The topic of whether worship should follow the regulative or normative principle is an important one for Christians seeking to understand how God desires to be worshipped. This 9000 word article will provide an overview of the biblical evidence supporting each viewpoint to help readers come to their own conclusions.
Defining the regulative and normative principles
The regulative principle states that the only acceptable elements of worship are those that are expressly commanded or modeled in Scripture. This view argues that God’s Word regulates corporate worship, and anything not prescribed in Scripture is implicitly forbidden. The regulative principle is most closely associated with Reformed theology.
In contrast, the normative principle states that Christians have freedom in worship as long as the worship elements are not forbidden in Scripture. Advocates believe Scripture provides general guidelines for worship but does not regulate the specifics. This principle allows for more flexibility and freedom in worship styles. The normative view is held by Lutherans, Anglicans, and some evangelicals.
Old Testament evidence for the regulative principle
Several passages in the Old Testament point to the regulative principle of worship. In Leviticus 10, Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire” before the Lord, disobeying His commandments regarding sacrifices (Leviticus 10:1-2). As a result, God consumed them with fire, demonstrating how seriously He takes deviations from prescribed worship. This shows that not all worship is acceptable to God.
Furthermore, God provided meticulous instructions for constructing the tabernacle and instituting sacrifices (Exodus 25-31, 35-40). He also gave specific guidelines for priests regarding their duties, conduct, and clothing (Exodus 28, Leviticus 8-9). The level of detail suggests God desired particular forms of worship rather than complete freedom.
Passages in Deuteronomy also point to restrictions on worship. Deuteronomy 4:2 warns against adding to God’s commands: “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it.” Deuteronomy 12 instructed Israel to destroy Canaanite places of worship and offer sacrifices only in the manner and place God prescribed. This underscores that God alone determines proper worship.
Overall, the Old Testament provides precedents for the regulative principle through God’s actions in judging improper worship, His instructions for worship, and commands against adding or taking away from His decrees. This evidence implies a limit to human initiative in approaching God.
New Testament support for the regulative principle
The New Testament also contains support for the regulative principle of worship. In John 4:23-24, Jesus states that God seeks those who worship Him “in spirit and truth.” This implies worship must align with God’s revealed truth in Scripture, rather than human design.
Multiple passages address the ordering of the church and corporate worship gatherings. 1 Corinthians 14 provides instructions for orderly worship gatherings, implying the need for regulating worship practices. 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 also establish qualifications for church elders, giving them responsibility over doctrinal integrity and teaching.
Colossians 2:20-23 warns against human regulations of worship not commanded by Scripture: “Why do you submit to regulations—’Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’ . . . which all perish as they are used—according to human precepts and teachings?” This implies freedom from restrictions not instituted by God Himself.
Matthew 15:9 quotes a passage from Isaiah 29:13 which states: “In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” This suggests practices based solely on human judgment and tradition are unacceptable to God.
Jesus also condemned the Pharisees for elevating their man-made traditions over Scripture (Mark 7:1-13). Their worship lacked obedience to God’s commands, indicating worship must strictly follow God’s Word.
Overall, the New Testament contains both explicit statements about the necessity of worshipping according to God’s Word and examples of correcting human innovations in worship. Together these point to the regulative principle as the guiding standard.
Apparent contradictions to the regulative principle
At first glance, there appear to be examples in Scripture that contradict the regulative principle of worship. However, often these passages can be reasonably interpreted through the lens of this principle when examined closely.
In Exodus 25-31, God gave instructions for building the tabernacle. Yet in Exodus 35-39, Bezalel and Oholiab constructed the tabernacle with added artistic embellishments not explicitly described in the initial instructions. At first this may seem to violate the regulative principle, but actually aligns with it – God granted them supernatural gifting and discernment to apply His instructions properly (Exodus 35:30-33).
2 Kings 18:4 describes King Hezekiah breaking the bronze serpent Moses had made because the Israelites were burning incense to it. This was not part of God’s commanded worship, so Hezekiah acted according to the regulative principle by removing this human addition.
The continued existence of the temple after Christ’s resurrection does not necessarily contradict the regulative principle. God works progressively in stages, so allowing an existing temple pattern to continue while the new covenant was just being instituted aligns with His wisdom and timing.
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul gives instructions regarding the Lord’s Supper, a new church ordinance. However, introducing new practices under apostolic authority does not violate the regulative principle, since the apostles held special prerogative from Christ to establish authorized worship practices for the church age.
Upon closer examination, these potential contradictions to the regulative principle turn out to be reasonable examples of how it may be applied. They do not fundamentally undermine the concept of limiting worship to God’s revealed instructions.
Apparent support for the normative principle
There are some examples in Scripture that on the surface appear to support a normative approach to worship more than the regulative principle.
When instituting the Passover, Exodus 12 contains specific directives but does not restrict all elements of the celebration. This silence on some details seems to allow freedom in worship. In 2 Chronicles 30, Hezekiah kept the Passover in a way that included some deviations from Scripture, such as inviting gentiles and celebrating for a longer period. This flexible application of Passover regulations could endorse the normative view.
