Unpacking the Regulative Principle

A lot of things happen in a typical church service. It starts (and perhaps ends) at a specific time, in a specific place. There are songs, prayers, announcements, sacraments, a sermon, tithes and offerings.  The songs might be in books or on a screen.  Maybe there are musical instruments, or maybe not.  People stand, sit and, in some churches, kneel.  The minister might wear a collar or Geneva gown, or he might not. The elders might sit at the front, or they might sit among the congregation with their families like everyone else. The preacher might ascend into an elevated pulpit to preach, or he might pace back and forth at the front of the room.

Does the Regulative Principle have anything to do with these choices? How do we decide what to do?

Many of these choices have a typical Apostolic solution, just as they probably have a typical Presbyterian or Anglican solution.  Yet, do we just opt for a given choice because it's the Apostolic way, or are there other reasons.  If Apostolics and confessional Presbyterians both (traditionally) apply the regulative principle, why do our meetings look so different?

Part of the answer to these questions can be found in unpacking the regulative principle a bit more.  Traditionally, a distinction has been made between elements (the biblically mandated things that are essential to worship) and circumstances (the things that enable us to worship which are left up to the discretion of the elders ).  Circumstances include things like where we meet, what time the service begins, where we get the words of the songs, what type of seats we have; these are all necessary decisions, but the answer is not given in Scripture. Rather, we apply biblically informed wisdom.  Thus circumstances can vary from country to country and culture to culture, even from assembly to assembly.  The elements of worship, however, remain constant.

We'll have a look at those elements in the next post.

The Regulative Principle

The expression 'Regulative Principle' may not be a part of our typical theological vocabulary, yet, despite not using the specific expression, it was certainly part of the theology of the early leaders of the Apostolic Church.

The Regulative Principle states that only those things which are commanded by God in Scripture are acceptable in our worship.  Thus we don't use candles and incense, as these are not Biblically mandated.  The Regulative Principle of Worship was championed by the Reformed Churches during the Reformation, and thereafter by the Puritans, confessional Presbyterians, Brethren and then Apostolics (& I suspect other British Pentecostals, although our American brethren never seem to have held to it).  The expression has not always been used, but the idea has always been there. In Brethren assemblies, for example, the concept is often referred to as 'New Testament Church Principles'.

 

The alternative to the Regulative Principle among Protestants has, historically, been the Normative Principle, which says that that which is not explicitly forbidden in Scripture is permitted in worship.  Historically this principle was upheld by the Lutherans and Anglicans.

What is the point of the Regulative Principle?  Well, the Regulative Principle is related to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura.  It is not only the doctrine of the Church which has the Bible for its sole authority, but also the Church's worship and government.  Therefore the Regulative Principle states that whatever we do 'in church' must find support in the Bible.

The early Apostolics very firmly held to this Regulative Principle.  T.N. Turnbull wrote that 'the Apostolic Church is a body of believers who joyfully dare to stand for first-century Christianity, its faith, its practices and its government... By the "Apostolic Vision" we mean ... the establishing of the New Testament teachings, doctrines, and practices in every country of the world' (What God Hath Wrought, 11-12; emphasis mine).  The practice of the contemporary church was to be the practice of the New Testament church; our practice was to be according to the Scriptures. Ps D. Kongo Jones wrote in the same vein back in 1926. That year he contributed an article to Riches of Grace entitled 'The Apostolic Form of Christian Worship', in which he expounded the form of worship of the church in the New Testament with the expectation that all his readers would accept that that was the same form of worship to be expected today.

Thus, the Regulative Principle is, historically, firmly a part of Apostolic theology.  The early Apostolics sought rely on Scripture alone not only for their doctrine, but also for their church government and worship.

Seeing as it's Boxing Day...

Seeing as it's Boxing Day, perhaps something a wee bit Christmassy might be in order.

Anna is someone who probably doesn't get too much press at the average Christmas. The main characters at this time of year tend to be Mary & Joseph, followed by angels, inn-keepers, shepherds, and then by donkeys, cows and sheep. Sometimes wisemen and camels even get thrown into the mix (although here on the continent Epiphany is still known as the Day of the Three Kings).  Anna, however, is a more important character than the assorted obligatory Christmas animals. Unlike the inn-keeper, she's actually mentioned in the Bible; unlike the shepherds, she's actually named.  If we do remember her, it's probably not at Christmas, and she tends to get overshadowed by Simeon (afterall, he did come up with the Nunc Dimitis [Lk 2:29-32] ...). Yet the account of Anna in Luke 2:36-38 bears an important lesson for us today.

