Hi
a quote from Heinrich Bullinger, a reformator from Switzerland and one of the “Church Fathers” of the reformed-Evangelicals (Presbyterians) in answer to the question of the OP.
From the
2nd Helvetic Confession:
“**WHAT OUGHT TO BE DONE IN MEETINGS FOR WORSHIP. **
Although it is permitted all men to read the Holy Scriptures privately at home, and by instruction to edify one another in the true religion, yet in order that the Word of God may be properly preached to the people, and prayers and supplication publicly made, also that the sacraments
[edit by Esdra: Baptism and Holy Supper] may be rightly administered, and that collections may be made for the poor and to pay the cost of all the Church’s expenses, and in order to maintain social intercourse, it is most necessary that religious or Church gatherings be held. For it is certain that in the apostolic and primitive Church, there were such assemblies frequented by all the godly.” [CHAPTER XXII -
Of Religious and Ecclesiastical Meetings].
and
“
CEREMONIES AND RITES.
Unto the ancient people were given at one time certain ceremonies, as a kind of instruction for those who were kept under the law, as under a schoolmaster or tutor. But when Christ, the Deliverer, came and the law was abolished, we who believe are no more under the law (Rom. 6:14), and the ceremonies have disappeared; hence the apostles did not want to retain or to restore them in Christ’s Church to such a degree that they openly testified that they did not wish to impose any burden upon the Church. Therefore, we would seem to be bringing in and restoring Judaism if we were to increase ceremonies and rites in Christ’s Church according to the custom in the ancient Church. Hence, we by no means approve of the opinion of those who think that the Church of Christ must be held in check by many different rites, as if by some kind of training. For if the apostles did not want to impose upon Christian people ceremonies or rites which were appointed by God, who, I pray, in his right mind would obtrude upon them the inventions devised by man? The more the mass of rites is increased in the Church, the more is detracted not only from Christian liberty, but also from Christ, and from faith in him, as long as the people seek those things in ceremonies which they should seek in the only Son of God, Jesus Christ, through faith.
Wherefore a few moderate and simple rites, that are not contrary to the Word of God, are sufficient for the godly.”[CHAPTER XXVII Of Rites, Ceremonies and Things Indifferent]
Finally: for the interested the
Heidelberg Catechism.
Esdra
