Why worship?

Worship FAQs, part 2 – Why worship?

The question of “Why worship?” takes us back to the foundations of our faith, for worship is central to our faith. As discussed last month, the entire Christian life can be wrapped up in the word worship. And worship services follow closely then as a central activity of our renewed lives as God’s children.

God’s Word says it best: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. … Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image.’ … Male and female he created them. God blessed them. … God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1, selected verses). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … Through him all things were made. … In him was life, and that life was the light of men. … The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory” (John 1, selected verses).

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10). “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him … overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7). “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him” (Psalm 98:1). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20).

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8). “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1). “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us [meet to] encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

There we have it! A life of worship, built out of regular attendance at worship services. And we gladly say with the hymn writer, “Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a tribute far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all” (Hymn 125:4).