The Perfection Of Worship
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bible Lessons on WorshipI read the book of Hebrews with slight knowledge of the author’s real world. His readers are most likely Jews of the Diaspora or those who are living outside of the land of Israel. These readers are fully aware of the rituals, sacrifices and temple services. But here, the writer of Hebrews is building up their faith in the Messiah, Yeshua. He most certainly fulfills the requirements of prophecy as well as his perfection in keeping the Torah or the commandments of God.
What does the Hebrew writer have to say about worship? “Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary.” (Hebrews 9:1)
As we can see in this passage, the author is reminding these believers what God commanded for them in order to be acceptable in their worship: The temple, Holy of Holies, lampstand, bread of the Presence, ark of the covenant, urn holding the manna, tablets of the covenant, offerings and sacrifices, rituals of various kinds….all were intended to bring the worshipper closer to God.
Yet at the same time, the author tells them that all these, however commendable and given by God, still fall short of “perfecting” the conscience of the worshiper. These rituals were not the ultimate end (Hebrews 10:1-8).
There is one who came who was the “Perfection” of worship. Jesus, is now our High Priest who presents the sacrifices to God (Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7)….as well as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin by giving Himself on the cross (Hebrews 9:11-14; Hebrews 10:9-14). No animal could, in the end, take away sin (Hebrews 10:4).
Therefore, God also provided for us….“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).
Although our worship falls far short, through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit we can come into communion with God in a more perfect way, knowing that through the blood of the “perfect sacrifice” our worship will be accepted (Hebrews 13:8-16).
This was and is the perfection of worship.
—Barbara Hyland, guest writer