“We do not believe that it is putting it too strongly to suggest that Christians come to worship with the same attitude and demeanor they take to a funeral service for a professing Christian.”
Edit: Since this isn’t exactly a matter of Reformed dogma, let me put this more diplomatically. I don’t think this statement is an accurate description of the attitude and demeanor God wants in worship.
I apologize for being a little bit more blunt and edgy on this. But even though I’ve tried to really control my exposure, the tenor of certain communications by certain parties has made the temptation to shoot back rather overpowering (at least temporarily).
The fact is there are almost as many different views of Reformed worship as there are Reformed pastors. I live peaceably with all sorts of positions I disagree with held by brothers in the ministry I respect, so I shouldn’t have reacted any differently above. But I still think it is quite wrong. To get an idea why start here.
Yeah, I’ve read that. I bought that book several years ago.
To me, there’s a big difference between a Lord’s Day service and a funeral. Don’t get me wrong: a funeral should focus on the hope of the resurrection (that’s why we put out the white paraments and put a white pall on the casket), but on the Lord’s Day we aren’t hoping for the resurrection: we are celebrating the accomplished fact of the resurrection! That should make a difference in our attitude and demeanor, I think.
Here is Moses in Deuteronomy with a different view…
Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things, therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and lacking everything. And He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you.
Deut.28:47-48