The Doctrine Of Discipleship

The Doctrine Of Discipleship

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, June 4, 2026 (Donate)

Why does Sunday Schools exist? Or small groups, men’s or women Bible study fellowships in Church, or apologetics ministries? Or even Christian schools? The answer is discipleship. It’s going to that next level of learning and growing in Christ after we’ve received the Gospel.

What Is The Theological Name For Church Discipleship?

The theological study and practice of making disciples is often simply referred to as discipleship but is also known as “Christian formation”. In broader theological discussions, it is closely related to ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church) and sanctification (the process of growing in holiness). The New Testament presents discipleship not as an optional ministry of the church but as one of its central purposes.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The word "disciple" comes from the Greek word mathetes, meaning "learner," "student," or "follower." A disciple is someone who learns from a teacher and seeks to imitate him. Therefore, Christian discipleship is the lifelong process of learning from Christ though His Word, following Christ’s directives, and helping others do the same.

Did Christ Command That We Disciple Others?

Yes. One of Christ's final commands before ascending into heaven is commonly called the “Great Commission”:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you..." (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV).

Notice that Christ didn’t merely command His followers to make converts. He commanded them to make disciples. Evangelism is the beginning of discipleship, but discipleship continues throughout the believer's life.

Jesus repeatedly trained His followers to teach others. Paul later instructed Timothy:

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2, NKJV).

This verse reveals four generations of discipleship: Paul, Timothy, faithful men, and others also. The biblical model was multiplication through faithful teaching to the Word of God. We still do this today. 

What Exactly Is Discipleship?

Discipleship is the intentional process of teaching believers to know, obey, imitate, and glorify Christ in every area of life.

It involves far more than attending church services or participating in occasional Bible studies. A disciple learns biblical truth, applies biblical truth, and teaches biblical truth to others.

Jesus described discipleship as following Him completely:

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23, NKJV).

Discipleship, therefore, includes:

1. Learning God's Word.
2. Growing in holiness.
3. Developing Christian character.
4. Worshiping God faithfully.
5. Serving others in Church.
6. Sharing the gospel.
7. Defending the faith (apologetics).
8. Training future disciples.
9. Consistent in prayer.
10. Relying on the Holy Spirit to guide in Christ’s Word

The goal is spiritual maturity (from milk to solid food per Hebrews 5:12-14). Paul, by the power of the Holy Spirit, wrote that church leaders exist to equip believers until they attain "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).

How Was Discipleship Done In The New Testament?

New Testament discipleship was highly relational as the Scriptures were being completed. From there, discipleship was centered upon Scripture and Who Scripture pointing to—Jesus Christ.

It is estimated that Jesus spent approximately three years personally teaching the Twelve Apostles—based on the number of yearly Passovers that He attended with them (though some may not have been recorded so we should remain tentative).

Passover meal; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Jesus taught publicly, but He also invested significant time with a smaller group of followers. They learned not only through lectures but through observation, questions, ministry participation, personal example of watching Jesus but also…correction.

Mark 3:14 says Christ appointed the apostles "that they might be with Him." Before they could effectively minister for Him, they needed to spend time with Him to grow and learn—that is, mature in their faith.

After Pentecost, the early church continued this model. Acts 2:42 states:

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

Discipleship, in the early church occurred through:

1. Public and private preaching.
2. House-to-house instruction.
3. Personal mentoring.
4. Leading and counseling (e.g., elders)
5. Fellowship among believers—Including communion
6. Prayer.
7. Corporate worship.
8. Practical  and special ministry opportunities (e.g. deacons were especially designed for this).

Paul followed this pattern throughout his missionary journeys. He discipled men such as Timothy, Titus, Silas, and others by traveling with them, teaching them, and gradually entrusting them with leadership responsibilities. Consider Christ and His disciples.

Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Twelve Apostles (Christ's closest disciples):

1. Simon Peter
2. Andrew
3. James (son of Zebedee)
4. John (son of Zebedee)
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Thomas
8. Matthew
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
10. Thaddaeus (also called Judas son of James)
11. Simon the Zealot
12. Judas Iscariot—who betrayed Christ and killed himself

After Judas' death:

13. Matthias (chosen to replace Judas)

Other named disciples and followers of Christ:

• Mary Magdalene
• Martha
• Mary of Bethany
• Lazarus
• Joseph of Arimathea
• Nicodemus
• Cleopas
• Joanna
• Susanna

Jesus also sent out seventy (or seventy-two) disciples in Luke 10, but most of their names aren’t recorded.

