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2021-08-15

 
Worship: Evangelical orReformed?
1 崇拜:福音派還是改革宗?
2 敬拜:福音派?还是改革宗?
3“敬拜:‘福音派’与‘改革宗’之间的差异”

作者:W. Robert Godfrey (加州西敏神學院院長,URC牧師)
譯者:1誠之譯版   2维语译/和卫校版 3 Virginia Yip节录译版
原刊於20024月信正長老會(OPC)雜誌New Horizon
https://www.opc.org/nh.html?article_id=193原文
http://www.crtsbooks.net/blog/post/2012/05/17/Worship_Evangelical_or_Reformed.aspx1駱鴻銘譯
https://www.churchchina.org/archives/170306.html2维语译 / 和卫校
https://www.facebook.com/groups/462030323850206/posts/4097072803679255/3 Virginia Yip
https://www.facebook.com/groups/462030323850206聖經神學研究推廣小組
https://yibaniba.blogspot.com/2017/03/worship-evangelical-orreformed-w.html 原中英转载版


摘要:
我們改革宗的人對敬拜的思考,有一個很大的難題,就是在許多地方,我們的敬拜已經不知不覺地遵從福音派的方法。與此同樣重要的,如果我們要欣賞領會我們改革宗在敬拜上的遺產,如果我們要向其他人傳遞它的重要性、特色和能力,我們必須明白我們敬拜獨特的性質。(1誠之譯版)
 
 
One of the challenges of being Reformed in America is to figure out the relationship between what is evangelical and what is Reformed. Protestantism in America is dominated by the mainline Protestants, the evangelicals, and the charismatics. After these dominant groups, other major players would include the confessional Lutherans. But where do the Reformed fit in, particularly in relation to the evangelicals, with whom historically we have been most closely linked?
 
正文:
在美國要作一個改革宗的信徒,其中的一個挑戰是要想清楚福音派和改革宗之間的關係是什麼。在美國,新教主義是由新教的主流,即福音派和靈恩派所主導的。在這些主要的團體之後,其他主要的參與者還包括認信的路德宗。但是要把改革宗放在什麼位置呢?特別是改革宗和福音派的關係,因為從歷史來看,改革宗和福音派的關係是最為緊密的。(1誠之譯版)
 
在美国改革宗信徒所面临的挑战之一是理清福音派改革宗二者之间的关系。美国的基督教新教Protestantism由主流更正教会[2]mainline Protestants、福音派evangelicals以及灵恩派charismatics所主导。在这些主导团体之外,另一个主要派系是认信的路德宗(the confessional Lutherans)。但改革宗应处于什么位置,尤其和历史上联系最为紧密的“福音派”之间的关系是怎样的?2维语译/和卫校版)
 
[的确,福音派与改革宗之间的崇拜聚会,其相似之处多于不同之处。]……改革宗与福音派的崇拜程序几乎完全一致。两者都有唱诗歌、诵读圣经、祷告、讲道、施行洗礼和圣餐礼。但这些相似之处,只不过反映出了双方在外表形式上的相似而已,他们各自对这些敬拜礼仪动作的意义和功能,却有着各自不同的认识、理解。
 
福音派和改革宗在崇拜聚会上所存在的本质上的差异,主要体现在两方面:第一是对“上帝在崇拜聚会中的临在”这个概念的理解;第二是对“领会者的圣职人员的职份”这个概念的理解。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
Some observers argue that the confessional Reformed are a subgroup in the broader evangelical movement. Certainly over the centuries in America, the Reformed have often allied themselves with the evangelicals, have shared much in common with the evangelicals, and have often tried to refrain from criticizing the evangelical movement. But are we Reformed really evangelical?
 
有些觀察者認為認信的路德宗是更廣的福音派運動裡的一個小團體。當然,在美洲過去的幾個世紀以來,改革宗經常和福音派結盟,和福音派也有很多共同之處,也經常試著在批評福音派運動上有所節制。但是,我們改革宗真的是福音派嗎?(1誠之譯版)
 
有人指出“认信的改革宗”(the confessional Reformed)是宽泛的福音运动的分支团体。的确,在美国过去的几个世纪里,改革宗常常与福音派联合,与其有许多的相似性,并时常竭力避免去批判福音派运动。但我们改革宗真是福音派吗?(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
 
One area in which the differences between evangelical and Reformed can be examined is the matter of worship. At first glance, we may see more similarities than differences. The orders of worship in Reformed and evangelical churches can be almost identical. Certainly, both kinds of churches sing songs, read Scripture, pray, preach, and administer baptism and the Lord's Supper. But do these similarities reflect only formal agreement, or do they represent a common understanding of the meaning and function of these liturgical acts in worship?
 
有一個可以檢查出福音派和改革宗之間的差別的領域,就是在崇拜這件事上。粗略地看,我們也許會看到之間的相似性大過其差異性。改革宗和福音派教會在敬拜的次序上幾乎可以是完全相同的。確定的是,兩種教會都會唱詩歌,讀經,禱告,講道,並施行洗禮和聖餐。但是這些相似性反映的只是形式上的一致,還是它們代表著對崇拜中這些禮儀的行動,它們的意義和功用有著共同的理解?(1誠之譯版)
 
有一个领域可以表明福音派和改革宗之间的差异,那就是敬拜事宜。初看之下,我们可能会发现它们的相似多于不同。改革宗教会和福音派教会的敬拜程序几乎完全一致。的确,两种教会都唱诗、读经、祷告、讲道、执行洗礼和圣餐。但这些相似之处只是反映出表面的一致性,还是说它们对敬拜中仪式之意义和功能的理解也是一样?(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
 
If we look closely, I believe that we will see the substantive differences between evangelicals and Reformed on worship. That difference is clear on two central issues: first, the understanding of the presence of God in the service; and second, the understanding of the ministerial office in worship.
 
如果我們仔細查看,我相信我們會明白福音派和改革宗在崇拜的事情上,有著本質上的差別。這種差別顯明在兩件很重要的事情上。首先,對神在崇拜服事上的同在的理解;其次是對崇拜者牧師職分的理解。(1誠之譯版)
 
如果仔细观察,我相信我们会看到福音派和改革宗在敬拜上有着相当本质的不同。这主要体现在两个方面:第一,对敬拜中神同在的理解;第二,对敬拜中牧师职分的理解。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
 
The Presence of God in Worship
 
在崇拜中神的同在(1誠之譯版)
敬拜中神的同在2维语译/和卫校版)
1. 上帝在崇拜聚会中的临在 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
The presence of God in worship may seem a strange issue to raise. Do we not both believe that God is present with his people in worship? Indeed we do! But how is God present, and how is he active in our worship?


