Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance Worship is the act of reverent devotion and allegiance to God, characterized by adoration, praise, and submission. It is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the relationship between God and His people. Worship is not merely a ritualistic practice but a heartfelt response to God's majesty, holiness, and love. Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently calls believers to worship God alone. In the Ten Commandments, God commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). This establishes the exclusivity of worship due to God, rejecting idolatry and false gods. Old Testament Worship In the Old Testament, worship was often expressed through sacrifices, offerings, and adherence to the Law. The Tabernacle and later the Temple were central places for worship, where God's presence dwelt among His people. The Psalms are rich with expressions of worship, such as Psalm 95:6, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." New Testament Worship With the coming of Jesus Christ, worship took on a new dimension. Jesus emphasized worship in spirit and truth, as seen in His conversation with the Samaritan woman: "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him" (John 4:23). Worship in the New Testament is characterized by a personal relationship with God through Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Forms of Worship Worship can be both individual and corporate. It includes prayer, singing, reading Scripture, and living a life that honors God. Romans 12:1 urges believers, "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." Attitude in Worship The attitude of the heart is crucial in worship. God desires sincerity and humility, as seen in Isaiah 66:2, "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word." Worship is not about external appearances but an internal posture of reverence and awe. Eternal Worship The Bible reveals that worship is not limited to this life but extends into eternity. Revelation 4:11 depicts heavenly worship: "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and came to be." This eternal perspective encourages believers to live lives of worship now, in anticipation of the eternal worship to come. Conclusion Worship is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, reflecting the believer's relationship with God. It encompasses a lifestyle of devotion, obedience, and adoration, rooted in the truth of God's Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Subtopics Worship of the Philippian Jailer Worship of the Wicked Rejected Worship: "Iniquity of the Holy Things" Worship: David's Ordinances For Worship: Jesus Prays all Night Long Worship: On Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal Worship: Public, in the Temple Worship: The Whole Nation Required to Assemble For, Including Men, Women, Children, Servants Worship: The Word of God Read in Public Assemblies Worship: To be Rendered Only to God Worship: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |