The primary eternal duty of the Church of Christ is worship; worship supersedes all other duties of the church including evangelism and missions. True gospel worship must be conducted according to the express principles of scripture, and the Lord's children must worship Him in spirit and truth. The biblical principle by which worship is regulated teaches that whatever is not commanded by precept or example is forbidden. God has said, “Do what I command, no more and no less.” Numerous examples in the scripture including Cain, Nadab and Abihu, King Saul, and Jeroboam show the danger of violating this principle.
The New Testament does not abrogate these principles, but teaches that the normal regular elements of worship include prayer, reading the scriptures, singing of psalms, sound preaching, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. Each aspect is to be carefully regulated by the scriptures such that Christ and the Word are upheld throughout the worship. Regulative worship connects us to the history of Christ's church; the Puritans, the Covenanters, the Reformers and the Apostles themselves. A proper vision of biblical worship equips the saints to better know God and enjoy Him forever. |