Disciples of John the Baptist

John baptizing; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The Bible specifically identifies several people who were first disciples of John the Baptist before following Christ:

1. Andrew (John 1:35-40)
2. John, son of Zebedee (likely the unnamed disciple in John 1:35-40)
3. Simon Peter (brought to Christ by Andrew after Andrew followed John)

Other unnamed disciples of John are mentioned in:

• Matthew 9:14
• Matthew 11:2
• Mark 2:18
• Luke 7:18

Disciples of the Apostle John

The New Testament doesn’t provide a formal list of John's disciples, but early church history identifies several men associated with his ministry:

1. Polycarp of Smyrna
2. Papias of Hierapolis
3. Ignatius of Antioch (often associated with John's circle, though less directly than Polycarp)

The strongest historical connection is between the Apostle John and Polycarp. Irenaeus, who was a disciple of Polycarp, testified that Polycarp had learned from John and other eyewitnesses of Christ.

A commonly cited discipleship chain is:

Jesus Christ
→ John the Apostle
→ Polycarp
→ Irenaeus

If you consider the big picture, it has gone from Jesus Christ, the initial disciples of Christ…down to you and me for about 2000 years!

How Is Discipleship A Matter Of Training In All Things Of Christ—Including The Old Testament?

In the Great Commission, Christ commanded believers to teach disciples "to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). Since Jesus is God incarnate and the divine Author of all Scripture, discipleship involves instruction in the entirety of God's Word.

The Old Testament was the Bible used by Jesus, the Apostles, and the early church. Jesus frequently taught from Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophets.

After His resurrection, Jesus explained:

"Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:27, NKJV).

Likewise, Paul taught:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV).

When Paul wrote those words, the Old Testament was primarily what Timothy possessed. Therefore, biblical discipleship includes instruction from Genesis through Revelation.

The Old Testament teaches God's character, creation in 6 days, sin, covenant, promises, redemption, worship, wisdom, prayer, prophecy, and the coming Messiah. The New Testament fulfills and explains these truths more fully in Christ. Together, they provide the complete foundation for Christian growth and discipleship.

How Has Discipleship In The Modern Western World Become Lax And How Should The Church Respond To Remedy This?

Many churches in the modern Western world have focused on attendance, entertainment, giving, or superficial involvement while neglecting deeper biblical discipleship. Large numbers of professing Christians possess limited knowledge of Scripture, theology, church history, apologetics, and practical Christian living. There is a general shallowness that tends to stagnate their discipleship growth.

Some believers attend church regularly but are never personally trained to study the Bible, defend the faith, teach others, or apply Scripture to daily life. In many cases, churches have substituted programs for discipleship and information for transformation. Sadly, this has led many churches to be stagnant in their effectiveness and even allows false teachings to come into their doors.

The biblical solution isn’t new—but is a simple return to the apostolic model set for us in the Bible. Churches should get their Sunday schools, schools, small groups, and their main services back to solid Bible-based teachings:

• Prioritize the teaching of Scripture.
• Train believers in sound biblical doctrine—even the hard stuff.
• Encourage family discipleship in the home.
• Develop mentoring relationships.
• Equip believers for evangelism.
• Teach biblical apologetics (creation apologetics and general apologetics).
• Foster accountability and spiritual growth.
• Train mature Christians to disciple others.
• Relying on the guidance of the Holly Spirit to grow us in our sanctification and discipleship

Pastors are called not merely to gather crowds but to equip saints for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Parents are commanded to teach God's Word diligently to their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Older believers are instructed to train younger believers (Titus 2:1-8). Every Christian has a role in the discipleship process.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

A healthy church isn’t measured merely by attendance numbers but by the spiritual maturity of its members and their ability to make additional disciples.

Conclusion

Church discipleship is the biblical process of helping believers become mature followers of Jesus Christ. It was commanded by Christ, practiced by the apostles, and established as a central mission of the church. True discipleship involves teaching the whole counsel of God—the 66 books of the Bible, applying Scripture to every area of life, and training believers to teach others.

The New Testament model wasn’t merely producing church attendees but producing faithful disciples who would multiply themselves through future generations. As the modern church faces increasing biblical illiteracy and spiritual weakness, the solution is a renewed commitment to Christ's command: "make disciples."

One must submit and rely on the Holy Spirit for this process. Through faithful teaching, godly example, prayer, and obedience to Scripture, the church will move forward to continue the mission Christ entrusted to His people until He returns.

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

 

 

False Doctrine: Praying To And For The Dead?

False Doctrine: Praying To And For The Dead?

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, June2, 2026 (Donate)

Ever hear of people claiming to pray to saints or other people who have died? Ever hear of people praying for the dead? When someone does either of these things they have deviated from the clear teachings of the Bible and gone into false doctrines.

Praying To The Dead?

Based on the 66 books of the Bible, there is no command, example, or encouragement to pray to the dead. Scripture consistently teaches that prayer is directed to God alone.

One is instructed to pray to God not to the deceased; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Jesus instructed His followers to pray to the Father (Matthew 6:9), and believers are told to make their requests known to God (Philippians 4:6). Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, God's people prayed to God, not to deceased believers, prophets, apostles, or angels.

Furthermore, attempts to communicate with the dead are forbidden. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 condemns practices such as consulting the dead, and Isaiah 8:19 asks, "Should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?" Saul even fell into this mistake by calling on the which of Endor to speak to Samuel who was deceased and it cost him dearly (1 Samuel 28:7-20).

The Bible presents Christ as the sole mediator between God and man: "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV).

Praying For The Dead?

The Bible also teaches that the dead are conscious and continue to exist after death, but they are separated from the affairs of the living. In Jesus' account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), the dead are shown in distinct places awaiting final judgment, with a great gulf fixed between them.

Hebrews 9:27 states, "it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." Scripture never presents a second opportunity for salvation after death, nor does it instruct believers to “pray for the dead” in hopes of changing their eternal condition. When they die it’s too late! One must be saved through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection in this as it echoes for eternity (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Regarding praying for the dead, the Bible do not provide a clear command or example of believers offering prayers on behalf of deceased individuals. The commonly cited passage outside of the Bible is 2 Maccabees 12:39-45, which describes prayers for fallen soldiers, is found in the Apocrypha and is not Scripture. Within the canonical Scriptures, prayers are consistently offered for the living. While believers are encouraged to mourn, remember, and honor those who have died (Genesis 50:1-3; Acts 8:2; Hebrews 11), they are never instructed to pray for their souls after death.

Final Thoughts

The biblical hope for the dead is not found in prayers offered on their behalf after death, but in the saving work of Jesus Christ. Those who die in faith are described as being with the Lord (Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8), while unbelievers await final judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). Therefore, according to the 66 books of the Bible, prayer should be directed to God alone, through Jesus Christ, for the living. The Scriptures neither authorize praying to the dead nor teach that prayers offered for the dead can alter their eternal destiny after death.

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

 

 

Conditionalism—An Attack On Christ’s Character and Work

Conditionalism—An Attack On Christ’s Character and Work

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, May 29, 2026 (Donate)

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:2, NKJV)

What Is Conditionalism?

I recently had a friend begin leaning toward conditionalism. Conditionalism is the view that a sinner goes to Hell, but not for eternity. Conditionalists do believe that Hell exists. Their argument is that God punishes sinners only for a limited period of time until their specific "sentence" has been completed.

In other words, conditionalism teaches that if an unbeliever rejects Christ and His death and resurrection, that person will be punished in Hell for a finite period rather than for eternity. According to this view, a sinner can ultimately satisfy God's wrath against sin through "time served" in Hell. This is distinct from the Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory, since conditionalists generally maintain that the punishment occurs in Hell itself.

Conditionalism is based on the belief that man is not naturally immortal and that eternal life is a gift given only to those who are saved through Jesus Christ. According to this view, the unsaved will be judged and punished for their sins, but they will not remain consciously tormented forever. Instead, after judgment, they will ultimately be destroyed and cease to exist. For this reason, the doctrine is often called conditional immortality or annihilationism.

