Worship theology unfolds in Scripture through the lens of biblical theology. A hallmark of Christian orthodoxy has historically been the authority of Scripture. Scripture provides instruction for approaching God and reveals the narrative for the people of God to understand their identity.[1] From the beginning, humans were created in God’s image to commune with and reflect him through worship (Gen 1:26-27). The Fall dramatically impacted human capability to worship their Creator. Jesus expounds on this dilemma with the Samaritan woman, citing the corruption of worship that he would restore (John 4:20-24). Christ fulfills the cultic system developed throughout the OT as the reconciler of estranged worshipers to the Father.
Believers no longer approach God through the system of animal sacrifice. Scripture reveals that true worshipers are made righteous through the finished sacrifice of Christ. Now believers enter boldly into the presence of the Most High (Heb 10:19-25). Mike Cosper summarizes, “In a single event, Jesus revolutionized worship.”[2] This is also a significant aspect of Scripture as it reveals the ministry of the Holy Spirit that transcends the role of a human priest. (Heb 9:1-15). No longer is the worship of YWHW relegated to a physical temple; worship expands as believer’s whole lives become a “living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1,2).
The Scriptures unveil that the New Testament covenant of worship is based on grace rather than ceremonial law. Jesus, during his earthly ministry, shifted the emphasis from locations and rituals to the person of God, his attitudes, and his mercy (Matt 9:13, 12:7).[3] Early Jewish Christians are recorded as attending temple gatherings yet offering praise to Christ within the informal gatherings of their homes (Acts 2:46,47). The apostle Paul affords more teaching that upended legalistic mandates (Col 2:16,17) and ethnic divisions (Gal 3:28) by pointing to faith in Christ alone as the defining characteristic of worshipers.[4] At the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15), the apostles determined Gentile converts did not require the adoption of Jewish customs; worship had now expanded to all the nations (Psalm 100:1) through the unifying message of the Gospel.
The new covenant people of God have been given governing principles in the Scriptures that shape corporate worship for local church gatherings. Grace-filled gatherings are not a license for chaos. Paul addresses the abuse of spiritual gifts and communion with the church at Corinth (1 Cor 14). He instructs orderly worship gatherings (1 Cor 14:26-40), commands preaching and teaching of the Word (1 Tim 4:13), and provides qualifications for those leading the worship gatherings (1 Tim 3).[5] The administration of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper point back to God’s covenant promises. These promises find their fulfillment in the future as the Revelation unfolds and portrays heavenly worship (Rev 4-5). In every facet, the Scripture shapes believers’ understanding of glorifying God. The Word of God is the backdrop of new covenant grace that provides the prescriptions for worship.[6] Peterson argues, “Only effective biblical teaching can transform what we do and give the appropriate point and purpose to our meetings.”[7] When interpreted soundly, the Scriptures produce a worship theology that offers appropriate biblical ways of communing with God through Christ by the Spirit.
[1] Graeme Goldsworthy, Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to Expository Preaching (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 2000), 22–23.
[2] Mike Cosper, Rhythms of Grace: How the Church’s Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 66.
[3] James M. Hamilton, What Is Biblical Theology? A Guide to the Bible’s Story, Symbolism, and Patterns (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 75.
[4] Cosper, Rhythms of Grace, 155–56.
[5] Hamilton, 71–72.
[6] Goldsworthy, Preaching the Whole Bible, 45.
[7] Petersen, Engaging with God, 129.
Josh Cehulik 