Call to Worship Based on 'All Sufficient Merit'
A call to worship invites individuals to glorify God, acknowledging His worthiness of praise [2, 3]. This act of worship is commanded in scripture, with passages like 1 Chronicles 16:28 and Psalm 22:23 urging believers to give glory to God [2]. one tradition reasons for glorifying God are numerous, stemming from His holiness, mercy, truth, faithfulness, and wondrous works [2].
The concept of a "call" in a spiritual sense is multifaceted. It can originate from Christ, as seen in Isaiah 55:5 and Romans 1:6, or through the Holy Spirit, as Revelation 22:17 indicates. God also calls through His creation (Psalm 19:2-3, Romans 1:20), through His ministers (Jeremiah 35:15, 2 Corinthians 5:20), and through the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14) [1]. This call is extended to all people, though many may reject it, while for others, it proves effectual, leading to salvation and fellowship with Christ [1]. This divine call is understood as an act of grace, aligned with God's eternal purpose, and is characterized as high, holy, and heavenly, leading to holiness and liberty [1].
Worship itself is acceptable through Christ [2, 3]. John 4:24 emphasizes that true worship occurs "in spirit and in truth," a single concept where God's Spirit reveals God's truth to the worshiper [6]. Jesus Christ is identified as the Truth (John 14:6) [6]. This spiritual worship is contrasted with mere outward observance; sacrifices offered in the right spirit come from a heart aligned with God and others [4]. The transformation of a believer's nature, where God’s Spirit expresses His life within them, is part of the gift of salvation and enables this new way of living and worshipping [5].
The call to worship, therefore, is not merely an invitation to a religious service but a summons to a life lived in accordance with God's will, demonstrating a new nature and growing in Christ [5, 7, 8]. This involves walking "worthy of the Lord," exemplifying Christian doctrines through a holy and useful life, and doing all things in a manner that pleases God [8].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Call of God, The — By Christ -- Isa 55:5; Ro 1:6. By his Spirit -- Re 22:17. By his works -- Ps 19:2,3; Ro 1:20. By his ministers -- Jer 35:15; 2Co 5:20. By his gospel -- 2Th 2:14. Is from darkness -- 1Pe 2:9. Addressed to all -- Isa 45:22; Mt 20:16. Most reject -- Pr 1:24; Mt 20:16. Effectual to saints -- Ps 110:3; Ac 2:47; 13:48; 1Co 1:24. To man is Of grace. -- Ga 1:15; 2Ti 1:9. According to the purpose of God. -- Ro 8:28; 9:11,23,24. High. -- Php 3:14. Holy. -- 1Ti 1:9. Heavenly. -- Heb 3:1. To fellowship with Christ. -- 1Co 1:9. To holiness. -- 1Th 4:7. To liber”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glorifying God — Commanded -- 1Ch 16:28; Ps 22:23; Isa 42:12. Due to him -- 1Ch 16:29. For his Holiness. -- Ps 99:9; Re 15:4. Mercy and truth. -- Ps 115:1; Ro 15:9. Faithfulness and truth. -- Isa 25:1. Wondrous works. -- Mt 15:31; Ac 4:21. Judgments. -- Isa 25:3; Eze 28:22; Re 14:7. Deliverance. -- Ps 50:15. Grace to others. -- Ac 11:18; 2Co 9:13; Ga 1:24. Obligation of saints to -- 1Co 6:20. Is acceptable through Christ -- Php 1:11; 1Pe 4:11. Christ, an example of -- Joh 17:4. Accomplished by Relying on his promises. -- Ro 4:20. Praising him. -- Ps 50:23. Doing all ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Praise — God is worthy of -- 2Sa 22:4. Christ is worthy of -- Re 5:12. God is glorified by -- Ps 22:23; 50:23. Offered to Christ -- Joh 12:13. Acceptable through Christ -- Heb 13:15. Is due to God on account of His majesty. -- Ps 96:1,6; Isa 24:14. His glory. -- Ps 138:5; Eze 3:12. His excellency. -- Ex 15:7; Ps 148:13. His greatness. -- 1Ch 16:25; Ps 145:3. His holiness. -- Ex 15:11; Isa 6:3. His wisdom. -- Da 2:20; Jude 1:25. His power. -- Ps 21:13. His goodness. -- Ps 107:8; 118:1; 136:1; Jer 33:11. His mercy. -- 2Ch 20:21; Ps 89:1; 118:1-4; 136:1-26. His loving-k”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 51:19: 51:19 Sacrifices offered in the right spirit come from a heart that is right with God and with others (see 15:2-5; 24:3-6; 50:14; Matt 5:23-24).”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:24: 4:24 A believer has a new nature: God’s Spirit expresses his life within the believer (see Col 3:10; cp. Gen 1:26; Rom 12:1-2; Gal 5:22-23). The transforming work of God’s Spirit is part of the gift of salvation (Eph 2:8-10).”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 4:24: 4:24 in spirit and in truth: One Greek preposition governs both words (literally in spirit and truth) and makes them a single concept. True worship occurs as God’s Spirit reveals God’s truth and reality to the worshiper. Jesus Christ is the Truth (14:6; cp. 14:17; 15:26).”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 4:15: speaking the truth--Translate, "holding the truth"; "following the truth"; opposed to "error" or "deceit" (Eph 4:14). in love--"Truth" is never to be sacrificed to so-called "charity"; yet it is to be maintained in charity. Truth in word and act, love in manner and spirit, are the Christian's rule (compare Eph 4:21, Eph 4:24). grow up--from the state of "children" to that of "full-grown men." There is growth only in the spiritually alive, not in the dead. into him--so as to be more and more incorporated with Him, and become one with Him. the”
- Colossians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Colossians 1:10: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord - Suitably to your Christian profession, exemplifying its holy doctrines by a holy and useful life. See the notes on Eph 4:1; and on Phi 1:27 (note). Unto all pleasing - Doing every thing in the best manner, in the most proper time, and in a becoming spirit. Even a good work may be marred and rendered fruitless by being done improperly, out of season, or in a temper of mind that grieves the Holy Spirit. Being fruitful in every good work - See on Col 1:6 (note). St. Paul exhorts the Christians at Colosse, 1. To walk - to be a”