Edification and Interpretation in Christian Worship Practices

Edification in Christian worship practices refers to the spiritual building up or strengthening of believers, a concept rooted in New Testament teachings. The term "edification" is derived from a Greek word meaning "to build" ^[2]. This process is not merely about moral improvement but involves the Holy Spirit bringing the entirety of a person's nature under the influence of new, gracious principles implanted during regeneration ^[1]. It is the ongoing work of sanctification, extending to the whole person ^[1].

The Apostle Paul highlights edification as a primary purpose of ministry and spiritual gifts. In Ephesians 4:12, he states that the ministerial office is "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" ^[3]. This suggests that the goal of ministry is for the entire Christian community to deepen its understanding and experience of the Christian faith, leading to a more profound knowledge of God's Son and maturity in the Lord ^[12]. The standard for this maturity is Christ himself, with the Spirit's transformative work aiming to make individuals fully like Christ ^[12].

Edification is also presented as the object of ministerial gifts (1 Corinthians 14:3-5, 12) and ministerial authority (2 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10) ^[2]. The church's union in Christ contributes to edification (Ephesians 4:16), and the Gospel itself is an instrument for this building up (Acts 20:32) ^[2]. Love is identified as a key factor that leads to edification (1 Corinthians 8:1), and believers are exhorted to pursue it (Jude 1:20-21) ^[2]. The New Testament further commands mutual edification (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11), emphasizing that all actions should contribute to this goal (2 Corinthians 12:19; Ephesians 4:29) ^[2]. Self-denial is also encouraged to promote the edification of others (1 Corinthians 10:23, 33), and the peace of the Church is seen as favorable to it (Acts 9:31) ^[2]. Conversely, "foolish questions" are presented as being opposed to edification (1 Timothy 1:4) ^[2].

Interpretation plays a crucial role in edification, particularly in understanding and applying biblical truth. True worship, which is central to Christian practice, occurs "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24) ^[9]. This phrase, with one Greek preposition governing both "spirit" and "truth," suggests a single concept where God's Spirit reveals God's truth and reality to the worshiper ^[9]. Jesus Christ is identified as the Truth (John 14:6) ^[9]. Therefore, accurate interpretation of scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, is essential for believers to grasp the truth and be edified.

The process of sanctification, which is intrinsically linked to edification, involves separation to the service of God (Psalm 4:3; 2 Corinthians 6:17) ^[4]. This work is effected by God (Ezekiel 37:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Jude 1:1), Christ (Hebrews 2:11; 13:12), and the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11) ^[4]. It occurs in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2) and through His atonement (Hebrews 10:10; 13:12), as well as through the Word of God (John 17:17, 19; Ephesians 5:26) ^[4]. Christ is made sanctification to believers (1 Corinthians 1:30), and saints are elected to salvation through this process (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2) ^[4]. All saints are considered to be in a state of sanctification (Acts 20:32; 26:18; 1 Corinthians 6:11), and the Church is made glorious by it (Ephesians 5:26-27) ^[4]. Sanctification should lead to the mortification of sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) ^[4].

The concept of a "new nature" in believers is closely tied to edification and sanctification. Ephesians 4:24 speaks of a believer having a new nature, where God's Spirit expresses His life within them ^[8]. This is a transformative work of God's Spirit, part of the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10) ^[8]. Colossians 3:10 also refers to putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator ^[8]. This renewal and growth into Christ's likeness is a continuous process.

In worship, the emphasis on "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) is crucial for edification. This phrase is interpreted as "holding the truth" or "following the truth," in contrast to "error" or "deceit" ^[11]. It implies that truth should never be sacrificed for the sake of perceived charity, but must always be maintained in love ^[11]. This balance of truth in word and act, and love in manner and spirit, is presented as the Christian's rule ^[11]. The goal is to "grow up" from spiritual childhood to full maturity, becoming more and more incorporated with Christ ^[11].

The idea of glorifying God is also intertwined with edification. Believers are commanded to glorify God (1 Chronicles 16:28; Psalm 22:23; Isaiah 42:12) ^[6]. This is due to His holiness (Psalm 99:9; Revelation 15:4), mercy and truth (Psalm 115:1; Romans 15:9), faithfulness (Isaiah 25:1), wondrous works (Matthew 15:31; Acts 4:21), and judgments (Isaiah 25:3; Ezekiel 28:22; Revelation 14:7) ^[6]. Glorifying God is accomplished by relying on His promises (Romans 4:20), praising Him (Psalm 50:23), and doing all things to His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) ^[6]. Christ serves as an example of glorifying God (John 17:4) ^[6]. When worship practices are focused on glorifying God, they inherently contribute to the edification of the community.

