Meaning: The quote "There is nothing which any way pertaineth to the worship of God left to the determination of human laws" by George Gillespie, a Scottish theologian, encapsulates a fundamental belief within the Reformed tradition of Christianity. This perspective emphasizes the sovereignty of God in matters of worship and the rejection of human intervention in defining or regulating worship practices. George Gillespie was a prominent figure in the 17th century, known for his influential writings and involvement in the Westminster Assembly, where he played a significant role in shaping the theology and ecclesiastical structure of the Church of Scotland.

Gillespie's assertion reflects the Reformed understanding of the regulative principle of worship, which asserts that only those elements of worship that are explicitly commanded or can be deduced from Scripture are permissible in the corporate worship of God. This principle stands in contrast to the normative principle, which allows for practices to be included in worship unless they are explicitly prohibited by Scripture. For Gillespie and those who adhere to the regulative principle, the act of worship is to be governed solely by divine revelation, and human laws or traditions are considered inadequate and potentially corrupting in matters of worship.

The implications of this quote are profound, as it challenges the authority of human institutions and traditions in shaping the worship practices of the church. Gillespie's perspective aligns with the broader Reformed emphasis on the sufficiency and authority of Scripture in all matters of faith and practice. This theological stance emerged in response to what Reformed theologians perceived as the excessive ritualism and human innovation within the Roman Catholic Church and, to some extent, within certain Protestant traditions.

In Gillespie's view, the purity of worship is intimately connected to the purity of doctrine. He believed that the manner in which God is worshipped directly reflects the theological convictions and understanding of the character of God held by a particular faith community. Therefore, any compromise in the area of worship could potentially lead to a compromise in doctrine and a distortion of the true nature of God.

The quote also speaks to the ongoing tension within Christian history regarding the relationship between the church and the state. Gillespie's assertion that nothing pertaining to the worship of God should be left to human laws challenges the inherent authority of civil governments to regulate or dictate religious practices. This position was particularly relevant during Gillespie's time, when the Church of Scotland was engaged in a struggle for independence from state interference in its worship and governance.

In summary, George Gillespie's quote encapsulates the Reformed perspective on the primacy of divine revelation and the rejection of human innovation in matters of worship. It reflects a commitment to the purity of worship as an expression of fidelity to the teachings of Scripture and a rejection of human traditions and regulations that are not grounded in biblical principles. This quote continues to resonate with those who adhere to the regulative principle of worship, serving as a reminder of the ongoing debate over the proper governance of worship within the Christian church.