the full strength of Calvinism, and if that view is not personally appealing there are likely many people who will appreciate a good deal more than I did.
This short book of a bit more than 100 pages begins with a foreword that places Bavinck's writing in this book in the context of his writings in general (which I am largely unfamiliar with) as well as the time in which they were written by the author after having seceded from the mainstream and compromising Dutch state church of the author's time. After the author's foreword and preface to various earlier Dutch editions of the book, the author covers various aspects of praise in a dozen chapters. There are discussions of the foundation of confession (not only of sins but of faith) (1), how one brings up a child for confession of faith (2), the rule of confession (3), the essence of confession (4), the contents of confession (5), the diversity of confession (6), the unity/universality of confession (7), the obligation of confession (8), the opposition to confession on the part of our sinful nature, the world, and Satan (9), the strength of confession (10), the reward of confession (11), and the triumph of confession (12). After this there is a fair-minded review of the book from W.H. Gispen along with a bibliography, notes, subject, and some information about the editors of this particular volume.
In reading this book, I could not help but feel as if perhaps there was a bit of problem with the title of the book, at least what it implies. The Dutch title of this book could be translated as "The Offering Of Praise" as well as "The Sacrifice Of Praise," and viewing confession as a matter of offering perhaps hits closer to what the author (and the Bible) mean when it comes to the living sacrifices that readers offer through their prayers and through their confession of faith and of sin. The author struggles, as one might expect, with his Calvinist beliefs concerning the actions of believers, viewing the offering of praise to God as something that comes from God, and stating at one point that even to confess one's sins in the first place requires divine involvement. Much of this book consists of the author's application of human reasoning from Calvinist premises with regards to different aspects of confession, some types of which are devoted to God (like confession of our sins and faults) and some of which are focused on the world at large (like our public confession of faith), and the extent to which one appreciates this will depend in large part on the author's fondness for Calvinist thinking in general.
November 18, 2021
Full disclosure: I’m best friends with one of the translators.
This book was amazing. I could not put it down. It was encouraging. A great reminder of the need for constant confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. Also a great book to keep the Christian looking forward to the day that all will bow the knee to Christ and confess the same.
This book was amazing. I could not put it down. It was encouraging. A great reminder of the need for constant confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. Also a great book to keep the Christian looking forward to the day that all will bow the knee to Christ and confess the same.
August 1, 2021
Begun on this book as a group study with a few brothers and realized this is probably the best intro to Herman Bavinck's works. Slightly longer than his "Christian Worldview" but less philosophical, and intentionally more practical and devotional. The original intent of this book was as a "catechizing devotional" for baptized children in the Dutch Reformed church leading up to and post-reflection from their first communion, and it was also aimed at addressing a theological dispute that had came up in the newly merged and formed De Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland (GKN -- Reformed Churches in the Netherlands). Bavinck deferred tacitly with Kuyper's (not name dropping him and his view) that baptism of the children in the Dutch Reformed church was based on "presumptive regeneration," advocating instead for the covenant of grace as the biblical foundation of baptism as a means of grace/token, sign and seal of the gospel.
For us then who are not embroiled in this theological disagreement nor in the Dutch Reformed church (or not into/profess covenant baptism/covenant theology entirely), it is a really insightful and devotional read on what it means to confess our faith. Granted, this short book by Bavinck is also undergirded by very dense theology (and very dense covenant theology in the earlier chapters), and Bavinck really assumes the readers are very well catechized children (which goes to show how theologically illiterate we are as compared to the 19th/20th century Dutch Reformed Church), but the heart of this book intensely practical and devotional. In less than 90 pages, Bavinck delineates the foundation, the bringing up of a child, the rule, the essence, the contents, the diversity, universality, obligation, opposition, strength, reward, and the triumph of our confession of the Christian faith. To confess the Christian faith, is to begin with the Scripture, to live out the entire spectrum of our lives characterized and shaped by the gospel and all the excellent body of doctrines, and to return to God the praises of His glory from our lips, by our lives, and from those whom who give an account of our hope to and lived among. And according to Bavinck, that is as New Testament/Covenant believers our "sacrifice of praise" - Hebrews 13:15 (much like Romans 12 "living sacrifice"). In a nutshell, to confess our faith is to live out gospel excellencies, to that end glorify God through and for Jesus Christ. Not an easy read, as it does reads like a more succinct version of The Wonderful Works of God, but highly recommend for personal devotion and group studies.