Anna 'served God with fastings and prayers night and day' (Luke 2:37).  Today we hear so much about service in the church, yet service so often seems to be code for 'doing stuff'.  Of course its important to do all the necessary activities for the well being of the church.  Cleaning, putting out chairs, watering the plants, making coffee are all good things to do. Yet Anna wasn't in the Temple to serve refreshments or because it was her turn on the cleaning rota.  She was there to serve God, but she served Him through prayer.

Anna is a great reminder to us of the importance of prayer. Prayer is service to God.  So easily we forget that.  While we get distracted by the multitude of our good activities for the well being of the church, we musn't let ourselves be distracted from that which is essential to the church' s being.  We are called to serve God, and one of the primary ways of doing that is through prayer.

Study Questions: The Resurrection

What is the difference between Christ's resurrection & other people (like Lazarus) who were restored to life in the Bible?

Who raised Jesus from the dead?

What do we know about Christ's resurrection body?

What is the significance of Christ's resurrection?

The Best Books I've Read in 2008 (continued)

Ranking good books from 1-10 is too hard, so, apart from my top 2 picks from last night, the remaining 8 books are in no particular order.

• Mark Dever, The Gospel and Personal Evangelism (Wheaton: Crossway, 2007)

 I've already written about this one.

• Donald Macleod, The Person of Christ, Contours of Christian Theology (Downers Grove: IVP, 1998)

Excellent contemporary work by a systematic theologian. This is no basic overview, but rather a more advanced text which interacts heavily with opponents of Chalcedonian orthodoxy. Not a starting point for your study of Christology, but brilliant for those who already have a grasp of the basics.

• Steve Jeffery, Mike Ovey and Andrew Sach, Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution (Nottingham: IVP, 2007)

With all the current attacks on Penal Substitution, this book is necessary (& very worthwhile) reading.

• John M. Frame, The Doctrine of God (Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2002)

At nearly 900 pages, this might take some time to plough through, but it will be time well spent. Frame is not only informative but also manages to stay interesting, making his book a pleasure to read.  Frame presents theology of God firmly rooted in Scripture.

• Gerhard O Forde, On Being a Theologian of the Cross: Reflections on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, 1518 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997)

While there are a few problems with Forde's theology (it would appear at one point that he rejects Penal Substitution), this book is not actually about Forde's theology, but rather (as the title cunningly suggests) that of Luther. This book does exactly what it says on the tin: it is a series of reflections on Luther's Heidelberg Disputation of 1518. The Heidelberg Disputation articulates Luther's thought on being a theologian of the Cross as opposed to a theologian of glory, and thus this book looks in detail at that contrast .

• D.G. Hart and John R. Muether, With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship (Phillipsburg: Presbyterian & Reformed, 2002)

Another book on worship by a Reformed author? Indeed. Like Horton's A Better Way, this one should provide a bit of food for thought. Great explanation of the Regulative Principle of Worship.  A bit more nuts and bolts than Horton.

• Alexander Strauch, Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership (Littleton: Lewis & Roth, 1995)

Strauch seeks to expound what the Bible has to say about Elders and provides a wonderful reminder (for some) of, or introduction (for many) to, what eldership is really about. Strauch ably demonstrates that biblical church government in the local assembly is by a plurality of elders, but also goes beyond this to show the role and nature of that eldership.

• Walter Marshall, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification (1692)

I've already written about this one too.

The Best Books I've Read (so far) in 2008

As the end of the year is fast approaching, it seems more than a few bloggers have been reflecting on the best books of 2008. I, however, am, as usual, a bit behind the times and haven't read enough books published this year; so I thought I'd be a wee bit more subjective and think about the best books I've read this year, irrespective of date of publication.

