Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Worship: Questions and Answers

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the key difference between the early church's worship and modern liturgical services?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the early church's worship as described in Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 14:26 was characterized by simplicity, spontaneity, and the freedom of the Spirit. In contrast, modern liturgical services typically feature standardized prayers, formal rituals, and ceremonial vestments. He points out that the early church practiced a worship where believers participated actively, "pouring out prayers conceived in their breasts" (quoting Tertullian), rather than reciting set prayers or following prescribed liturgical forms that became common only from the fourth century onward.

What historical argument does Dr. Lloyd-Jones make about the origin of liturgical worship in the church?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that liturgical worship with set prayers did not appear in the first three centuries of the church. He explains that it first emerged in the fourth century in Antioch and then spread to other places. The practice was later standardized by the Roman Church, which made everyone offer the same prayers everywhere and in Latin. Lloyd-Jones notes that along with standardized prayers, Rome introduced various vestments borrowed largely from pagan mystery religions. He states that this liturgical approach was completely foreign to the New Testament church and represents a significant departure from apostolic practice.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones interpret the Lord's Prayer in relation to liturgical worship?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones interprets the Lord's Prayer not as a prayer to be mechanically repeated, but as a model or pattern for prayer. He argues that when Jesus said "when ye pray, say," He was teaching the disciples the principles and ordering of prayer - starting with adoration, proceeding to God's kingdom and will, and only then moving to personal petitions. Lloyd-Jones further notes that the context in Matthew 6 suggests Jesus was addressing private rather than public worship. Even if the Lord's Prayer were meant to be recited, Lloyd-Jones argues this would not justify the recitation of prayers composed by mere men, as is done in liturgical services.

What were the two main reasons liturgical worship was introduced according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, liturgical worship was introduced for two main reasons:

1. The ignorance of ministers - many clergy were poorly educated and not capable of offering extemporaneous prayers, so providing set prayers helped them lead worship.

2. The danger of heretical teaching - some ministers were introducing heretical ideas through their prayers, and standardizing prayers was seen as a way to control what was being taught and maintain doctrinal purity.

While acknowledging these were sincere concerns, Lloyd-Jones questions whether the solution of rigid liturgical forms was appropriate or biblical.

What was the difference between Luther and Calvin regarding worship and church governance?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Martin Luther taught that Scripture is an absolute authority on matters of doctrine and salvation, but regarding church government and forms of worship, he believed the New Testament teaching is not binding. Luther thought the church could determine these matters based on human wisdom.

In contrast, John Calvin taught that the Scriptures are binding not only in matters of salvation but also in church government and forms of worship. However, Lloyd-Jones clarifies that, contrary to what many assume, Calvin himself did believe in having a liturgy and set prayers, though he allowed more liberty for extemporaneous prayer than the Roman Catholic Church or the Church of England did.

How did the Puritans differ from the Anglican approach to worship according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the Puritans, particularly what he calls the "radical Puritans," insisted that worship must be governed by New Testament teaching rather than tradition or expediency. While the Anglicans under Thomas Cranmer maintained a modified liturgical approach (removing Roman Catholic errors but keeping the basic form), the Puritans argued for carrying the Reformation through to worship as well as doctrine.

The Westminster Assembly of Divines produced a "Directory of Worship" that gave ministers subjects and general guidelines for prayer without prescribing exact words. The Puritans objected not necessarily to all forms, but to the compulsory nature of the Book of Common Prayer, insisting that ministers should have freedom to offer extemporaneous prayers guided by Scripture rather than being limited to reading set prayers.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggest was Thomas Cranmer's justification for maintaining liturgical worship?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggests that Thomas Cranmer, who composed the Anglican Prayer Book, maintained liturgical worship for two main reasons:

1. To address the ignorance of the clergy, many of whom were formerly Roman Catholic priests who lacked spiritual experience and biblical knowledge.

2. As a transitional measure for people who had known only Roman Catholic worship for 15 centuries. Cranmer believed that if they changed both the doctrine of salvation and the form of worship simultaneously, they might lose everyone. He prioritized getting people to accept justification by faith alone, viewing the form of worship as less important for the moment.

Lloyd-Jones compares this to the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, where temporary concessions were made to ease the transition period between Jewish and Gentile believers. However, he suggests this should have been a temporary measure rather than a permanent practice.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe worship is such an important issue for Christians to consider?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that worship is not merely a matter of personal taste or tradition but a vital issue that Scripture addresses. He argues that if we truly believe the Bible is God's Word, we must be concerned with how we worship. He points to several reasons why this matters:

1. It relates to biblical faithfulness - we should measure ourselves by New Testament standards rather than cutting down Scripture to suit our preferences.

2. It concerns the current church unity movement - he warns that many unity efforts involve episcopal governance and liturgical worship without examining whether these align with Scripture.

3. It addresses the growing trend toward Rome - he notes an increasing tendency toward liturgical services even in Free Churches.

4. It touches on spiritual freedom - formal worship can potentially hinder the freedom of the Spirit that characterized New Testament worship.

Lloyd-Jones concludes that Christians need "solid and scriptural grounds" for their approach to worship, not just reactions based on prejudice or tradition.