LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Summary/ Analysis #1 Ross
Submitted to Dr. Richard Connell
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
WRSP 635 – D01
Building a Theology of Worship
by
Andrea MacLeod
July 20, 2020
Part 1: Worshipping the God of Glory
Introduction
Part one of this book opens with the blunt reality that human beings worship so easily because it
is what we were created to, but many times these times of worship are irreverent or meaningless.
This book calls the believer into a new understanding of what it means to worship God.
Chapter 1: The Revelation of the Holy Lord God of Glory
For worship to be meaningful, the revelation of who God truly is needs to be established.
Worship of God must acknowledge His holiness as well as His glory. Ross reminds the reader
that the holiness of God is set apart and should not be confused with profane or common things.
There is and never will be anyone like God, so worship of the Father must be deliberate and
uniquely offered to respond appropriately to what He has revealed to mankind about who He is.
The glory of God should cause the worshiper not just to want to see the evidence of God but
desire to see God. Acknowledging the holiness and glory of God should make the worshiper take
stock of their unworthiness to be beloved of such a powerful and loving God. Ross explains that
worship should be done in an attitude of fear and adoration for the God of the universe. He
continues to describe four senses of worship represented in ritual acts and religious observations.
The four senses are intellectual, aesthetic, corporate, and moral. It is through these four phases
that worship will be able to encourage the worshiper to strive to become more godly and seek
ways to make their lives reflect God more fully.
Chapter 2: Worship as Celebration
In chapter two, the author offers a working definition that will be dissected throughout the pages
of this book. His definition acknowledges that there are many different facets to worship but
intends to demonstrate how the worship patterns are seen throughout the entire Bible so that the
reader may strengthen their worship and understand the history of Christian worship. It is the
intention of the author to return the reader’s attention to the hope of glory in worship.
Conclusion
The author claims this book is a guide for those who genuinely want to deepen their relationship
with God through an in-depth study of His Word. Ross also states that when studying the Bible,
the reality that humanity is far from perfecting the worship that it offers to God.
Analysis
The message that this book is consistently exposing is that worship needs to be redefined so that
the vision of the object of the worship stays intensely and unwaveringly focused on God. This
clear vision allows for fulfilling, relevant, and transcendent worship for people to participate.
Reading the working definition proposed by the author, there is a sense of excitement that occurs
to know that the adventure in this book is set on exposing the fact that worship is a celebration of
the covenant fellowship that God desires to have with each one of us.
What I Learned
I learned that there is more beauty to the holiness and glory of God than I previously understood.
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Part 2: The Memory of Paradise
Introduction
The introduction to this section, Ross describes the Genesis story in words that demonstrate the
magnitude of the beauty and forethought that God put into the creation of this world. Through
this description, he enlightens the reader what the focus will be for the next part of this book.
Chapter 3: The Memory of Creation
From the beginning of this chapter, Ross defines the intention of God to be creating and
redeeming humanity continuously. It is through this continual process of redemption and creation
that people can be in communion with God. Unfortunately, at the fall of mankind removed the
immediate fellowship that we had with God, so that sanctuary was put in place to allow from
communication with the Father in Heaven. Through this time, everything was ordered and
specifically and masterfully planned. God communicated His expectations concerning the
construction of the sanctuary as well as what to sacrifice and how to prepare it. Ross provides
proof of the connection between Creation and the temple.
Chapter 4: The Memory of the Center of Creation
In this chapter, Ross begins by identifying not only the physical benefits of the Garden of Eden
but also the spiritual as well. He refers to Eden as being the residence of God’s presence. He
continues by describing the beauty of the Eden referring to the River of Life, gold and other
precious stones, the beautiful trees, and of course, the Tree of Knowledge. Ross also spoke about
the purpose of people in the garden. Adam and Eve were images of God created by Him placed
on this earth to take dominion over all the life on this planet. In their job description, they were
designed to worship God and serve Him.
Chapter 5: The Perversion of Paradise
In this section of part two, the first glimpse of the story of the redemption is seen. Rose describes
the sly tongue of the serpent and what his deception did to the harmony in Eden. Alluding that
the pagan gods and are the exact opposite of what the Bible represents. Ross identifies the
parallels between the Garden of Eden and the construction of the sanctuary throughout this
section.
