The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum RPW and Christmas

AlexM

Thank you.
Concerning the RPW, one of the elders of our Church just sent the following to many of the men in our Church.
I thought it was worth sharing.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/book/r...flGoBPRum1ReI_W6giKiwyLO1_KgsYIm1UiF7RAs

By the way, it was written by Reformed Baptist Theologian Samuel Waldron, who I have grown to have great respect for in his writing concerning the LBCF 1689; his writing concerning Amillennialism and now the RPW.

Enjoy
Tom

Very interesting read, was very sorry to see him call, " exclusive psalmody and non-instrumentalism." extreme practices, especially given that they were for a large part of history the majority practice and position in christendom both pre and post reformation, and that for thoroughly Biblical reasons.

More germane to this thread, I didn't see him address the question of Christmas and other man-made holy days?

AlexM

To be honest, I have yet to find time to look over the link in detail; there is only so much time in a day

Although this is only speculative on my part, seeing I have not actually read what you talked about. However, most people who use the RPW who use both instruments and not just excusive psalmody; do not actually have a problem with these practices. Provided of course, they are not forced as essential. That could be what Dr. Waldron was referring to as extreme practices?
I do know that CH Spurgeon had no instruments during worship. However, I am not sure if he was rigid on this practice for all true Churches.

The more germane issue, probably had to do with him just not wanting to touch on them. However, knowing Dr. Waldron; it would not surprise me to learn of upgraded editions coming up to this edition. For example; I have his first edition of 'Modern Exposition 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith'. I understand he has made several editions to the book sinse then. Which I understand are just clearer wording and things he may have included because of questions and comments he recieved concerning his other editions.

Tom

Right, I think we would be in line with the confession of faith in saying that, "particular (true) Churches . . . are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the Gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them."

As for certain things being essential, certainly the early church testimony is interesting at the very least. "The Synod of Laodicea (A.D. 343) and the Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451) both opposed the introduction of uninspired "hymns." (source: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/CRTPsSing.htm and http://www.apuritansmind.com/purita...-the-early-church-by-the-rev-jas-harper/ )

As for Christmas, that's very possible and I would be interested in hearing more views on this, however, to my mind, the question seems clear enough. Though, it's not always something that is practically easy to deal with. I know several folks whose wider-family has unfortunately become somewhat hostile because of their decision to distance themselves from Christmas, sadly.

Certainly it is sad when family becomes hostile when one out of conviction distanced themselves from Christmas.
However, I have known people who bring it on themselves and wonder why their family acts that way.
For example the issue of homeschooling.
About 4 years ago we had several big families in our Church, who were involved in an organization called 'Vision Forum'.
Unfortunately they were very militant on the issue of homeschooling and when others didn't homeschool their children. They became very vocal that anyone who did not homeschool their children was in sin.
Eventually our elders had to become involved and more than 20 people left the Church that were in that organization left the Church.
Understand here; I am not against homeschooling. In fact it is probably the best avenue for teaching children. However, these people were very legalistic in their approach to that topic.
When it comes to Christnas we should act on our convictions, but we must steer clear of legalism.
Tom

Indeed, legalism is antithetical to the gospel. It's love to Christ and our neighbour that makes anyone truly abhor sin, and yet love to self often makes a counterfeit.

Reminds me of something one of the old worthies used to say, "There shall be many an enlightened head at the left hand, but not one broken heart".

Alex