把神在崇拜中的同在當作一個問題,似乎是很奇怪的。我們不是都相信神在崇拜中會和祂的百姓同在嗎?當然,我們是這樣相信的!但是,神是如何同在的,以及祂在我們的崇拜中如何是主動的,才是問題的關鍵。(1誠之譯版)
 
提起敬拜中神的同在,可能会被认为这是一个奇怪的论题。难道我们不都相信在敬拜中神与他的子民同在吗?当然相信!但是神“如何”同在?他“如何”在我们的敬拜中行动?(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
若问上帝在敬拜中有没有与我们同在,这似乎是一个让人纳闷的问题。福音派也好,改革宗也好,都是相信上帝在敬拜中与祂的子民同在的。但区别在于,上帝是“怎么”与人同在的,以及祂是“怎么主动地”介入人的敬拜活动的。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
It seems to me that for evangelicalism, God is present in worship basically to listen. He is not far away; rather, he is intimately and lovingly present to observe and hear the worship of his people. He listens to their praise and their prayers. He sees their obedient observance of the sacraments. He hears their testimonies and sharing. He attends to the teaching of his Word, listening to be sure that the teaching is faithful and accurate.
 
我認為,對福音派來說,神在崇拜中的同在基本上只是安靜地聆聽。祂離我們不遠,而是很親密地、滿懷愛心地同在,來觀察並聆聽祂百姓的敬拜。祂傾聽他們的讚美和他們的禱告。祂看到他們順服地遵行聖禮。祂聽見他們的見證和分享。祂留心聽他們教導祂的話,好確定這個教導是忠心的、也是正確的。(1誠之譯版)
 
在我看来,对于福音派来说,神在敬拜中的同在等同于“神在倾听”。他就在不远处;更确切说,他是亲密和满有爱意地与他的子民在一起,察看并倾听他们的敬拜;他聆听他们的赞美和祷告;他观看他们忠实地履行圣餐仪式;他倾听他们的见证和分享;当他的话语被教导时,他也参与其中,并聆听这些教导,确保其忠实和准确。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
对福音派而言,他们对上帝在敬拜中的临在这个概念的理解,基本上就是“上帝在聆听”我们人对祂的敬拜赞美。祂不是站在距离我们很远地方看我们怎么敬拜祂,而是亲密、充满爱意地临在在祂的子民当中,察看、聆听他们的敬拜。祂倾听他们的赞美、他们的祷告、祂观看他们如何忠实地施行圣礼、祂留心听他们的见证和分享、当祂的话语传讲出来时,祂会专注留意细听,看看讲道者有没有忠实、准确地把祂的话语讲解清楚。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
The effect of this sense of evangelical worship is that the stress is on the horizontal dimension of worship. The sense of warm, personal fellowship, and participation among believers at worship is crucial. Anything that increases a sense of involvement, especially on the level of emotions, is likely to be approved. The service must be inspiring and reviving, and then God will observe and be pleased.
 
福音派崇拜的這種見解,其結果是強調敬拜的水平層面,信徒參與在崇拜中,享受一種溫暖的、個人性的團契是最關鍵的。任何可以增進參與感的事——特別在感情的層面,會很容易得到贊同。敬拜服事必須能鼓舞人、振奮人心,然後神才會關注並得著喜悅。(1誠之譯版)
 
福音派这种敬拜方式强调了“水平”层面的敬拜。温暖的氛围、团契相交,以及信徒的参与是敬拜中最重要的。任何能够提高这种参与感的,尤其是情感层面的,都很可能被准许。这种敬拜服事必须能够鼓舞人,使人兴奋,这样神才会察看并悦纳。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
福音派对崇拜的这种认识,其结果就是,人们在崇拜聚会中把注重点放在一个“横向”的关系上。因此,对他们来说,温馨的感觉、与主个人的相交、如何让会众每个人都能参与到崇拜过程中等,这些都被视为是崇拜聚会的关键要素。任何有助提高这种参与感的建议,尤其是情感层面的参与感,都是很可能被教会批准接纳的。崇拜聚会一定要能够感动人、奋兴人,这样的聚会上帝才乐意观看并且悦纳(3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
The Reformed faith has a fundamentally different understanding of the presence of God. God is indeed present to hear. He listens to the praise and prayers of his people. But he is also present to speak. God is not only present as an observer; he is an active participant. He speaks in the Word and in the sacraments. As Reformed Christians, we do not believe that he speaks directly and immediately to us in the church. God uses means to speak. But he speaks truly and really to us through the means that he has appointed for his church. In the ministry of the Word—as it is properly preached and ministered in salutation and benediction—it is truly God who speaks. As the Second Helvetic Confession rightly says, "The preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God."
 
改革宗信仰對神在崇拜中的同在有著本質上不同的理解。上帝的確在場聆聽。祂傾聽百姓的讚美和禱告。但是祂也在場說話。上帝不只是作為一個觀眾在場;祂更是積極的參與者。祂在聖道中說話,也在聖禮中說話。作為改革宗的基督徒,我們不只是相信祂在教會中直接、立即地對我們說話。神也使用一些管道(或途徑)說話,但是祂是透過祂為教會所指定的管道來說話。在聖道的職事中——也就是神的話得到正當的宣講,在致敬和祝福中得到適當的執行——是神真的在說話。正如瑞士第二信條(譯按:布靈格在1560年代所寫)所說的:“宣講神的話就是神的話本身。”(The preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God.1誠之譯版)
 
改革宗信仰对于神同在的理解有着本质上的不同。的确,神同在是为倾听,他聆听他子民的赞美和祷告,但他同在也为了表达。神不仅是作为观察者同在,他更是一个积极的参与者。他透过经文和圣礼向我们说话。作为改革宗基督徒,我们不相信神在教会中会直接和即时地向我们说话;神是透过一些途径说话,用他向教会所指定的方式,真切地向我们说话。在传道事工里——当神的话被正确地传讲,并被妥善地使用在问安和祈祷祝福中时——这便是神在真正地说话。正如《第二瑞士信条》(the Second Helvetic Confession)所强调的:“被传讲出来的道才是神的话。” 2维语译/和卫校版)
 
对改革宗而言,他们对“上帝在崇拜聚会中的临在”的理解则有着本质上的不同。上帝临在,聆听人对祂的敬拜――聆听祂子民的赞美和祷告――这个没错。然而,祂并非仅仅以一个观众的形式临在,祂临在在祂的子民当中,更是为要向他们说话。换言之,在崇拜聚会中,上帝乃是一个积极的参与者,祂藉着圣道对我们说话、也藉着圣礼向我们说话。当然,改革宗的信徒并不相信上帝会在聚会中直接地、即时地向人我们说话(译注:不同于灵恩派的教会),改革宗的信徒相信的是上帝是透过渠道来向人说话的,即祂是透过祂自己为教会所指定的恩具(译注:即圣言的宣读、圣道的宣讲、圣礼的施行、祷告等)实实在在地、真真确确地向我们人说话。 例如:论到圣言这一恩具——无论是在证道时,还是在问安、宣召或最后祝福时,只要这些环节都是按照合乎圣经的方式被施行出来的——那就是上帝自己实实在在在向会众说话了,正如《第二瑞士信条》(The Second Helvetic Confession)所贴切总结的那样:“被传讲出来的话语就是上帝的话语。”此外,上帝也在圣礼中积极地临在,向我们说话。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
God is also actively present and speaking in the sacraments, according to the Reformed understanding. The sacraments are much more about him than about us. He speaks through them the reality of the presence of Jesus to bless his people as he confirms his gospel truth and promises through them.
 
