Scriptural Praise: The Case for Exclusive Psalmody
McGeown defends the regulative principle of worship—the doctrine that only elements explicitly commanded by God in Scripture are permissible in corporate worship—using Old Testament examples and New Testament teaching. He argues that this principle specifically supports exclusive psalmody (singing only the Psalms) and prohibits human compositions or innovations in worship, demonstrating that God's commands regarding worship are comprehensive and must be strictly observed.
Martyn McGeown 1. The “Regulative Principle” of Worship How do we determine what is acceptable in the worship of God? The Bible teaches that God has not left it open to the whim of man how He is to be worshipped. Many people believe that if something is not forbidden, then it is allowed. For example, they would admit that images are wrong but claim that puppet shows are acceptable, since God does not—in so many words—forbid puppet shows, and “Sure, it is nice for the children.” However, the...