Q3. How the Ways of Worship Are Made Known

Qu. 3. How then are these ways and means of the worship of God made known to us?

Answ. In and by the written word only; which contains a full and perfect revelation of the will of God; as to his whole worship, and all the concernments of it: John 5:39, Isaiah 8:20, Luke 16:19, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Peter 1:19, Deuteronomy 4:2, chapter 12:32, Joshua 1:7, Proverbs 30:6, Revelation 22:20, Isaiah 29:13.

Explication.

The end therefore God granted his word to the Church, was, that thereby it might be instructed in his mind and will, as to what concerns the worship and obedience that he requires of us, and which is accepted with him. This the whole Scripture itself everywhere declares and speaks out to all that do receive it; as 2 Timothy 3:15-17, with the residue of the testimonies above recited do declare. It supposes, it declares, that of ourselves we are ignorant how God is, how he ought to be worshipped (Isaiah 8:20). Moreover it manifests him to be a jealous God, exercising that holy property of his nature in an especial manner about his worship; rejecting and despising every thing that is not according to his will, that is not of his institution (Exodus 20:4-5).

That we may know what is so, he has made a revelation of his mind and will in his written word, that is, the Scripture; and to the end that we might expect instruction from there alone in his worship, and act therein accordingly.

First, he sends us and directs us thereunto, expressly for that purpose (Isaiah 8:20, Luke 16:19, John 5:39), and not once intimates in the least, any other way or means of instruction to the end.

Secondly, he frequently affirms, that it is sufficient, able, and perfect to guide us therein (2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Peter 1:19, Psalm 19:7-9), and whereas he has expressly given it to us for that end, if there be any want or defect therein, it must arise from hence, that either God would not, or could not give to us a perfect revelation of his will; neither of which can be imagined.

Thirdly, he has commanded us to observe all whatever he has appointed therein, and not to make any addition thereunto (Joshua 1:7, Deuteronomy 4:2, chapter 12:32, Proverbs 30:6, Revelation 22:20).

Fourthly, peculiarly interdicted us the use of any such things, as are of the institution or appointment of men (Isaiah 29:13-14), so that from the Scriptures alone, are we to learn what is accepted with God in his worship.