Articles
True Worship
Jesus said, “the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers” (John
The term (and/or expression of) worship in the Law and the Prophets, was a “reverential attitude of mind or body or both, combined with the more generic notions of religions adoration, obedience, or service” (Strong’s). In the New Testament the term is used as "to make obeisance, do reverence to,” or “to revere" (Vine’s), stressing the feeling of awe or devotion.
The term worship is nowhere specifically defined in scripture, like sin, which is a transgression of law. However, a consideration of the terms used to describe the action of worship “shows that it is not confined to praise; broadly it may be regarded as the direct acknowledgement to God, of His nature, attributes, ways and claims, whether by the outgoing of the heart in praise and thanksgiving or by deeds done in such acknowledgment” (Vine’s).
Many today consider worship to be an act that brings them pleasure or makes them feel good. However, Jesus identified the true nature of worship, when he said, “the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth.” If only in truth, then the worship is mere formalism, if only in spirit, or from the standpoint of the man, it is vain. That is basically what the prophecy of Isaiah entailed, when he said, “This people honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). Thus truth, coupled with a heart that directly acknowledges God, (his nature, attributes, ways and claims) turns vain worship into acceptable worship.
Since the scriptures attest to the fact that there is vain worship, and successful worship, would it not behoove us to know what makes worship acceptable to God? Ross Triplett, Sr.
- True_Worship_Jones-1650744197.pdf (35.06 kB)