At this point, some advocates suggest that the soul is annihilated after the sinner has completed the required punishment. Conditionalists affirm Hell, divine judgment, and punishment for sin, but they struggle with the doctrine of eternal conscious torment

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

They argue that biblical terms such as "death," "destroy," and "perish" should be understood in their ordinary sense, pointing to the eventual destruction of the wicked rather than their endless conscious existence in punishment. However, one must be careful not to confuse the physical concept of death with the spiritual reality of the soul. Scripture uses terms such as "the second death" to describe realities that extend beyond physical death.

Conditionalism differs from the traditional position held by most Protestant, Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox Christians throughout church history. The historic view teaches that the wicked will experience eternal conscious punishment, whereas conditionalists teach that only believers receive immortality and everlasting life. 

For the reader's sake, I hold to the classic doctrine of Hell as taught in Scripture and affirmed by the church for nearly two thousand years. What concerns me is how rapidly conditionalism has spread in recent years.

Conditionalism Has Big Problems

I’ve already dealt with the biblical problems of Annihilationism here—so for Scriptural discussion go there. What I want to address here are the implications that follow (reductio ad absurdum) if one believes sinners can fully satisfy God's wrath through punishment in Hell. Ultimately, the conditionalist is left with problematic conclusions:

1. The soul is annihilated.
2. The soul is permitted to enter Heaven.
3. The soul remains in Hell.
4. The problem of mortality

Each of these positions creates serious theological problems concerning God's character and the work of Christ.

Option 1: The Soul Is Annihilated

Suppose a sinner truly serves the full punishment required to satisfy God's wrath against sin. If God then annihilates that person's soul, God would be punishing that individual beyond what justice required.

If the sentence has genuinely been completed, there is no basis for imposing an additional penalty. Annihilation would become a second punishment beyond what justice demanded. In that case, God would be acting unjustly by destroying someone whose debt had already been paid in full.

Option 2: The Soul Is Permitted to Enter Heaven

Recognizing the problem above, some might conclude that if a sinner has fully satisfied God's justice through punishment in Hell, then that person should be allowed into Heaven.

But this position creates an even greater problem. If a person can satisfy God's wrath apart from Christ through personal suffering in Hell, then salvation is possible without Christ. The Bible repeatedly teaches that salvation is found in Christ alone. If sinners can earn entrance into Heaven by serving time in Hell, then Christ's atoning death and resurrection become unnecessary.

Such a position directly contradicts the gospel itself.

Option 3: The Soul Remains in Hell

The third possibility is that God simply leaves the sinner in Hell even after the punishment has been completed.

But this returns us to eternal punishment. Furthermore, if the sinner's debt has already been fully paid, then continued punishment would once again make God unjust, since He would be punishing someone whose sentence had already been satisfied.

Some may attempt to solve this by suggesting that God removes the person's consciousness while leaving them in Hell. Yet this does not resolve the issue. If the punishment has already been completed, any continued confinement would still be punishment without cause.

Option 4: The Problem of Mortality

Some conditionalists argue that man is entirely mortal and possesses no eternal aspect. But if this were true, then the infinite judgment of an eternal and infinitely powerful God would immediately consume and destroy the sinner. Hell itself would become unnecessary because no meaningful punishment could be endured by a purely mortal being before destruction occurred.

This position ultimately raises additional questions about the purpose and nature of divine judgment.

Conclusion

Each of these conditionalist conclusions creates significant problems concerning God's justice, character, and the work of Christ.

The historic Christian doctrine teaches that Hell is eternal because God is eternal and because man possesses an eternal soul. Sin is committed against an eternal God, and therefore the punishment is eternal. Christ, being the eternal Son of God, was uniquely able to bear God's wrath on behalf of sinners. Because of His divine nature and infinite worth, He accomplished in His sacrificial death what no finite sinner could ever accomplish through suffering.

For this reason, salvation is offered as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel is not that sinners can eventually satisfy God's wrath themselves. Rather, the gospel is that Christ has satisfied God's wrath on behalf of all who repent and believe in Him.

