73%
Confidence
Belief overview
Worship regulated by the Word
Worship must be ordered according to the Word of God and with reverence.
3
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: Many Presbyterian churches defend that public worship must be shaped by what Scripture teaches and authorizes.
How the tradition understands it: The aim is to preserve simplicity, reverence, centrality of the Word, and avoid elements considered arbitrary or not regulated.
Basis and context: This principle is strongly connected with the classical Reformed tradition and influenced liturgy, music, and iconography.
Debates and variations: Concrete application varies considerably between more confessional churches and others more liturgically open.
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.
Deuteronomy 12:32
Care about adding to or taking from what God commands.
Reference: Deuteronomy 12:32.
Content: The text warns against adding to or taking from what God commands.
Use in debate: Used in discussions on 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 Presbyterian reflections on worship and reverence.