Conclusion
This section sums up the reality of the hope of glory that was always intended for humanity, but
succeeding generations have learned to live in God’s grace since the fall. Through remembrance
and confession of sins, worship can be perfected in God’s redeeming grace.
Analysis
Ross gave a new perspective to the Fall. He demonstrated that God had always intended to bring
redemption to humanity. The connection between the angels guarding Eden and the embroidered
curtain into the Holy of Holies offers a full circle that is not often taught or explained.
What I Learned
I learned that God understood our shortcomings as a species from the beginning of time and was
prepared with a plan; the Fall did not take Him by surprise.
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Part 3: Worship with Proclamation: The Development of True Worship in a Religious World
Introduction
Ross prefaces this part of his book by explaining that the worship of the world is different from
the true worship that occurs for God. He reminds the reader that true worship of God will lend
itself to offering all people that opportunity to learn how to worship God in spirit and truth.
Chapter 6: The Religious Word in Antiquity
There is so much noise that occurs with false religions that true faith must be revealed divinely.
Ross continues to describe the false worship that was happening in the Old Testament and the
critical centers of life in the East. Nature seemed to be the center of many of the polytheistic
religions of that period. When God finally revealed His plan for worship, He gave instructions
similar to what was already established in humanity.
Chapter 7: The Worship of the Lord in the Life of Abraham
Abraham knew the foundational stories of Creation, the Fall, and other such essential stories of
the development of the human race. It wasn’t until his revelation from God that he understood
that there was only one true God. Ross continues in this chapter to detail what beliefs Abraham
held toward his worship of the living God. Abraham’s primary form of worship was through
obedience and sacrifice. The rest of this chapter details the types of worship acts form, which
Abraham participated.
Chapter 8: The Worship of the Lord in Abraham’s Descendants
In this chapter, Ross details how Isaac and Jacob worshiped God. Then the story leads into the
idea that the Israelites worshiped God while in the land of Egypt. Since the children of Israel
were in bondage, they were not free to worship God the way that they believed was right. They
cried out for deliverer, and God heard their prayers. It is during the time of the Exodus from
Egypt that God began to reveal Himself again, preparing His people for the knowledge of how
worship was to take place in their new homeland.
Conclusion
In the conclusion of this part of the book, the author reminds the reader that God’s people had to
make sure that their worship was set apart and deliberately different from the worship of the
pagan religions. Genuine worship of God through the first centuries always sprang from His
revelation, causing a response of intentional obedience.
Analysis
Ross demonstrated just how fundamental worship has always been to mankind when he
explained how the worship of pagan gods had formed. Since this innate sense of worship has
been planted into the heart of all people, how Christians express their devotion to God must be
set apart and intentional.
What I Learned
I learned that God utilized practices in the lives of people that were already established to
establish a proper form of worship for Him.
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Part 4: Worship with Sacrifice: The Establishment of Sanctity in Worship
Introduction
Ross begins this section explaining how God set Himself apart from pagan God because of the
covenant that He established with Israel. The presence of God was promised to the Israelites, and
through this promise, their lives would never be the same. Through this covenant, the children of
Israel began to understand the importance of worship through sacrifice.
Chapter 9: The Patterns of Worship at Sinai
Ross previously established that worship begins with the revelation of God to His people. It was
here on the top of Mount Sinai that the Israelites received the revelation of God through His
voice, vision, and power. They received the law and directions on how to worship and consecrate
themselves to God. At Sinai is where we see God’s great grace when the children of Israel
created a golden calf and corrupted worship.
Chapter 10: A Holy Place for Worship
In this chapter, the purpose of the tabernacle is explained. Ross describes that the Israelites were
to be a nation set apart, which means that how and where they worship would have to be divinely
orchestrated. God dictated how to build, use, and approach the tabernacle; this was not an
invention of humanity. Ross goes into great detail about the parts of the tabernacle, explaining
the purpose of the high altar, laver, table, and the Ark of the Covenant.
