What becomes apparent when studying worship in Hebrews, as exemplified by this central idea of faith, is that all of these continuities between OT and NT worship exist because they are metaphysical realities. Worship’s focus, consequences for refusing it, its attitude, and faith are all metaphysical in nature both in OT and NT worship. This reveals that ultimately, the essence of worship remains unchanged—worship in both testaments is directed to God on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice in faith, exhibiting a reverence toward him, and standing forgiven of the judgment that comes to those who refuse. The change of worship between Testaments is not in its essence; the change occurs in the external forms and experience of worship alone. Everything about worship in the OT that was essentially metaphysical remains the same, but none of the physical experience is normative for NT worship since those physical shadows have been accomplished in Christ.
About Scott Aniol
Scott Aniol is the founder and Executive Director of Religious Affections Ministries. He is director of doctoral worship studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he teaches courses in ministry, worship, hymnology, aesthetics, culture, and philosophy. He is the author of Worship in Song: A Biblical Approach to Music and Worship, Sound Worship: A Guide to Making Musical Choices in a Noisy World, and By the Waters of Babylon: Worship in a Post-Christian Culture, and speaks around the country in churches and conferences. He is an elder in his church in Fort Worth, TX where he resides with his wife and four children. Views posted here are his own and not necessarily those of his employer.
