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NASB | Exodus 17:15 Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner; |
Subject: Do altars belong in christian churches? |
Bible Note: Dear Makarios, From an overview of scripture, we have seen that the Bible consistently teaches (1.) that the Lord God alone is to be worshipped; (2.) that he is to be worshipped only through the means appointed in his word; and (3.) that it is sinful to employ man-made additions or alterations to the worship of God. We should ponder some ramifications of these truths. Corrupt worship is a widespread evil in our own society. Americans often feel that their culture has advanced beyond primitive societies which worship false deities. The truth is, however, that contemporary society is cluttered with polluted worship, even among professing Christians. Man-made innovations in worship are prevalent, especially within "conservative" and "evangelical" churches. If biblical principles of worship were upheld, there would be little fascination with liturgical superstitions, sacred dance and drama, musical performances, multimedia spectacles, and puppet shows in worship services. We need to grasp the truth that deviant forms of worship are evil. The basic principles of worship are embedded in the decalogue; transgression of the commandments is blatant immorality. In our modern pluralistic age, professing Christians have lost a sense of the immorality of false worship. Variant forms of worship should not be treated as the subjects for mere academic debates and theoretical speculations. What is at stake is the proper worship of God, who has declared that he will not give his glory to another nor his praise to graven images (Isa. 42:8). Individually, we must examine our hearts and practices. Are our hearts prepared to seek the Lord God? Have we repented of our own sins including our sins of corrupt worship? Will we reform our practices in worship (privately and in our families) to conform to the scriptural law of worship? Corporately, churches need to purge their services of all elements of worship which lack clear biblical warrant. Congregations should carefully examine all practices of worship which are urged upon them. Disputed matters must be settled on the basis of a scriptural evaluation alone. From Kings and Chronicles, we have seen that public worship is an outward indicator of the true spiritual condition of a nation. This truth should drive us to repentance and prayer, as we survey the current pollutions of worship in our land. Moreover, corporate worship is a significant indicator of the true spiritual condition of a congregation (or denomination). Christians should refuse to affiliate with any church which openly embraces corrupt worship. "What agreement hath the temple of God with idols? ...Where fore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you...." (2 Cor. 6:15-18). Finally, we should work to restore the proper elements of worship given in the scriptures: prayer; the reading, preaching, and hearing of God's word; singing of psalms; and the right administration of the sacraments as well as occasional appointments of fasting and thanksgiving. The Lord has not left us groping in darkness, guessing at the proper means of worship. He has provided a sufficient manual of worship in the scriptures. His word needs no supplements of human origin. Let us stir our souls in adoration for the living God, who has appointed all sacred means of worship. (www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BibW_ch3.htm) The above article reflects my concern about the introduction of elements to worship that lack a Scritural mandate. John |