The "sacrifices offered in the right spirit" are those that come from a heart that is right with God and with others (Psalm 51:19) ^[7]. This aligns with the New Testament emphasis on internal spiritual transformation over external ritual, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24, which calls for reconciliation with others before offering gifts ^[7]. This internal disposition is essential for worship to be truly edifying.

The concept of a "one heart" and "new spirit" in Ezekiel 11:19, interpreted by Calvin as being "content with one God" and not distracted by "detestable things," also speaks to the internal unity and spiritual focus necessary for edification ^[10]. This internal transformation, a free gift of God's Spirit, contrasts with a state where only scattered individuals seek God ^[10].

Diligence is required in various aspects of the Christian life that contribute to edification, including seeking God (1 Chronicles 22:19; Hebrews 11:6), obeying Him (Deuteronomy 6:17; 11:13), striving after perfection (Philippians 3:13-14), cultivating Christian graces (2 Peter 1:5), and guarding against defilement (Hebrews 12:15) ^[5]. These diligent efforts are part of the ongoing process of spiritual growth and building up.

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sanctification — Involves more than a mere moral reformation of character, brought about by the power of the truth: it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the whole nature more and more under the influences of the new gracious principles implanted in the soul in regeneration. In other words, sanctification is the carrying on to perfection the work begun in regeneration, and it extends to the whole man (Rom. 6:13; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 3:10; 1 John 4:7; 1 Cor. 6:19). It is the special office of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption to carry on this work (1 Cor. 6:1”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Edification — Described -- Eph 4:12-16. Is the object of The ministerial office. -- Eph 4:11,12. Ministerial gifts. -- 1Co 14:3-5,12. Ministerial authority. -- 2Co 10:8; 13:10. The Church's union in Christ. -- Eph 4:16. The gospel, the instrument of -- Ac 20:32. Love leads to -- 1Co 8:1. Exhortation to -- Jude 1:20,21. Mutual, commanded -- Ro 14:19; 1Th 5:11. All to be done to -- 2Co 12:19; Eph 4:29. Use self-denial to promote, in others -- 1Co 10:23,33. The peace of the Church favours -- Ac 9:31. Foolish questions opposed to -- 1Ti 1:4.”
Ephesians “Ephesians 4:12 (Webster) — For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sanctification — Is separation to the service of God -- Ps 4:3; 2Co 6:17. Effected by God. -- Eze 37:28; 1Th 5:23; Jude 1:1. Christ. -- Heb 2:11; 13:12. The Holy Spirit. -- Ro 15:16; 1Co 6:11. In Christ -- 1Co 1:2. Through the atonement of Christ -- Heb 10:10; 13:12. Through the word of God -- Joh 17:17,19; Eph 5:26. Christ made, of God, to us -- 1Co 1:30. Saints elected to salvation through -- 2Th 2:13; 1Pe 1:2. All saints are in a state of -- Ac 20:32; 26:18; 1Co 6:11. The Church made glorious by -- Eph 5:26,27. Should lead to Mortification of sin. -- 1Th 4:3,4. Ho”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
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 ”
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).”
Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 11:19: I will give them--lest they should claim to themselves the praise given them in Eze 11:18, God declares it is to be the free gift of His Spirit. one heart--not singleness, that is, uprightness, but oneness of heart in all, unanimously seeking Him in contrast to their state at that time, when only single scattered individuals sought God (Jer 32:39; Zep 3:9) [HENGSTENBERG]. Or, "content with one God," not distracted with "the many detestable things" (Eze 11:18; Kg1 18:21; Hos 10:2) [CALVIN]. new spirit-- (Psa 51:10; Jer 31:33). Realized fully in th”
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”
Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:13: 4:13 The goal of ministry is for the whole Christian community to understand and experience the Christian faith more deeply and gain a deeper knowledge of God’s Son. In this way, believers will be mature in the Lord (see 1 Cor 2:6; 14:20; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; cp. Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4; 3:2). The standard of maturity is Christ himself; the Spirit’s transforming work is to make people fully like Christ (Rom 8:29).”

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