Chapter 11: Sacrificial Worship
Once the Father had explained His expectations and how He wanted the tabernacle to look, the
next step was for the Israelites to learn how to approach god sacrificially. This chapter speaks of
acceptable offerings and what was to be used to seek forgiveness and redemption from which
sins. Ross not only talks about the kinds of offerings that are acceptable to God, but he describes
purification acts and how to respond to God with the tithe.
Chapter 12: Qualified Worship Leaders
In any productive civilization, there must be a hierarchy of leadership. Ross describes what roles
of leadership were utilized in the time of Moses. The positions that were addressed in this
chapter were elders, priests, ministers, and prophets. Ross explained the position of the priest by
detailing how priests were consecrated and what the responsibilities were.
Conclusion
Ross summarizes this part of the book reminding the reader of the goal of the earthly sanctuaries
and temples. The sanctuary played an essential role in society and should be respected and cared
for because it was a place created for God to be able to dwell among His people.
Analysis
Worship with the Father will be perfected in Jesus Christ so that we may leave behind all
legislation to dwell with God in a heavenly sanctuary. In the old covenant, the temple was where
God lived among His people. During the new covenant, the people of God became the dwelling
place of God. It is important to know the history of the priesthood to understand how to keep our
temples holy and clean for God.
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What I Learned
I learned that God did not place specific laws and order on us to control the Israelites; instead,
He did it so that He would be able to abide and dwell with His people.
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Part 5: Worship as Praise: The Provision for Celebration in Worship
Introduction
In conjunction with sacrificial worship, the Israelites created a practice of prayer and praise,
responding to the provision and goodness of God. Praise was expected seasonally in response to
God’s faithfulness throughout the year.
Chapter 13: Seasonal Celebrations
Ross contends that a believer should live an attitude of thanksgiving and praise unceasingly. Still,
he also acknowledges that there are specific seasons, months, years, days, and hours in which
celebration of Jubilee should be expected. Some of these intentional times of praise were holy
days and festivals, as well as times of spontaneous worship or special occasions, such as funerals
or weddings.
Chapter 14: A Place for Praise
Ross expresses the importance of the holy tabernacle as a place for God to dwell among His
people with praise and worship to the Father. The discussion of this chapter continues about the
temple of God being built by Solomon. The temple was intended to reflect the majesty, saving
grace, and kingdom of God,
Chapter 15: Musical Guilds, Sanctuary Choirs, and Congregational Singing
Ross explains the importance of ministers of music in temple worship. David was instrumental in
giving order and training for those who were blessed and chosen to serve the congregation
musically. Special attention was given to explain that these worship leaders were not performers
but ensured the congregation participated in worship God.
Chapter 16: The Psalms in Worship
When organization was implemented in temple worship, the people began to use the psalms of
David more frequently and with other writers. This was combined into a hymnbook known as the
Psalter of Worship. The psalms within this book expressed every emotion that human being
experienced. Ross ends the chapter pleading that the Church could be more effective in utilizing
these psalms.
Chapter 17: Offering the Sacrifice of Praise
Ross explains the intimacy that is achieved in the time of worship in the temple. This time of
sacrificial praise and intentional prayer fulfilled the people of Israel and reflected the closeness
of Eden. The author continues to explain the purpose that people had for spending time in the
sanctuary. They came to the temple to offer praise, thanksgiving, sacrificial offerings, and
proclaim their faith. It is here where they also encountered the power and glory of God. The
temple made it possible to live in communion with their God renewing their covenant with Him
and receiving His blessings.
Conclusion
Ross explains that worship reflected a heart of praise and prayer. This is noted in the collection
of psalms, demonstrating the need to honor the whole person in the presence of God. Worship
was joyful in nature and expression.
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Analysis
The reality of how God is a God of order becomes more and more apparent. This order is not an
idea of control and strict routines. Within this realm of order and structure, God encourages the
preparation of worship, training, and the expression of emotions. This idea of effective order is
paramount in the life of a worship leader and should be utilized more efficiently.
What I Learned
I learned about the depth of worship through the tools that the Bible offers, such as an intentional
space for worship and order in service.
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Part 6: Worship Reformed: Prophetic Rebukes and Reforms
Introduction
In this section, Ross plans to discuss the reality that occurs for many people. Even with the
revelations of who God is and the beautiful temple that was created in His honor, the Israelites
still needed correction, redirection, and reformation in their worship.
