In a large number of audio lectures and sermons, new books, republished books, newsletters, videos, tracts, web sites, etc., those of us who uphold the Reformation doctrine of the regulative principle have specifically set forth our positive position concerning public worship. Now our critics (such as Doug Wilson and Steve Schlissel) should provide something specific about their positive position on the public worship of God and the second commandment.
The critics must state specifically what the second commandment allows and what it forbids, to the best of their ability, after having studied the relevant data. They have taken their shots at our work, where we have stated our position. Once they have put forth their positive position we will critique it from the perspective of the regulative principle. Observers of this debate will then be able to determine which side represents the Scriptural position.
If the modern detractors of Reformation worship actually get around to presenting their position, the historical and theological sources of their views will be clear to all. It will be easy to see which side is following in the historical and theological footsteps of the Westminster Divines, the Reformation Dutch Synods, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, George Gillespie, and John Owen.
There would then no longer be any question about who the real classical Protestants are and who is following the teaching of a different theological position.
I also ask the reader to consider the following questions: Were the Calvinistic Reformers and their Confessions all wrong in their interpretation of Scripture concerning worship? Were the Lutherans, Prelates and Romanists right?
Upon seeing the position on worship offered by detractors of the regulative principle, it will be possible to ascertain the following: Does their view confirm that they hold to the same theology of worship as the original Reformers? Or does it show the opposite, namely, that they embrace the worship theology of the Reformation's opponents? Do they hold to the Reformation position on worship or not?
There are two sides to the coin of the regulative principle of worship. If you agree with it and apply it faithfully to every part of public worship, you are in agreement with the Westminster Assembly and the Covenanted Reformation. If you fundamentally disagree with it, then you have embraced the fundamental principles of Roman Catholic worship.
There is no neutrality; you either worship God according to His appointment, or you will find some human substitute. (This article has been adapted from "Saul in the Cave of Adullam by Reg Barrow.)
The critics must state specifically what the second commandment allows and what it forbids, to the best of their ability, after having studied the relevant data. They have taken their shots at our work, where we have stated our position. Once they have put forth their positive position we will critique it from the perspective of the regulative principle. Observers of this debate will then be able to determine which side represents the Scriptural position.
If the modern detractors of Reformation worship actually get around to presenting their position, the historical and theological sources of their views will be clear to all. It will be easy to see which side is following in the historical and theological footsteps of the Westminster Divines, the Reformation Dutch Synods, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, George Gillespie, and John Owen.
There would then no longer be any question about who the real classical Protestants are and who is following the teaching of a different theological position.
I also ask the reader to consider the following questions: Were the Calvinistic Reformers and their Confessions all wrong in their interpretation of Scripture concerning worship? Were the Lutherans, Prelates and Romanists right?
Upon seeing the position on worship offered by detractors of the regulative principle, it will be possible to ascertain the following: Does their view confirm that they hold to the same theology of worship as the original Reformers? Or does it show the opposite, namely, that they embrace the worship theology of the Reformation's opponents? Do they hold to the Reformation position on worship or not?
There are two sides to the coin of the regulative principle of worship. If you agree with it and apply it faithfully to every part of public worship, you are in agreement with the Westminster Assembly and the Covenanted Reformation. If you fundamentally disagree with it, then you have embraced the fundamental principles of Roman Catholic worship.
There is no neutrality; you either worship God according to His appointment, or you will find some human substitute. (This article has been adapted from "Saul in the Cave of Adullam by Reg Barrow.)
About the Author:
For more information about Reformed worship (following the Regulative Principle of Worship), church history and the Reformation, please visit PuritanDownloads.com. There are many Reformation theology resources at that site.
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