根據改革宗的理解,上帝在聖禮中也是主動同在、主動說話的。聖禮更多是關乎祂,更甚於關乎我們。祂透過聖禮說話,把耶穌同在要賜福給祂的百姓的真相傳達出來。透過聖禮,神確認基督的福音真理和應許。(1誠之譯版)
 
按照改革宗的理解,神在圣礼中也积极同在,并向我们说话。圣礼更多是关于神自己,而不是我们。透过圣礼,神向我们传达耶稣同在的事实,赐福他的子民,同时也藉着圣礼证实他福音的真理和应许。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
根据改革宗的信仰,圣礼乃是一件关乎上帝自己的事过于关乎我们的事。上帝透过圣礼向我们传达耶稣与我们同在这一事实,以此来祝福他们,正如祂藉着圣礼向人印证祂的福音真理和福音应许是多么地真实一样。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
The effect of this understanding of Reformed worship is that the stress is on the vertical dimension of worship. The horizontal dimension is not absent, but the focus is not on warm feelings and sharing. Rather, it is on the community as a unit meeting their God. Our primary fellowship with one another is in the unified activities of speaking to God in song and prayer and of listening together as God speaks to us. The vertical orientation of our worship service insures that God is the focus of our worship. The first importance of any act of worship is not its value for the inspiration of the people, but its faithfulness to God's revelation of his will for worship. We must meet with God only in ways that please him. The awe and joy that is ours in coming into the presence of the living God to hear him speak is what shapes and energizes our worship service.
 
改革宗對敬拜的這種理解,其果效是強調敬拜的垂直層面。水平的層面不是沒有,但是焦點不是溫暖的感覺和分享,而是聖約群體作為一個統一體,面見他們的上帝。我們與肢體彼此的相交是在這種合一的活動中,即共同在詩歌和禱告中,向神說話;在神向我們說話時,一起聆聽。我們敬拜服事的這種垂直層面,會保證上帝是我們崇拜的焦點。任何崇拜的行動,其首要的重點不是激勵鼓舞百姓,而是是否忠於神對崇拜所啟示的旨意。我們必須按照討上帝喜悅的方式來面見上帝。我們進到上帝的同在中,聆聽祂說話而產生敬畏和喜悅,才是塑造我們崇拜服事的外型,以及賦予我們崇拜活力的動力。(1誠之譯版)
 
改革宗对敬拜的此种理解强调的是敬拜的“垂直”层面。这并不是意味着水平层面的缺乏,而是敬拜的焦点没有放在温暖的感觉和分享上。更确切地说,敬拜应该是会众作为整体来朝见神。我们与他人最主要的团契是同作一个肢体,向神唱诗、祷告,并彼此倾听,而与此同时,神也一直对我们说话。我们敬拜服事的垂直层面确保了神才是我们敬拜的焦点。对于任何一种敬拜行为,首要的都不是关注人的灵感,而是要忠实于神对于敬拜所启示的他的旨意。我们必须以神喜悦的方式与他相遇。当我们来到永生神的面前,聆听他的话语并发出由衷的敬畏和喜乐时,这才会塑造并激励我们的敬拜服事。2维语译/和卫校版)
 
改革宗对崇拜的这种认识,其结果就是,人们在崇拜聚会中把注重点放在一个“纵向”的关系上。不是说横向的关系不见了、被取消了,而是说他们的焦点不是放在会众个人的温馨感受和分享上,而是放在会众作为一个整体来朝见上帝这件事上。会众彼此间的相交活动,主要体现在他们共同参与在一环一环合一的崇拜动作中,即集体性的唱诗、祷告、一同领受、聆听上帝对我们说话等这些事上。这种对纵向层面的敬拜关注,确保了上帝才是我们敬拜的焦点。任何一种敬拜,其最重要的都不是这个敬拜活动能对人带来什么启发、感动,而是它有没有忠实于上帝所启示给人、教人理当如何敬拜祂的旨意。我们人只能单单按照上帝所喜悦的方式来朝见祂。我们的崇拜聚会怎么才能充满活力和激情呢?唯有当我们人是带着对上帝由衷的敬畏和喜乐来到永生神的面前、切切想听到祂要对我们说什么时,方有可能。这才是塑造教会崇拜聚会的因和动力。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
The Ministerial Office in Worship
 
崇拜中的牧者職分(1誠之譯版)
敬拜中的牧师职能2维语译/和卫校版)
. 领会者的圣职人员的职份 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
The difference between the Reformed faith and evangelicalism on the presence of God in worship is closely tied to their differences on the ministerial office in worship. For evangelicalism, the ministers seem to be seen as talented and educated members of the congregation, called by God to leadership in planning and teaching. The ministers use their talents to facilitate the worship of the congregation and instruct the people. The ministers are not seen as speaking distinctively for God or having a special authority from God. Rather, their authority resides only in the reliability of their teaching, which would be true for any member of the congregation.
 
改革宗信仰和福音派信仰對神在崇拜中的服事的差別,與他們對牧者在崇拜中職分的看法差別有緊密的關聯。對福音派來說,牧者(或敬拜的帶領者)似乎被視為是會眾中最具天分和最有知識的會友,神呼召他做領袖來計劃和教導。牧者們用他們的天賦來促進會眾的敬拜,並教導百姓。他們不認為牧者是特別代表神來說話,或具備來自神的特殊權柄。反而,他們的權柄只在於他們教導的可靠性,對所有的會眾來說,都同樣適用。(1誠之譯版)
 
改革宗和福音派对敬拜中“神同在”的不同理解也体现在他们对敬拜中牧师职能理解的不同。对于福音派来说,牧师们是会众里有才能且受过教育的成员,被神呼召来管理教会的治理和教导。牧师们用他们的才能来促进会众的敬拜,并教导神的子民。牧师们未被看作是特别代表会众向神说话的人,也没有从神而来的特殊权柄。更确切地说,他们的权柄只源自他们教导的可靠性,而会众中只要有人能忠实地教导神的话,他也可成为牧师。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
改革宗与福音派对崇拜聚会中上帝的临在的不同理解,也体现在他们对领会者圣职职份的理解上的不同。对于福音派来说,教会的圣职人员似乎就只是一些教会中较有才干、受过教育的会友,他们蒙上帝呼召出来在治理和教导等事工上带领教会。在崇拜中,这些带领人只是运用他们的才干来协助、促进会众敬拜上帝,并讲道教导他们。一般会众或领会者本身并不觉得他们是特别代表上帝向会众说话的,也不拥有什么从上帝而来的特殊权柄。反之,他们的权柄只彰显在他们教导的可靠性上,而这种权柄,会众中任何一个有能力忠实教导上帝话语的人都能有。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
The effect of this evangelical view of office is to create a very democratic character to worship, in which the participation of many members of the congregation in leading the service is a good thing. The more who can share, the better. The many gifts that God has given to members of the congregation should be used for mutual edification. Again, the horizontal dimension of worship has prevailed.
 
