How does Psalm 96:8 connect with worship practices in the New Testament? Psalm 96:8 in Focus “Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; bring an offering and enter His courts.” Key Themes Echoed in the New Testament • Giving God the glory due His name • Bringing an offering to the Lord • Entering God’s presence with confidence and worship New Testament Expressions of “Ascribe to the LORD the Glory of His Name” • Christ-centered praise: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11) • Corporate proclamation: “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19) • Continuous lifestyle: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17) Bringing an Offering in the Light of Christ • Living sacrifices: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1) • Praise as sacrifice: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) • Generous giving: “Each one should give as he has decided in his heart… for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Good works: “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) Entering His Courts Today • Access through Christ’s blood: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19) • Draw near with assurance: “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” (Hebrews 10:22) • The gathered church as God’s house: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” (1 Peter 2:5) Putting It All Together Psalm 96:8’s call to glorify God, bring offerings, and enter His courts blossoms in the New Testament: believers glorify the Father by exalting Jesus, present themselves and their resources as offerings, and boldly enter God’s presence through Christ. The heart of Old Testament worship is fulfilled and expanded in the New Covenant community, making every moment and gathering an opportunity to live out the psalmist’s invitation. |
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