Chapter 18: Qualifications for Worshippers
In this chapter, Ross outlines what qualifications a person must possess to be a true worshiper of
God. True worship can be identified through their faithfulness. They proclaim their faith and
demonstrate it through their actions. In addition to being faithful, true worshipers confess their
sins, seek after holiness, and can be are motivated to grow spiritually.
Chapter 19: The Prophetic Denunciation of Corrupt Worship
After describing what true worship is, Ross continues by describing the warnings against false
worship. Idolatry was a constant battle through the Old Testament, as well as the people of Israel
not correcting their actions after being redirected.
Chapter 20: The Prophetic Rebuke of Hypocritical Worship
God regularly used prophets to express His displeasure, issue warnings, and inform Israel what
consequences were on the way if they did not course correct. In this chapter, Ross goes into
specific examples of certain prophets and the messages of rebuke that they brought against
Israel. He also notes that some of the admonitions of this time were preserved in the psalms.
Conclusion
Worship expresses the real state of the worshiper’s heart. Ross contends that there is a constant
need to submit to the Lord and seek forgiveness and redemption when needed. Worship does not
need to be perfect by human standards, but it must transform the worshiper into the likeness of
Jesus.
Analysis
Ross eloquently explains the beauty of healthy worship that will always result in transformation
and spiritual growth. How he demonstrates, the role of the prophets was refreshing and helped to
explain their role as his messenger more efficiently.
What I Learned
I learned that the prophets were tools to call the children of God back into communion with Him
because He missed His people, not because God wanted to control Israel.
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Part 7: Worship Transformed: The New Setting of Worship and the New Covenant
Introduction
Ross begins this section near the conclusion of the captivity of Israel. He explains that the
purpose of this next section of the book will demonstrate how worship is transformative and
what Messiah’s role will be in the new covenant.
Chapter 21: The Need for Transformation
Recover was difficult for Israel when they returned to their land and found the temples and the
cities destroyed. Through the exile and return, God never left His people. He sent prophets with
missions of hope and restoration. Ross also describes the revitalization of worship that occurred
because the people were exiled.
Chapter 22: The Change in Worship: The Focus on the Word of God
Ross depicts the strict adherence of the Israelites to the Word of God than they had been in the
past. Synagogue worship became a standard allowing for the teaching of the Word to become
more common. This chapter talks more in-depth about how the synagogue was used concerning
prayer, services, and the separation of Israel into sects, such as Samaritans, Pharisees, Sadducees,
and Essenes.
Chapter 23: The New Center of Worship: The Incarnate Word
Ross discusses Jesus’ place in this time of confusion in worship. Jesus renewed worship and
began to restore it to what God had always intended worship to be. Jesus worshiped, taught, and
performed miracles for the benefit of the Father. He even spoke out against the worthless
worship that was being observed at the time. Jesus explained how to worship God through the
Son and receive the gifts of grace and redemption that God offered.
Chapter 24: The Turning Point of Worship: The Last Supper
In this chapter, the author explains the purpose and power of the Last Supper. He doesn’t just
discuss the superficial aspect, but he describes how this symbolic act would change worship
forever. Ross also goes into detail about the origins of the memorial of the Lord’s Supper.
Conclusion
Ross concludes with the reminder of where the Israelites were at in their worship after the exile.
He reminds the reader of Jesus’ role in transforming worship from what it once was to what it
was always intended to be.
Analysis
Ross does a great job explaining the climate of the realm of worship when Jesus entered the
scene. While Jesus transformed the hearts of many, His mere presence upset the norms and
foundations that the Jewish people had built their faith. The reality is that Jesus still does this. He
reforms, renews, and refreshes our worship. Ross established this constant aspect of Christ from
the very beginning.
What I Learned
I learned about the Essenes, which I had never heard of before this book.
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Part 8: Worship in Christ: Patterns of Worship in the Early Church
Introduction
Ross begins this section reminding the reader of Jesus’ role in introducing the new covenant and
acknowledging His place in the Master’s plan again.