福音派這種對教會職份的觀點,其果效是創造了一種非常民主的敬拜風格,會眾中有許多人參與帶領敬拜的當中,是一件好事。越多人可以分享就越好。上帝賜給會眾的眾多恩賜,應該用在彼此的建造上。再次。這種敬拜強調的重點是水平的層面。(1誠之譯版)
 
福音派对牧师职能的这种看法给敬拜带来了一种民主的特征,会众中许多成员参与带领敬拜是一件好事。参与的人越多越好。神赐予会众的恩赐应该被用来彼此造就。这里同样的,水平层面的敬拜是主导。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
福音派对圣职的这种看法所导致的结果,就是为崇拜聚会创造出了一种民主特征,而在这个民主氛围下,越多会众能够参与在崇拜活动中越好,越多人有分享越好。上帝赐给众人的恩赐总得用出使大家彼此的造就嘛。我再说,这是一种以“横向”关系为主导的敬拜观。(3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
The Reformed view of ministerial office is quite different. The minister is called by God through the congregation to lead worship by the authority of his office. He is examined and set apart to represent the congregation before God and to represent God before the congregation. In the great dialogue of worship, he speaks the Word of God to the people and he speaks the words of the people to God, except in those instances when the congregation as a whole raises its voice in unison to God.
 
改革宗對牧者職位的看法是相當不同的。神透過會眾來呼召牧者,讓他們透過這個職分的權柄來帶領敬拜。他要受檢驗並被分別為聖,在神面前代表會眾。在崇拜的偉大對話中,他向百姓說出神的話,也向神說出百姓的話——除了在一些例子上,會眾要作為一個整體,一起揚聲頌讚上帝之時。(1誠之譯版)
 
改革宗对于牧师职能的观点则大不相同。神从会众中呼召牧师,赐给他职分的权柄来带领敬拜。他受过审查、也被区别开来,在神面前代表会众,也在会众面前代表神。在敬拜的伟大对话中,他向会众传递神的话,也将会众的话带到神面前,除了作为一个整体会众一齐向神告白的时候。我们改革宗信徒不遵从水平的敬拜安排不是因为我们反对民主,或我们相信牧师是会众里唯一有恩赐的成员。我们遵循这种模式,因为我们相信这是符合圣经的,并且是神所设定的敬拜模式。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
改革宗对领会者的圣职职份的看法则大不相同。圣职人员乃是被上帝从整个教会中呼召出来的,他们是带着他们圣职职份中的权柄来带领敬拜的。他在出任这个职份前,是需要接受过审核、特别分别出来的,祂在崇拜聚会中担当的角色乃是:在上帝面前代表会众、在会众面前代表上帝。崇拜聚会活动乃是一个伟大的神、人对话,在这个对话活动中,他向会众传讲上帝的话语,又把会众的要对上帝说的话带到祂面前(除了崇拜环境中的那些整体会众一齐向上帝发声的环节外)。改革宗崇拜聚会有这样的安排,不是因为因为他们反对民主,或者他们之相信全教会只有牧师一人才是有恩赐的。他们遵循这个模式因为他们相信这是符合圣经的,且正正就是上帝所设定的敬拜模式。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
We who are Reformed do not embrace this arrangement because we are antidemocratic or because we believe that the minister is the only gifted member of the congregation. We follow this pattern because we believe that it is biblical and the divinely appointed pattern of worship.

我們這些改革宗的人,不是因為我們反對民主制度,或是因為我們相信牧者是會眾中唯一具有天賦的會員才喜歡這種安排。我們之所以遵循這種模式,是因為我們相信這是合乎聖經的,也是神所指定的敬拜模式。(1誠之譯版)
 
改革宗对于牧师职能的观点则大不相同。神从会众中呼召牧师,赐给他职分的权柄来带领敬拜。他受过审查、也被区别开来,在神面前代表会众,也在会众面前代表神。在敬拜的伟大对话中,他向会众传递神的话,也将会众的话带到神面前,除了作为一个整体会众一齐向神告白的时候。我们改革宗信徒不遵从水平的敬拜安排不是因为我们反对民主,或我们相信牧师是会众里唯一有恩赐的成员。我们遵循这种模式,因为我们相信这是符合圣经的,并且是神所设定的敬拜模式。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
改革宗对领会者的圣职职份的看法则大不相同。圣职人员乃是被上帝从整个教会中呼召出来的,他们是带着他们圣职职份中的权柄来带领敬拜的。他在出任这个职份前,是需要接受过审核、特别分别出来的,祂在崇拜聚会中担当的角色乃是:在上帝面前代表会众、在会众面前代表上帝。崇拜聚会活动乃是一个伟大的神、人对话,在这个对话活动中,他向会众传讲上帝的话语,又把会众的要对上帝说的话带到祂面前(除了崇拜环境中的那些整体会众一齐向上帝发声的环节外)。改革宗崇拜聚会有这样的安排,不是因为因为他们反对民主,或者他们之相信全教会只有牧师一人才是有恩赐的。他们遵循这个模式因为他们相信这是符合圣经的,且正正就是上帝所设定的敬拜模式。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
The effect of this view of office is to reinforce the sense of meeting with God in a reverent and official way. It also insures that those who lead public worship have been called and authorized for that work by God. The Reformed are rightly suspicious of untrained and unauthorized members of the congregation giving longer or shorter messages to the congregation. In worship we gather to hear God, not the opinions of members. The vertical dimension of worship remains central.
 