1. Michael Horton, A Better Way: Rediscovering the Drama of Christ-Centred Worship (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002)

A brilliant and thought-provoking look at worship, founded in a robust Scriptural theology. Horton opposes much that has come to be labelled 'worship' in today's evangelicalism, yet he is not arguing that 'traditional' worship is better. Rather, Horton is seeking 'a better way' (just in case you've forgotten, that's the title of the book). Horton ably dismisses the notion that worship is something sentimental and subjective, or that corporate worship is when we make room for God in our lives. Rather, worship is about God taking us into His drama of redemption. Worship is objective; based on what

 Christ has done, not on how we feel.  Thus the means of grace, law & gospel preaching and the sacraments, are central to Christian worship.

Of course, I don't always agree with Horton (particularly on paedobaptism), yet I must highly recommend his book. Even if you don't agree with him, you will certainly find this book thought-provoking.  If on the Lord's Day morning you do things in the meeting simply because that's how it's done, or how it always has been done, read Horton, and doing so will compel you to think Biblically and theologically about the elements of Sunday worship.

2. David F. Wells, The Courage to be Protestant: Truth-lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008)

This is certainly the best book I've read that was actually published in 2008. I have to admit choosing between my numbers 1 and 2 was very difficult, and Horton might have only won because I read his book more recently. Anyway, if you are a pastor or theology student you really should read this book. 

For the rest of the list, you'll have to tune in next time. (Yes, I don't have the dramatic flair to be a TV host - I've spoilt all the dramatic tension by beginning with the winner! Oh well...)

Sorry for the interruption...

Okay, so I've rather neglected the blog lately, but I hope you'll forgive the break. In the next few days I hope to post a bit about books, a bit about worship and liturgy, and maybe even something about Christmas (although no promises on that one).

Study Questions: The Atonement

Define penal substitution and demonstrate that it is the clear teaching of the Scriptures.

What is the significance of imputation for the atonement?

How does the Passover relate to Penal Substitution?

What is the meaning of propitiation & why is it necessary?

Why could God not simply forgive us without Jesus having to die?

What is the meaning of Redemption? Why do we need to be redeemed?

Study Questions: More on the Incarnation

Where & how does the Bible teach the virgin birth?

What was the result of the Holy Spirit's overshadowing of Mary?

What does impeccability mean? Why is it important?

What do we mean by Christ's active righteousness & what does it have to do with our salvation?

Why did Christ become incarnate?

Evangelism & Sin

'Man is more lost than he understands and the older evangelicalism believed that the first objective in gospel preaching was to bring men to despair of themselves. To tell men the worst about themselves is not to hinder conversion. On the contrary, the real impediment to conversion is the absence of conviction of sin. The preacher's first duty is to address that fact by awakening the conscience to the meaning of sin, and to sin understood not simply as wrong action requiring forgiveness, but as an evil principle governing man's very heart.'

(Iain Murray, Revival and Revivalism, 370)

Two Ways to Live

You may have noticed the large 2 in the circle at the left-hand side of my blog and be wondering what it's all about? Well, it's actually a link to an online presentation of Two Ways To Live, which is a memorable summary of the Gospel. This is a great resource which not only presents the gospel message, but also does so in a way which doesn't assume any proir knowledge of Christian concepts - everything the average non-Christian needs to know is explained (and clearly too).
Two Ways To Live is available in a number of formats and several languages (and even a children's version in English). It's published by Matthias Media in Austrailia and distributed in the UK by The Good Book Company. Click on the 2 at the side to see the presentation and find out more.
So, if you're looking for tracts, or something to give to non-Christian visitors to church, have a look at Two Ways to Live. It might be just what you're looking for.

Study Questions: Incarnation & Hypostatic Union

It's that time of the week again; time for some more doctrinal study questions!
This week we're beginning to look at Christology (& Tenet No. 3).

What is the Incarnation?

Does the Bible teach that God the Son existed before the Incarnation? Explain.

How do we know that Jesus was truly human?

What is Docetism & why is it such a big problem?

What is Apollinarianism & why does it cause problems for the doctrine of salvation?

What is the Hypostatic Union? How do the heresies of Nestorianism & Eutychianism help us define the Hypostatic Union?

Is Christ still incarnate? Why is this important?

Insightful Quotation of the Week

'"Deeds, not creeds", amounts to "law, not gospel."'
(Michael Horton, People & Place, 75)