Intent in Worship

Over the past several weeks we have been studying the plans for the tabernacle, the first place where old covenant Israel gathered for corporate worship (see Ex. 25–31). Worship is the central task of the people of God, and our study of the tabernacle gives us a fitting place to look at worship more comprehensively. Dr. R.C. Sproul’s teaching series Worship will guide this study.

Over the past several decades, much has been written about the so-called worship wars. Churches have divided over disagreements regarding worship style, some people embracing what might be called traditional worship while others look for a more contemporary experience. Some churches have done things in worship that previous generations would never have done, playing contemporary secular music, using all manner of props, and otherwise designing corporate worship to look not much different from a music concert or theater show. Driving some of this has been the belief that as long as one’s heart is in the right place, the outward form of worship does not matter much. If there is a true intent to honor God, then we can do almost anything we want as long as it is not blatantly sinful.

Certainly, the intent to honor the Lord is vital for worship that is pleasing to God. We see this at the beginning of human history when Cain and Abel brought an offering to the Lord. Abel, a shepherd, sacrificed the firstborn of his flock, while Cain, a farmer, gave some of his produce to God. But the Lord was pleased with only the worship of Abel (Gen. 4:3–5). Some people have argued that Abel’s offering was accepted because it was a blood sacrifice, since only shedding blood can atone for sin (Heb. 9:22), and Cain’s was not pleasing because it was an offering of fruits, vegetables, and grain. Yet this is almost certainly not the explanation, since the text never says that this is why the Lord had regard only for Abel’s worship. Furthermore, the Lord prescribed acceptable grain offerings (Lev. 2). More likely, God’s rejection of the worship of Cain was due to the state of his heart. Abel brought the firstborn of his flock, signifying a heart that wanted to give God his best, but Cain did not bring his firstfruits. Apparently, he brought the leftovers, revealing a heart not dedicated wholly to the Lord.

So the intent to honor God is vital. Yet it is not enough. The Lord tells us in Scripture what to do in worship because the outward form of worship is important as well. Worship from hearts that honor God and that is conducted in a manner agreeable to Scripture pleases Him.