"As surely as we are sincere believers, we confess this faith throughout our whole life, for faith cannot do otherwise: it must confess. It does not ask whether good works must be done; but before the question can even arise, it has already done them. Confession with mouth and heart, word and deed, in conduct and behaviour is inseparable from the faith of the heart. It is the fruit of the tree, the scent of the flower, the light of the sun, the sweetest of honey. It is impossible that anyone grafted into Christ by a true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness. Whoever believes confesses, not only on Sunday but also during the week, not only in the church but also at home and school, in the shop and factory, in the office and store, in civil and societal life, in science and art, among friends and enemies, before angels and people.
This person confesses in the supporting of the public worship of the church, in the act of Christian aid, in the promoting of education, in the care for the poor, in the visitation of the prisoners, in the clothing of the naked, in the feeding of the hungry, in the comforting of the mourning, in the admonition of the unruly, in refutation of opponents, in the giving of an account of the hope that lies within, in keeping oneself unspotted from the world. Whoever believes, confesses, and that person's life itself becomes a confession – a living, holy offering in Christ that is pleasing to God."
For us then who are not embroiled in this theological disagreement nor in the Dutch Reformed church (or not into/profess covenant baptism/covenant theology entirely), it is a really insightful and devotional read on what it means to confess our faith. Granted, this short book by Bavinck is also undergirded by very dense theology (and very dense covenant theology in the earlier chapters), and Bavinck really assumes the readers are very well catechized children (which goes to show how theologically illiterate we are as compared to the 19th/20th century Dutch Reformed Church), but the heart of this book intensely practical and devotional. In less than 90 pages, Bavinck delineates the foundation, the bringing up of a child, the rule, the essence, the contents, the diversity, universality, obligation, opposition, strength, reward, and the triumph of our confession of the Christian faith. To confess the Christian faith, is to begin with the Scripture, to live out the entire spectrum of our lives characterized and shaped by the gospel and all the excellent body of doctrines, and to return to God the praises of His glory from our lips, by our lives, and from those whom who give an account of our hope to and lived among. And according to Bavinck, that is as New Testament/Covenant believers our "sacrifice of praise" - Hebrews 13:15 (much like Romans 12 "living sacrifice"). In a nutshell, to confess our faith is to live out gospel excellencies, to that end glorify God through and for Jesus Christ. Not an easy read, as it does reads like a more succinct version of The Wonderful Works of God, but highly recommend for personal devotion and group studies.
"As surely as we are sincere believers, we confess this faith throughout our whole life, for faith cannot do otherwise: it must confess. It does not ask whether good works must be done; but before the question can even arise, it has already done them. Confession with mouth and heart, word and deed, in conduct and behaviour is inseparable from the faith of the heart. It is the fruit of the tree, the scent of the flower, the light of the sun, the sweetest of honey. It is impossible that anyone grafted into Christ by a true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness. Whoever believes confesses, not only on Sunday but also during the week, not only in the church but also at home and school, in the shop and factory, in the office and store, in civil and societal life, in science and art, among friends and enemies, before angels and people.
This person confesses in the supporting of the public worship of the church, in the act of Christian aid, in the promoting of education, in the care for the poor, in the visitation of the prisoners, in the clothing of the naked, in the feeding of the hungry, in the comforting of the mourning, in the admonition of the unruly, in refutation of opponents, in the giving of an account of the hope that lies within, in keeping oneself unspotted from the world. Whoever believes, confesses, and that person's life itself becomes a confession – a living, holy offering in Christ that is pleasing to God."
