How Do You Worship God?

By: Randy Kea

How do you worship God? Will God accept just anything as worship? Can we worship any way we please?

First, consider the fact that under the Old Testament God never allowed anyone to worship Him on their own terms. Cain’s worship was rejected; Abel’s was accepted. Why? The New Testament explains that Abel offered his worship “by faith” and “faith comes by hearing” the word of God (Genesis 4:1-7; Hebrews 11:3-4; Romans 10:17). In other words, Cain followed his own way in worship and Abel followed God’s revealed way. Later in Old Testament history, after the law was given to the Jews, two priests (Nadab and Abihu) decided to approach the Lord in worship in an unauthorized manner. This resulted in God’s immediate judgment upon them and their death (Leviticus 10:1-3). It is clear from these and other examples, that God never tolerated worship that was devised by man.

God revealed the way man should approach Him in worship and man had to respect God’s authority in the matter.

Secondly, the obvious question is, does God still (under the New Testament of Christ) require that we approach Him in worship in His prescribed way? Listen to what Jesus said about the matter: “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mark 7:7; Matthew 15:9). Jesus explicitly teaches here that when we worship Him based upon what man says or authorized, then our worship is vain!

What the Lord authorized is in His New Testament. If it is not authorized by the New Testament, it is from man’s authority, and this renders worship vain (empty). Can you read in the New Testament everything you practice in worship? Remember, we will be judged by what Jesus said (John 12:48; Hebrews 2:1-4; 10:28-31).