Preface

Preface:

The author is familiar with the Grace Brethren Churches, having enjoyed membership in the Grace Brethren Church, Ventura (GBCV) for a number of years. During the time of membership in the GBCV, the author enjoyed the sound teaching and systematic theology taught there, holding the Grace Brethren teachings in highest esteem. The author is familiar with the teachings, including the three-fold communion and the triune immersion.

This critique of Mr. Hodge’s work is offered in a constructive spirit. In the same spirit that Mr. Hodge wrote, this author intends for this discussion to be food for constructive debate and dialogue rather than become fodder for partisan conflict. It is offered then, in a spirit of desiring to rightly divide the Word of God, so when it is properly observed and correctly interpreted, it may be applied to the glory of God in the life of the believer. Further it is offered in the spirit of the command in Matt 28:19-20, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, thus attempting to rightly divide the word of God so that it can be taught accurately and applied in the way He wants it applied which will bring glory to Him.