這種對職分的觀點,會增強以敬畏和正式的方式來面見上帝的觀念。它也保證那些帶領公眾崇拜的人是神所呼召的,神賦予他們權柄來執行這項工作。讓會眾中未經訓練和未獲授權的會員,對會眾給予稍長或稍短的信息,改革宗很正確地懷疑這種做法。在崇拜中,我們是聚集在一起聆聽神說話,而不是聆聽會友的意見。崇拜的垂直層面仍然是最重要的。  1誠之譯版)
 
对牧师职分的这种观点加强了与神交通的敬畏感和正式感。它也确保了那些在公开场合带领敬拜的人是由神呼召并赐予权柄从事此项事工的。改革宗正当地怀疑那些未经门训或授权的成员在会众面前给出或长或短的讲道信息。在敬拜中,我们聚集是来聆听神的话语,而不是会员们的观点。垂直层面的敬拜依然处于核心地位。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
改革宗对圣职的这种看法所导致的结果,就是透过一种庄严肃穆、正式规矩的方式加强了人与上帝相会的感觉。它也确保了那些带领公共崇拜聚会的人,确实是蒙上帝呼召且被上帝赋予权柄从事这项工作的。改革宗一般对未有经过训练、未经授权的会友随便站讲台的是都会持怀疑、谨慎的态度,这不是没有道理的。我们聚集敬拜,乃是来聆听上帝话语的,不是来听会众的各人领受或见解的。所以,大家可以看到,此乃一个以“纵向”为主导的敬拜观。 3 Virginia Yip节录译版)
 
 
Conclusion
總結
 
The contrast that I have drawn between evangelical and Reformed worship no doubt ought to be nuanced in many ways. I have certainly tried to make my points by painting with a very broad brush. Yet the basic analysis, I believe, is correct.
 
我對福音派和改革宗的敬拜所作的比較,無疑地在許多方面需要加以微調。我是用非常粗略的筆觸試圖說明我的論點。不過我相信基本的分析是正確的。(1誠之譯版)
 
毫无疑问,我所列出的福音派和改革宗看待敬拜的区别还可以在许多细微层面加以展开。我在此描绘的只是宏观一笔。然而,我相信这些基本的分析是准确的。2维语译/和卫校版)
 
 
One great difficulty that we Reformed folk have in thinking about worship is that our worship in many places has unwittingly been accommodated to evangelical ways. If we are to appreciate our Reformed heritage in worship and, equally importantly, if we are to communicate its importance, character, and power to others, we must understand the distinctive character of our worship.
 
我們改革宗的人對敬拜的思考,有一個很大的難題,就是在許多地方,我們的敬拜已經不知不覺地遵從福音派的方法。與此同樣重要的,如果我們要欣賞領會我們改革宗在敬拜上的遺產,如果我們要向其他人傳遞它的重要性、特色和能力,我們必須明白我們敬拜獨特的性質。(1誠之譯版)
 
我们改革宗信徒面对的最大难题是,我们的敬拜方式在很多方面已经毫无察觉地被福音派同化了。如果我们要珍视我们改革宗在敬拜方面的遗产,如果我们要向他人传达它的重要、特点及大能(这一点也同样重要),我们必须了解我们敬拜的独特之处。2维语译/和卫校版)
 
 
Our purpose in making this contrast so pointed is not to demean evangelicals. They are indeed our brethren and our friends. But we do have real differences with them. If Reformed worship is not to become as extinct as the dinosaurs, we as Reformed people must come to a clear understanding of it and an eager commitment to it. In order to do that, we must see not just formal similarities, but more importantly the profound theological differences that distinguish evangelical worship from Reformed worship.
 
做出這種區分的目的不是為了要貶低福音派。他們的確是我們的弟兄和朋友。但是我們的確與他們有一些真實的差別。如果要讓改革宗的敬拜不會像恐龍一樣滅絕,我們作為改革宗的人必須對它有一個清楚的了解,以及熱切的委身。為了達成這點,我們必須不只是看到表面的相似性,而是更重要地要看到深層的神學差異,這是福音派的崇拜和改革宗的崇拜不同之處。(1誠之譯版)
 
我们做此明确区分的目的并不是要贬低福音派。他们实际上是我们的弟兄和朋友。但是我们与他们之间确实有许多不同。如果改革宗敬拜不至于像恐龙一样灭绝,我们改革宗信徒必须清楚了解改革宗敬拜,并迫切地忠实于它。为此,我们必须不仅要看到改革宗和福音派在敬拜上的表面相似,更重要的是两者的区别背后的重大神学差异。(2维语译/和卫校版)
 
 
Dr. Robert Godfrey is president of Westminster Theological Seminary in California and a minister in the United Reformed Churches. This article is reprinted, with permission, from New Horizons, April 2002

Virginia Yip译版 叶老师为她的敬拜课程特别预备,仅为原文之全部内容的节录(省去了原文的“引言”和“总结”部分),是在《教会杂志》维语为的中文译文之上做出的修改或重译,为方便教学,中文题目也稍作了改动。
https://www.facebook.com/groups/462030323850206/posts/4097072803679255/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/462030323850206聖經神學研究推廣小組
 


2018-04-22


福音派的五個標志5 MARKS OF AN EVANGELICAL

作者: Silverio Gonzalez  譯者:  Maria Marta

1.唯獨聖經
我們從聖經學習如何與上帝建立得救的關系。我們信仰與實踐的權威唯獨在聖經裡找到。教會的權威僅限於聖經所教導的內容,教會的權威必須受到聖經的其他經文和明白的理由檢驗。

2.唯獨恩典
救恩自始至終是上帝恩典的工作。人類只能為這種關系帶來抵抗和罪惡。上帝藉著祂的聖言將信心運行在我們身上,使我們願意和能夠愛祂。

3.唯獨信心
我們藉著信靠上帝在耶穌基督裏賜下的應許領受救恩。當上帝拯救我們脫離罪惡、死亡、地獄的時候,祂不考慮我們的行為或功德。

4.唯獨基督
基督是天父與我們中間的唯一中保。唯獨基督的工作配得救恩。

5. 唯獨上帝得榮耀
我們無權自誇我們的行為或品格。我們擁有的一切都是上帝恩典的恩賜。我們無權要求任何榮耀,或認為我們的行為能添加上帝的榮耀。

5 MARKS OF AN EVANGELICAL
Silverio Gonzalez

1. Scripture Alone
In Scripture we learn how to have a saving relationship with God. Our authority for faith and practice is found only in the Bible. The church’s authority is limited to what Scripture teaches, which is to be tested by other passages in the Bible and plain reason.

2. Grace Alone
From beginning to end, salvation is a work of God’s grace. The only thing humans bring to the relationship is resistance and sin. God works faith into us by his Word and makes us willing and able to love him.

3. Faith Alone
Salvation is received by trusting in God’s promise given in Jesus Christ. God takes no consideration of our works or merits when saving us from sin, death, and hell.

4. Christ Alone
Christ is the one mediator between the Father and us. The work of Christ alone merits salvation.

5. God’s Glory Alone
We have no right to boast either in our works or character. All that we have is a gift of God’s grace. We have no right to claim any glory or think that our works add to God’s glory.



