Lesson 3

Question 1

What is the regulative principle of worship?

Answer 1

RPW = everything that is done in worship is warranted by Scripture. Either by explicit command or implicit principle/example. Everything has Scriptural warrant.

• -There should be scriptural warrant for everything we do in worship, or an implicit requirement, or general principles, or positive commands, or general commands, or good and necessary consequences.
• • The bible alone directs the form and content of Christian worship.

Question 2

How does it aid in worship?

Answer 2

• • Corporate Worship should be founded positively on the direction of Scripture.
• • The goal and aim of corporate worship is to be according to Scripture.
• • Scripture does not speak discreetly to all things of our life, but it does speak to how we worship.

Question 3

Distinguish and explain the elements, forms, and circumstances?

Answer 3

1. ) Elements - central (prescribed/ordained by Scripture); has positive biblical warrant
   - - Read, Preach, Sing, Pray, See the Bible
2. ) Forms - way/order in which you do those elements
   - - how do we do the elements (make sure the way we do the elements doesn’t take away from the elements)
   - - what order do we do the elements (consider cultural, historical concerns; prudential decisions)
   - - these don’t have explicit Scriptural commands, but the way in which you do things should have biblical warrant, 500 years of reformed traditional warrant, and 2,000 years of Christian traditional warrant.
3. ) Circumstances - incidental matters that you have to make a decision on; but are necessary (not in Scripture)
   - - Time, meeting place, bulletins, posture in worship

Question 4

How does the RPW help in prudential decisions?

Answer 4

• • RPW doesn’t speak to prudential decisions, but helps you keep a clear distinction between aids and elements.
• • Prudential decisions that don’t undermine the central elements and have some biblical rational for why you’re doing it this way.

Question 5

What are the limitations and advantages of contemporary and historic worship?

Answer 5

1. ) Tradition helps you understand how they thought the Bible informed their practices (not substituting tradition for Scripture)
2. ) Tradition helps us understand the Bible better.
   - - We don’t try to reinvent worship, but learn through the ages.

Question 6

What was unique about the source and balance of Calvin’s theology of worship?

Answer 6

1. ) Give Holy Scripture its proper authoritative place in worship
2. ) Restore the scriptural and best customs of the ancient church

Question 7

What are the traits of reformed corporate worship?

Answer 7

1. ) We adhere to the clear and plain direction of Scriptures (Regulative Principle of Worship)
2. ) We give precedence not to the physical structural aspects of worship, but to the activity of the Holy Spirit.
3. ) Importance of Christian liberty
4. ) Priesthood of believers