---
title: "Why We Worship This Way"
description: "Explore worship governed by Scripture, the regulative principle, and approaching God through Jesus Christ."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/worship/scripture/"
---

WORSHIP & CHRISTIAN LIFE

# Why We Worship This Way

Our desire is to honor God by listening to His Word and approaching Him through Christ.

On this page[Who directs our worship?](https://ctkrp.org/worship/scripture/#authority)[We come through Jesus Christ](https://ctkrp.org/worship/scripture/#christ)[Truth that engages the heart](https://ctkrp.org/worship/scripture/#response)

## Who directs our worship?

The Reformed principle of worship is that God determines how He is to be worshiped. Often called the regulative principle, it asks what Scripture authorizes for worship.

This does not mean the Bible specifies the hour of every service or every practical detail. The Confession distinguishes the elements of worship from circumstances ordered by Christian wisdom.

Compare [Confession 1.6](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-1-holy-scripture/) and [chapter 21](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-21-religious-worship-and-the-sabbath-day/).

## We come through Jesus Christ

We do not earn access to God by performing a service correctly. Our hope rests in Christ, whose sacrifice reconciles His people to God. Reverence and gratitude belong together.

Read [Hebrews 10:19–25](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/hebrews/10/19-25). Ask: What gives believers confidence to approach God?

## Truth that engages the heart

Outward actions alone are not enough. Worship involves understanding, faith, love, and sincere attention to God. Jesus teaches that His Father seeks worship in spirit and truth.

Read [John 4:23–24](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/john/4/23-24). Consider how both truth and sincerity shape our response to God.

## Read the pastoral study

Pastor Owen Anderson’s Worship in Spirit and in Truth presents the fuller case for congregational, unaccompanied Psalm singing. The explanations on these pages are companion material, not his verbatim writing.

[Read Pastor Anderson’s complete study](https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/)

## Keep exploring

[What to expect in worship](https://ctkrp.org/worship/)[Why we worship this way](https://ctkrp.org/worship/scripture/)[Why we sing the Psalms](https://ctkrp.org/worship/psalms/)[Why we sing without instruments](https://ctkrp.org/worship/unaccompanied-singing/)[Family worship at home](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/)

## Related reading

- [What does “Reformed” mean?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-reformed/)
- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-1-holy-scripture/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 2: What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-2-what-rule-hath-god-given-to-direct-us-how/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 3: What is the Word of God?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-3-what-is-the-word-of-god/)
- [Find teaching on scripture](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=Scripture)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/worship/scripture/