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A Reformed Theology of Worship

A Reformed Theology of Worship

The of the : A Reformed of Worship

Committee on the Study of the Doctrine of Worship Christian Adjemian, Chairman Anthony A. Cowley William J. Edgar Richard C. Gamble Harold Harrington Bruce Hemphill Kevin Plummer Wayne R. Spear Shigeru Takiura Christopher Wright

Adopted as a position paper by the 2003 of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America

© 2004 C& C Crown & Publications, 7408 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208-2531 www.reformedpresbyterian.org • www.psalms4u.com

2 Worship of the Church Worship of the Church the of Worship 3 2 Worship of the Church 2. 1. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3.

2.2. 2.1. Worship ’sThe Doctrineof 1.2. 1.1. andBackground Introduction References Service of Orders Examples of Appendix: Conclusions Worship aCovenantalSketch of of Form 4.5. 4.4. 4.3. 4.2. 4.1. Worship of A BiblicalTheology 3.5. 3.4. 3.3. 3.2. 3.1. Worship OntheRegulative Principleof 2.8. 2.7. 2.6. 2.5. 2.4. 2.3.

Summary ofaBiblicalTheologyWorshipSummary Under OldandNew Covenants: WhatWas Done? to theLord oftheCovenant The SaintsAssembleatAppointed Times Before Godto Express TheirLoyalty to AssembleRegularly Before Him Under Both DispensationsoftheCovenant GodCallsHisPeople ofGrace, Covenants intheLife ofGod’sPeople There isBoth DiscontinuityandContinuityBetween theOldandNew Our Confessional Standards Unity oftheChurch ofConscienceandChurchLiberty Power The SecondCommandment 3.1.2. ’sHoliness 3.1.1. TheGospel God’s HolinessandtheGospel oftheWestminsterSummary Assembly’sDoctrineofWorship AreThe SignsandSealsoftheCovenant ofGrace Are BoundTogether intheWorship oftheChurch A Mark ofaTrue Church IsItsPurityofWorship He May Not BeWorshiped inAny Way Not Prescribed inScripture God AloneSpeakingintheScriptures Reveals How HeIsto BeWorshiped: intheWorship ofConscienceMust BePreserved Liberty ofGod Covenantal Makes Grace OurWorship Possible The Transcendent GodDoesNot Need theChurch’s Worship, butHis toScripture Direct theChurch isSufficient inItsWorship Reformed Confessional Perspective onWorship PerspectivesContemporary onWorship

Table of Contents Table of Worship of the Church the of Worship 3 4 Worship of the Church such venues was not the public worship of God. Our confessional documents thus move quickly that they should maintain daily times of private and . But godly life and worship in and square,public the workplace,and that the home, the in taught God serve Reformersand obey should The worship. that of specifics the about argued they while even God, , all parties agreed that the Church must gather weekly on the ’s Day to worship understood the unique character of its public worship. It was different from the rest of life. At the generations. the through Church the of continuity the and Covenants, New and Old the of discontinuity wefaith.unity the Wespiritual the in share fathers our with wellas the continuity the as affirm once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Through our was which the for earnestly contend “to told , of servants areWe works. what out Therefore we do not view ourselves as a generation of practical innovators commissioned to find with organic ties to the great tradition mediated through the of Scotland. 1.2. ReformedConfessionalPerspectiveonWorship of salvationthrough JesusChrist (Matt.4:9;Eph.6:11-12; Jas.4:7). enemy to distort and corrupt the worship of God in order to obscure and His the glory only way consequences of their decisions. Third, we mustof our unseen bear in effort mind the constant doctrinal the to given thought little with often “megachurches,” the in succeed to seems what Christian historic the and manychurchesthought, imitate of climate this In rejected. and suspicion in undervalued held are traditions is Testament Old The teaches. Testament reject New the who what only asking those by worship and even doctrine, ethics, approach Christians, to system, a many as Church. conditioned the by has God theology of worship dispensational public the Second, not were they sinners; convert these to of goal was The meetings decision. a secure to call an and sinners, convert to preaching mood, right the in it put In and crowd a meeting. attract to music campform: three-part a was century there meeting 19thcamp the the of out grew which American of practices the by influenced greatly Worshipbeen has Church.countries, other Christian in increasingly and the churches, American in of practices worship past the of many with continuity lacks churches evangelical of services Sunday contemporary of form the First, mind. in things three 1.1. ContemporaryPerspectivesonWorship on allthese,we sketch acovenantal form ofworship. Building terms. biblical-theological in framed worship of theology a developWe then worship. of principle regulative the supporting arguments theological of summary brief a provide then Church, the of worship the of understanding doctrinal historic our of review a with Webegin 1. IntroductionandBackground From ancient times through the Reformation, and until recent times, the Christian Church churchReformed confessional a is America North of ChurchPresbyterian Reformed The keep to necessary is day,it our in Church the in worship about debates the considering In toanswerbe will question,the task main Our Introduction andBackground Introduction What is the public worship of God in the Church?the in God worshipof public the is What and Testimony

, we recognize Worship of the Church the of Worship 5 4 Worship of the Church declares: the in explanation andconsultation, worship of God in the Scriptures and to aside human inventions. They write that after much they may worship manner”( himinanacceptable all, in plentifully dwelling God of word the “that is language own their in people to available the of chapter first The God. of toDirecttheChurchinItsWorship 2.1. ScriptureisSufficient the in 21 Religious Worship, chapter and theSabbathDay.” than further look must one complete worship, its on grasp teaching to Thus, Assembly. the by produced documents the throughout woven is the of concern Assembly, it is integral to central the theology of the a and Church the of life the of part central a such is worship Because document they produced was and Ireland, Scotland. England, of kingdoms three the among goal in uniformity The a England. produce to of was Church the of government and doctrine, worship, further the the in of it reformation advise to Westminster at meet to assembly an called Parliament “Long” the resistance in Scotland and among the in England. In the midst of England’s Civil War, 1637provokedwidespread in had Scotland of Church the on new a impose to attempt 2. TheWestminsterAssembly’sDoctrineofWorship of life andgoverned according to itsown rulesby God’sWord. rest the from apart set gathering sacred a Churchwas the by God of worshipday. The churchin the out carried on meetings be should howit worshipto of definition general froma The worship of the Church was a central concern of the Westminsterthe of concern central Churcha the wasAssembly. of worshipI’s The Charles The distinction between “things of divine institution” and “other things” finds further further finds things” “other and institution” divine of “things between distinction The the to preface The The Assembly teaches that the Scriptures are sufficient to instruct the Church in the worship first The worship. of study the to sessions 70 over devoted Assembly Westminster The Word of God. ( according to the rules of Christian prudence, agreeable to the general rules of the institution in every ordinance; and other things we have endeavoured to set forth publick of divine of are as parts things such holdforth to been all hath care worship. forour Wherein Directory present this upon agreed have and God, of former Liturgy, thewith many and ceremonies formerly in used the worship holy word,blood,his andbut aside [we]lay with resolvedthe to …not flesh with The Westminster Assembly’sThe Doctrine Confession Directory for PublickDirectory Worship, Directory for Publick WorshipPublick for Directory The Directory for the Publick Worship of God Atr setn te ufcec o Srpue the Scripture, of sufficiency the asserting After . Confession of Worship of tts ht n rao fr aig h Scripture the making for reason one that states Confession Confession preface) reveals the Assembly’s intent to ground the ground to intent Assembly’s the reveals and , 1.8). Catechisms. (published March 1645). The doctrine of worship ofsin f Faith, of Confession Confession

