Theology Shaping Worship: God Is Holy

By Savannah Cone

[Editor’s Note: This is the second article in a new series for our blog called “Theology Shaping Worship”, which has previously been featured in our weekly Monday Motivation emails.]

Theological attributes of God manifest through our daily, personal, and corporate worship. “Theology Shaping Worship” is a series that explores key doctrines and how they affect our worship.

Doctrine: God is Holy

“God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8)

Philosophy #1 (system of thought): Worship requires a reverent approach

God deserves to be addressed respectfully in worship in a genuine and earnest manner. “Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11 – NASB). In the psalmist’s illustration, the worshiper has a healthy understanding and a humble fear of God; yet should also rejoice in his/her adoption into the kingdom.

Application #1 (How does this look practically?): Worship should include the reverent reading of God’s Word.

God has kept His Word preserved for humanity’s benefit. It is a form of His special revelation through all times; thus, it deserves to be treated with honor. There is an example of this action in Nehemiah: “Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood” (Nehemiah 8:5). While in the new church after Christ there is no specific instruction to stand in respect of Scripture reading, the precedent still is seen in the Jewish practices of Ezra’s time.

Let’s remember to recognize our holy God in worship through the reading of His inspired Word.

Philosophy #2 (system of thought): Worship should acknowledge His holiness

Worship must understand how beautifully pure and perfect God truly is. Having this understanding will lead a congregation to exclaim its awe much like the psalmist in Psalm 99:5, “Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he!”

Application #2 (How does this look practically?): Worship should encourage the use of the altar

The Apostle Paul writes, “. . .offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). Scripture teaches that this sacrificial act is a holy act because it is of God. Therefore, worship should welcome interaction with the Father by clearly communicating the altar as a place to present oneself as a living sacrifice.

Let us remember the reverence the altar carries in our house of worship.

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