55a) Introductory Perspectives on Public Worship #2

The point: Bind the consciences of God's people to specific activities in corporate worship only if they understand their consciences are free from doctrines and commandments contrary to or not contained in the Word.

Pastor Dunn's summary of the regulative principle for Pakistani brethren: 'in the worship of God, we are to be concerned that we worship him with those who worship him. In those things revealed in the Scriptures, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.' This catchy phrase helps convey the strictness of the principle.

and executing of that power. And here, again, the regulative principle stating that Scripture is the sufficient and the only rule to regulate the order in worship as well as in discipline. In that clever little, not couplet, but trilogy of thoughts that Pastor Dunn has brought together in trying to teach the regulative principle to our Pakistani brethren, he summarized the teaching by saying, in the worship of God, we are to be concerned that we worship him with those who worship him. In those things revealed in the Scriptures, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.

5:17 - 6:00 Read in full sermon

The point: Bind the consciences of God's people to specific activities in corporate worship only if they understand their consciences are free from doctrines and commandments contrary to or not contained in the Word.

Martin references Farnwell's debate with Hodge over church boards as an example of the practical application of the regulative principle, where Farnwell stood his ground on its implications for church governance.

Now, the distinction between more and else is difficult to define, but it is a nice little catchy trilogy. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else than that which God has mandated in his word. And then in Farnwell's Selected Writings, Volume 4, we'll find one of the most helpful applications of the doctrine of the regulative principle. In Farnwell's ongoing debate with Hodge over church boards, it's fascinating reading, fascinating for a number of reasons, not the least of which that Farnwell was able to grasp the central principle and all of the canon fodder that was shot in his direction by...

6:01 - 6:54 Read in full sermon

Driving home: The Calvinistic section of the reformers were of the opinion that there were sufficiently plain indications in Scripture itself that it was Christ's mind and will that nothing should be introduced into the government and…

A quote attributed to Calvin (via another writer) distinguishes between the fixed essence of worship (beyond church discretion) and variable circumstances (ordered by general rules), illustrating how the regulative principle allows for some flexibility.

On page 248, quoting from another writer, from this one example, we may judge what it is to be thought of the whole class that the whole sum of righteousness, and all the parts of divine worship, and everything necessary to salvation, the Lord has faithfully comprehended, clearly unfolded in his oracles, so that in them he alone is the only master to be heard. But as in external discipline and ceremonies, he has not been pleased to prescribe every particular that we ought to observe. He foresaw that this depended on the nature of the times, and that one form would not suit all ages. In them we...

7:14 - 8:34 Read in full sermon

Driving home: The Calvinistic section of the reformers were of the opinion that there were sufficiently plain indications in Scripture itself that it was Christ's mind and will that nothing should be introduced into the government and…

The example of administering the Lord's Supper in a reclining or sitting posture, depending on cultural norms, illustrates the distinction between the fixed essence of the sacrament and its variable circumstances.

accidents may be changed, modified, or altered according to the exigencies of the case. The rules of social intercourse and of grave assemblies in different countries vary. The church accommodates her arrangements so as not to revolt the public sense of propriety, where people recline at their meals. She would administer the Lord's Supper to communicants in a reclining attitude. Where they sit, she would change the mode. Dr. Cunningham, the noble principal of the Free Church College of Edinburgh, one of the first divines of Europe, has not scrupled amid the light of nineteenth century to teach...

8:34 - 9:25 Read in full sermon

Driving home: The Calvinistic section of the reformers were of the opinion that there were sufficiently plain indications in Scripture itself that it was Christ's mind and will that nothing should be introduced into the government and…

A lengthy quote from Dr. Cunningham outlines the two offensive principles of the reformers: the unlawfulness of introducing anything not warranted by Scripture into worship/government, and the binding obligation of a particular church government. This helps frame the historical debate around the regulative principle.

accidents may be changed, modified, or altered according to the exigencies of the case. The rules of social intercourse and of grave assemblies in different countries vary. The church accommodates her arrangements so as not to revolt the public sense of propriety, where people recline at their meals. She would administer the Lord's Supper to communicants in a reclining attitude. Where they sit, she would change the mode. Dr. Cunningham, the noble principal of the Free Church College of Edinburgh, one of the first divines of Europe, has not scrupled amid the light of nineteenth century to teach...

8:34 - 9:25 Read in full sermon

Driving home: The Calvinistic section of the reformers were of the opinion that there were sufficiently plain indications in Scripture itself that it was Christ's mind and will that nothing should be introduced into the government and…

Martin contrasts the Lutheran/Anglican perspective ('show me a Scripture that condemns what I'm doing') with the Calvinistic view ('positive warrant for it could be found in Scripture'), highlighting the different burdens of proof regarding worship practices.

There are two which have been always very offensive to men of a loose and latitudinarian tendency. That is, the alleged unlawfulness of introducing into the worship and government of the church anything which is not positively warranted by Scripture, and the permanent binding obligation of a particular form of church government. The second of these principles may be regarded in one aspect of it as comprehended in the first. But it may be proper to make a few observations upon them separately in the order in which they now have been stated. The Lutheran and Anglican sections of the reformers he...