“Of

Worship of the Church the of Worship 5 6 Worship of the Church worship of God at the temple, in which Christ was depicted in types yet to be fulfilled. Under fulfilled. be to yet types in depicted was Christ which in temple, the at God of worship Covenant intheperiodsoflaw ofGrace andthegospel: not ourown. Catechism Shorter offers Word, His in speaking Spirit His by Himself us a to satisfy divine justice and reconcile us to toGod, and rules us as our King (see will God’s reveals Mediator our as Christ him. of requires God what God to give only can he God; all-sufficient the approach to way own his whatsoever worship, or service, obedience, He is pleased to require of them.” Man cannot devise ( but HisCovenantalGraceMakesOurWorshipPossible 2.2. The Transcendent God Does Not Need the Church’s Worship, innovative practices. acknowledgmentChurch’sfor“circumstances”their directthe room of in no worship: Thereis whereand totheir teaching of meet,point main The on. to so and Scripturethat is sufficient is when exactly , the after or before pray to petitions which reading, the after comments morefrequently,read givebe interpretiveto should preach, toBible howhowoften long the of Assembly had in mind such practical issues as how long a section of Scripture to read, what parts faith and life” part. ofthefirst , man’s glory, own his for necessary things “all the in worship included Assembly the Confession, hs mas f diitrn te oeat ne te a hd etal t d wt the with do to centrally had law the under covenant the administering of means These the 7 chapter In CovenantGrace— His byof presence His into us brings God rebellion, and our Despite creatures” any of need in standing not all-sufficient, Himself unto and in alone is “[God] its in things” “other By indicatesthat section this of circumstancesworshipthe latterof part the of in mention The to be observed. ( to observed. be prudence, Christian according generaltheto of word,therules which always are and nature oflight the orderedby be to aresocieties, whichand to actions human common Church, the of government and God, of worship the concerning added.…Nevertheless be to is acknowledgewe somethereare circumstances that consequence untodeduced necessary andwhichmay be scripture: nothingfrom glory, man’s own salvation,his faith forand life, is eithernecessary expressly set down things in scripture, or by all good concerning God, of counsel whole The udr h lw t a amnsee b poie, rpeis , , promises, by people to come. Christ of theforesignifying , ( all administered was ordinancesdeliveredand the to , itothertypes lamb,and paschal the law the …under The Westminster Assembly’sThe Doctrine 2.2). Therefore, “To Him is due from and men, and every other creature, other every and men, and angels from due is Him “To Therefore, 2.2). , Q. 24-26). All of our worship proceeds ultimately from God’s initiative and initiative God’s from ultimately proceeds worship our of All 24-26). Q. , Confession Confession Directory oe te icniut bten h amnsrtos f the of administrations the between discontinuity the notes , 1.6) of Worship of and by “circumstances” in the in “circumstances” by and Confession Confession , 7.5)

, chapter 1, the 1, chapter , Worship of the Church the of Worship 7 6 Worship of the Church “beside theWord”: is what from even free is conscience the spheres two in But should-—disobey. we fact, may-—in to the contrary Word of God, no matter what anythingcivil or ecclesiastical authority commanded doing it. Weor believing from free us sets conscience of liberty Charles that teachesof chapter The direction I. the under bishops the by prescribed ceremonies observe to refusing for pressing issue for the members of the Westminster Assembly. Many of them had been persecuted of God 2.3. LibertyofConscienceMustBePreservedintheWorship institution. divine of things those are works good as God to acceptable is What God: of worship the in as , venerating relics, orgoingonpilgrimageswork.”a “good The principle here is the same language. ManpleasesGodonGod’stermsonly. the Church where Goddraws nearto maninorder to draw mannearto Him. the to according Grace, churchproperCovenantby of authority. The unauthorized sacraments or preaching,meetings, for use no had they Kingdoms; three the in practice and doctrine of Church.uniformity was goal the Their of worship the in done be to sacraments the of observance the intended they as the ,now thatChrist hascome, hn h Asml mnind rahn, hy nedd rahn i te hrh just Church, the in preaching intended they preaching, mentioned Assembly the When In other words, God’s people may not be required to believe anything by way of doctrine not Chapter 20 of the the saying as such innovations human make not does intention” “good of pretense The similar use does it but worship, public discuss not does Works,” Good “Of 16, Chapter spiritual efficacy,spiritual nations. to all ( and less outward glory, yet in them it heldis forth in more evidence, fulness, and Lord’s the and moresimplicity ofSupper,number, with administered fewerin which,though and sacraments the of administration the and Word,the of preaching the are dispensed is covenant this which in ordinances ...the it, of matters if faith or worship. ( Word;His to commandments contrary orbesideof men, any thing which in are God alone Lord ofis the conscience, and hath left it from and the free doctrines or upon zeal, any pretenceblind of good intention.of ( out men by devised are thereof, warrant the without as, such not and word,holy his in commanded hath God as such only are works Good The Westminster Assembly’sThe Doctrine Confession Confession , “Of Christian and Liberty of Liberty Conscience,” deals with a , is therefore set forth preeminently in the public worship of worship public the in preeminently forth thereforeset is , of Worship of Confession Confession Confession , 7.6)

, 20.2)

, 16.1) Worship of the Church the of Worship 7 8 Worship of the Church ln, ietd ny o o, n ms b dn wt “nesadn, eeec, humility, reverence, “understanding, with done be mustfervency, faith, love, andperseverance.” and God, to only directed alone, III.XX.29). The Assembly that states prayer is to be from offered the throughheart, Christ ( prayer” of office the in lies worship His of part chief the that term this by taught He with deal prayer.4 Calvin and wrote 3 that God Sections called the God. temple tothe “house acceptable of prayer”(Isa. be 56:7; Matt. can 21:13),worship whom “for through Mediator only inclinations towards devisinghisown way to Godandwillalways endupwithidolatry. follow natural revelationwill his God’s man Without Him. pleases what of weignorant remain , God’s Without God. true the toward and him please that the from away worship: Romans 1 and the first , the chapter draws a contrast between true and false echoingthus might. After the all with and , the all with and heart, the with all served,” and of nature” shows that God is good and should be “feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, toworship weeklywith the concludes and worship Churchthe of Lord’sthe on Day. light “The Prescribed inScripture to BeWorshiped:HeMayNotWorshipedinAnyWay 2.4. GodAloneSpeakingintheScripturesRevealsHowHeIs believe ordoanything “beside,”thatis, to obligated notbeing means conscience of freedomworship, and faith of matters In . the business, or family affairs, freedom of conscience means not being obliged to do anything against politics, lifesuchas ordinary In conscience. of liberty betrayalof a is God voicewereof the it if Wordbynotthe warrantedis that followto matters, as these authority In merehuman God. of God of worship the in practice any in engage torequired be they may nor Scripture, in taught Section 5 sets forth the parts of “the ordinary religious Lord’sworshipis, that God,” of Day ordinary “the of sets5 Section parts forththe the is Christ alone. God triune the to due is worship that 21teaches chapter of 2 Section directed be to need man’s fallen from logically follows rule God’s to according Worship John Calvinexpressed asimilarteaching: need innate man’s with Day,”begins Sabbath the 21,Worship,Chapterand Religious “Of ( consists Him to paid is simply in worshipingthat reverenceHim He as commands, mingling no inventionsthe of ourof own. part a that gather we this From ( Scripture. holy the in prescribed not way other any in representation,visibleor anyunder , of suggestions the or men,of devices and imaginations the to worshippedaccording be not may He that will, revealed own His by limited so But the acceptable way of worshipping the God true is instituted by Himself, and The Westminster Assembly’sThe Doctrine Institutes Confession , IV.X.23) , 21.1) of Worship of in additionto , theWord ofGod. Institutes

, Worship of the Church the of Worship 9 8 Worship of the Church another. of thesaintsisvisiblyexpressed whenthey gatherfor worship: a is There another. one to continuing duty of love that binds and the saints together in church and out. This holy communion God to obligations holy have and another one to united are 2.6. SaintsAreBoundTogetherintheWorshipofChurch these of Two pure. less or more explicitly to worship: pertain be to judged are churches particular which by marks three ( will” His to according God worship to earth, on church a always be shall “there Christ, of churches longer no are they that badly so degenerated have His Spirit in the Church’s ministry makes them effective ( areThese meansofgrace for the gathering perfectingand of the saints. The presenceof Godby 2.5. AMarkofaTrueChurchIsItsPurityWorship necessity andmercy” ( worship of God. It is a time for “public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of ( so, and God, neglected” worship be to willfully or carelesslynot arewhich assemblies, publick the should solemnly,“morein men devotions, private in and in Daily, Jerusalem. in heart.” the in grace “with be must singing (conscientious)”; “conscionable be must hearing “sound”; be must preaching fear”; godly “with be must reading Scripture Scriptures. the to according is FaithConfessionof WorshipThe sacraments. the of administration the and , of singing Word, the of hearing and preaching Scripture, of reading the include These Church. the in worship Confession Section 6 teaches that since the coming of Christ, worship is no longer tied to the sanctuary Joining in public worship is the means central by which Christians and edify one encourage the of 26 Chapter God.” of ordinances and oracles, ministry, “the Church visible catholic, the to gave God gives a fuller description of these parts of public worship. Throughout its teaching, the teaching, its Throughout worship. public of parts these of description fuller a gives their mutual edification. ( in the worship of God, and in performing such tendotheras tospiritual services communionfellowshipholyand an maintain to professionbound by are Saints them. in purely less or more ( performed worship ordinances public embraced, and and taught administered, is Gospel the of pure, doctrine less the or as more according are thereof, members are which churches, particular And The Westminster Assembly’sThe Doctrine Confession , 21.6). The last two sections of the chapter deal with one day in seven set apart for the emphasizes both the inwardness and of true worship that in form in that worship true of spirituality inwardnessand the bothemphasizes , 25.4; cf. Confession Confession Larger Catechism , 21.8). Confession ece ta, eas Crsin ae ntd o hit they Christ, to united are Christians because that, teaches of Worship of , 26.2) , Q. 108) Confession Confession , 25.3). While some churches , 25.5). The 25.5). , Directory for Publick for Directory Confession

