We who uphold the Reformation doctrine of the regulative principle have *specifically* set forth our *positive position* concerning public worship in *numerous* cassette lectures and sermons, new books, republished books, newsletters, videos, tracts, web pages, etc. -- it is our critics (Wilson, Schlissel, etc.) turn to give us something *specific* as to their *positive position* on the second commandment and the public worship of God.
Let them tell us *specifically*, to the best of their ability (after having studied the relevant data), what the second commandment allows and what it forbids. We have done that for them (and they have taken their shots at our work); let them now do it for us and we will be happy to critique their work (and let the readers judge who has done their homework on this critical issue).
The historical and theological sources cited by the modern detractors of Reformation worship will be clearly evident once they get around to presenting their position. Will they be citing the Westminster Divines, the Reformation Dutch Synods, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, George Gillespie, and John Owen in support of their views? We already know the answer to that question.
At that point there won't be any doubt about who the real classical Protestants are and who are innovators in worship.
It is important to answer a couple of key questions pertinent to this issue: When the Calvinistic Reformers studied the Bible to determine the proper theology of worship, did they get their theology wrong? Was the truly Biblical position on worship held by the Episcopalians, Lutherans and Roman Catholics?
Once the opponents of the regulative principle state their positive position people will be able to ask: Does their view demonstrate that they follow in the footsteps of the original Reformers? Or, to the contrary, does it show that they are following those who rejected the Reformation position? Is their view in line with the historic Calvinist view of worship or quite different from it?
The regulative principle of worship is a two way street. Agree with it (and continue to apply it faithfully to each specific act of worship, as your understanding increases) and you are on the road to Westminster and the Covenanted Reformation; disagree with it and (at the most basic level) you are on the road to Rome.
A choice must be made by every Christian: to worship God according to His commandments in the Bible, or to worship Him in accordance with man-made principles. (This article has been adapted from "Saul in the Cave of Adullam by Reg Barrow.)
Let them tell us *specifically*, to the best of their ability (after having studied the relevant data), what the second commandment allows and what it forbids. We have done that for them (and they have taken their shots at our work); let them now do it for us and we will be happy to critique their work (and let the readers judge who has done their homework on this critical issue).
The historical and theological sources cited by the modern detractors of Reformation worship will be clearly evident once they get around to presenting their position. Will they be citing the Westminster Divines, the Reformation Dutch Synods, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, George Gillespie, and John Owen in support of their views? We already know the answer to that question.
At that point there won't be any doubt about who the real classical Protestants are and who are innovators in worship.
It is important to answer a couple of key questions pertinent to this issue: When the Calvinistic Reformers studied the Bible to determine the proper theology of worship, did they get their theology wrong? Was the truly Biblical position on worship held by the Episcopalians, Lutherans and Roman Catholics?
Once the opponents of the regulative principle state their positive position people will be able to ask: Does their view demonstrate that they follow in the footsteps of the original Reformers? Or, to the contrary, does it show that they are following those who rejected the Reformation position? Is their view in line with the historic Calvinist view of worship or quite different from it?
The regulative principle of worship is a two way street. Agree with it (and continue to apply it faithfully to each specific act of worship, as your understanding increases) and you are on the road to Westminster and the Covenanted Reformation; disagree with it and (at the most basic level) you are on the road to Rome.
A choice must be made by every Christian: to worship God according to His commandments in the Bible, or to worship Him in accordance with man-made principles. (This article has been adapted from "Saul in the Cave of Adullam by Reg Barrow.)
About the Author:
For further information about Biblical worship (following the Regulative Principle of Worship), church history and the Reformation, please visit PuritanDownloads.com. There are numerous Reformation theology resources at that site.
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