Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty,
Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name;
Worship the Lord in holy array.
Psalm 29:1–2 (NASB)
The word “worship” is commonly spoken by many churchgoers from a multitude of backgrounds. In evangelical circles, I have noticed that often those using the word are quite ignorant of its meaning. In this brief essay, I aim to present a strong definition of the word “worship.”
Theologians have argued for many definitions of worship. For example, John MacArthur writes that “worship is our innermost being responding with praise for all that God is, through our attitudes, actions, thoughts, and words, based on the truth of God as he has revealed himself” (The Ultimate Priority, 127). John Frame pens, “Worship is the work of acknowledging the greatness of our covenant Lord (Worship in Spirit and Truth, 1). Considering the importance of a reverent heart, Charles Ryrie notes that “the worship of the church, then, consists of individual, corporate, public, and private service for the Lord which is generated by a reverence for a submission to Him who is totally worthy (Basic Theology, 428). To differing extents, pondering upon each of these definitions benefits the reader.
Despite the value of each of the aforementioned definitions, I believe it behooves one to consider another definition. I first heard the following term in a lecture presented by Dr. Scott Aniol. He noted that true worship is drawing near to communion with God through faith in Jesus Christ in the Spirit. This thought-provoking statement considers communion with God a necessity in the worship of God. Further, it explains that one must have received the gracious gift of faith before they can draw near to the worship of God, God both initiating the worship and igniting the faith. Faith that allows one to properly worship the Godhead can be defined as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NASB). Faith is truly trusting in Jesus Christ, believing in the good news of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. This kind of faith leads the regenerate man to worship the God of his salvation, sustenance, and eternal hope. This definition also presents the important role of the Holy Spirit in bringing the adopted child of God into worship that glorifies the Almighty Creator. Thus, this definition properly notes the Trinitarian nature of worship that glorifies God.
Now that I have concisely explained the definition of worship, I briefly present biblical support for this definition. The divine author reveals this kind of worship in each of the three climactic points found in the book of Hebrews. After proclaiming that Christ is the high priest in Hebrews 4, Scripture declares, “Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NASB). Hebrews 10:22 explains how those covered by the blood of Jesus Christ should draw near to communion with God. The writer of Hebrews avers, “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22, NASB). Finally, Hebrews 12:22–29 reveals true worship.
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
Dear readers, I beseech you to draw near to communion with God through faith in Jesus Christ in the Spirit.