In what ways does Ezekiel 46:3 connect to New Testament teachings on worship? Ezekiel 46:3 — The Verse “The people of the land shall also worship at the entrance of that gate before the LORD on the Sabbaths and New Moons.” Core Observations from the Verse • Corporate: “people of the land” gather together. • Place: worship occurs at the appointed gate, the only sanctioned access. • Rhythm: regular, God-set times—“Sabbaths and New Moons.” • Focus: worship is “before the LORD,” not for personal display. New Testament Echoes and Expansions • One entrance → Christ Himself – John 10:9 “ I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved….” – Hebrews 10:19-22 believers “enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus….” Ezekiel’s single gate anticipates the exclusive, saving access found only in Jesus. • Corporate assembly still commanded – Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2—early church met regularly. – Hebrews 10:24-25 “Let us not neglect meeting together….” Gathering remains a non-negotiable rhythm for God’s people. • God-appointed rhythm fulfilled, not abolished – Colossians 2:16-17 calls Sabbaths/New Moons “a shadow… the body that casts it belongs to Christ.” – Revelation 1:10 “On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit.” The calendar now centers on Christ, yet the principle of recurring, dedicated times of worship stands. • Unified participation – Galatians 3:28 “you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Peter 2:5 believers are “a holy priesthood.” As in Ezekiel, worship involves the whole covenant community, not just leaders. • Worship “before the LORD” — now “in Spirit and truth” – John 4:23-24 true worshipers “worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” Physical location gives way to Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered access, yet the reverence Ezekiel describes remains. Practical Take-Aways for Worship Today • Approach God through the only gate—Jesus. • Commit to regular, gathered worship; schedule around it, not vice-versa. • Remember that set times (Lord’s Day, Communion, seasons) help form hearts. • Participate actively; everyone in Christ is part of the priesthood. • Keep worship God-focused, reverent, and joyful, just as those ancient worshipers did before the LORD. |
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