lists Worship of the Church the of Worship 9 1 0 Worship of the Church part of Scripture’s doctrine of worship. The theological necessity for this principle followsprinciple forfromthis necessity theological The worship. of Scripture’sdoctrine of part 21.1, and is commented upon in the worship of principle regulative 3. OntheRegulativePrincipleof Worship will We Church. the in worship develop sectionofthepaperaswe thistopic inthefinal develop abiblicaltheologyofworship. public of content the provides gospel, the in form catholic and permanent its givenlaw,now of and dispensation the in time a administeredfor Grace, of by which the Covenant of Grace is brought to bear on the believer. The Covenant public worship-—prayer, Scripture reading, the sacraments, preaching, and singing psalms-—are all of parts ceremony.covenantThe a is Church the of worship public The fundamental. is too it of worship L. (from rule the Scriptures, contradict it also does not not go beyond does them. Worshiponly should are be offerednot to God worshipaccording to which His Pure worship. Scriptures, its in the Church the to guide to according sufficient done is worship True outwardly. and inwardly both pure, is worship its as according pure churchis A worship. of purity on emphasis the is theme Worship 2.8. SummaryoftheWestminsterAssembly’sDoctrine The publicworship ofGodby theChurch isacovenantal activity. worship. His of naturereveals essential God the of worship public the in two sacraments the of Word”His ( to according Christ, in God of service the to [partakers] “solemnly...engagethey and world, the and betweenChristiansdifference the mark they Him,” grace” ( ( body” mystical His of members other,eachas with and Him, with communion their of pledge and bond “a is it matter; private a not is It Christ. by us to given Grace Covenantof the of sign the in partake ( confirmed is Him in growth and continuance our which by and soul, the to nourishment spiritual as exhibited is Christ which in church visible the into admission” solemn ( “the for is It people. God’s Church of the part enters becomes one and which by sacrament the is Baptism revealed. clearly most Westminsteris the theology of perspective covenantal the 27-29), (chapters sacraments the of treatment the In it. in part their renew to and them with covenant His review to God before Grace 2.7. TheSacramentsAreSignsandSealsoftheCovenant Confession On the Regulative Principle of Worship On theRegulative Principle of The Reformed understanding of the practice of biblical worship is usually summarized by the the in theme second The Two themes run through the people God’s of assembly weekly the is God of worship public the of nature essential The Confession . We thisteaching willsummarize thearguments thatsupport inthenext section. 2.) I i promd s at f h wrhp f o. h Lr’ Spe i the is Supper Lord’s The God. of worship the of part as performed is It 28.1). , regulare Confession , 27.1). They are a sign of Christ and His benefits, they “confirm our interest in , “to control by rule, direct”). This principle is called the called is principle This direct”). rule, bycontrol“to , , 29.1). Both sacraments “are holy signs and seals of the covenant of covenant the of seals and signs holy “are sacraments Both29.1). , . The clearest statement of this principle is found in the in found is principle this of statement clearest The . Confession Confession of Faith Testimony of the RPCNA ’s teaching about worship is less clearly spelled out, but out, spelled clearly less is worship about teaching ’s Larger Catechism Larger ’s teaching about worship. The more obvious , 21.1-3. This principle is an essential , Q. 177). In it, God’s people God’s it, 177).In Q. , Confession regulativeprinciple , 27.1)., role The Confession Confession

’s , 1 Church the of Worship 1 1 0 Worship of the Church 3.2. TheSecondCommandment the peopleapproach Himinworship. which in way the including covenant, that of terms the determinessovereignty, He holy His in and, people, His covenantwith relationshipthe 12:28-29).initiates (Heb. God fire” consuming a is God our Forfear. godly and reverence with acceptably God serve may we which by grace, His own worship: “BythosewhocomenearMeImust beregarded asholy”(Lev. 10:3). regarding zeal God’s to affront an are they that is practices worship unauthorized on judgment absolute lordshipthe of God involvedand in that 4:36-40), relationship (Deut. 5:6-7). (Deut. The reason stated forpeople God’s His and God between relationship covenant the 12:31-32)is 3.1.2. God’sHoliness 12). 4: Acts 1:8-9; Gal. 2:1-3a; (Heb. message gospel the to reference with expressed scrutiny severe been discontinued (Heb. 10:11-18), and now in the we find the same careful and Father the of hand 9:11-15;(Heb. right 10:19-25). the ceremonialthese foreshadowings Havingfulfilled, been Christhaveof at ascension priestly His in fulfilled now has Christ which 1-3), 9:6-10;(Heb. ceremoniesthese 10:in portrayed was God presenceof throneroomand the into of the ceremonial sacrifice activity of the Levitical priesthood in the sanctuary. The way of access governing God’s in appears regulation die”) you “…lest10:7 (Lev.severe and 8:5), Heb. 25:40; 3.1.1. TheGospel by God.“Godisinheaven, (Eccl.5:1-2). andyou onearth” appointedway the in only God to near draw to careful be must sinners, as well creaturesas are 3.1 God’sHolinessandtheGospel the of unity the and earth, on Church expressed inherworship. We Church commentoneach ofthese. the of authority delegated limited the with together the creatureliness, man’s worshiper and Christian the of conscience holiness of liberty the God’s guard to need , commandment, second the of purity the preserve to need the On the Regulative Principle of Worship On theRegulative Principle of Because God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His holiness, humans, who humans, holiness, His in unchangeable and eternal, infinite, Spirit, a is God Because The regulative principle governs the central elements of life of the Church: its doctrine, its Church: the of life of elements central the governs principle regulative The This need for caution and reverence is not eliminated under the : “Let us have (Deut. worship God’s of regulation careful the for reason explicit the Deuteronomy In (Ex. detailed careful, more the Testamentexhibiting Old the in material predominant The was confirmed to us by confirmed to those us whowas heard neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by , and we if escape we how disobediencereward,shall justand received a transgression away. drift wewordthe For spoken if provedthroughangelsevery and steadfast, lest heard, have we things the to heed moreearnest the give mustThereforewe

Him

. (Heb. 2:1-3) 1 Church the of Worship 1 1 2 Worship of the Church 3.4. UnityoftheChurch to freedom his worship Godinthechurch assemblyasGod Himselfhasappointed. assured thereby is who believer, the of conscience of liberty the guards it and churchon worshiplimit practices, byunbiblical protectsfromadulteration authority gospel the This authority. holy God’s from follows This worship. and faith of matters in especially God, Wordof the by limited is 12:31-32).authority Church(Deut. it” from away take nor it to add not shall you it; observe to careful be you, command I do]....Whatever Canaanites the [as God “Youthe says,worship not it worship,shall regard to In 4:2). (Deut. you” command the of commandments the keep may you that it, from take nor you, In jealousy. regard holy to doctrine and with practice, the guardsWord God says: “Youwhich worship, shall not add public to the to word whichapply I command certainly must it assembly, this limitation of church power applies in the areas of and behavior outside of the worship Word.Since the on based not anything do to people command to Word,or the in taught not anythingrequirechurchin tospherebroadernot are belief the rulers for In worship. assembles are not authorizedinScripture (Matt.15:9; Matt.28:18-19). direct the people to participate, they must not, in Christ’s name, impose practices on people that of the Church call the people together to worship, determine what shall be done in worship, and authority in matters of faith and worship is not legislative, but solely ministerial. When the elders of conscience of the liberty Theymembers: are God’s people and subject to Him. The Church’s 3.3. LibertyofConscienceandChurchPower place astheChurch isassembledfor underthedirection oftheelders. thatpurpose the , or to exercise ecclesiastical discipline. The worship of the Church properly takes worship do not have the authority to preach officially, to dispense the sacraments, to pronounce group or Wordfamily God’s leading on Those praise. prayermeditation accompaniedbyand a primarily is individual the of and family the of Todayworshippatriarchs. the the of age the of end the since case the been has This dispensed. are grace” of means “the as knownare what of and civil. However, the worship of the Church assembled is the only covenant occasion where all all false worship” ( revengefulagainstHis indignation forownworship,and His zeal fervent His us, in [ownership] himself.” God propriety and us, over bysovereignty “God’s include institutedThey significant: are annexed” not “reasons The worship religious “any forbids and Word” his in instituted hath God as ordinances and worshipreligious such all entire, and purekeeping and observing, receiving, “the requires It commandment: second the of interpretation this us gives108-109) beyond go to God’s Wordauthority and to innovate. Thus, no in the light of Scripture as a whole, has the Church the matters, these In worship. its and governance, its On the Regulative Principle of Worship On theRegulative Principle of Churches whose worship practices conform to the regulative principle of worship should worship of principle regulative the to conform practices worship whose Churches Churchthe it of when practices the to than broaderapplication a has conscience of Liberty the maintain to careful be must elders the Church, the over headship Christ’s of light In The second commandment applies in every worship setting: individual, family, ecclesiastical, Larger Catechism , Q.110). L ORD Larger Catechism your God which I which God your L ORD

