Topical Encyclopedia Worship, in the biblical context, is the act of reverent devotion and allegiance directed exclusively towards God. It encompasses both the attitude of the heart and the actions that express adoration, praise, and submission to the divine. The Bible consistently emphasizes that worship is to be rendered solely to God, rejecting any form of idolatry or the worship of other beings or objects.Old Testament Foundations The foundation for worship being directed only to God is firmly established in the Old Testament. The First Commandment, as given in Exodus 20:3, states, "You shall have no other gods before Me." This command underscores the exclusivity of worship that God demands from His people. The Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, further reinforces this: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly warned against idolatry. In Isaiah 42:8, God declares, "I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols." This passage highlights God's jealousy for His own glory and the rightful place of worship that belongs to Him alone. New Testament Affirmation The New Testament continues this theme, affirming that worship is to be directed exclusively to God. Jesus Himself, when tempted by Satan, reaffirms this principle in Matthew 4:10: "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.'" This response, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, underscores the continuity of the biblical mandate for exclusive worship. The early church also adhered to this principle. In Acts 10:25-26, when Cornelius fell at Peter's feet to worship him, Peter responded, "Stand up, I am only a man myself." This incident illustrates the early Christians' understanding that worship was not to be directed towards humans, regardless of their spiritual authority or role. Worship in Spirit and Truth Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well provides further insight into the nature of true worship. In John 4:23-24, Jesus states, "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth." This passage emphasizes that genuine worship transcends physical locations and rituals, focusing instead on the sincerity and truthfulness of the worshiper's heart. Rejection of Idolatry The New Testament also warns against idolatry, which is seen as a direct violation of the command to worship God alone. In 1 Corinthians 10:14, Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." Similarly, in 1 John 5:21, the apostle John admonishes, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." These warnings reflect the early church's commitment to maintaining the purity of worship directed solely to God. Heavenly Worship The book of Revelation provides a glimpse into the worship that takes place in heaven, where God is the sole object of adoration. Revelation 4:10-11 describes the twenty-four elders falling down before God, casting their crowns before the throne, and proclaiming, "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 were created." This heavenly scene underscores the eternal truth that worship is to be rendered only to God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. In summary, the biblical mandate is clear: worship is to be directed exclusively to God. This principle is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing God's unique worthiness to receive the devotion, praise, and allegiance of His creation. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 20:3You shall have no other gods before me. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 5:7 Deuteronomy 6:13 Matthew 4:10 Luke 4:8 Acts 10:26 Acts 14:15 Colossians 2:18 Revelation 19:10 Revelation 22:8 Library That the Platonists Themselves have Determined that God Alone Can ... Concerning the one God Only to be Worshipped, Who, Although his ... It is in this Sense, My Friends, that I Say to You... That the Son is Very God, of the Same Substance with the Father. ... Concerning the Figments of the Physical Theologists, who Neither ... Letter xvii. (AD 390. ) The Law of God Lessons for Worship and for Work Jesus Declares Himself. For, Like Some Others, You are under the Delusion that Our God is ... Resources What does the Bible say about worship? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between praise and worship? | GotQuestions.org How much of a role should media have in worship services? | GotQuestions.org Worship: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus 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 |
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