The Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC) and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) are both conservative Reformed Christian denominations that share a commitment to Reformed theology, but they have significant differences in their historical origins, theological emphases, worship practices, and approach to church life. Here’s a comparison of their key distinctions:
1. Historical Background
- Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
- Founded in 1924 after splitting from the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) over the “Common Grace” controversy.
- The PRC rejected the teaching that God shows grace to the non-elect or offers salvation to all indiscriminately (common grace).
- Influenced by the teachings of Herman Hoeksema, emphasizing particular grace and double predestination.
- Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC):
- Founded in 1936 as a split from the Presbyterian Church in the USA (PCUSA) due to concerns over liberal theology and a departure from Reformed orthodoxy.
- Key figures like J. Gresham Machen emphasized the authority of Scripture and the Westminster Standards.
- The OPC was established to preserve confessional Presbyterianism.
2. Theological Emphasis
- Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
- Emphasize God’s sovereignty, particular grace, and a strong rejection of any notion of common grace.
- Teach double predestination: God unconditionally elects some to salvation and reprobates others to eternal damnation.
- View the covenant of grace as unconditional for the elect, focusing on God’s initiative without human contribution.
- Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC):
- Adheres to the Westminster Standards, which include teachings on God’s sovereignty and election but also affirm common grace (e.g., God shows kindness to all people in some ways).
- Emphasizes a covenantal theology that balances God’s sovereignty with human responsibility.
- Engages more with broader evangelical and Reformed communities on common theological concerns.
3. Worship Practices
- Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
- Worship is simple and regulated by the Regulative Principle of Worship (RPW)—only what is commanded in Scripture is allowed.
- Exclusive psalmody: Only the 150 Psalms are sung in worship.
- Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC):
- Also adheres to the Regulative Principle of Worship but allows for hymns alongside psalms, provided they align with Scripture.
- Use a variety of musical styles, including instruments, while maintaining a reverent tone.
- Worship style can vary significantly from one congregation to another.
4. Church Governance
- Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
- Operates within a tightly controlled denominational structure, emphasizing doctrinal purity and uniformity.
- Elders play a significant role in maintaining doctrinal discipline and overseeing congregational life.
- Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC):
- Presbyterian in governance, with a connectional system of sessions (local elders), presbyteries (regional bodies), and a General Assembly.
- Values doctrinal accountability but allows for a degree of diversity within the bounds of confessional standards.
- Participates in organizations like the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC) to promote unity among conservative Reformed bodies.
5. Sacraments
- Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
- Baptism: Administered to believers and their children, emphasizing the covenant as unconditional for the elect.
- Lord’s Supper: Restricted to professing members in good standing who have been examined by the consistory (elders).
- Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC):
- Baptism: Administered to believers and their children, with an emphasis on covenantal inclusion and parental responsibility.
- Lord’s Supper: Open to professing Christians from other churches in good standing, with a focus on self-examination and reverence.
6. Size and Cultural Engagement
- Protestant Reformed Churches (PRC):
- Smaller denomination, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a distinct identity and community.
- Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC):
- Larger than the PRC but still relatively small compared to mainline Presbyterian bodies.