July 24, 2019
Herman Bavinck is one of my favourite theologians of all time. He’s probably most well-known for his Reformed Dogmatics, which have been translated pretty recently making the wisdom of Bavinck available for a new English-speaking generation. The Dutch Reformed Theologian is often seen in a more academic light, most often on the shelves of pastors and theologians, and understandably so, and “The Sacrifice of Praise” certainly has a place on the shelves of this crowd. However, as the interpreter’s forward states, this short work is “best understood as a work of catechetical theology, suitable for sharing with baptized Christians on the occasion of their public profession of faith and admission to the Lord’s table.” This book is appropriate for a wide range of audience, as it is focused on the public confession of a Christian of Jesus as Lord in the context of first receiving the Lord’s Supper, but also speaks to a multitude of things relevant to a Christian walk. Confession does not end when proclaimed once before a congregation, it begins before this and extends beyond.
Confession of faith is a necessity in word, deed, and all of life. This confession is the central topic of this book of under 100 pages. There are 12 chapters of around 5 to 6 pages each. This makes it an ideal gift for the young person of faith to read before partaking of the Lord’s Supper. The chapters are short enough to maintain attention, but definitely rich with the wisdom of Bavinck. A wide variety of topics are addressed, from the foundation, rule, essence, and content of confession to its universality, opposition, obligation, strength, reward, and triumph.
The introduction lays out the historical context in which the book was written as well as some theological differences between Kuyper and Bavinck on assumed regeneration. To Bavinck, the public confessing of one’s faith helped guard against the false sense of salvific security that was a danger in Kuyper’s view. He lays out in this work that a public confession calls one to a life of repentance and faith, not just in one moment, but a continual part of the Christian life. The epilogue that is included is a review from when the book was originally published which shows how the book was originally received.
“The Sacrifice of Praise” will help the reader to see that confession is richer and deeper than just the doctrinal statements of various churches, but is a thing of the heart and requires genuine faith. Even though he has been dead for a hundred years, Bavinck will show modern readers that confession is more than just one solemn hour of confession before returning to life as before. Confession is closely connected to the childhood faith that precedes and the common life of daily confession that follows. Genuine confession comes from faith which is a gift of God and a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
This is not the only English translation of this work, but it uses more modern, updated language, and includes Scripture references where previously scripture was quoted but no citation given. It still has an air of being more on the academic side, but is still accessible to the average layman.
This little book is ideal for new believers, catechumens, and especially children of believers about to make a public profession of faith and partake of the Lord’s table. “The Sacrifice of Praise” is great for any age, though particularly young readers will likely need assistance in understanding. Though short, Bavinck’s “Sacrifice of Praise is a classic, fit for the Christian of any level of faith.
Many thanks to Hendrickson Publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Confession of faith is a necessity in word, deed, and all of life. This confession is the central topic of this book of under 100 pages. There are 12 chapters of around 5 to 6 pages each. This makes it an ideal gift for the young person of faith to read before partaking of the Lord’s Supper. The chapters are short enough to maintain attention, but definitely rich with the wisdom of Bavinck. A wide variety of topics are addressed, from the foundation, rule, essence, and content of confession to its universality, opposition, obligation, strength, reward, and triumph.
The introduction lays out the historical context in which the book was written as well as some theological differences between Kuyper and Bavinck on assumed regeneration. To Bavinck, the public confessing of one’s faith helped guard against the false sense of salvific security that was a danger in Kuyper’s view. He lays out in this work that a public confession calls one to a life of repentance and faith, not just in one moment, but a continual part of the Christian life. The epilogue that is included is a review from when the book was originally published which shows how the book was originally received.
“The Sacrifice of Praise” will help the reader to see that confession is richer and deeper than just the doctrinal statements of various churches, but is a thing of the heart and requires genuine faith. Even though he has been dead for a hundred years, Bavinck will show modern readers that confession is more than just one solemn hour of confession before returning to life as before. Confession is closely connected to the childhood faith that precedes and the common life of daily confession that follows. Genuine confession comes from faith which is a gift of God and a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
This is not the only English translation of this work, but it uses more modern, updated language, and includes Scripture references where previously scripture was quoted but no citation given. It still has an air of being more on the academic side, but is still accessible to the average layman.