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image generated by ChatGPT

 

The Doctrines Of Praise And Worship

The Doctrines Of Praise And Worship

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, May 28, 2026 (Donate)

Praise and worship times dominate our local churches, Christian schools, and special events like conferences. There is a biblical basis for these two doctrines which seem to go hand-in-hand today, even though they are distinct. Let’s evaluate these doctrines

Praise In The Bible—What Was It?

Praise in the Bible was the joyful acknowledgment and proclamation of God’s greatness, holiness, mercy, power, and His mighty works. Throughout Scripture, praise was directed toward God because of who He is and what He has done.

The Hebrew words translated as “praise” often carried meanings such as boasting in God, celebrating Him, giving thanks, shining forth His glory, and lifting our voices in joyful declaration.

Peter praising God in difficult circumstances; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The Psalms—which are often praise songs—reveal how central praise was in the life of the godly. Praise was expressed through singing, thanksgiving, musical instruments, spoken testimony, prayer, rejoicing, and even in public declaration and speeches.

Psalm 150, the last Psalm, calls believers to praise God for His mighty acts and excellent greatness. Israel praised God after victories, deliverances, covenant blessings, and acts of mercy. People, such as David, regularly praised God both privately and publicly. Praise was often emotional, but it was based in Scriptural truth and reverence rather than mere excitement or outward display.

When believers praised God openly, they declared His glory among the nations and to other people. The Psalms are great examples of this with praise through remembrance of God’s faithfulness proclaimed openly.  

Our praise should be a reminder of God’s character, promises, and salvation. In the New Testament, believers praised and glorified God through prayer, singing, thanksgiving, and testimony centered on Jesus Christ and His finished work.

Praising Others?

At this point, we have been discussing Godly praise. There was also praise toward others when they deserved it—though this shouldn’t be done the same way as praising God. Some instances of praising others are:

• David and Jonathan: David praised his brother-in-law Jonathan for his dedicated loyalty and friendship (1 Samuel 18:1-4).
• Moses and Jethro: Moses had received counsel and praise from his father-in-law (Jethro) for his leadership (Exodus 18:17-23).
• Paul and Timothy: Paul commended Timothy for his genuine faith and service and encouraged him (Philippians 2:19-22).
• Jesus and John the Baptist: Jesus praised John as the greatest born among women (Matthew 11:11).
• Barnabas and Paul: Barnabas recognized and praised Paul’s salvific change and ministry (Acts 9:26-27).
• The Centurion: Jesus praised the faith of the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13).

These instances show us that there is a way to credit others with praise or commendation respectfully without yielding them in the category of praising God for His unique greatness and deeds.

What Was Worship In The Bible?

Biblical worship involved both outward expressions of reverence and inward spiritual submission to God. What does that mean practically? In the Old Testament, one of the primary Hebrew words for worship literally meant “to bow down” or “to prostrate oneself.”

Worship therefore carried the idea of humbling oneself before the authority and majesty of God. Men and women often physically bowed, knelt, or fell on their faces before the Lord in recognition of His holiness and sovereignty.

However, Scripture makes clear that worship was never intended to be merely external ritual. God frequently rebuked Israel when their outward ceremonies were disconnected from sincere faith and obedience. Worship that honored God only with the lips while the heart remained far from Him was condemned by the prophets (consider also Matthew 15:8).

True worship required us to be humble, full of repentance, genuine faith in God, and having obedience to God’s Word as our worship flows from the inner soul and spirit.

In the New Testament, worship became even more clearly understood as spiritual in nature through the revelation of Christ. Jesus declared in John 4:23-24 that true worshipers must worship the Father “in spirit and truth.”

Since God is Spirit, worship can’t be confined to a specific geographical location, building, or ceremonial system. Worship now centers on Christ and involves the believer offering his entire life to God in loving and godly submission.

Romans 12:1 describes believers presenting their bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,” which Paul calls reasonable service or worship. This shows that worship extends beyond church gatherings into every aspect of the Christian life. Prayer, obedience, holiness, thanksgiving, songs, service, and faithful living all become “acts of worship” when done to the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence one can see how it gets connected to song and praise so often.

