Definition and Importance

Holiness in worship refers to the practice of approaching God with reverence, purity, and a heart set apart for His purposes. It is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing the need for believers to honor God through their worship practices. Holiness is not merely an external act but a reflection of an inner sanctification that aligns with God's nature. The call to holiness in worship is rooted in God's own holiness, as He declares, "Be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16).

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, holiness in worship is intricately linked to the sacrificial system and the tabernacle/temple practices. The Israelites were instructed to maintain purity in their worship, as seen in Leviticus 19:2 : "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" The tabernacle and later the temple were considered holy places where God's presence dwelled, and only those who were ceremonially clean could enter.

The priests, who served as mediators between God and the people, were required to adhere to strict standards of holiness. Exodus 28:36-38 describes the priestly garments, including a gold plate engraved with "HOLY TO THE LORD," signifying the need for holiness in their service. The sacrificial offerings, too, were to be without blemish, symbolizing the purity required in worship.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of holiness in worship is expanded and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, believers are made holy and are called to worship in spirit and truth. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." This sanctification allows believers to approach God with confidence, as seen in Hebrews 10:19-22 : "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

The New Testament church is described as a holy temple in the Lord, with believers as living stones being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). This imagery underscores the communal aspect of holiness in worship, where the gathered church reflects God's holiness through its unity and purity.

Practical Expressions of Holiness in Worship

Holiness in worship is expressed through various practices that align with biblical teachings. These include:

1. Reverence and Awe: Worship should be conducted with a sense of reverence, acknowledging God's majesty and holiness. Hebrews 12:28-29 exhorts believers to "offer to God an acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

2. Purity of Heart: True worship stems from a heart that is pure and devoted to God. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 5:8 : "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

3. Obedience to God's Commands: Holiness in worship involves obedience to God's Word. Jesus states in John 14:15 , "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

4. Separation from Worldliness: Believers are called to be distinct from the world in their worship practices. Romans 12:1-2 urges, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

5. Community and Unity: Worship is not only an individual act but a corporate one, where the body of Christ comes together in unity. Ephesians 4:3 encourages believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Conclusion

Holiness in worship is a profound biblical principle that calls believers to approach God with reverence, purity, and a heart set apart for His glory. It is a reflection of God's own holiness and a response to His call for His people to be holy. Through Christ, believers are empowered to worship in spirit and truth, embodying the holiness that God desires.