This little book is ideal for new believers, catechumens, and especially children of believers about to make a public profession of faith and partake of the Lord’s table. “The Sacrifice of Praise” is great for any age, though particularly young readers will likely need assistance in understanding. Though short, Bavinck’s “Sacrifice of Praise is a classic, fit for the Christian of any level of faith.
Many thanks to Hendrickson Publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
April 26, 2023
A short but powerful devotional. A great introduction to the thought and style of Bavinck as well.
"When Christ appears thus in glory, no one shall be able to oppose or withstand Him. All shall see Him, also they that pierced Him. They shall see Him with their own, corporeal eyes, and no unbelief, no doubt shall any more be possible. Then all creatures shall have to acknowledge that Christ is the Lord. They shall have to acknowledge it, if not freely, then compelled; if not willingly, then unwillingly; if not with, then against their desire. Even from the Throne in the midst of the Heavens, throughout all the realms of creation, to the very depth of the great abyss, only one voice shall be heard to sound and resound: Christ the Lord! And all creatures together shall bow the knee before Him, who, to be sure, was deeply humiliated and died on a cross, but who was also highly exalted and seated upon the Throne of the Universe at the Father’s right hand.
What a future, what a scene! The whole creation upon its knees before Jesus! And upon all lips the one, the brief, the returning to her point of obeisance but nevertheless all including, the now by many scorned but then by all acknowledged confession, that Christ is the Lord to the glory of God the Father!"
"When Christ appears thus in glory, no one shall be able to oppose or withstand Him. All shall see Him, also they that pierced Him. They shall see Him with their own, corporeal eyes, and no unbelief, no doubt shall any more be possible. Then all creatures shall have to acknowledge that Christ is the Lord. They shall have to acknowledge it, if not freely, then compelled; if not willingly, then unwillingly; if not with, then against their desire. Even from the Throne in the midst of the Heavens, throughout all the realms of creation, to the very depth of the great abyss, only one voice shall be heard to sound and resound: Christ the Lord! And all creatures together shall bow the knee before Him, who, to be sure, was deeply humiliated and died on a cross, but who was also highly exalted and seated upon the Throne of the Universe at the Father’s right hand.
What a future, what a scene! The whole creation upon its knees before Jesus! And upon all lips the one, the brief, the returning to her point of obeisance but nevertheless all including, the now by many scorned but then by all acknowledged confession, that Christ is the Lord to the glory of God the Father!"
June 16, 2020
This book itself is an example of a rich sacrifice of praise. Bavinck offers wonderful mediations for believers before and after the Lords Supper. Each chapter is short, easy to read, and carefully thought out, drenched in Scripture. He deals with the foundation and essence of confession, the raising of children in the confession of the church, it’s contents, the universality and diversity of confession, that which is opposed to our confession, it’s power, reward, and triumph.
This book is for all believers and is easily accessible. I’d recommend especially for parents and for those who have recently processed faith so that they are given opportunity to think deeply about the Lords Supper and the benefits of Christ promised to us in the gospel. This book will strengthen and bring much comfort to all who read it.
This book is for all believers and is easily accessible. I’d recommend especially for parents and for those who have recently processed faith so that they are given opportunity to think deeply about the Lords Supper and the benefits of Christ promised to us in the gospel. This book will strengthen and bring much comfort to all who read it.
August 4, 2020
Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck writes this series of short essays meant to encourage believers to consider the seriousness and necessity of our confessing the faith. Concise, pastoral, and filled to the brim with Scripture, The Sacrifice of Praise offers a helpful call to self-analysis before taking the Supper. Why do I confess Jesus as Lord? What does this confession mean? Bavinck writes to assure us of the reality of this confession, and call us to hold true to it each of our days. While I disagree with on of Bavinck's fundamental premises- the baptism of infants- I believe this book is a useful call to confess Christ as Lord as an act of worship, worshipping in Spirit and in Truth.
March 22, 2022
This book is a wonderful encouragement and challenge for the Christian, new or old. Contrary to what his resume might imply, Bavinck is incredibly pastoral in this work, stirring up his fellow Christians to love to confess the name and lordship of Christ. He justifies the need to confess, proclaims the call, warns of opposition, and recounts the promise of reward and triumph. I would recommend this book to any Christian for his/her edification and for the stirring up of his/her love for Christ.
