The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1300, titled "Bible Questions and Answers."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.

Question

What is true worship?

Answer

Well, you know, we all grew up with a lot of misconceptions that worship is where you have a very somber choir in long robes, a few stained-glass windows, and a loud organ, and you say, “We’re going to worship.” What is worship? I believe this: worship means adoration or praise. Really, here it is--worship is whatever glorifies God. Would you agree to that? Whatever honors him--whatever exalts Him is worship. So all you got to do is find out what honors Him.

“Who so offers praise glorifies Me,” it says in the Psalms. He’s glorified in our righteousness, in our holiness. He’s glorified when we recite His wonderful works. He’s glorified when we love Him. He’s glorified when we minister to one another. He’s glorified when we believe Him. He’s glorified when we confess sin, like Joshua said to Achan, you remember, who stole out of the city of Jericho when he wasn’t supposed to and then he buried it in a hole in the ground in his tent--thought God could never find it there, God couldn’t see through dirt--and then Joshua said to him, “Give glory to God and confess your sin.” Confession gives glory to God. Anything that glorifies God is worship.

It isn’t some superficial thing; it’s the real thing. It’s really giving him glory.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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