The foundational premise
A Trinitarian theology of worship begins with deep contemplation of the three divine Persons — God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Through the graciousness of God the Father shown through the work of Jesus Christ and the Spirit, the church in worship is caught up in the dynamics between these three Persons.
As salvation has come from God the Father through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, so worship is offered in the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ to the glory of God the Father. True worship doesn’t begin with us — it begins in the relationship between the Father and the Son.
As theologian James Torrance put it: “Christian worship is our participation through the Spirit in the Son’s communion with the Father, in his vicarious life of worship and intercession. It is our response to our Father for all that he has done for us in Christ. It is our self-offering in body, mind and spirit, in response to the one true offering made for us in Christ.” (Worship, Community, and the Triune God of Grace)
Probing questions for assessing worship
- What is the basis for person-to-person relationships within the worshiping assembly? Does it ultimately derive from the relationship and activity of the Trinity? Or from some human institution?
- How do the content, rhythms, and symbols of worship disclose the God known and revealed in Jesus Christ as attested by Scripture?
- How does the worship service speak about divine activity — specifically the collaborative and cooperative efforts of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?
- Can we imagine what we are doing and saying in worship as Christ-originated and Christ-mediated to God the Father?