Topical Encyclopedia Praise, as an expression of worship and adoration towards God, holds a significant place in the life of a believer. It is both a duty and a privilege, reflecting the believer's acknowledgment of God's supreme worth and majesty. However, the concept of praise being acceptable to God is deeply rooted in the New Testament understanding of Christ's mediating role.The Foundation of Acceptable Praise The Bible teaches that all human efforts, including praise, are tainted by sin and thus fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). However, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers are made righteous and their offerings of praise are rendered acceptable to God. Hebrews 13:15 states, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name." This verse underscores the necessity of Christ's mediation in making our praise pleasing to God. Christ as the Mediator The role of Christ as the mediator is central to the acceptability of praise. 1 Timothy 2:5 affirms, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, enabling believers to approach God with confidence. Ephesians 2:18 further emphasizes, "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." The Nature of Acceptable Praise Acceptable praise is characterized by sincerity, truth, and a heart aligned with God's will. John 4:23-24 highlights the importance of worshiping "in spirit and truth," indicating that genuine praise must stem from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. Moreover, Colossians 3:16 encourages believers to let "the word of Christ richly dwell within you, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to offer praise that is acceptable to God. Romans 8:26 explains, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." The Spirit empowers and guides believers in their expressions of praise, ensuring that they align with God's purposes. The Community of Believers Praise is not only an individual act but also a corporate one, as the body of Christ gathers to glorify God together. Ephesians 5:19-20 instructs, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." The communal aspect of praise reflects the unity and diversity of the church, as believers join together in one voice to honor God. Conclusion In summary, praise that is acceptable to God is made possible through the mediating work of Jesus Christ. It is characterized by sincerity, truth, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, both in individual and corporate settings. As believers, we are called to continually offer our praise to God, confident that through Christ, it is received with favor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 13:15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Necessity of the Christian Religion Twenty-Eighth Day. The Way into the Holiest. The Knowledge of Jesus Christ the Best Knowledge Prayer Perfumed with Praise Entire Sanctification in Type. Paul's Last Words to his Friends In the Name of Christ The Priesthood of Christ The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple The Way to God Resources What does it mean to praise the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to praise God? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between praise and worship? | GotQuestions.org Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Praise for God's Goodness to Individuals Praise for God's Goodness to Righteous Men Praise is a Part of Public Worship Praise is Due to God on Account of all Spiritual Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of all Temporal Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of Answering Prayer Praise is Due to God on Account of Constant Preservation Praise is Due to God on Account of Deliverance Praise is Due to God on Account of Fulfilling of his Promises Praise is Due to God on Account of His Consolation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Counsel Praise is Due to God on Account of His Excellency Praise is Due to God on Account of His Faithfulness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Glory Praise is Due to God on Account of His Goodness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Greatness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Holiness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Judgment Praise is Due to God on Account of His Loving-Kindness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Majesty Praise is Due to God on Account of His Mercy Praise is Due to God on Account of His Power Praise is Due to God on Account of His Salvation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wisdom Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wonderful Works Praise is Due to God on Account of Pardon of Sin Praise is Due to God on Account of Protection Praise is Due to God on Account of Spiritual Health Praise is Due to God on Account of The Continuance of Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of The Hope of Glory Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Creation Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Men Praise is Obligatory Upon: Angels Praise is Obligatory Upon: Children Praise is Obligatory Upon: Gentiles Praise is Obligatory Upon: High and Low Praise is Obligatory Upon: Saints Praise is Obligatory Upon: Small and Great Praise is Obligatory Upon: Young and Old Praise of David: At the Close of his Reign Praise of David: Celebrating his Deliverance from the Hand of Saul Praise of David: On Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Zion Praise of Deborah, After Defeating the Canaanites Praise: Acceptable Through Christ Praise: Accompanied With Musical Instruments Praise: Called The: Calves of the Lips Praise: Called The: Fruit of the Lips Praise: Called The: Garment of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifice of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifices of Joy Praise: Called The: Voice of a Psalm Praise: Called The: Voice of Melody Praise: Called The: Voice of Praise Praise: Called The: Voice of Triumph Praise: Psalms of, for God's Goodness to Israel Praise: Saints should be Endued With the Spirit of Praise: Saints should Express Their Joy By Praise: Saints should Glory In Praise: Saints should Invite Others To Praise: Saints should Posture Suited To Praise: Saints should Pray for Ability to offer Praise: Saints should Render, Under Affliction Praise: Saints should Show Forth Praise: Saints should Triumph In Praise: should be offered for Ever and Ever Praise: should be offered in Psalms and Hymns Praise: should be offered with Gladness Praise: should be offered with Joy Praise: should be offered with Thankfulness Praise: should be offered with the Lips Praise: should be offered with the Mouth Praise: should be offered with the Soul Praise: should be offered with the Understanding Praise: should be offered with the Whole Heart Praise: should be offered with Uprightness of Heart Praise: should be offered: Continually Praise: should be offered: Day and Night Praise: should be offered: Day by Day Praise: should be offered: During Life Praise: should be offered: More and More Praise: should be offered: Throughout the World Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea Praise: The Chorus when Solomon Brought the Ark of the Covenant Into the Temple Praise: The Heavenly Host Engage In Praise: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Praise-offering (5 Occurrences) |
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