The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Regulative Principle in Corporate Worship

1. I have no clue as to whether "most" Reformed churches follow the historical practice which is also found in many of their official documents. Personally, I fear "most" would not be the case as across the board many churches of all types have opted out of the biblical doctrine of "The Regulative Principle of Worship" (see here e.g. The Scriptural Regulative Principle of Worship).

2. a) Yes, the NT has far more emphasis upon "reverence" without totally ignoring "joy". IF <-- the songs included in biblical worship are based upon Scripture and sound doctrine, then the passage(s) that undergird the song will dictate the "lyrics". The "melody" should always reflect the attributes of God; sovereign, infinitely holy, omniscient, omnipresent, etc. which has historically been understood in the term "reverence". b) Yes, historic Reformed worship has consistently upheld the offices enjoined from Scripture as God's will for the church. Elders (pastor/teacher) and Deacons (priesthood of mercy). Corporate worship is nowhere in Scripture described in word or via example as an open "free-for-all' democratic meeting. Corporate worship has two fundamental purposes: 1. Extolling the one true living God as He has revealed Himself and pleading for His forgiveness, mercy and providential care. et al. 2. The upbuilding of the saints through the preaching of the Word. Worship is NOT a social gathering nor community center for general dialogue, nor an entertainment center. Those other than the Elders who are given by permission of those Elders must be vetted and be in conformity to the biblical teachings of worship and are under direct supervision of those same Elders. c) Again, it is incontrovertible that Scripture restricts the offices of Christ (Prophet, Priest, and King) in the Eldership and Deaconate to biological men. The requirements of those two offices are perspicuously delineated in the two major passages previously given. Other texts found in both OT and NT prohibit women from occupying either of those offices nor to have authority over men. This principle was part of the very creation (cf. 1Cor 11:9) itself as can be seen even between our first parents; Adam and Eve.