your (Q. 1 Church the of Worship 3 1 2 Worship of the Church worship, to define the nature of public worship, and to outline the form of that worship. Our worship. that of form the outline to and worship, public of nature the define to worship, CovenantNewbetweenCovenantOld and continuity is therewhere find to looking be wewill 4. ABiblicalTheologyofWorship wants to beworshiped, andwe limitourselves joyfully to Hissovereign goodpleasure. He how learn Wordto God’s to Wego divisions. and disputes sinful endless fromchurch the why they are inappropriate, the negative statements in the worship, and because we could find ourselves in interminable debates about what these are, and in inappropriate are that practices lawful otherwise of hooray!”examples the multiply hip, could we Because “Hip, with prayer end not will congregation the worship, in Scripture of text a Husbands and wives will not kiss in worship, will not recite their poems instead of reading devised by humanthoughtorinherited by custom alone. practices worship are God of worship public the in forbidden is Word,what His followsthat it ( Scripture from concerning Scripture of imperatives worship. “Commanded” or “prescribed” also include the approved examples and sound deductions than more meant is “prescribed” or “commanded” our in statement the that committee this of judgment the is It Scripture.” holy the in prescribed not way other any the rephrases by statement God, This forbidden”? of is worship example, the or in precept commanded not is whatsoever that principle Scriptural the with 3.5. OurConfessionalStandards This isaplacefor holyreverence andjoyful submissionto Hisrevealed will. the into enters heavenly and Churchbows sanctuary before her Lord.The This is not a place forGod. self-expression or creativity.before come to call His to response a is worship Church’s Church,the the that worshipof and the of center the at is notmustforgetChristwho is it that Weprinciple. biblical not practice, through redefined is worshipwhere fit, sees it as worship to of conscience of worshipersliberty against the congregationtendency of toevery claim the right tyranny.Today,ecclesiastical the centralized guard againstmust weworshipers of conscience of to theruleofScriptures. Churchthe worshipof toaccordingworshipcatholicity is in this surest vindicating toThe path 17:20-21;(John time Heb.11:29-30). of all through Church the but earth on time given any at Churchthe living only not includes prayerthat a one, wewouldprayedbe Christpast.that the in churches Christian of worship the and practices worship Protestant contemporary between Such worship will avoid the temptation to innovate that has led to the fraying of the connection Word.His in instituted grace of means the through Jesus Christ on centered be will Scriptures the Worshipbygoverned earth. on purpose central most their in unity demonstrate and enjoy At the time of the Reformation, it was necessary for Christian leaders to guard the liberty liberty the guard to leaders Christian for necessary was it Reformation, the of time the At As we sketch a of the doctrine of public worship under the New Covenant, worship. in done be cannot things lawful otherwise many that recognize Christians All our in contained clause negative the eliminate we Should A Biblical Theology of Worship of A BiblicalTheology Confession Testimony , 1.6). If we agree that God governs His Church and her worship by worship her and Church His governs God that agree we If 1.6). , would be implied even if it were to be removed. However, by However,removed. be to were it if even implied be would Confession Testimony Confession and in our 2., i harmony “in 21.2, , ’s clause (21.1)“or clause ’s Testimony

protect 1 Church the of Worship 3 1 4 Worship of the Church implications ofcovenant renewal asourmodelfor worship. helpful inourthinkingaboutworship: providedo which all-encompassinga has with us implications, whichand especially is metaphor, and employ it to the exclusion of all others in speaking about worship, the Scriptures in worship describes 50:5, Psalm on commenting covenantal terms. in example, for Calvin, John Assembly. of development thansystematic. willbebiblical-theological rather as the the same will be conclusions The structure of God’s covenantal dealings with men will be detailed as we work out the out work we as detailed be will men with dealings covenantal God’s of structure The While the richness of Scripture does not permit us to one aspect ofits take teaching, or one Westminster the of part the on innovation an not was worship of view covenantal A general as means employed for ratifying it. There is an allusion to the custom the to allusion an is There it. ratifying foremployed means as general as in orsubmission it,of to interpretativehandwriting except God’s covenant, ofan seals whatever value no of were sacrifices that declares here The Testimony Presbyterian ofChurch Reformed the of North America the of heart Old the at lies the conceptcovenant names, their Bible the of divisions31:31-33; (Jer.Testament,Covenant Newor Testamentthe and two 8:13).The Heb. the gives It God. of Word together books onein unified andthe Scripture appears binds all in the sixty-six purpose His that the creation ofshould accomplishment serve Him. The the covenant character for of revelation instruments gracious His are covenants God’s butis acorruption ofsacred. things ( are unauthorised, and that worship which has not a distinct reference to the word suchconsequently,rites, All ofhaveGod.foundationno as wordthe of God,in ceremonies, they are of no value, except in sothey to far as theseal us pure truth orexcommunicatedotherare sacrifices of God, to Holy the it fromby Spirit. As churchconsidereda be to make may pretensionswhateverthey it, from decline worshipdeliveredhimself ofhe has God,as it from ; us to and thosewho covenantthe of adoption true formsthe proposed whichthem. tohas GodThis with faith genuine a of exercise that in close as other, the on such, and world; the with intercoursetheir in righteousness practising meekness, of spirit the by characterized are as hand, one the true on such, the are considered They Church. be the of members to are who those defining as notice, particular our of worthy well is passage The covenant. his confirm and ratify to and himself, to peoplebindto his which morewas were God by with sacrifices instituted closely be might covenants that made more solemn, and sacrifices, be more religiously In like observed. manner, the design interposing of prevalent universally then A Biblical Theology of Worship of A BiblicalTheology ConfessionFaith of Commentary on the Psalms onthe Commentary Westminster Confession of Faithof WestminsterConfession ’s teachingworship, about but themethod . ( Testimony )

