Some well-meaning Reformed Christians rightly understand how problematic “church calendar” observance is, given Scripture’s teaching on the Regulative Principle of Worship (RPW) and the Sabbath. In some sense they agree with the Puritan and Westminsterian position that man-made holy days are unwarranted by Scripture. And yet, while not wanting to entirely abandon them, two sorts… Read More Secular Holy Days?
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him… (John 10:22-24a) Did Jesus religiously observe the Feast of Dedication as an ecclesiastical holy day even though it was not instituted… Read More Did Jesus Observe Hanukkah?
The consequences of the Coronavirus have been dire, though not so much for public health, as for political liberty. Who could have predicted that for a flu which over ninety-nine percent survive we would lock down, mask up, and by a thousand stringent rules do irreparable harm to countless lives, families, businesses, and churches, all… Read More Hate Tyranny? Cancel Christmas
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
“Now, I see here today more people that I am accustomed to having at the sermon. Why is that? It is Christmas day. And who told you this? You poor beasts. That is a fitting euphemism for all of you who have come here today to honor Noel. Did you think you would be honoring… Read More An XMas Day Sermon by John Calvin
by Kevin Reed To speak against Christmas observance is considered by many people to be sacrilegious and others as religious fanaticism. After all, how can anyone legitimately oppose such a hallowed institution? The purpose of this study is to set forth scriptural reasons for opposing Christmas celebration. A brief historical survey will provide the suitable… Read More Christmas: An Historical Survey Regarding Its Origins and Opposition to It
by Chris Coldwell Naphtali Press It is that time of year the Genevan reformer is trotted out to justify in some manner the observance of the church calendar, particularly by folks in traditions that have no business observing it, if they were true to their Reformational principles (i.e. Presbyterians). The Scottish Presbyterians managed to remove… Read More John Calvin and Holy Days
Many Reformed churches have historically been opposed to observing man made holy days such as Christmas and Easter. Even the Reformed churches on the continent, which left some holy day observance to Christian liberty in some of their confessions, often did so because of compromise with the stubborn people for the sake of further Reformation,… Read More 8 Reasons Christian Holidays Should Not Be Observed
Purely Presbyterian 