It cannot be denied that we are to worship God, however, I want to suggest some thoughts to consider regarding the question of singing songs of worship to Jesus.

Jesus accepted worship from both men and angels. This both angels and righteous men refused to do.  When John attempted to worship an angel, the angle refused (Rev. 22:8-9).  Peter refused to accept worship from Cornelius (Acts 10:25, 26). Paul and Barnabas refused worship in Lystra (Acts 14:8-18). The fact that Jesus accepted worship from men and angels indicates that he is God and worthy of such veneration. The Hebrew writer said, “And when he again bringeth in the firstborn into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him” (Heb 1:6 ASV).

At his birth Jesus was worshiped by the wise men who came from the east to find him (Mt. 2:11).  The man who was born blind, whom Jesus healed also worshiped him and Jesus accepted his worship (John 9:38). After the miracle of the calming of the storm on the sea, the Lord’s own disciples worshiped him (Mt. 14:33). Note: though Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith during the storm (vs. 31), he did not rebuke them for worshiping him. After Jesus was raised from the dead, the disciples worshiped him (Mt. 28:16-17). Then again in Luke 24:51-52, in connection with his ascension we read, “And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:” ASV.

The scene presented of Jesus in heaven by John shows him worthy of receiving worship. “And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood (men) of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, and madest them (to be) unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth. And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all things are in them, heard I saying, Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, (be) the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever. And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the elders fell down and worshipped” (Rev 5:9-14 ASV).

Blood has been an avenue which God has used to demonstrate forgiveness of His creation’s errors. In the Old Testament, we read that God desired the use of animal sacrifices to forgive the people of their iniquities against Him. However, these continual, year to year sacrifices were never adequate to remove sin. As the writer of Hebrews wrote, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins,” (Heb. 10:4). It is the blood of Christ that takes away the sins of man. Again, Scripture says “we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all,” (Heb. 10:10). The blood of Christ accomplished what animal sacrifices could never accomplish. Being that Christ was faultless, and without sin, His blood is able to make the sinner whole (1 Peter 2:21-22). That is the Gospel call; to bring the sinner back to Christ through His shed and redemptive blood. Without this sacrifice, there would be no forgiveness of sin, no church, and no hope. 1 John 1:7 reads, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Christ, in His death on the cross, accomplished three things for all mankind. He purchased His church, (Acts 20:28; John 19:33-34; Galatians 3:13-15; Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 1:14-24). He abolished the old covenant as Colossians 2:14 demonstrates. And He established a new covenant, as Hebrews 9:14-15, 16-22 records. This new, “better covenant” of which Christ is the Mediator, “was established on better promises,” (Heb. 8:6). To live according to Christ is to live according to the covenant His death brought into existence.

The blood of Christ has done, is doing, and continues to provide mankind with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3). We must not take the blood that Christ shed for us lightly, for He suffered a brutal death. He felt so strongly about the church that He was willing to die for her. It is important that we think twice before we act, or speak, for when we leave or neglect the commandments and precepts of God, we are guilty of the blood of Christ. It is imperative that we remain faithful each day unto the Lord, Revelations 2:10.

A song of praise reminds us there is power in the blood of Christ. By and through Christ’s blood, we have been redeemed (1 Peter 1:18-19). Let us not underestimate the power in the blood of Christ, but rather let us recognize and appreciate the blood of Christ. Let us not consider the blood of Christ as unholy or common by partaking in willful sin, but rather let us seek His blood to cleanse us from all sin. Let us not take the blood of Christ lightly, but rather let us fully meditate, reflect, and appreciate the blood of Christ.

Praise, glory, and honor be to the Son of God, who was willing to die for you and I. I encourage you to thank God for His Son and His powerful and redemptive blood the next time you bow in humble prayer.

Scripture Reading: John 8:31-36

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Holding All Things Together
Joe R. Price

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Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  07/10/2017