The law of God serves as the standard by which believers are conformed to Christ. The second commandment introduces what we call the Regulative Principle of Worship, which teaches that only elements explicitly commanded by God should be included in worship.
We can distinguish between two regulative principles:
First, the Regulative Principle for Worship means that we include in worship only what God explicitly commands.
Second, the Regulative Principle for Life, which means that in matters of daily life, we are free to do anything not explicitly forbidden, an expression of Christian liberty. We will explore this more fully when we address Christian liberty directly, but in essence, it is the freedom to discern and pursue what is pleasing to the Lord.
In terms of the regulative principle, we see God’s word as central. The reason is that Scripture is not like any other book. We believe that Scripture is inspired by God and carried by the Spirit, and is foundational for the life of the church. The preaching of the gospel is not a one-time message but an ongoing means of grace through which God nourishes and strengthens faith. We cannot predict exactly how or when the Spirit will work through this means, but we trust in God’s promise to use it effectively.
The Lord commands the preaching of the Gospel for spiritual growth, in contrast to the temptation to rely on human methods. The preaching of the Gospel is not a one and doe message. The reason is because Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, equipping believers to grow in the mystery of Godliness (1 Timothy 3:16). The lively preaching of the Word, meaning Spirit-empowered rather than merely animated or human ingenuity, is God’s chosen instrument for building faith, regardless of the preacher’s personality or holiness. Ideally, we want a preacher who believes the gospel, seeks to live for Christ, and desires to see Christ glorified.
Worship is ultimately about honoring the Lord, not ourselves. God works through His appointed ministers, and our joy should be in communion with Him as he communes with us, especially in worship.
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