Worship — Blog — Dr. Tim White

The regulative principle of worship (include in worship only what Scripture endorses, which was Calvin’s view) and the normative principle (include whatever is not prohibited in Scripture, which was Luther’s view who wanted to retain much of Roman Catholicism's rituals). Most churches use both principles to varying degrees. We must be regulative regarding the pattern seen in Acts 2:42-47. But normative with parts of our worship not directly addressed in Scripture such as announcements, length and order of service, sound equipment, technology, padded pews, and please don’t forget the nursery.

Does the regulative principle determine the use of musical instruments in a worship service or the style of music?

Eric Liddell’s story was told in one of my favorite movies, Chariot’s of Fire. He was called “The Flying Scotsman” after the record breaking locomotive. He wanted to compete in the Summer Olympic games, while his family wanted him to begin his missionary career in China. He decided to put off his missionary work until after the Olympics. His family was very unhappy with his decision. When he made the British Olympic team, he went to the games in Paris in 1924. However, when he arrived, he found out that the qualifying heats for the 100-meter, his best event, were to be held on Sunday. He had made up his mind that he would not race on Sunday – and instead, he preached in a church in Paris that da