2017-07-18

作者: Lee Irons  翻译骆鸿铭

节译如下:

It’s good to see that there are still some Reformed people these days who embrace the label “evangelical” (see the posts by Stephen Nichols and Sean Lucas on the Ref21 site). I don’t sympathize with the Reformed trend that utterly scorns and detests the label. I have no desire to set myself apart as a Reformed Confessionalist who has nothing in common with evangelicalism. This separatist attitude is wrong for several reasons:最近很高兴看到一些改革宗人士仍然拥抱“福音派”这个标签(见上面两位作者的链接)。我并不赞同改革宗人士的一个走向,即彻底谴责并厌恶这个标签。我无意把自己分别成一个“改革宗信条主义者”,认为自己与福音派没有半点交集。 基于下面几点原因,我认为这个分离主义的态度是错的:

(1) It smacks of spiritual pride and elitism. I consider myself to be a Christian first, then a Protestant, then an evangelical, and only then Reformed. To exalt ”Reformed” über alles is to downplay our central identity as Christians. To exalt the Reformed confessions is to downplay the primary New Testament confession that “Jesus is Lord.” I’m not a Reformed person who happens to be a Christian. I’m a blood-bought Christian who happens to believe in the Reformed understanding of the gospel. And I do not view myself as a superior Christian for having this belief. It is only by the grace of God that I understand what I do of the grace of God, and even then I betray it all too often in my practice.(1) 它有点属灵骄傲与菁英的味道。我首先认为自己是个基督徒,然后是一个新教徒,然后是福音派,最后才是改革宗。高举“改革宗”在其它之上,是贬低了我们作为基督徒最基本的身份。高举改革宗信条也贬低了最基本的新约认信:“耶稣是主”。我不是恰巧是基督徒的改革宗人士。我是基督宝血所买赎的基督徒,刚巧相信改革宗对福音的理解。我不认为自己因有这个信仰,就比其他基督徒更优越。唯独靠着神的恩典,我才会明白我是怎么对待神的恩典的,即便如此,我也在我的实践中经常背叛这个恩典。

(2) The current disdain for “evangelicalism” in Reformed circles is also wrong because it places the accent on the distinctives of Reformed theology and practice instead of on what we have in common with evangelicalism. But what we have in common with evangelicals (being Christ-centered, cross-centered, and gospel-centered) is far, far more important than our distinctives (our Calvinistic soteriology, our covenant theology, our view of the church and the means of grace, etc.). The distinctives of Reformed theology and practice are useful only to the degree that they undergird and clarify the gospel, the evangel.
(2) 目前在改革宗圈子内对“福音派”的轻蔑态度也是错误的,因为它刻意强调改革宗神学与实践的独特之处,而不是强调我们与福音派的共同点。而我们与福音派的共同点(都是以基督为中心,以十字架为中心,以福音为中心),要远远比我们的特点(我们的加尔文式的救恩论,我们的圣约神学,我们对教会与恩典的管道的看法,等等)重要得多。 改革宗神学与实践的特点是很有用的,但也只在一个程度上,即加强并澄清福音与福音的要点上。

(3) Being “Reformed” but not “evangelical” undercuts the importance of seeking fellowship, unity, and love with all Christians who confess the historic ecumenical creeds (Nicea and Chalcedon) and the basics of the gospel (justification by faith alone, substitutionary atonement), regardless of our differences over secondary matters. The apostle John is fairly clear in his epistles that if you claim to know God but do not love the brethren, then your claim is proven to be empty. Confession of Christ as the Son of God and love for the brethren go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other.(3)只承认自己是“改革宗”,而不承认自己是“福音派”,破坏了寻求与所有承认历史上大公信经(尼西亚与迦克顿)的基督徒一起团契、合一与相爱的重要性,以及福音的基本要点(唯独因信称义,代替性的赎罪),即便我们在一些次要的事上有着差异。使徒约翰在他的书信中说得相当清楚,如果你宣称自己认识神,但却不爱弟兄,那么,你的宣称便是空洞的。认信基督是神的儿子与爱弟兄,是密不可分的,你不能只有一项,却没有另外一项。

None of this means that we cannot be critical of the excesses and problems that we see in evangelicalism. Yes, there are many who claim the name “evangelical” who are false teachers and wolves in sheep’s clothing (I’m thinking particularly of the prosperity gospel and some of the more radical emergent types). But the same is true of many who claim the name “Reformed.” A search on the keyword “Reformed” on the PC(USA) website turns up 3860 results (compared with 552 results on the OPC site). Consider also the very existence of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches. If you think the term “evangelical” has been distorted beyond recognition so that you no longer want to use that label, then to be consistent, you shouldn’t call yourself “Reformed” either. Instead of being too proud to call ourselves evangelical, we should join with those who strive to uphold the historic meaning of the term. 这些并不表示我们就不能对福音派运动中过头的现象与问题,持一个批判的立场。是的,的确有些人自我宣称是“福音派”,却是假教师,是披着羊皮的狼(特别是一些宣扬成功福音的,以及一些极端的新兴教会的类型)。但是,同样的标准也适用于那些自称是“改革宗”的人。如果你用“改革宗”(reformed)作为钥字,搜索美国长老会(PCUSA。译注1)的网站,会得到3860个索引(相较之下,OPC,美国正统长老会,只有552个会员)。也可以考虑世界改革宗教会联盟(World Alliance of Reformed Churches, http://warc.jalb.de/)之存在的事实。如果我们认为“福音派”这个词已经被扭曲了,我们不再能以这个名词来认识什么是福音派,以至于你不再想用这个标签(译注2),那么,为了有一致的立场,你也不应该称自己是“改革宗”。我们不是因为过于自豪而称自己是“福音派”,而是我们应该与那些努力维护这些名称之历史意义的人,联合在一起。


2017-03-17


摘要:

我們改革宗的人對敬拜的思考,有一個很大的難題,就是在許多地方,我們的敬拜已經不知不覺地遵從福音派的方法。與此同樣重要的,如果我們要欣賞領會我們改革宗在敬拜上的遺產,如果我們要向其他人傳遞它的重要性、特色和能力,我們必須明白我們敬拜獨特的性質。One of the challenges of being Reformed in America is to figure out the relationship between what is evangelical and what is Reformed. Protestantism in America is dominated by the mainline Protestants, the evangelicals, and the charismatics. After these dominant groups, other major players would include the confessional Lutherans. But where do the Reformed fit in, particularly in relation to the evangelicals, with whom historically we have been most closely linked?

