Regulative Principle

The regulative principle is the understanding of how Christians are to worship God as instructed in the Bible.  Generally speaking, the regulative principle is held by those who are Reformed.  It states that worship of God can only be properly accomplished by what is commanded in Scripture, or by what can be deduced from Scripture and without violation to it.  Therefore, the regulative principle would prohibit using such things as icons and statues in the worship of God since they are forbidden in the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-6).  Historically, some Reformed Churches have not used musical instruments.  Others have stated that dancing is also forbidden.  However, many Reformed Churches have modified their view of the regulative principle to allow musical instruments, and in some cases dancing.

See Normative Principle