9:25 - 10:45 Read in full sermon

Driving home: The Calvinistic section of the reformers were of the opinion that there were sufficiently plain indications in Scripture itself that it was Christ's mind and will that nothing should be introduced into the government and…

Cunningham's sarcastic remark that the regulative principle 'need not be very alarming, except to those who think that they are the ones who are the ones who are the ones who are the very superior powers for improving and adorning the church by their inventions' underscores the humility required by the principle.

he says, the basic Lutheran and Anglican perspective. The Calvinistic section of the reformers were of the opinion that there were sufficiently plain indications in Scripture itself that it was Christ's mind and will that nothing should be introduced into the government and worship of the church unless a positive warrant for it could be found in Scripture. This principle was adopted and acted upon by the English Puritans and Scottish Presbyterians, and we are persuaded that it is the only true and safe principle to this matter. The principle is, in a sense, a very wide and sweeping one, but it...

10:45 - 12:06 Read in full sermon

The point: Understand the regulative principle in a common sense way and be satisfied with reasonable evidence of its truth, avoiding extreme or absurd interpretations.

Thornwell's statement, 'We hold it to be the circumstances connected with commanded duties, and hence affirm that whatever is not enjoined is prohibited. He holds that it pertains to actions themselves and maintains that whatever is not prohibited is lawful,' clearly isolates the core issue of the regulative principle debate.

or doubting the truth or soundness of the principle itself. And then Thornwell goes on to say, in directing his guns against Dr. Hodge, we want the reader distinctly to apprehend the point at issue. It is not, as Dr. Hodge represents it, whether the church has any discretion. That is conceded on both sides. But what is the measure or limit of that discretion? We hold it to be the circumstances connected with commanded duties, and hence affirm that whatever is not enjoined is prohibited. He holds that it pertains to actions themselves and

14:11 - 14:56 Read in full sermon

Driving home: We hold it to be the circumstances connected with commanded duties, and hence affirm that whatever is not enjoined is prohibited. He holds that it pertains to actions themselves and maintains that whatever is not prohibi…

Milton's low view of expressing thought in rhyme (though high view of meter) is used to illustrate how even seemingly minor aspects of worship, like poetic form, can be considered circumstances rather than essence.

teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Shall we do it with a five-note scale, as in some societies, an eight-note scale, as in our own, or a ten-note scale? That has to do with the circumstances, not the essence. Shall we sing Gregorian chant-wise and not try to put scripture and scriptural thoughts into meter and into rhyme? After you read what Milton says, about rhyme, not meter, but rhyme, you'd say, I don't want to have anything to do with any attempts at rhyme. He had a very low view of expressing thought in rhyme, though he obviously had a high vi...

16:58 - 17:51 Read in full sermon

The point: When leading God's people in public worship, ensure that every element is something God Himself has required, so that it can be done in faith and not as will-worship.

A quote from Bannerman emphasizes that the manner, form, and methods of worship are not left to human invention but are 'determined and ruled by God himself,' establishing the divine origin of the regulative principle.

when we ask the question, on what scriptural grounds does it rest? Here, I turn to Bannerman for a vital principle. And, brethren, with this matter, beware of being pushed into an isolated proof-text method. This is one of those issues where there are such sweeping principles that once you grasp those principles, then you see the specific elements of it and expressions and applications and illustrations of it all throughout the Word of God. Let me direct you to the thoughts of Bannerman, and I've listed in your notes, page 324 to 326. In what manner man, as the creature of God, is to hold inte...

17:51 - 18:57 Read in full sermon

The point: When leading God's people in public worship, ensure that every element is something God Himself has required, so that it can be done in faith and not as will-worship.

Bannerman's classic statement asserts that after the Fall, only God can prescribe the terms and manner of a sinner's approach to Him in worship, highlighting the necessity of divine institution.

And two, if so, it remained for God and for him alone to prescribe the terms and to regulate the manner of that approach. Two things, once man is banished and brought unto the curse of God, God alone can say whether any one of us as fallen sons of Adam will ever be privileged to approach him again in worship, and if we are, by what means he will be worshipped. In regard to such a matter as either the conditions or the way of a sinner's approach to God in accepted worship, it was not for the sinner to devise his own method, but to receive submissively God's method. And hence, not only the duty ...

19:59 - 21:15 Read in full sermon

The point: When leading God's people in public worship, ensure that every element is something God Himself has required, so that it can be done in faith and not as will-worship.

The incident of Cain and Abel's worship is used as a foundational example from Genesis to show God's acceptance of worship conforming to His revealed will and His rejection of that which does not.

And you see, he rested not upon an isolated text here or there, but upon the whole sweep of revelatory data. And surely you have that highlighted in the incident recorded in those early chapters of Genesis, of the social public worship of Cain and of Abel, God respecting and receiving the worship of the one and not receiving the other. Implicit in that is that one conformed in his person and activities to the revelatory data that God had given and the other did not. And we know that from New Testament comments upon that incident, that God's displeasure was with the offerer, and his offering, t...

