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Definition of Worship
example of anything concise. In fact, author D. A. Carson admits that his definition for worship "is too long and too complex." He then takes thirty-six pages to give a rather thorough exposition of his definition. I have found this to be very helpful. A DEFINITION OF WORSHIP WORSHIP is the proper response of all moral, sentient beings to God, ascribing all honor and worth to their Creator-God precisely because he is worthy, delightfully so. This side of the Fall, HUMAN WORSHIP of God properly responds to the redemptive provisions that God has graciously made. While all true worship is God-centered, CHRISTIAN WORSHIP is no less Christ-centered. Empowered by the Spirit and in line with the stipulations of the new covenant, it manifests itself in all our living, finding its impulse in the gospel, which restores our relationship with our Redeemer-God and therefore also with our fellow image-bearers, our co-worshipers. Such worship therefore manifests itself both in adoration and in action, both in the individual believer and in CORPORATE WORSHIP, which is worship offered up in the context of the body of believers, who strive to align all the forms of their devout ascription of all worth to God with the panoply of new covenant mandates and examples that bring to fulfillment the glories of antecedent revelation and anticipated the consummation. — D. A. Carson, "Worship under the Word," chapter one of WORSHIP BY THE BOOK, edited by D. A. Carson. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002, p. 26. ISBN 0-310-21625-7. Other chapters in this book are by Kent Hughes, Timothy Keller, and Mark Ashton. Highly recommended! [Whew!! That’s a mouthful. The rest of the chapter carefully unpacks each phrase of the definition, showing appropriate rationale and biblical support. I have a feeling that there will be more than a few seminary students who will be studying this material.] Have a great week, Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu |