Visits to Candyland has an interesting excerpt on what worship looked like in the Early Church, written by St. Justin Martyr.

St. Justin Martyr lived within 100 years of Christ, converted in 130 AD and was martyred in 165 AD.

Visits to Candyland is responding to a popular Christian mommy blogger who made a list of what true worship looks like (i.e., lifting of hands, leaping and dancing, singing, etc., to explain why she likes Foursquare Gospel churches, despite the sect being founded by a woman who still supposedly anoints and inspires notorious faith healer Benny Hinn through graveside services).


The reader may find it edifying also to consider what worship looks like in Heaven. According to Scripture, specifically, the Book of Revelation (Apocalypse), heavenly worship includes:

An altar (Rev. 6:9, 8:3, 9:13, 14:18)

Incense (Rev. 5:8, Rev. 8:3)

Chanting of Holy, Holy, Holy (Rev. 4:8)

Celibate men (Rev 14:4)

Occurs on Sunday (Rev. 1:10)

With candles and lampstands (Rev. 1:12, 11:4)

Also note that according to Revelations, when the two witnesses come to earth before Christ's second coming, there will be worshipers at God's altar. (Rev. 11:1)

More reading: Tim Troutman ponders Jewish sacrifice and the Book of Hebrews, and sacrifice in the first 40 years after Christ.
For an enlightening view of Christ as the Passover Lamb, see what Scott Hahn has to say.

Say what you will about the Catholic Mass, but it is certainly not unScriptural.

Labels: Catholic