, 1.1) and the and 1 Church the of Worship 5 1 4 Worship of the Church of the yet to come. There is continuity in these things, however. The form has indeed has form The however. things, these in continuity is There come. to yet reality the of Covenant? The temple is no more; sacrifices have ended; there are no . These were all types Calls HisPeopletoAssembleRegularly BeforeHim 4.2. UnderBothDispensationsof theCovenantofGrace,God one despiseyou” (Titus 2:15). no authority.Let all with rebuke and 13:17).exhort, things, (Heb. these ” yourfor“Speak have true ruling authority. “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive,elders for The they watch5:1-4). out Pet. (1 instructions them gives 4:11),and (Eph. Church His to gift Christ’s victorious the arethey that explains NewTestament3), Tim.The (1 5). qualifications their lists the alongside ruled apostles (Acts 15:4, 22) and were elders appointed by the apostlescity (Actsin every 14:23;the Church,see Titus 1: the In 10:8). 8:1; Ezra 23:1; Kings 2 8:1; Kings 1 5:3; RuthSam. 23:2; 2 (Josh. 4:2; demise its 24:1), 4:29; after continued predatedand kingship, the (Ex. Covenant Mosaic the of giving the predated that office an is elder,which of that Israel, to given office havean to Churchcontinues the discontinuity.example,For as well Covenants,as Newand (Rev.ChristOld between with Pet.the continuity 1 is thereNevertheless,1:6; 9). 2:5, reigning kings and God, serve to priests gospel, the proclaim prophetsto are saints the Him In man. and God between Mediator only the as God king, of hand and right , the from prophet,Church His our ruling is Christ king. temporal no and temple, the at sacrifices daily Therefore Churchoffices. prophetthe wordsno new priestofferinghas bringing no fromGod, were kings and priests, those assumed permanently , Christ appearing, his example,with but Israel; and For God between mediators ceased. have come, to Christ of shadows as 20). Churchthe rests24:27,(Lukewhom upon 2: Him, Eph. of 44; speak Psalms the Prophets,and Law,the the said, Pet.Christ 1:10-12).(1 As Church the serve 10:11);Cor.prophecies (1 their Covenant New the of Church the instruct to written were They 3:16). Tim. (2 Church the to NewCovenant.Hebrewthe Scripturesbelong the renovatedunder thus All enlargedIsrael and 15:14-17).(Acts kingdom ’s is, that Churchthereforehouse, is The his up build to David the tents of Shem, tothat in him all the nations wouldof the earth be blessed, and to tothe Gentiles the Church promise God’s fulfills toNoah’s Japheth son thathewoulddwell in Pet.(1 Peter Dispersion” of and the addition 1), of The pilgrims 1:1). Christians“the call could 15,19). Therefore twelve“the addressChristiansas could scattered James tribes 1: abroad” (Jas. 2:14-(Eph. Gentiles and Jews between partition of wall the abolished having Christ saints, the with fellowcitizens but aliens and strangers longer no are believers Covenant,NewGentile the Under 8:8-9). 31:31-34;(Jer.Heb. Israel 22:20; to Luke promised was receivesChurch the that [Christians] are the circumcision who worship God in the Spirit” (Phil. 3:3). The New Covenant Old andNewCovenantsintheLifeofGod’sPeople 4.1. ThereisBothDiscontinuityandContinuityBetweenthe h Cuc o te e Cvnn cnius h Cuc o te l Cvnn. “We Covenant. Old the of Church the continues Covenant New the of Church The What continuity exists in the worship of the Church from the Old Covenant to the New the to Covenant Old the from Church the of worship the in exists continuity What served which life, Israel’s of parts Some form.renovated a in Israel continues Church The

A Biblical Theology of Worship of A BiblicalTheology 1 Church the of Worship 5 1 6 Worship of the Church assembly of the saints beforesaints the of assembly forGod, reasontogether,what comes it requiredis what and it. of Express TheirLoyaltytotheLord oftheCovenant 4.3. TheSaintsAssembleatAppointed TimesBeforeGodto “assembling” (Heb.10:25). to not believers forsake to command the that note Finally, 2:2-4). (Jas. yourselves?” among shown not partiality you have . . . clothes fine wearing one the to attention pay you and . . . assembly—( rings gold your into come should there if “For meetings. of use occasional the by revealed Ps. 107:32; Ps.149:1). declared (Ps. 22:22, 25; Ps. 40:9-10), and in the the psalms the In usage). similar 18:16, beforeof Israel GodatSinai. archetypicalassembly the recalled Moab, of Plains the on sermon covenantrenewal a In translates the assembly of Israel by themselves, orinthepublicsquare, andwhenthey cometogether astheassembly. workplaces,families, 14:23).their in aredispersed they when betweensaints is contrastthe The gathering (1 Cor. 11:18);of meaning in one general place (1 the Cor. 11:20);using assembly and the in whole assembly in phrases one place defining (1 Cor.the adds Churchthe liturgy.of writes divine He or a is it noteworthy God, that of when worshipPaul public discusses a the meeting concerning of the vocabulary church, usual he does our not Given call Him. it a with worship covenant service, its renew and review to convocation, sacred a in God, before regularly assembles Church The 7:25). Christ andHeisourpriest. alsoisoursacrifice, heaventemple12:18-24;the in (Heb. to access worshiphas entireChurch its the in rent,and is presence of Christ, the Mediator of the new covenant, who intercedes with God for us. The veil changed from type to reality. When the Church meets, it gathers with the hosts of heaven, in the The fundamental issue concerning the public worship of God, then, is the nature of the of nature the is then, God, of worship public the concerning issue fundamental The further is assembled Church the and assembled Israel between thought of continuity The Sinai at God to prayer Israel’s to referred Moses Elsewhere The background for this assembly is Israel’s sacred assemblies. Usually the Septuagint (LXX) Covenant. New and Old in same the remains worship of form however,the thing, one In lhfqf [QaHaL], LXX — LXX [QaHaL], from the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly. (Deut. 9:10, Hebrew — onthemwords thewere all which the The assembling A Biblical Theology of Worship of A BiblicalTheology [QaHaL], LXX — LXX [QaHaL], L ORD together uses a noun form related to delivered to me two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and e)kklhsi/a e)kklhsi/a sunagogh& assembly , [ sunagogh& ekkl , [ , e¯s ( ekkl lhfqf ia ( ]). synagoge e¯s L ( — ia ORD assembly synagoge ], see also Deut. 31:12 and 2 Chron. 29:28 for31:12 29:28 Deut. Chron. also 2 see and ], coming together coming e)kklhsi/a ¯ had spoken youto on mountainthe ), but sometimes it uses synagoge ¯ also the saints will praise God (Ps. 89:7; i te e Tsaet o Christian for Testament New the in ) ) is where the praises of areMessiah of praises wherethe is ) synagoge ¯ ( in the day of the assembly the of day the in (1 Cor.11:17;(1 5:4-5; 14:26). He e)pisunagwgh& ¯ not , e)kklhsi/a ekkl e)kklhsi/a e¯s ia , episynagoge — mn with man )—a ( lhfqf ekkl

( e¯s ekkl

ia (Deut. ) as a as ) ¯ e¯s ) for

ia

). 1 Church the of Worship 7 1 6 Worship of the Church communion with her risen Lord. According to the to According Lord. risen her with communion joyful of to restoration the forgiveness,experience to grace God’s His by and seek Lord, the obey to to intention God her renew serving in failures her confess to enactment, covenant of the structure ofbiblicalcovenants: worship.of doctrine Dr. Assembly’s Clarkmuchsummarizes E. helpfully Copeland research on worship the assembly of the saints expresses its faith and its loyalty to the God of the Covenant. their part in God’s covenant with them, and to celebrate His gracious renew benefitsand review to towardtime appointed an them.at presence In His in its together met people God’s is Israel, Newthe Testamentcongregationof assembled The Church, congregationof assembled like the We have shown above that the concept of the covenant is embedded in the Westminster the in embedded is covenant the of concept the that above shown have We osi se a cvnn rnwl ed te hrh o eebr h vros aspects various the remember to Church the leads renewal covenant as seen Worship oeat a a omn om f gemn bten e ad nations and men between agreement of form common a was Covenant renewed (34:10-27) (Copeland details. similar in 1978:30-31). White, in covenant brokenthis When was of thegolden by themaking 32), (Ex. calf it was Covenant Meal parallels. Sacrifice Oath Covenant Document Blessings principles applied to specific 21:1–23:19. in matters Stipulations the Lord’s obedient akingdom of servant, (19:5-6). priests Purpose:General The 1-18, pointing back of to Genesis. all Covenant The mediator (19:3, 7-15; 18-21). 20:2, Preamble The form, seen be the in Sinai can covenant, as Exodus 19-24: treaty suzerain-vassal resemblecloselytheGod’s9-13). covenants 31:26;also see you”(Deut. against witness a as there remain mayit that God,your Lord the of placecovenantanditofbesidethelaw ark bookof the the command,this “take covenantthe ofthe ark with the whocarried Levites the itto giving andlaw the should witness to covenant fidelity....Moses recorded his the writing book of the that king, each of god national templethe ofthe deposited in covenantwas 22;17:11-21,Ezek. copyofthe a treaties [king-subject] esp.18). suzerain-vassal In of both parties, often accompanied by sacrifice (see Gen. 31:51-54; Jer. 34, esp. 15- to all covenants: they were religious acts sworn to in the name of God or the gods TestamentOld thewhole throughoutofperiod.....Onecommonthe was feature A Biblical Theology of Worship of A BiblicalTheology (19:8; 24:3): “All do thatsaid the Lord and has we obedient.” be will (24:5-8) and (24:5-8) (23:20-33) 2:-7 2:–31) Te e Cmadet ae permanent are Commandments Ten The 21:1–23:19): (20:1-17; naming the parties: the Lord God, and Israel, the parties: naming through Moses, their (24:9-11): saw They God and ate and drank. (24:4) God claims Israel as His precious possession; Israel is to be be to is Israelpreciouspossession; His as Israel claims God , giving reasons forreasons covenanting giving , (19:4), Exodus summarizing altar (20:22-26): Compare 24:8 with Matthew 26:28 and 26:28 Matthew with 24:8 Compare (20:22-26): Westminster ConfessionWestminster

