By Heart Alone vs. By
Scripture Alone
It’s all about the heart. This axiom and
similar phrases are lauded in worship gatherings across the world.
Unfortunately, our Heart is not the so-called heart of the matter. Today’s society is characterized by a
narcissistic disposition. Heart has
become synonymous with one’s personal emotions and feelings. Worship must
reflect what the “heart” is feeling and emotionally placate. Because human feelings
and emotions have been raised to an unnatural position the aesthetics of
worship must be equally elevated, for subjective feelings are best served by
subjective worship.
How did
this happen? The simple answer is that subjective reality will fill the void
when objective truth has been dismissed. Ligon Duncan wrote, “How we worship
determines whom we worship. That is why both the medium and the message, both
the means and the object must be attended in worship.” (pg. 33 GPTG) When the
means that God has prescribed for his worship are dismissed and the methods of
man are favored, the result is idolatrous ignorance. Duncan wrote, “Violation
of God’s commands on worship is viewed as breaking the covenant and is
cataclysmic in its consequences.” (pg. 39 GPTG)
The solution for subjectivity and
idolatry is objective truth and worship. Worship must be based on what God has
revealed of himself and in the ways he has prescribed (Objective Truth). The
hearts of men are fickle as are the emotions of their songs but the word of God
is a firm foundation. The words of Christ have a tangible meaning and are not
contingent to man’s wills. The means by which we know God’s will is through the
Bible. God will be sanctified in those who draw near Him and He will be
sanctified in the manner that he has dictated. Sola Scriptura is a firm foundation in which we have hope. Sola Cordis only muddles with the minds
of His people.
How do we expand Gospel Worship if
today’s society isn’t a) interested in reading and submitting to the word, and
b) interested in worshipping God according to His word verses their own
feelings?
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