Salmodia - Conclusione

From Diwygiad

Chapter 3 Conclusion Thus far we have examined the foundation of biblical worship (the regulative principle) and the testimony of Scripture regarding the content of worship songs. The regulative principle of worship, which is clearly taught in Scripture and is clearly stated in all the Reformed and Presbyterian creeds, places the burden of proof for the use of uninspired hymns in worship upon the believers who advocate their use. For the Reformed believer, it is not enough to say that uninspired hymns are not forbidden; one must provide a biblical warrant for their use from Scripture.

    When examining the scriptural testimony regarding worship songs, we have noted that the singing of divinely inspired Psalms is commanded in both the Old and New Testaments. There are historical examples in both the Old and New Testaments of Psalms used in worship. Also, there is abundant evidence that divine inspiration was a prerequisite for writing worship songs for the church. However, when we look for authorization in Scripture for the use of uninspired songs in worship, we cannot find a command, historical example, or authorization of any kind. Those who find justification for the singing of uninspired songs in worship from Ephesians 5:19 or Colossians 3:16, or from the "hymn fragment" argument, are letting their presuppositions and emotional attachment to uninspired hymns influence their exegesis. Simply put, it is impossible to find a warrant in Scripture for singing uninspired hymns in worship. The exclusive Psalmody debate, in its essence, boils down to whether people who say they are Reformed are really willing to submit themselves to the regulative principle of worship.43