The foundational premise
The core of this theology is the classic doctrine of the Incarnation: the very human Jesus Christ is also fully divine. When he walked among us, people did not just experience the words, touch, and love of a carpenter from Nazareth — they experienced the word, touch, and love of God, in their own bodies.
After the Ascension, Christ’s ongoing earthly ministry now has a tangible outlet through the church — especially the church as it worships. Through the ministries of the Word and prayer, the sacraments, and loving fellowship, Jesus Christ continues to speak, to touch, and to love on earth.
As theologian James Torrance wrote: “Christ takes what is ours — broken lives and unworthy prayers — sanctifies them, offers them without blemish to the Father and gives them back to us so that we might benefit and feed on him.” And Edward Schillebeeckx: “What was conspicuous in the Redeemer has passed over into the sacraments of the church.” (Christ the Sacrament of the Encounter with God, 1963, pp. 43-4)
Probing questions for assessing worship
- Is what worshipers are saying in worship imaginable on the lips of Jesus Christ, either as addressed to God the Father or to other people?
- Are the objects and symbols worshipers are handling capable of manifesting Christ in his ministry as described in Scripture?
- Are the actions done in worship imaginable as the activity of Jesus Christ?
- Is the Christ-revealing love of 1 Corinthians 13 foundationally, easily, and quickly revealed in a congregation’s worship?
- Does the portrayal of a church’s identity in a worship service fit how the Scriptures relate the church to Jesus Christ?