The Regulative Principle of Worship : Is It Biblical?

"Reprinted in 1995 from The Bulletin of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

CONTENTS:

I. The idea of worship.

II. The regulative principle in the Westminster Standards.

III. The biblical position on the regulative principle of worship.

IV. What does the Bible teach is to be included in worship?
–a. The New Testament and not the Old is our standard.
–b. Jesus and temple worship.
–c. Jesus and synagogue worship.
–d. Jesus' positive teachings about worship.
–e. Elements of worship discernible in the apostolic church.

V. Summary of the New Testament guidelines for worship under the regulative principle.
–A. Basic principles to be observed in worship.
—1. God is a Spirit and thus true worship must be in spirit and in truth.
—2. All must be done to the glory of God.
—3. All must be done to edification.
—4. All must be done decently and in order.
—5. There is freedom within the prescribed elements.
–B.
—1. Reading of Scripture.
—2. Preaching of the Word.
—3. Prayer.
—4. Observance of the sacraments.
—5. Praise in music.
—6. Gathering of offerings.
—7. Confession of sin.
—8. Confessing the faith.
—9. Use of the benediction, and possibly the salutation.