56%
Confidence
Belief overview
Worship regulated by Scripture
Worship should be ordered according to what Scripture authorizes.
2
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: Many Calvinist sectors defend the regulative principle of worship, according to which public worship should be structured by what Scripture authorizes.
How the religion understands it: The aim is to protect worship from arbitrary innovations and to maintain simplicity, reverence, and submission to the Word. Concrete application varies among historic Reformed churches and contemporary settings.
Context: This belief influenced liturgy, music, use of images, and organization of worship in the Reformed world.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Deuteronomy 12:32
Care not to add to or take away from ordered worship.
Reference: Deuteronomy 12:32.
Content: The text warns against adding to or subtracting from what God commands.
Use in debate: It is used in Reformed discussions of the regulative principle of worship.
John 4:23-24
Worship in spirit and truth.
Reference: John 4:23-24.
Content: Jesus speaks of worship in spirit and truth.
Use in debate: The passage is frequent in Reformed reflections on worship and reverence.