Chapter 25: The Circumstances of Early Christian Worship
In this chapter, Ross talks about places of worship and their requirements. It is acknowledged
that worship can be accomplished at any time or place, but there are logistical needs for
corporate worship. Worship of Christians who were Jewish, Hellenistic, and Gentiles in
foundations had different characteristics to their religion. The meeting on the first day of the
week, Sunday, became a new tradition of time for Christians to meet and break bread.
Chapter 26: The Essentials of Worship in the Early Church
It is in this section of the book that Ross details the foundational aspects of worship in the Early
Church. Of course, Christians would have to be grounded in the truth of Jesus Christ. After
declaring their faith, they would follow Christ in the act of water baptism. Unique to Christianity
was the activation of the Holy Spirit. It is with Him that believers could genuinely live in Spirit
and Truth. Christian services also had times of public reading, preaching, and teaching of the
Word, as well as times of worship response through a multitude of acts. The worship that was
established was extensive and included prayers, creeds, hymns, tithes and offerings, and many
more forms of communing with God, especially participation in the Lord’s Supper.
Conclusion
When concluding this significant part of the book, Ross chides the Christian not to get
complacent and resist change. He reminds the reader that worship is a process of growth and
should result in one’s worship being transformative.
Analysis
All of the information that is in this book is genuinely informative and enlightening; it seemed a
little out of place for Ross to begin to dive into the development of liturgy. While the rituals and
words used in the administration of the Lord’s Supper. It was at this point in which the book felt
like it steps a little out of the parameters of the Bible and more into specified religious practices.
What I Learned
I learned about the view of Hellenistic Christians and how it differed from that of the Jewish
Christians.
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Part 9: The Perfection of Worship in Glory
Introduction
Ross draws the reader into this final section about Revelations with a narrowing the focus in this
book. He states that it is easy to get lost in what is happening to the earth and miss the
culmination of the redemption plan in heaven. The author declares the fact that worship will be
perfect and all-encompassing of angels and saints when God is finished.
Chapter 27: Christ in Glory with Choirs of Angels
In this chapter, the author chooses to dissect the vision that John had experienced pertaining to
Heaven. This includes that heavenly choirs, God’s throne, and how worship occurs in the throne
room of God. He reiterates the importance of all of Creation, joining together to sing praise to
God.
Chapter 28: The Glorious Celebration of the Fulfillment of the Promises
As Ross dissects Revelations further, he details that celebration that is to happen when the
redemption story is concluded. He explains the importance of symbols identified in the vision.
Such things that are of value are colors, numbers, and items like palm branches. Ross reiterates
the importance of unification with God in the time of Revelations. He concludes the breakdown
of the book of Revelations by speaking about the second creation that has been promised to
God’s children.
Conclusion
This part of the book is summed up by explaining the importance of worship in the eternal sense,
which is not just an hour on Sunday but a worship experience involving all of Creation before
God for all eternity.
Analysis
Ross had a simplistic but eloquent way of breaking down the book of Revelations. This final
book of the Bible is difficult to digest, but when Ross focused on one side of John’s vision, the
pictures began to be clearly defined. Most teachers try to tackle the entire vision and put it into
perspective. Ross narrowed in on the Heavenly encounter of perfect worship before God, instead
of involving the devastation of the earth.
What I Learned
I learned a new way to look at the book of Revelations by focusing on one aspect of the parallel
worlds at a time.
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Part 10: Basic Principles for More Glorious Worship
Basic Principles for More Glorious Worship
Ross defines simple principles that believers can use to be able to help them recall the hope of
glory in their worship consistently. It is not just a list of actions or rituals to be checked off to feel
like one has worshiped effectively, but more of a call to arms for Christians to define a lifestyle
of unceasing worship. Some of the principles include remembering the importance of sacrifice in
prayer, ensuring that worship acts are biblically sound, and to allow it to transform the heart of
the worshiper to resemble Christ. There are fifteen principles listed in this part of the book.
Analysis
While the whole of this book was informative and powerfully written, this last part of the book is
a section that should be referred back to often. The way in which Ross articulates the principles
was concise and easy to digest. This was an excellent way to end such a powerful and
enlightening book.
What I Learned
I learned that worship is a lifelong balance of truth and grace, and how this balancing act should
keep believers consistently working towards practicing and refining private and corporate
worship.
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