Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

A Theology of the Church (continued)

b. The Son who by his incarnation, death, and resurrection accomplished salvation and who is now glorified at the Father’s right hand.

c. The Spirit who is the Lord and Giver of Life.

2. Worship is the primary purpose of the material heavens and earth, and all life therein (Pss. 148-150; Luke 19.37-40; Rom. 11.36; Rev. 4.11; 15.3-4). 3. Worship is the central activity of the angelic hosts who honor God in his presence (Isa. 6; Rev. 5). 4. Worship is the chief vocation of the “community of saints,” all true Christians, living and dead, who seek to glorify God in all things (Ps. 29.2; Rom. 12.1-2; 1 Cor. 10.31; Col. 3.17).

B. The Church offers acceptable worship to God. This means:

1. The worshipers have renounced all false gods or belief systems that lay claim to their allegiance and have covenanted to serve and worship the one true God (Exod. 34.14; 1 Thess. 1.9-10).

2. The worshipers worship:

a. In Spirit - as regenerated people who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, are filled with the Holy Spirit and under his direction. b. In Truth - understanding God as he is revealed in Scripture and worshiping in accordance with the teaching of the Word. c. In Holiness - Living lives that demonstrate their genuine commitment to serve the Living God.

C. The Church worships as a royal priesthood, wholeheartedly offering up sacrifices of praise to God and employing all its creative resources to worship him with excellence.

1. The Christian Church is a people who worship, not a place of worship.