正文:

在美國要作一個改革宗的信徒,其中的一個挑戰是要想清楚福音派和改革宗之間的關係是什麼。在美國,新教主義是由新教的主流,即福音派和靈恩派所主導的。在這些主要的團體之後,其他主要的參與者還包括認信的路德宗。Some observers argue that the confessional Reformed are a subgroup in the broader evangelical movement. Certainly over the centuries in America, the Reformed have often allied themselves with the evangelicals, have shared much in common with the evangelicals, and have often tried to refrain from criticizing the evangelical movement. But are we Reformed really evangelical?

但是要把改革宗放在什麼位置呢?特別是改革宗和福音派的關係,因為從歷史來看,改革宗和福音派的關係是最為緊密的。One area in which the differences between evangelical and Reformed can be examined is the matter of worship. At first glance, we may see more similarities than differences. The orders of worship in Reformed and evangelical churches can be almost identical. Certainly, both kinds of churches sing songs, read Scripture, pray, preach, and administer baptism and the Lord's Supper. But do these similarities reflect only formal agreement, or do they represent a common understanding of the meaning and function of these liturgical acts in worship?

有些觀察者認為認信的路德宗是更廣的福音派運動裡的一個小團體。當然,在美洲過去的幾個世紀以來,改革宗經常和福音派結盟,和福音派也有很多共同之處,也經常試著在批評福音派運動上有所節制。Some observers argue that the confessional Reformed are a subgroup in the broader evangelical movement. Certainly over the centuries in America, the Reformed have often allied themselves with the evangelicals, have shared much in common with the evangelicals, and have often tried to refrain from criticizing the evangelical movement.

但是,我們改革宗真的是福音派嗎?But are we Reformed really evangelical?

有一個可以檢查出福音派和改革宗之間的差別的領域,就是在崇拜這件事上。粗略地看,我們也許會看到之間的相似性大過其差異性。改革宗和福音派教會在敬拜的次序上幾乎可以是完全相同的。確定的是,兩種教會都會唱詩歌,讀經,禱告,講道,並施行洗禮和聖餐。但是這些相似性反映的只是形式上的一致,還是它們代表著對崇拜中這些禮儀的行動,它們的意義和功用有著共同的理解?One area in which the differences between evangelical and Reformed can be examined is the matter of worship. At first glance, we may see more similarities than differences. The orders of worship in Reformed and evangelical churches can be almost identical. Certainly, both kinds of churches sing songs, read Scripture, pray, preach, and administer baptism and the Lord's Supper. But do these similarities reflect only formal agreement, or do they represent a common understanding of the meaning and function of these liturgical acts in worship?

如果我們仔細查看,我相信我們會明白福音派和改革宗在崇拜的事情上,有著本質上的差別。這種差別顯明在兩件很重要的事情上。首先,對神在崇拜服事上的同在的理解;其次是對崇拜者牧師職分的理解。  If we look closely, I believe that we will see the substantive differences between evangelicals and Reformed on worship. That difference is clear on two central issues: first, the understanding of the presence of God in the service; and second, the understanding of the ministerial office in worship.

在崇拜中神的同在The Presence of God in Worship

把神在崇拜中的同在當作一個問題,似乎是很奇怪的。我們不是都相信神在崇拜中會和祂的百姓同在嗎?當然,我們是這樣相信的!但是,神是如何同在的,以及祂在我們的崇拜中如何是主動的,才是問題的關鍵。The presence of God in worship may seem a strange issue to raise. Do we not both believe that God is present with his people in worship? Indeed we do! But how is God present, and how is he active in our worship?

我認為,對福音派來說,神在崇拜中的同在基本上只是安靜地聆聽。祂離我們不遠,而是很親密地、滿懷愛心地同在,來觀察並聆聽祂百姓的敬拜。祂傾聽他們的讚美和他們的禱告。祂看到他們順服地遵行聖禮。祂聽見他們的見證和分享。祂留心聽他們教導祂的話,好確定這個教導是忠心的、也是正確的。It seems to me that for evangelicalism, God is present in worship basically to listen. He is not far away; rather, he is intimately and lovingly present to observe and hear the worship of his people. He listens to their praise and their prayers. He sees their obedient observance of the sacraments. He hears their testimonies and sharing. He attends to the teaching of his Word, listening to be sure that the teaching is faithful and accurate.

福音派崇拜的這種見解,其結果是強調敬拜的水平層面,信徒參與在崇拜中,享受一種溫暖的、個人性的團契是最關鍵的。任何可以增進參與感的事——特別在感情的層面,會很容易得到贊同。敬拜服事必須能鼓舞人、振奮人心,然後神才會關注並得著喜悅。The effect of this sense of evangelical worship is that the stress is on the horizontal dimension of worship. The sense of warm, personal fellowship, and participation among believers at worship is crucial. Anything that increases a sense of involvement, especially on the level of emotions, is likely to be approved. The service must be inspiring and reviving, and then God will observe and be pleased.

改革宗信仰對神在崇拜中的同在有著本質上不同的理解。上帝的確在場聆聽。祂傾聽百姓的讚美和禱告。但是祂也在場說話。上帝不只是作為一個觀眾在場;祂更是積極的參與者。祂在聖道中說話,也在聖禮中說話。作為改革宗的基督徒,我們不只是相信祂在教會中直接、立即地對我們說話。神也使用一些管道(或途徑)說話,但是祂是透過祂為教會所指定的管道來說話。在聖道的職事中——也就是神的話得到正當的宣講,在致敬和祝福中得到適當的執行——是神真的在說話。正如瑞士第二信條(譯按:布靈格在1560年代所寫)所說的:“宣講神的話就是神的話本身。”(The preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God.The Reformed faith has a fundamentally different understanding of the presence of God. God is indeed present to hear. He listens to the praise and prayers of his people. But he is also present to speak. God is not only present as an observer; he is an active participant. He speaks in the Word and in the sacraments. As Reformed Christians, we do not believe that he speaks directly and immediately to us in the church. God uses means to speak. But he speaks truly and really to us through the means that he has appointed for his church. In the ministry of the Word—as it is properly preached and ministered in salutation and benediction—it is truly God who speaks. As the Second Helvetic Confession rightly says, "The preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God."

根據改革宗的理解,上帝在聖禮中也是主動同在、主動說話的。聖禮更多是關乎祂,更甚於關乎我們。祂透過聖禮說話,把耶穌同在要賜福給祂的百姓的真相傳達出來。透過聖禮,神確認基督的福音真理和應許。God is also actively present and speaking in the sacraments, according to the Reformed understanding. The sacraments are much more about him than about us. He speaks through them the reality of the presence of Jesus to bless his people as he confirms his gospel truth and promises through them.

