Why Don't We Use the Church Calendar?

Written by John Fesko

Though the ARP Church allows for following the church calendar, to do so is not consistent with the Reformed understanding of worship.  John Fesko, ordained in the OPC, explains why we should refrain from following the church calendar.

"The Church Calendar conflicts with the biblical view of worship and what the Reformed tradition calls the regulative principle.  There is the constant theme in Scripture that God sets the standards for worship, not man (Deut. 12.32; Matt. 15.9; Lev. 10.1-2; 1 Cor. 14.1ff).  For this reason the Westminster divines write that “the acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will” (WCF 21.1b).  God has not instituted the Church Calendar."