Is Diversity in Worship and Church Order Biblical?
George Gillespie (1613 – 1648) ministered in Fife and Edinburgh and was one of the main Scottish theologians at the Westminster Assembly. He wrote several important publications in support of Presbyterian church government.
28 May, 2015

One Way by George Gillespie is a brief biblical argument for true uniformity flowing from the Scriptural principle of worship. He also rejects conforming to what is either against the Word of God or not required by it in matters of conscience.​

The Second Reformation in Scotland was marked by a desire to have as much harmony as possible in worship and church order. Gillespie expresses the views behind the desires of the Scottish Church for greater reformation during this period. It is such views and desires that brought about the documents produced by the Westminster Assembly.

 

It was prophesied of the church of the New Testament that God would give them one way as well as one heart, (Jeremiah 32:39). There would not only be one Lord but his name would be one in the New Testament period (Zechariah 14:9). We are exhorted to walk by the same rule as far as we have attained.  This means to apply ourselves to uniformity not diversity in those things which are agreed upon to be good and right (Philippians 3:16)

One Way

One Way: Having the Same Worship and Church Order makes a brief biblical case for having the same Worship and Church order. Updated from an essay by George Gillespie, it shows how our practice must be governed by the Word of God alone. Today diversity is frequently championed in worship and practice. Having only one way in common in such matters is considered unnecessary, unattainable and divisive. The Bible does not support this, however. The more uniform the Church’s practice becomes, the more unified the Church itself becomes.

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