改革宗對敬拜的這種理解,其果效是強調敬拜的垂直層面。水平的層面不是沒有,但是焦點不是溫暖的感覺和分享,而是聖約群體作為一個統一體,面見他們的上帝。我們與肢體彼此的相交是在這種合一的活動中,即共同在詩歌和禱告中,向神說話;在神向我們說話時,一起聆聽。我們敬拜服事的這種垂直層面,會保證上帝是我們崇拜的焦點。任何崇拜的行動,其首要的重點不是激勵鼓舞百姓,而是是否忠於神對崇拜所啟示的旨意。我們必須按照討上帝喜悅的方式來面見上帝。我們進到上帝的同在中,聆聽祂說話而產生敬畏和喜悅,才是塑造我們崇拜服事的外型,以及賦予我們崇拜活力的動力。The effect of this understanding of Reformed worship is that the stress is on the vertical dimension of worship. The horizontal dimension is not absent, but the focus is not on warm feelings and sharing. Rather, it is on the community as a unit meeting their God. Our primary fellowship with one another is in the unified activities of speaking to God in song and prayer and of listening together as God speaks to us. The vertical orientation of our worship service insures that God is the focus of our worship. The first importance of any act of worship is not its value for the inspiration of the people, but its faithfulness to God's revelation of his will for worship. We must meet with God only in ways that please him. The awe and joy that is ours in coming into the presence of the living God to hear him speak is what shapes and energizes our worship service.

崇拜中的牧者職分The Ministerial Office in Worship

改革宗信仰和福音派信仰對神在崇拜中的服事的差別,與他們對牧者在崇拜中職分的看法差別有緊密的關聯。對福音派來說,牧者(或敬拜的帶領者)似乎被視為是會眾中最具天分和最有知識的會友,神呼召他做領袖來計劃和教導。牧者們用他們的天賦來促進會眾的敬拜,並教導百姓。他們不認為牧者是特別代表神來說話,或具備來自神的特殊權柄。反而,他們的權柄只在於他們教導的可靠性,對所有的會眾來說,都同樣適用。The difference between the Reformed faith and evangelicalism on the presence of God in worship is closely tied to their differences on the ministerial office in worship. For evangelicalism, the ministers seem to be seen as talented and educated members of the congregation, called by God to leadership in planning and teaching. The ministers use their talents to facilitate the worship of the congregation and instruct the people. The ministers are not seen as speaking distinctively for God or having a special authority from God. Rather, their authority resides only in the reliability of their teaching, which would be true for any member of the congregation.

福音派這種對教會職份的觀點,其果效是創造了一種非常民主的敬拜風格,會眾中有許多人參與帶領敬拜的當中,是一件好事。越多人可以分享就越好。上帝賜給會眾的眾多恩賜,應該用在彼此的建造上。再次。這種敬拜強調的重點是水平的層面。The effect of this evangelical view of office is to create a very democratic character to worship, in which the participation of many members of the congregation in leading the service is a good thing. The more who can share, the better. The many gifts that God has given to members of the congregation should be used for mutual edification. Again, the horizontal dimension of worship has prevailed.

改革宗對牧者職位的看法是相當不同的。神透過會眾來呼召牧者,讓他們透過這個職分的權柄來帶領敬拜。他要受檢驗並被分別為聖,在神面前代表會眾。在崇拜的偉大對話中,他向百姓說出神的話,也向神說出百姓的話——除了在一些例子上,會眾要作為一個整體,一起揚聲頌讚上帝之時。The Reformed view of ministerial office is quite different. The minister is called by God through the congregation to lead worship by the authority of his office. He is examined and set apart to represent the congregation before God and to represent God before the congregation. In the great dialogue of worship, he speaks the Word of God to the people and he speaks the words of the people to God, except in those instances when the congregation as a whole raises its voice in unison to God.

我們這些改革宗的人,不是因為我們反對民主制度,或是因為我們相信牧者是會眾中唯一具有天賦的會員才喜歡這種安排。我們之所以遵循這種模式,是因為我們相信這是合乎聖經的,也是神所指定的敬拜模式。We who are Reformed do not embrace this arrangement because we are antidemocratic or because we believe that the minister is the only gifted member of the congregation. We follow this pattern because we believe that it is biblical and the divinely appointed pattern of worship.

這種對職分的觀點,會增強以敬畏和正式的方式來面見上帝的觀念。它也保證那些帶領公眾崇拜的人是神所呼召的,神賦予他們權柄來執行這項工作。讓會眾中未經訓練和未獲授權的會員,對會眾給予稍長或稍短的信息,改革宗很正確地懷疑這種做法。在崇拜中,我們是聚集在一起聆聽神說話,而不是聆聽會友的意見。崇拜的垂直層面仍然是最重要的。  The effect of this view of office is to reinforce the sense of meeting with God in a reverent and official way. It also insures that those who lead public worship have been called and authorized for that work by God. The Reformed are rightly suspicious of untrained and unauthorized members of the congregation giving longer or shorter messages to the congregation. In worship we gather to hear God, not the opinions of members. The vertical dimension of worship remains central.

總結Conclusion

我對福音派和改革宗的敬拜所作的比較,無疑地在許多方面需要加以微調。我是用非常粗略的筆觸試圖說明我的論點。不過我相信基本的分析是正確的。The contrast that I have drawn between evangelical and Reformed worship no doubt ought to be nuanced in many ways. I have certainly tried to make my points by painting with a very broad brush. Yet the basic analysis, I believe, is correct.

我們改革宗的人對敬拜的思考,有一個很大的難題,就是在許多地方,我們的敬拜已經不知不覺地遵從福音派的方法。與此同樣重要的,如果我們要欣賞領會我們改革宗在敬拜上的遺產,如果我們要向其他人傳遞它的重要性、特色和能力,我們必須明白我們敬拜獨特的性質。One great difficulty that we Reformed folk have in thinking about worship is that our worship in many places has unwittingly been accommodated to evangelical ways. If we are to appreciate our Reformed heritage in worship and, equally importantly, if we are to communicate its importance, character, and power to others, we must understand the distinctive character of our worship.

做出這種區分的目的不是為了要貶低福音派。他們的確是我們的弟兄和朋友。但是我們的確與他們有一些真實的差別。如果要讓改革宗的敬拜不會像恐龍一樣滅絕,我們作為改革宗的人必須對它有一個清楚的了解,以及熱切的委身。為了達成這點,我們必須不只是看到表面的相似性,而是更重要地要看到深層的神學差異,這是福音派的崇拜和改革宗的崇拜不同之處。Our purpose in making this contrast so pointed is not to demean evangelicals. They are indeed our brethren and our friends. But we do have real differences with them. If Reformed worship is not to become as extinct as the dinosaurs, we as Reformed people must come to a clear understanding of it and an eager commitment to it. In order to do that, we must see not just formal similarities, but more importantly the profound theological differences that distinguish evangelical worship from Reformed worship.

Dr. Robert Godfrey is president of Westminster Theological Seminary in California and a minister in the United Reformed Churches. This article is reprinted, with permission, from New Horizons, April 2002