Category: Worship

Occasional Days of Public Fasting or Thanksgiving

The Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 21, after discussing the Regulative Principle of Worship and “the parts of the ordinary religious worship of God“, goes on to address extra-ordinary parts of religious worship, which include “solemn fastings (Est. 4:16; Joel 2:12; Mat. 9:15; 1 Cor. 7:5), and thanksgivings upon several occasions (Est. 9:22; Psa 107 throughout); which are, in their several times… Read More Occasional Days of Public Fasting or Thanksgiving

Paul J. Barth2 Comments

Is Instrumental Music a Circumstance of Worship?

This excerpt assumes the reader is familiar with the Regulative Principle of Worship and the difference between elements of worship and circumstances of worship. See here for a brief introduction: What is the Regulative Principle of Worship? John L. Girardeau, Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church pp. 147-156 (1.) It is not claimed,… Read More Is Instrumental Music a Circumstance of Worship?

Paul J. Barth2 Comments

The Regulative Principle of Worship Proven From Scripture

Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church by John L. Girardeau A divine warrant is necessary for every element of doctrine, government and worship in the church; that is, whatsoever in these spheres is not commanded in the Scriptures, either expressly or by good and necessary consequence from their statements, is forbidden. 1.… Read More The Regulative Principle of Worship Proven From Scripture

Paul J. Barth2 Comments

The Regulative Principle of Worship in the Second Commandment

Michael Bushell, Songs of Zion, chapter 4, section 3, pp. 163-165. The second commandment is by far the most important scriptural passage dealing with worship. It teaches us that God alone determines what kind of worship is acceptable to Him and that He rejects all forms of idolatry irrespective of source or good intention on… Read More The Regulative Principle of Worship in the Second Commandment

Paul J. Barth1 Comment

Psalmody Objections Answered: “New Song”

Objection: Scripture repeatedly speaks of singing a “new song” (Psa. 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Isa. 42:10). The four beasts and 24 elders sang a “new song” (Rev. 5:9), the 144,000 followers of the Lamb who had gotten victory over the beast also sang a “new song” (Rev. 14:3). Therefore, we may (or should) compose… Read More Psalmody Objections Answered: “New Song”

Paul J. Barth9 Comments

What is the Regulative Principle of Worship?

The Regulative Principle of Worship Defined We can only approach God on his own terms, not only for salvation, but also in worship. The Regulative Principle of Worship (RPW) is the doctrine that everything of religious significance in worship must be prescribed in holy Scripture, either explicitly or by good and necessary consequence, such that “whatever… Read More What is the Regulative Principle of Worship?

Paul J. Barth13 Comments