May 5, 2023
This was interesting and insightful. I didn't really understand what I was getting when I added it to my list: it's basically a reflection on what it means to be confirmed in a Reformed church, and what that entails for a person's worldview. Parts of it were a bit foreign to me as a non-Reformed evangelical, but overall I could respect this perspective and I did see some very insightful parts in it.
July 15, 2025
This book is fantastic and would recommend it to any believer. Bavinck does a fairly comprehensive study of the nature of confession in the Christian life all in under 100 pages. Bavinck in this work is very accessible but still maintains rich and deep theological truths. It is an immensely practical book that calls and nurtures the christian to maturity through the means of word and sacrament all for the glory of the triune God.
August 25, 2020
This is a wonderful book for all Christians to read and consider what it means to confess Jesus Christ in the world today. You could read it devotionally or as the basis for a group Bible study. It is easy to read but brings theological depth and, like all good theology, leads the reader to praise and glorify God.
July 23, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed Bavinck's pastoral and theological treatise here on confession. Originally written to encourage young believers who had just made confession of faith to think carefully about the role of confession in their lives, I would recommend this to covenant youth as they come to the Lord's table for the first time.
January 13, 2020
The first popular level devotional work I’ve read of Bavinck. This little collection of theological reflections is incredible, rich with Scripture and in an unrestrained doxological tone. Any Christian who picks this up will be enriched.
August 12, 2019
Beautiful
November 2, 2019
A masterful work. I have never read a more pious work from Bavinck. What an immensely fruitful read!Great editing job by Cameron Clausing and Greg Parker.
*formal written review forthcoming*
*formal written review forthcoming*
November 16, 2019
A wonderfully accessible book for new professing Christians.
February 17, 2022
Bavinck is a genius and, here, one that can be readily understood. So good.
November 23, 2024
So good. I need a new highlighter.
November 19, 2019
As a church music leader, I am well aware of what it means to sing the praise of God. But singing is not the only time we proclaim Christ and his kingdom. When I saw this classic work by Herman Bavinck available from Hendrickson Publishers, I knew I had to give it a read to help me grasp what it means to publically profess our faith.
Covenants and Connections
Chapter 1 is all about the covenant of grace. This chapter grounds the book in the local church and it highlights the necessity that our children must be given to God since they belong to him. I was also pleasantly surprised by an emphasis on the doctrine of adoption. Chapter 2 focuses on the role of parents in bringing up a child for confession. Bavinck again highlights the role of the church in raising and training children.
The primacy of the Word of God is on full display in Chapter 3 as being the basis for our confession. He shows how it is the food for our souls. The connection between confession and conviction is made in Chapter 4. Just like you must believe what you say, you must also say what you believe.
The Contents of Confession
Chapter 5 reveals the two contents of confession. First is an acknowledgment of guilt and sin. Second is a confession of repentance and the name of the Lord. Specifically, Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Chapter 6 takes on the challenging task of tackling the diversity of confession. It acknowledges that ultimately God has his hand on history. Bavinck makes the insightful point that in unity, God loves diversity.
This ties directly into Chapter 7 which explains how the universality of confession and even the Christian religion as a whole is related to the unity of God. Bavinck paints a beautiful picture of how Christ does not reject anyone that comes to him. Chapter 8 is on the obligation of confession. I was particularly moved by the thought that out of all of God’s creation, it is man that is commanded to praise God with lips and words. Bavinck rightly sees it as a privilege to proclaim God’s praise. This chapter is the heart of the book.
Opposition and Reward
Chapter 9 deals with the opposition to confession. Namely, the flesh, the world, and Satan. It is a brief yet sobering chapter to bring things into perspective. Amongst others, Chapter 10 makes it clear that it is the Holy Spirit who empowers confession.
In Chapter 11, the reward of confession is revealed to be heavenly salvation itself. But Bavinck makes it clear that scripture encourages an active - not passive - Christianity. And Christ will not be ashamed to confess us as his own. Chapter 12 ends the book on the truth of confession. And while it might be contradicted or opposed, our faith is sure to come to fruition.