2 Samuel 6 describes David bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem with great fanfare and celebration, including offerings, music, dancing, and shouting. This kind of creative expression and celebration in worship appears less restrained.
In John 2, Jesus drove the money changers and animal sellers out of the temple, citing Isaiah 56:7 that the temple should be a “house of prayer for all nations.” Jesus focused more on the heart attitude in worship and temple practices serving God’s purposes than strict adherence to regulations.
The book of Psalms encourages exuberant praise of God with a variety of musical instruments and dancing. The Song of Solomon expresses unbridled affection for Christ, which could perhaps justify creative expression in worship.
These examples offer some balance to strict regulative interpretations. Yet ultimately they do not provide enough weight to contradict the regulative principle outright. Aspects of celebration and creativity in worship should align with instructions given in other areas of Scripture.
Addressing objections to the regulative principle
Despite evidence favoring the regulative principle, some Christians object to this approach to worship. Here are responses to some common objections.
Objection: The regulative principle results in dull, repetitive, restricted worship devoid of joy and creativity. God created humans as creative beings and desires worship that engages their creative capacities.
Response: Creativity and variety within the bounds of God’s Word are not incompatible with the regulative principle. However, God also desires order and reverence in worship, not disorder or entertainment. Furthermore, true joy springs from glorifying God through obedience, not self-expression. Regulated worship rightly focuses on offering glory to God, not performance to please people.
Objection: The regulative principle leads to legalism by imposing Old Testament laws on the New Testament church. We have freedom in Christ from strict requirements.
Response: The regulative principle involves deference to God’s instructions for New Covenant worship, not requiring Old Testament rituals. Caution is needed though – some use “freedom” as license for innovative practices without authoritative warrant. True freedom comes in worshipping as God desires.
Objection: Scripture does not contain exhaustive instructions for applying the regulative principle. Who determines what is permitted? This leads to division and confusion.
Response: Scripture provides general guidelines and examples to direct implementation of this principle. Church elders prayerfully seek wisdom in applying it today. Some differences of opinion are understandable, but diversity is preferable to disregarding God’s authority over worship.
Objection: If God desired such restrictive, regulated worship, why is Scripture not explicit about this principle?Scripture’s supposed silence allows room for other interpretations.
Response: Scripture may not provide a fully systematic theology of worship, but it contains sufficient commands, examples, and principles supporting the regulative concept. Scripture is also clear regarding false worship and correction of human innovations. Explicitly spelling out this principle in theological terms is not required to endorse its essence.
Objection: If everything in worship must be scripturally prescribed, where is the biblical justification for pulpits, pews, musical instruments, VBS, church buildings, etc? Nearly every church employs some extra-biblical practices.
Response: These common practices generally enhance the logistics and presentation of worship within scriptural parameters for content and form. The regulative principle does not demand prescriptive details for every practical component. It simply maintains God’s authority over worship’s essential spiritual elements. Discernment is required in distinguishing circumstantial practices from doctrinal innovations.
In summary, the regulative principle remains a valid, worthwhile approach to worship despite objections. With wisdom and humility, churches can apply it consistently while allowing for some circumstantial flexibility in worship forms.
Cautions in applying the regulative principle
While the regulative principle for worship has firm basis in Scripture, legitimate dangers arise in applying it without wisdom and grace. Here are some important cautions:
– Do not become judgmental about minor differences in how churches apply this principle. Accept some diversity in practices not central to the faith.
– Be willing to thoughtfully discuss disagreements over worship practices instead of dogmatically forcing your position on others.
– Remember that worship is ultimately for God’s glory, not petty disputes over traditions. Do not let peripheral issues distract from central truths.
– Make sure to avoid legalism and rigidity. Do not become pharisaical by focusing on outward form over inward devotion of the heart.
– Recognize that some Christians have different views on this topic. Disagree respectfully without questioning their faith or love for Scripture.
– Do not enforce man-made rules beyond clear scriptural commands as if they carry divine authority.
– Allow some flexibility in cultural adaptations of worship forms as long as the core elements remain scriptural.
– Be willing to thoughtfully examine views contrary to your own, remembering that you could be mistaken in some conclusions.
With grace, humility, and continual re-examination of Scripture, churches can embrace the regulative principle without divisions or creating their own extra-biblical religious rituals and rules. The heart motive behind worship practices also matters greatly.
Conclusion
In summary, the regulative principle of worship has strong biblical support in both the Old and New Testaments. God cares greatly how He is worshipped, desiring reverence according to His instructions rather than human innovation and creativity. At the same time, wisdom and grace are essential in applying this principle. As long as churches remain grounded in Scripture, they have some latitude in how worship details are implemented, allowing for different cultural or denominational traditions. Most importantly, the motivation behind worship should be glorifying God through joyful, sincere obedience to His Word.
While the normative principle offers more flexibility and freedom on the surface, the regulative view seems most faithful to Scripture overall. However, sincere Christians can thoughtfully disagree on this topic while upholding an orthodox, biblical perspective on worship. As long as the Word of God remains central and hearts are devoted to Him, churches can have grace for different views on the finer points of worship while affirming its crucial importance and God’s supreme authority over it.