, the Church comes Church the , 1 Church the of Worship 7 1 8 Worship of the Church longer tied to one place, Jerusalem, nor to the temple, nor to yearly feasts, the Church assembles No men. as well as children and women include churchassemblies The ways. many in God to or “memorial” a is Sabbath weekly The 4:1-10). “reminder” ofGod’stemporal andheavenly, andeternal, earthly covenant lordship: (Heb. them awaiting yet consummation heavenly the and 5:15), Deut. 20:11; (Ex. people God’s of redemption the creation, God’s of reminder a as given sign covenant a was Sabbath the itself 23:14-17;16).By Ex. Deut. 24;Lev. choosing,to remember covenantHis toloyaltytheir and them pledge with dealings to (see Him entire the of ofGodwasassuredIsrael inthelocalsynagogues. worship of continuity the temple; the in presented were types The Israel. of sin lookedtemplesynagogues tothe the wereworship, wheresacrifices toatoneforalone made the in done wasWhatever 4:20-22). (John worship of place appointed the Jerusalem, in temple the towards oriented were architecture,they their In reading. Scripture and prayers for weekly met gather.could men TheyJewish tenleast where at impetus,places developedwhat in synagogues by or when knows one no Later, assemblies. family extended been have first at may assemblies 5:15). Assuch itwas a“feast.” CovenantCreatorand as 20:11,byrestingremembering RedeemerGod (Ex. holy and Deut. Sabbath Day”). Such oftheChurch hasbeenthepractice from apostolic times. and 20:19,20:7; John Acts (see week26; each of day first the is risen, is Christ that nowCovenant, New the in day appointed The 2-3). weeklytemple(Lev.locations gatheredthe yearly,to threehome times Israel their all in 23: and Covenant Old the Under temple. the in then and the in first covenant, the of ark to days the appointed on command God’s at assembled Israel after, Ever19:10ff). 5:1; 3:12; (Ex. them to came singing psalms,andthesacraments. in a covenant dialogue with God through the “means of grace”: prayer, Bible reading, preaching, together “more solemnly, in the public assemblies” (21.6), especially on the Lord’s Day, to engage Under the New Covenant, through Christ’s completed work, the saints have greater access greater have saints the work,completed Christ’s throughCovenant, New the Under the before assemble to were males Israel’s yearly times Three these households, of heads to particularly addressed is commandment fourth the Since kept be to day a week, each time sacred a as Covenant Old the under existed Sabbath The a for call God’s at Sinai at place took assembly first Israel’s the children of Israel forever. 31:16-17) (Ex. throughout their generations as a covenant.perpetual It is a sign between me and Sabbath the observe to Sabbath, the keep shall Israel of children Thereforethe of the Sabbathholy theconvocation. a is solemnit ofrest, workYouit; no on do shall These are My feasts. Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath A Biblical Theology of Worship of A BiblicalTheology L ORD remember in all your all in dwellings. (Lev. 23:2-3) God and His covenant. At the center of Israel’s assemblies lay the lay assemblies Israel’s of center the At covenant. His and God Confession , chapter21,, WorshipReligious “Of the and feast and L ORD to serve God serve to t h pae f His of place the at

when He when 1 Church the of Worship 9 1 8 Worship of the Church temple resumed: Sacrifices beingsanctified. the again, God of worship the began They Hezekiah. by covenantmade the of renewal the and bowedbeforethe and faithfulness God’s celebrated all They God. covenant Israel’s to prayedDavid temple. new the for materials offered They Israel. with made had He promises covenant the to faithfulness in him, with nowmade had covenantGod the declareDavidthat tolistened leaders assembled Israel’s temple, the building for plans announce to David by called gathering covenant later a At 8:30-35). (Josh. people the of midst the in covenant the of ark the with Gerizim, and Ebal in the future (Deuteronomy). After Israel entered Canaan, they renewed the covenant on Mounts on cursings disobedience. Also, a way was toestablished commemorate and renew the covenant and Throughtothem pronouncedobedience obedience. Godon blessings Moses His exhorted and Israel to law His declared He them. covenantwith a making and Exodus the in them with dealings past God’s of them reminded Moses Him. with meet to people His called God Moab. Covenants: WhatWasDone? 4.4. CovenantRenewalWorshipUnderOldandNew thanking Him,andbeingfed by Him. pledge its loyalty to the Lord of the covenant by remembering Him, hearing Him, praising Him, tobefore Christ: did of it coming covenant,as the Churchthe purposes forsame assembles the one is Grace of Covenant the Since sight. of that except heavenwith and presencethem between barrier God’s no in stand they Christ, in assemble saints the When God. covenant their He intercedes for thesaintswithHisown blood: weekly everywhere in the world in the presence of its eternal priest in the heavenly temple, where They brought thankofferings, the Levites sang the words of David and Asaph, and the people of plains the on review covenant the in appears activities assembly’s the for pattern The Only with the can sinners be counted saints and worthy in Christ to worship new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that than newthings covenant, better and thebloodtothatspeaks of sprinkling Mediatorthethe of Jesus to menmadeperfect, justof spirits the to Judge all, of the God to heaven, in registered are who firstborn the ofchurch general and assembly the to angels, of company innumerable an to Jerusalem, heavenly the God, living the of city the to MountandZion fire....Butto come have with you burned that and touched be may that mountain the to come not have you For Chron. 29:29-30) (2worshiped. and bowed him with presentwere who all and king the offering, this continued until the burnt offering was finished. And when they had finished assemblytheworshiped, all sounded; singers So the trumpeters sang, theand all of Abel. (Heb. 12:18-24) A Biblical Theology of Worship of A BiblicalTheology L ORD

(1 Chron. 28). The Scriptures record the restoration of temple worshiptemple restorationof recordthe Scriptures The 28). Chron. (1 1 Church the of Worship 9 2 0 Worship of the Church not to forsake assembling together (Heb. 10:25). The normal, regularly appointed time is the first 14).50:5, (Ps. payNewHigh” yourvowsTestamentMostand the the in to God believerswarns thanksgiving, God to Offer sacrifices. by me with covenant a made have who togetherthose me, beforesaints my “Gather says, Lord The gather. to called those as saints the and calls, who 5. SketchofaCovenantalForm Worship being as Church the of worship covenantal public iscorrect.fundamentally the of understanding standards’ Westminster The observed. covenantsigns the and sung, psalms offered,prayers explained, and read is Scripture blood. Continuity can be found also in the covenant renewal of the Christ’sassembly’s worship in in which only found is sacrifice of efficacy true coming, Christ’s after or before whether but worshipers; the of forthe atone to sacrifice provisionof the in continuity likewise is There the God of the covenantsto and for loyaltybeing equipped by Him to perseverepledging in the terms of the covenant.for times are they because assemblies these in continuity also is There since priesthood. assemblies, the and these sacrifices, the temple, of earthly the of nature shadows the the fulfilled now has in Christ discontinuity some is There Him. before assemble 4.5. SummaryofaBiblicalTheologyWorship 11:29). 5:4-5; Cor. 1 (see attached curses of the of exerciseChurch the remind the gatherings its in and churchdiscipline 4:1) (Heb. unbelief against warnings the while covenant, the of blessings the expresses benediction The King. its of return the awaits it that reminder a and Christ, in God with communion present its of experience the salvation, Christ’s of sign memorial a has ChurchSupper,the Lord’s the In time. same the at itself instructs and God its Church praises Word,the preachingthe psalms, the singing of live In toloyally God. to areexhorted saints the His death redeemed them from death and gave them life. Through the reading of the law and in by Christ how reminded are people God’s particular, In explained. and read Bible the hearing reading of Scripture and in prayer. The saints are reminded of God’s past dealings with them in covenanta of ceremony.parts the covenanttothe For example, parties the the communicatein Supper isacovenant cupisthenew covenant reminder: inmy “This blood”(1Cor. 11:25). Lord’s The pledge. a by covenant the in part their reaffirm they and covenant, the to attached are curses and blessings that reminded are they covenant, the of requirements the review They throughChrist.God betweencovenantand rememberhow the them saints established the was know themselves and each other to be called by God to meet and worship Him. At their baptism, assemblies moves generally through the parts of a covenant ceremony. The parties to the covenant covenant commitment to be the Lord’s. The historic public worship of the Church in its solemn rejoiced. The call to assemble before our Covenant Lord comes from God, naming Him as the one the as Him naming God, from comes Lord Covenant our before assemble to call The to Covenant New the and Covenant Old the both under people His commanded God the between correspondence a is There their confirm and rehearse saints Weeklythe assembly.Covenant New the now Consider Sketch of a Covenantal Form of Worship aCovenantalSketch of of Form elements

of worship as defined by Westminsterand by defined as worship of 2 Church the of Worship 1 2 0 Worship of the Church they believe it: andembrace Cor. 5:4-5). The saints all add their to His Word, mixing faith with God’s Word, showing unrepentant face God’s correcting the chastisement. excuse,Weighty without church discipline left takes place arewithin the assembly unregenerate (1 The in. run to paths straight given are feet Their strengthened. are knees, weak the and down, hang that hands The encouragements. and warnings hear They them. to speak Himself God hear saints Word,the the of preaching readingand the In times. sovereignall their obeyat to people God’s Lordeverything in exhorts andthelast enemy,sin, Satan, deathitself(Col.1:13-14). proclaimed in the gospel. God in Christ has vanquished the enemies of his people: the power of of the house of recountingsavingGod’s Israel: CovenantOld bythe Lawbegan under the of giving The Himself? to home people broughtHis week properly bringsjoy anddelight.Sothesaintssingpsalmsto God. Him thanks: give to people His instructs 13:15-16).He (Heb. And goods world’s this the sharing of with deeds and good praise of sacrifice the with pleased is God sin. of confession as well as offerings King’s presence (Matt. 22:12). appearing in God’s presence. Anyone not clothed in Christ’s righteousness will be cast no out be of can the there sacrifice, Christ’s from hear Apart sake. and Christ’s forforgiveness sin of of God’s confession a with meet to call God’s to respond properly saints the Church, the of assemblies solemn the In 9). 9:14;1:7, (Heb. John God 1 to sins their confessingChrist, of sacrifice the of hold lay faith 16:21).by(Lev. 4:15;saints sins Covenant,the New the Under Covenant, the saints brought animals for sacrifice, laid their hands on them, and confessed their day whenandwhere oftheweek,exactly beingupto theelders. As subjects appearing before our Lord, we must seek pardon for past sins. Under the Old the Under sins. past for pardon seek must we Lord, our before appearing subjects As Instruction in how to serve God followsGod Scripture Hissalvation. Instructionof howin instructsto serve history and the What is the reading of Scripture in God’s worship but recountingby the whichhistory God each meeting Their people. His and God between bond wedding a is Covenant New The and thanksgiving, praise, with meet to call His to respond King their with meeting Saints Sketch of a Covenantal Form of Worship aCovenantalSketch of of Form within. (Calvin, (Calvin, within. appearandbefore ourears us oureyes,but affect onlystrike not atall otherwise Spirit Holyand His opens ourof hearts lightfor thethe Wordby minds and sacramentsour to illumines enter He in, Finally, whichsacraments. wouldthe by it Word.His by us Secondly, teaches instructs Lordand Heconfirms the Forfirst, (Ps. 105:1-3) works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the wondrousHis all Talkof Him; to Psalms sing Him, to Sing peoples! the among the to thanks give Oh, (Ex. 20:1-2). Likewise, in the New Testament, God’s saving acts in Christ are Institutes I am the am I , IV.XIV.8) L ORD Cl uo Hs ae Mk kon i deeds His known Make name; His upon Call ! L ORD your broughtwho God you Egypt,of land the of out out L ORD

! 2 Church the of Worship 1 2 2 Worship of the Church ’spresence: “Lo,Iamwithyou always, even to theendofage”(Matt.28:20). the of promise the and come to life the and resurrection the of hope the with leave also They Christ.” Jesus Lord the and Father the God from mercy and peace, “grace, with assembly the (Heb. 10:24-25). others the edify to aims one each favoritism; no receive rich the weak; the for out look strong The sins. of multitude a covers love that so rule, the being forgivenessforgotten, are Enmities forth infullness,evidence,andefficacy, to allnations( held are salvation and Word, grace the of preaching the in and baptism in as communion, In govern Hishouse.Whenthechurch meets, itprays. still 5:14).Chron.rules 26:12;2 His Chron. 12:4; 1 Kings (2 God of temple the nowchurch is truth the of ground and him PaulTimothywroteinstructtosin. to of confessions and thanksgivings with God, to desires its up offers church the as affirmed and remembered again is covenant the prayers,church’s the to handleadversity, andhow to remember God’scovenant. dwells richly in His people, so that each instructs all how to praise God, how to confess sin, how Wordthe psalms Throughthe psalms. God singing of in assembly the preachingjoin of gift no with those even fault, a in caught been have who those even faith, in weak those even Christ, (See appendix.) A benediction parting conveys God’s blessings on the saints in the week to come. They leave Our Throughoutmeetingthe churchthe of exhibitsaints livesthe God, with renewed Christ: in When the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is administered, it seals God’s love to His people. In it. to Amen his adds prayer,each in leads one pray.When all so God, to sing all as Just in babes newborn Even another. one admonishing and teaching in share saints the All how how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar Sketch of a Covenantal Form of Worship aCovenantalSketch of of Form man. ( outward and inward the in both good, mutual their to conduce do as private, other’s and gifts graces, and obliged to the performance of sucheach and duties,communion in have public they resurrection, love,and in another death,one to united being sufferings, and, glory: graces, His in Him with fellowship have faith,Spirit,by andtheir Head,His by Christ Jesus unitedto are that saints, All see2:11-12).2:1-2, 8-9; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel (1 Tim. that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; reverence.…Iand thereforedesiregodliness all in peaceablelife quietand a lead of be thanks made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, , and giving Confession Confession summarizes marvelously: (1 Tim. 3:15). By calling the churchthe calling 3:15).the Tim.By (1 , 26.1) Confession house of God of house , 7.6).

Paul the teachesthat 2 Church the of Worship 3 2 2 Worship of the Church Apology ofJustin Martyr In well. as worship Christian of reports post-biblical ancient most the in reflected is commitment to Him. the 17th Turretin century, states: Covenant Church is in its assembling before God to enjoy the public means of grace. Writing Newin the and Church Covenant Old the between worship of continuity basic The Covenants. New the and Old the under bothChurch, the of assembly the concerning teachingScripture’s 6. Conclusions The question, “What is the public worship of God in the Church?” has been answered by the Turretin’s summary of is not only the historic Reformed position, but position, Reformed historic the only not is worship Christian of summary Turretin’s our renew to and covenant God’s celebrate to assembly an is convocation” “holy That and every pious person is bound in duty to his conscience to have privately his his privately have toconscience his to duty in bound is personpious every and allow) will businesstheir as far everyone(as by also frequenteddaysother on be Foralthoughoughtand sacredassemblies for publicto thecan of piety exercises same daythe our Saviour Jesus rose Christ from the dead.on (Bard Thompson, 1961:9)and universe; the created matter, and darkness the transforming God, which we all hold our common assembly, in as much as it is the first day on which brief,us—in he the curate is of who all are need. in Sunday, indeed, the day is on sickness or other cause, and the captives, and thewho strangers sojourn amongst and he takes care of the orphans and widows, and those who are needy because of president;the depositedwith is collection the appropriate;and deemsone each contributewhat wish, they prosperous, if are who .Those the by absent “eucharistized” are distributed and received by each one; and they are sent to the his ability, and the people assent by saying, Amen. The elements which have been with water; the president likewise offers up prayers and accordingthanksgivings to mentioned before, when we have finished the prayer, bread is presented,we as prayers.and And, offer together and up wine stand all we Then virtue. of examples the president, in a discourse, admonishes and invites the people to practice these the prophets are read as long as there is time. Then, when the reader has finished, of writings the ormemoirsapostles the the ofone place.gathertogetherAnd in On the day which is called Sunday, all who live in the cities or in the country side XIV, xxvi) and stated to worship.external sacredpertaining service (Turretin, Vol. II, 11, Q. 16; Acts 1:14), to alms and help to the poor (1 Cor. 16:2) and in general to all that 25),celebrationthe 20:7), andofprayersacraments the psalms (Acts (Col.the 3: word(Heb.the of10: hearing leisureandfordevout reading be theattention to may there which in 23:3)Lev.Sabbath, the on custom the was (as place take to devotionaldaily exercises, onday abovestill this others a holy convocation ought (c.155 we read: A.D.), Conclusions

The First The 2 Church the of Worship 3 2 4 Worship of the Church and thosewhoworship Himmust worship inspiritandtruth.” the relationship which God has sovereignly instituted with His rational creatures. “God is Spirit, beginning of time because worship expresses the most and fundamental profound dimension of WordGod’s bydirected the fromis worship God’s unique.covenant is His and unique is God saints. the to blessing a Word-directed,God-centered,and spiritual, is theology covenant from followsthat worship revelation.The special God’s of understanding biblical solid, a be to itself is sure to follow. Defective worship will lead to defective theology. has proved covenant in Christ. Yet theology and worship cannot be separated. When one changes, the other other with the biblical principle of worship that follows churches from the Reformed of understanding God and His in developments cultural individuals, generations havemoveattemptedReformedaway topractices worshipfrom unbiblical even and , of the over influences that creative recognize the We innovations, worship. biblical covenantal of principle the to holding churches custom, butby God’srevelation. world,the in is notbut world. the of approachOur by notculturetoshould God defined be or order of exercises is usually (RPCNA necessary” an worship of dignity the maintain to church,but the by established be should worship public of order(“Nounchangeable king no had it though owneyesas its in wise churchis what doing each than churches,the rather among practice of unity Weangels. seek should of and Churchsaints of universal the of assembly the in joins it meets church local the when one, is Church the Since Christ’s. but covenant, Church’s the not is It not: Clearly Him? to commitment its entire covenant communityisnot reviewing andrenewing itscommitmentto theLord. the times those in hence, dispensed; grace of means the all are nor Church, the of assemblies not are times Those Church. the of worship public the from different is God, Wordof the by governed also though worship, family and private But often! they May course. Of Church? the hegleanedfrom thetestimony offormer Christians: In this paper we have argued that the Reformed churches, and particularly the Presbyterianthe Reformedchurches,particularly the and that have weargued paper this In renew and covenant God’s remember to way own its devise to free assembly church a Is of assemblies stated the than other times at meditate and read, sing, pray, saints the Can In a letter written about 113 A.D.Pliny the Younger reports to the emperor Trajan, giving the when called upon to restore it. After this ceremony it had been their custom to custom their been ceremonyhad it this After it.restore to upon called when deposit a deny to not and trust of breach no commit to adultery, and robbery, to bind themselves by oath,also not forand any purpose, but criminal tofrom abstain theft, god, a to if verses as chant Christ to of honour day in themselves fixed amongst alternately a on dawn before regularly met had they this: than They declaredalso that the sum total of their guilt or error amounted to no more 10.96-97. http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/jod/texts/pliny.html) See: ( anddisperse reassemble later food to take of ordinary, kind. an harmless The Letters of the YoungerPliny the of Letters The etise Cneso o Faith of Confession Westminster Conclusions . New York: Penguin. 1963/1977York:Penguin.New . Letters, reprint. Directory Directory for the Worship of God ae hooial cmitd o the to committed theologically are ,

, I.9). The Church 2 Church the of Worship 5 2 4 Worship of the Church Gillespie, G. and Coldwell, C. Coldwell, and G. Gillespie, George, R.J. the in worship of principle regulative the of proof the and authority “Biblical A. J. Delivuk, C. Cochrane, A. L. G. Bray,P. and E. Clowney, W.,D. Hall, and L. J. Carson, eds. J. Calvin, D. D. Bannerman, and J. Bannerman, 8. References Benediction Psalm ofPraise Prayer for Church andWorld Prayer orPsalmofResponse Proclamation oftheWord Reading ofScripture Prayer for Enlightenment ofTithesPresentation andOfferings Psalm ofPraise ofPardonAssurance Prayer orPsalmofConfession Reading oftheLaw Baptism, whenadministered, may gohere Psalm ofPraise Prayer for theLord’s andBlessing Assistance Call to Worship in thispaperfollow. Theseorders are merely illustrative. 7. Appendix:ExamplesofOrdersService Examples of Orders of Service that conform to the covenantal theology of worship developed Coldwell. Dallas,TX:Naphtali Press, 1993. Confuted Particularly Etc., Forbes, Lindsey, Spotswood, Tilen, Saravia, Andrews,Paybody, Sprint, Burges, Morton, Hooker, as Such Opposites, Our of Defences and Answers the Likewise but Wherein Not Only Our Own Arguments Against the Same Are Strongly Confirmed, Westminster Confession” InterVarsity Press, 1995. 1994. ofChristian Classics,21.Library Philadelphia:Westminster Press, 1960. 1868. Church. Christian the of Government and Discipline, Ordinances, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, Christian the of Institutes The Lectures inPastoral Theology.

Reformed Confessions ofthe16th Century.

Appendix /ReferencesAppendix

Westminster TheologicalJournal The Church, Contours of . Christian of Contours Church, The A Dispute Against the English Popish Ceremonies Obtruded on the on Obtruded Ceremonies Popish English the Against Dispute A

ToGod Enjoy and Glorify

New York: Christian Nation Pub.Co.,1911.

h Cuc o Crs a raie n h Ntr, Powers, Nature, the on Treatise a Christ of Church The ed. J. T.J. Vol.ed. F.Battles. trans. McNeill,L. The 2, Benediction ofTithesPresentation andOfferings Prayer ofIntercession andThanksgiving oftheLord’sCelebration Supper Warning andInvitation Words ofInstitution Sermon Scripture text for sermon Psalm ofPraise ofPardonAssurance Prayer orPsalmofConfession Reading oftheLaw Psalm ofPraise Prayer for theLord’s andBlessings Assistance Call to Worship Philadelphia:Westminster Press, 1966. . Edinburgh: Banner of Truthof Banner Edinburgh: . Trust, 58,1996, 237-56. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, Clark, T. & T. Edinburgh: Downers Grove, Ill.: Grove, Downers

, ed. C. ed. , 2 Church the of Worship 5 2 6 Worship of the Church White, J. H. White, J.F. Turretin, F. Thompson, B. eds. M., J. McMillan, and W. P. Martin, A., E. Robson, Owen, J. and Goold, W. H. ———. (1984)O. H. Old, E. G. Mendenhall, ———. Kline, M. G. ———. ———. ———. B. J. Jordan, R. Hooker, worship of principle regulative the of favor in argument of lines Nine T.D. Gordon, Phillipsburg, NJ:Presbyterian &Reformed PublishingCo.,1978. Phillipsburg, NJ:P&RPublishing,1992. America,1974.North Worship.Christian in Psalms Biblical the of Use the on EmphasisWorship TeachingsScripturalwith Concerning the Clarify and State to Symposium Trust, 1965. Rapids, Mich.: W. B.Eerdmans, 1998. JohnKnoxAtlanta: Press, 1984. Presbyterian ofWestern Board ofColportage Pennsylvania, 1955. Rapids,MI:WilliamB.Eerdmans,Grand 1963. Press, 1994. Press, 1994. 1986. London: J.M.Dent,1907. www.reformedprescambridge.com/articles/Regulative Liturgical . The Structure ofBiblicalAuthority. The Liturgy Trap: The Bible Versus Mere Tradition in Worship.Traditionin VersusMere Bible Trap:The Liturgy The Theses on Worship: Notes Toward the Reformation of Worship. of Reformation Towardthe NotesWorship: on Theses h Raig n Pecig f h Srpue i te osi o te hita Church. Christian the of Worship the in Scriptures the of Preaching and Reading The Introduction Christian to Worship. Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical PolityEcclesiastical of Laws the Of The Book of Books: Essays on the Scriptures in Honor of Johannes G. Vos Treaty of the Great King the Covenant Structure of Deuteronomy: Studies and Commentary. The of the Church: Essays in Reconstruction. in Essays Church: the of Sociology The oftheWestern Church WorshipReformedTraditionthe Scripture:Reformed to Accordingis to Guides That a ad oeat n sal n te nin Na East. Near Ancient the and Israel in Covenant and Law The Works of . Niceville,FL:Transfiguration Press, 1994. References Grand Rapids,MI:Eerdmans,Grand 1972. ed. J. James T. Dennison, trans. George Musgrave Giger. Nashville: 1980. Abingdon, . Cleveland: MeridianBooks,1961. , introd. by C. Morris. Vol. 2, Everyman’s Library. Library. Vol.Everyman’s Morris. 2, C. by introd. , Pittsburgh: Reformed Presbyterian Church of ChurchPresbyterian Reformed Pittsburgh: , ed. W. H. Goold. London: Banner of Truth h Bbia Dcrn o Wrhp A Worship: of Doctrine Biblical The Principle.html). Tyler, TX: Ministries, Geneva TX: Tyler, Niceville, FL: Transfiguration FL: Niceville, Niceville, FL: Transfiguration FL: Niceville, itbrh The Pittsburgh: , ed. J. H. White. ( http:// Grand Grand .

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