Living Sacrifices
An epilogue is included by W. H. Gispen which serves as a review of the work. Also at the back of the book is a bibliography, subject index, and notes. While this is a translated work, reading it in English was smooth and clear. I was surprised at the clarity of the work and the accessibility of it all.
After reading this book, I am challenged to be bold in my confession of faith. Not just as a worship leader on stage while singing songs, but as a Christian in the world with my words and actions.
I was provided a complimentary copy of The Sacrifice of Praise in exchange for an honest review.
Covenants and Connections
Chapter 1 is all about the covenant of grace. This chapter grounds the book in the local church and it highlights the necessity that our children must be given to God since they belong to him. I was also pleasantly surprised by an emphasis on the doctrine of adoption. Chapter 2 focuses on the role of parents in bringing up a child for confession. Bavinck again highlights the role of the church in raising and training children.
The primacy of the Word of God is on full display in Chapter 3 as being the basis for our confession. He shows how it is the food for our souls. The connection between confession and conviction is made in Chapter 4. Just like you must believe what you say, you must also say what you believe.
The Contents of Confession
Chapter 5 reveals the two contents of confession. First is an acknowledgment of guilt and sin. Second is a confession of repentance and the name of the Lord. Specifically, Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Chapter 6 takes on the challenging task of tackling the diversity of confession. It acknowledges that ultimately God has his hand on history. Bavinck makes the insightful point that in unity, God loves diversity.
This ties directly into Chapter 7 which explains how the universality of confession and even the Christian religion as a whole is related to the unity of God. Bavinck paints a beautiful picture of how Christ does not reject anyone that comes to him. Chapter 8 is on the obligation of confession. I was particularly moved by the thought that out of all of God’s creation, it is man that is commanded to praise God with lips and words. Bavinck rightly sees it as a privilege to proclaim God’s praise. This chapter is the heart of the book.
Opposition and Reward
Chapter 9 deals with the opposition to confession. Namely, the flesh, the world, and Satan. It is a brief yet sobering chapter to bring things into perspective. Amongst others, Chapter 10 makes it clear that it is the Holy Spirit who empowers confession.
In Chapter 11, the reward of confession is revealed to be heavenly salvation itself. But Bavinck makes it clear that scripture encourages an active - not passive - Christianity. And Christ will not be ashamed to confess us as his own. Chapter 12 ends the book on the truth of confession. And while it might be contradicted or opposed, our faith is sure to come to fruition.
Living Sacrifices
An epilogue is included by W. H. Gispen which serves as a review of the work. Also at the back of the book is a bibliography, subject index, and notes. While this is a translated work, reading it in English was smooth and clear. I was surprised at the clarity of the work and the accessibility of it all.
After reading this book, I am challenged to be bold in my confession of faith. Not just as a worship leader on stage while singing songs, but as a Christian in the world with my words and actions.
I was provided a complimentary copy of The Sacrifice of Praise in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2021
I love Herman Bavinck. I’ve longed to read his Reformed Dogmatics and I’m currently reading Vol1 of his Reformed Ethics. In true Reformed fashion, Bavinck speaks of the gladness available to the believer, the goodness of God’s sovereign plan of salvation, and the enduring love God has for his people. Perhaps the most striking is that Bavinck acknowledges there is deep diversity amongst the people of God and yet we must ignore our tendency to focus on that, for in so doing we miss the overly-abundant unity we have in Christ. A fantastic book, pastorally rich and applicable, you’ll want to read this short, valuable, Scripturally-rich volume from one of the finest, sharpest public (Reformed) theologians in the church’s history.
July 12, 2025
“The best Christian is the best citizen. With their confession, they neither stand outside of nor in opposition to the natural life. But highly and proudly, they carry their confession into the world and everywhere and plant the banner of the cross. The gospel of Christ is a joyful message for all creation—mind/heart, soul/body,family/society, and science/art…”
November 13, 2020
Bavinck makes “the confession of faith” a middle sacrament, but aside from that, good stuff!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews