Matthew 12:30a says: “He who is not with Me is against Me…” This is the uncompromising assertion of the text. What we may call the unmistakable amplification of these words comes next: “and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” The implication that every...
The Regulative Principle of the Church 14: Its Specific Application (Part 3)
Having dealt with the application of the regulative principle to the government and tasks of the church, here I touch on its application … III. For the Worship of the Church The regulative principle of worship is often seen as repressive and negative. In...
The Regulative Principle of the Church 13: Its Specific Application (Part 2)
In my previous blog post I dealt with the application of the regulative principle to the government of the church. Here we take up a second important application. II. For the Tasks of the Church I remind you again that fundamental to the regulative principle...
Should We Witness for Christ? (Part 3)
Matthew 12:30a says: “He who is not with Me is against Me…” This is the uncompromising assertion of the text. What we may call the unmistakable amplification of these words comes next: “and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” In these words Jesus amplifies...
The Regulative Principle of the Church 12: Its Specific Application (Part 1)
A clear understanding of and a thorough commitment to the regulative principle of the church is, I am convinced, absolutely crucial if biblical church reformation is ever to become a reality in our churches. The regulative principle is intended, as we have seen,...
The Regulative Principle of the Church 11: Its Necessary Clarification—Parts and Circumstances
Chapter 1, paragraph 6 of the 1689 Confession provides an important clarification of the regulative principle. ...there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered...
Should We Witness for Christ? (Part 2)
My first blog post on "witnessing" for Christ might leave the impression that I am among those who suggest that evangelism is something only pastors and/or those with a special call to evangelism need to worry about. I am not. In fact, I think the Bible raises...
The Regulative Principle of the Church 10: Its Biblical Support—Fourth Argument
The fourth argument for the regulative principle of the church is found in the explicit testimony of Scripture. The Bible explicitly condemns all worship that is not commanded by God (Lev. 10:1-3; Deut. 17:3; Deut. 4:2; 12:29-32; Josh 1:7; 23:6-8; Matt....
The Regulative Principle of the Church 9: Its Biblical Support—Third Argument
A third argument for the regulative principle of the church is grounded on the sufficiency of the Scriptures. The wisdom of Christ and the sufficiency of the Scriptures is called into question by the addition of un-appointed elements into worship. The reasoning...
Should We Witness for Christ? (Part 1)
As I read books on missions and evangelism, I often feel that important, biblical distinctions are getting lost in the shuffle. The New Testament root which in its verbal infinitive form means to witness or testify is often and without explanation applied to the...
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