“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Cor. 14:40). “…there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the Church…” (WCF 1.6). James Bannerman The Church of Christ III.ii.i.2.4, pp. 368-379. Although the Church has no power in regard to the ceremonies and institutions of Divine service, except to… Read More What are Circumstances of Worship?
DR. OWEN’S INSTRUCTION IN THE WORSHIP OF GOD, BY WAY OF QUESTION AND ANSWER; WITH AN EXPLICATION AND CONFIRMATION OF THOSE ANSWERS (1667). Q. 1. What doth God require of us in our dependence on him, that he may be glorified by us, and we accepted with him? A. That we (a) worship him (b) in and… Read More A Short Catechism On Worship
In our first post we began with practical observations. The second post made the positive case for exclusively vocal, a capella praise in corporate worship. And our previous post was a list of quotes from church history about the rejection of instrumental music in the church. In this final post we will respond to common… Read More A Capella Objections Answered
In our last post we saw how the Regulative Principle of Worship (RPW) is the standard by which we should approach the question of instrumental music in the corporate worship of the church. We demonstrated how instrumental music—as part of the ceremonial worship of the old covenant—has been abrogated and is no longer part of […]
Statement of the Question. Is instrumental music acceptable in new covenant worship? To answer this question we must be precise about what we are trying to investigate. The question is not whether instrumental music may be enjoyed in private, nor whether it may be used in secular, non-ecclesiastical social gatherings. It certainly can, and is… Read More A Concise Case for A Capella Worship
Is instrumental music acceptable in new covenant worship? To answer this question we must be precise about what we are trying to investigate. The question is not whether instrumental music may be enjoyed in private, nor whether it may be used in secular, non-ecclesiastical social gatherings. It certainly can, and is a great blessing… Read More Practical Considerations on A Capella 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?
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
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
In these sermons, Rev. Todd Ruddell of Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCGA) explains the regulative principle of worship (RPW) and exclusive psalmody (EP), and answers objections against EP. These sermons are from his Reformation Distinctives series. Links and embedded audio players have been added for your convenience. We encourage you to listen to these helpful sermons.… Read More Exclusive Psalmody and the Regulative Principle of Worship | Rev. Todd Ruddell
Purely Presbyterian 