When we become Christians many of the terms we hear are yet to be defined, so we are left to use our current understanding or preconception of what that term means.  For example, an ex-pagan who hears the word “sacrifice” in a Church service would not understand that the speaker was referring to good works… they would automatically think of human sacrifice.  An ex-Jew on the other hand would automatically think of animal sacrifice.

In our world today, non Christians are very well aware of the various religions of the world, and when they think of worship, they often automatically think of religious rites, or repetitious acts done to show obeisance to each religion’s respective god.   So, I believe that as Christians, who have previous preconceptions of what worship is, our view of Christian worship is skewed by our preconceptions.

So, what is Christian worship?  Well, it’s definitely not just acts of obeisance.. although acts of obeisance can be motivated by worship.  Christian worship is an attitude of awe and reverence to God which comes from a knowledge of God revealed to us by His Holy Spirit.   The the first 9 and 1/2 chapters of the book of Hebrews gives us a deep knowledge of our God and our Savior.  Then, beginning in Hebrews 10:19 the author says; “therefore brethren”… as if to say, “now that you have this deep knowledge of our God and His salvation”;  then look at what the author says in verse 22; “let us draw near to God”.

Christian worship is not mindless acts of obeisance to an unknown God.. but is rather praising God and recognizing His greatness with all of our being, and with knowledge of why He is worthy to be praised.  Simply attending a worship service and going through the motions is not worship.  If a Christian is just “going through the motions” without understanding why, it more closely resembles idolatry than worship.  Look what Martin Luther says about worship…

“The best religion, the most fervent devotion without Christ is plain idolatry. It has been considered a holy act when the monks in their cells meditate upon God and His works, and in a religious frenzy kneel down to pray and to weep for joy. Yet Paul calls it simply idolatry. Every religion which worships God in ignorance or neglect of His Word and will is idolatry.
They may think about God, Christ, and heavenly things, but they do it after their own fashion and not after the Word of God. They have an idea that their clothing, their mode of living, and their conduct are holy and pleasing to Christ. They not only expect to pacify Christ by the strictness of their life, but also expect to be rewarded by Him for their good deeds. Hence their best “spiritual” thoughts are wicked thoughts. Any worship of God, any religion without Christ is idolatry. In Christ alone is God well pleased.
I have said before that the works of the flesh are manifest. But idolatry puts on such a good front and acts so spiritual that the sham of it is recognized only by true believers.”

Verse 22 goes on to say that this worship should be from a “true heart”.  True Christian worship is simply defined as acts done for God motivated by a true heart of worship, with an understanding of why we are doing them.  Worship is not confined to a Church worship service.  True worship should be a state of being for a believer.