21:48 - 23:14 Read in full sermon

The point: When leading God's people in public worship, ensure that every element is something God Himself has required, so that it can be done in faith and not as will-worship.

These Old Testament examples are cited to demonstrate God's severe judgment on unauthorized or perverted worship, underscoring the seriousness of the regulative principle.

And you see, he rested not upon an isolated text here or there, but upon the whole sweep of revelatory data. And surely you have that highlighted in the incident recorded in those early chapters of Genesis, of the social public worship of Cain and of Abel, God respecting and receiving the worship of the one and not receiving the other. Implicit in that is that one conformed in his person and activities to the revelatory data that God had given and the other did not. And we know that from New Testament comments upon that incident, that God's displeasure was with the offerer, and his offering, t...

21:48 - 23:14 Read in full sermon

Driving home: Christ is as really present when His word is read and preached in the unction of the Holy Spirit as He was with the two on the way to Emmaus on that first Lord's day. Tremendous statement.

A lengthy quote from Professor Murray's sermon 'Christ in all the assemblies of His people' beautifully captures the reality of Christ's special, mysterious, yet experiential presence in corporate worship through His Word and Spirit.

He's the living God. And He falls down before that God who is present. In a marvelous sermon by Professor Murray on Christ in all the assemblies of His people, he captures this truth so beautifully. Let me quote from the last couple of paragraphs of that sermon found in the works of Professor Murray.

29:05 - 29:25 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not miss an opportunity to meet with the firstborn from the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth in the assemblies gathered in His name.

The Emmaus road encounter is used by Murray to illustrate that Christ is as really present when His Word is preached with the Holy Spirit's unction as He was with the disciples on that first Lord's Day.

And because so, we can say certain things about it. Christ is present by His word and spirit and these in necessary conjunction. We do well to remember the words of the two whom Jesus met on the way to Emmaus on the day of His resurrection. Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us by the way and while He opened to us the Scriptures?

29:58 - 30:20 Read in full sermon

The point: Do not miss an opportunity to meet with the firstborn from the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth in the assemblies gathered in His name.

Murray's reference to Christ's meetings with the woman of Samaria and Nicodemus illustrates that Christ does not despise small gatherings, and the eternal repercussions of such meetings.

Christ did not refrain from speaking to the woman of Samaria at the well. It was His meat and drink. Heaven will resound with the praises that took their origin from that meeting. The reverberations will be eternal.

31:00 - 31:13 Read in full sermon

The point: Spend your lifetime seeking to sort out the differences between the essence and circumstances of God-honoring worship, recognizing that this will create problems.

Martin humorously points out a misprint in the provided notes (Proverbs 5.18-19 instead of Ephesians 5.18-19), using it as an example of a practical problem that can arise, especially if it were during a Lord's Day sermon.

Not through self-pity. Through an event that God has brought into your life in his chastening and in his pruning. And there will be problems when you seek to lead God's people and then your very physical condition will enter in to this matter. So these are some of the situations that we must reckon with. Now that Proverbs 5.18 and 19 I believe is, Ann made a misprint in the notes and I should have picked it up when I proofed them and I did not. I reworked. I think that's supposed to be in Ephesians 5.18 and 19, yes. Yeah, this certainly isn't the one for worship. This is for some other times. ...

34:44 - 35:32 Read in full sermon

The point: Spend your lifetime seeking to sort out the differences between the essence and circumstances of God-honoring worship, recognizing that this will create problems.

The question of imposing historical Christian hymn tunes on people unfamiliar with them in urban settings is used as an example of wrestling with the circumstances of praise versus its substance.

Alright? Good. So you see problems arising from your misprint in your notes. One reason you don't want to hand out printed notes. Imagine what would happen if that were a Lord's Day morning and people looking up that text and you were in the pulpit trying to sort all that out. Oh, be thankful we're here. Alright, B. Problems arising from an honest effort to sort out the differences between the essence and circumstances of God honoring worship. Once you place yourself under the regulative principle, you'll spend your lifetime seeking to sort out the differences between the essence and the circu...

35:40 - 36:40 Read in full sermon

The point: Understand that if the Spirit of God is grieved from the congregation, and forms of worship assume His presence, there is no carnal backup system; barrenness will be evident.

Martin uses the metaphor of 'bouncing on the deck' to describe the barrenness and failure of worship if God does not fill His own institutions with His blessing and presence, emphasizing the lack of a 'carnal backup system'.

It'll test your faith. Will I create a carnal backup system that whether God is present or not, the people will still feel they've got something? Or will you bounce on the deck and the whole world will hear your thud? Well, as I've said through the years, we've got no backup system. If God doesn't fill up his own institutions with his own blessing and presence, we bounce on the deck and the whole world knows it. And that'll drive us to say, Lord, what is the cause? And to cry to God. But that's a problem.

38:17 - 38:47 Read in full sermon