Great Theologians: Wilhelmus à Brakel

Wilhelmus à Brakel: A Systematic Theologian for the Common Person

Introduction

Wilhelmus à Brakel (1635–1711), a name revered in Reformed theology, holds a unique place among the great theologians of the Dutch Second Reformation, also known as the Nadere Reformatie. From around 1600 to 1750, this period sought to apply the principles of the Protestant Reformation to every aspect of life, including family, church, and society. Often compared to English Puritanism and German Pietism, the Nadere Reformatie emphasized orthodoxy and piety (Elshout and Beeke 2019). Wilhelmus à Brakel is a luminous example of this movement, renowned for his magnum opus, The Christian’s Reasonable Service (Redelijke Godsdienst).

The Legacy of the Nadere Reformatie and à Brakel’s Role

Born in Leeuwarden, Friesland, à Brakel grew up in a godly household, profoundly influenced by his father, Theodorus à Brakel, a pastor, and his intensely prayerful mother, Margaretha Homma. Their dedication shaped the young Wilhelmus’ faith and theological pursuits (Elshout 1997). After studying theology at the Franeker Academy and later under Gisbertus Voetius and Andreas Essenius at the University of Utrecht, à Brakel’s ministry began in Friesland, followed by his significant tenure in Rotterdam (Fieret 1999).

While serving as pastor in Rotterdam from 1683 until he died in 1711, à Brakel penned The Christian’s Reasonable Service, a four-volume systematic theology aimed not at scholars but at the members of his congregation. His intent was clear: to bridge the gap between theological doctrine and experiential piety. He sought to make profound theological truths accessible and applicable to ordinary believers, reinforcing the connection between objective truth and subjective spiritual experience (Beeke and Elshout 2019).

A Systematic Theology for Everyday Christians

Unlike many systematic theologies of his era, à Brakel’s work did not merely aim to expound doctrines academically. The title, drawn from Romans 12:1, signals his purpose: to present theology as a call to reasonable, intelligent, and heartfelt service to God. His work is characterized by its practical and pastoral nature, offering doctrinal explanations and experiential applications to nurture godliness (Elshout and Beeke 2019).

This combination of doctrinal depth and practical piety has made The Christian’s Reasonable Service a treasure for pastors and lay readers. Its practical chapters on sanctification resonate deeply, providing a roadmap for living a holy life grounded in Scripture. For à Brakel, Jesus Christ is central to every doctrine, and His preeminence shines throughout the work. The richness of à Brakel’s experiential applications, paired with his ability to make profound truths accessible, explains the enduring influence of his theology and why he is one of my favorite theologians.

Experiential Piety: The Heart of à Brakel’s Theology

The experiential nature of à Brakel’s theology distinguishes him from many of his contemporaries. As a pastor, he was deeply concerned with the spiritual well-being of his flock, ensuring that the truths of Scripture moved from intellectual assent to heartfelt reality. His work exudes a Spirit-wrought mysticism that harmonizes with the Scriptures, offering a compelling vision of Christian life marked by devotion, humility, and joy in Christ (Fieret 1999).

For example, in his writings, à Brakel frequently emphasizes that true piety must flow from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. His doctrine of sanctification, detailed in the third and fourth volumes of The Christian’s Reasonable Service, outlines the daily walk of faith, encouraging believers to reflect Christ’s holiness in their lives. In this, he mirrors the Puritans, who likewise linked doctrinal precision with practical godliness (Beeke and Elshout 2019).

Challenges and Triumphs

à Brakel’s ministry was not without its challenges. During his early pastorates in Friesland, he faced resistance from indifferent congregations, yet his perseverance bore fruit. Later, in Rotterdam, he encountered opposition from ecclesiastical authorities over his advocacy for house services and his resistance to state interference in church governance. Despite these obstacles, à Brakel’s steadfastness and commitment to his calling shone through, earning him national renown (Elshout 1997).

One particularly memorable episode from his youth highlights his tender heart and early piety. A Christmas sermon by his father left such an impression on young Wilhelmus that he repeatedly asked, “Father, when will it be Christmas again?” This childlike wonder at the incarnation of Christ set the tone for his lifelong devotion to exalting Jesus as the center of all theology (Fieret 1999).

A Continuing Influence

à Brakel’s work continues to inspire believers today, bridging the theological richness of the Dutch Further Reformation with contemporary needs. With its profound insights and practical applications, The Christian’s Reasonable Service has seen numerous editions and translations, ensuring its place as a classic in Reformed literature. Accessible through resources like Monergism’s extensive archive, Gereformeerde Kerk’s free PDFs, and Chapel Library’s reading plan, this monumental work remains a vital resource for those seeking to grow in faith and knowledge (Monergism 2023; Chapel Library 2023; Gereformeerde Kerk 2023).

Conclusion

Wilhelmus à Brakel’s legacy as a theologian and pastor is a testament to the power of combining doctrinal precision with heartfelt piety. His life and ministry exemplify the heart of the Nadere Reformatie, a movement that sought to integrate faith into every aspect of life. By writing theology for the everyday person, à Brakel ensured that his work would transcend time, continuing to edify and inspire believers across the centuries. His prayer that God would pour out His Spirit upon all who read his writings remains as relevant and powerful today as it was in his time.

Rev. Dr. Mark Horne is a Pastor-Teacher of Andrews PCA and an ACBC Certified Biblical Counselor and serves at Billy Rufus Center for Counseling and Teaching, Director and is an adjunct professor of Birmingham Theological Seminary.

References

Beeke, Joel R., and Bartel Elshout. 2019. Wilhelmus à Brakel and The Christian’s Reasonable Service. Credo Magazine. https://credomag.com/2019/06/wilhelmus-a-brakel-and-the-christians-reaso....

Chapel Library. 2023. A Christian’s Reasonable Service Reading Plan. https://www.chapellibrary.org/api/books/download?code=rtcr&format=pdf.

Elshout, Bartel. 1997. The Pastor and Practical Theology of Wilhelmus à Brakel. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books.

Fieret, W. 1999. The Christian’s Reasonable Service, Volume 1. Translated by Bartel Elshout. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books.

Monergism. 2023. Wilhelmus à Brakel: Resources. https://www.monergism.com/authorsspeakers/wilhelmus-brakel.

Gereformeerde Kerk. 2023. The Christian’s Reasonable Service: Free PDFs. https://gereformeerd.org/biblioteek/.