Jesus Accepted Worship

Jesus Christ accepted godly worship in the Bible, which is one of the clearest evidences of His divine nature. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, worship belongs ultimately to God alone. Yet Jesus repeatedly received worship without rebuking those who offered it.

After Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples “worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God’” (Matthew 14:33). After the resurrection, the women “came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him” (Matthew 28:9), and Thomas declared to Him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Jesus was even worshipped by the wise men soon after His birth (Matthew 2:11).

The Magi worshiped the Christ Child; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Jesus never corrected these actions because He wasn’t merely a prophet, angel, or teacher—He is God the Son incarnate. Hebrews 1:6 even states regarding Christ, “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” Since Scripture consistently teaches that only God is worthy of worship, Christ’s acceptance of worship demonstrates His equality with the Father in divine nature and authority.

In contrast, angels, apostles, and all created beings rejected worship because they are servants of God rather than God Himself. When John the Apostle attempted to worship an angel in Revelation 19:10, the angel immediately stopped him, saying, “Worship God.”

Likewise, when Peter entered Cornelius’s house and Cornelius fell before him, Peter lifted him up saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man” (Acts 10:25-26). Even Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes in distress when crowds attempted to honor them as gods in Acts 14.

These examples show the sharp distinction Scripture makes between the Creator and created beings. Satan, being in utter rebellion, tried to get God to bow down and worship him. Jesus corrected him (Matthew 4:9-10).

Godly worship belongs solely to the triune God because He alone is eternal, holy, sovereign, and worthy of glory. Angels and apostles faithfully redirected worship away from themselves and toward God, whereas Jesus rightly received worship because He truly is Creator and Lord.

How Was Praise And Worship In The New Testament Different From Common Forms Today?

Praise and worship in the New Testament were generally much simpler and more centered on God’s Word than many common forms seen today. The early church focused on biblical doctrine, prayer, fellowship, communion, Scripture reading, and Christ-centered singing. Regular gathering for worship services were to show reverence, edifying one another, done in truth, and spiritual unity rather than performance or spectacle.

Modern worship practices can sometimes become highly entertainment-driven, emotionally manipulative, and centered around stage performance. In contrast, the New Testament church gathered primarily to glorify God and strengthen believers spiritually. The focus wasn’t on creating an atmosphere or emotional experience, but on honoring Christ through truth and sincere devotion.

The early believers often worshiped under persecution, poverty, and hardship—in Peter’s case even in prison once! Simplicity characterized many gatherings, whether meeting in homes, public spaces, or under difficult conditions. Singing a hymn was important, but it existed alongside prayer, teaching, Scripture, fellowship, and communion rather than overshadowing them.

The New Testament also dictates that services be orderly. Paul instructed the churches that worship to God should edify others and reflect God’s character as a God of peace rather than confusion. While emotions certainly existed in biblical worship, they were governed by truth and reverence rather than emotionalism which can often be detached from sound doctrine.

How Are Songs And Psalms Related To Biblical Praise?

Songs and psalms were arguably the primary expressions of praise throughout the Bible. The Book of Psalms served as the “inspired hymnbook” of Israel and contains prayers, praises, confessions, thanksgiving, lamentations, and declarations of God’s greatness—put to music!

The New Testament continued this same emphasis. Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 instruct believers to speak to one another in “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” singing with grace in their hearts unto the Lord. These passages show that Christian music was intended to glorify God and to encourage and instruct fellow believers.

Through psalms and songs, believers expressed themselves toward God before the Lord. We do this commonly today as well.

Biblical songs and hymns, since the Bible was written, tend to be rich in theology and center on God’s attributes and works. They taught believers about God’s holiness, salvation, judgment, mercy, faithfulness, and promises.

Take note of judgment. Some suggest that our praise shouldn’t focus on the distressing attributes of God but limit it to His loving attributes, but this isn’t the case. One can praise God for His perfect jealousy, perfect justice and judgments, and his righteous anger and wrath. These are perfectly Scriptural. 

Praise through song also helps unified God’s people. Congregational singing allowed believers to collectively proclaim truth and magnify the Lord together. Throughout both Testaments, music worked as a powerful means of remembering God’s great works and responding to Him with thanksgiving—but this should be done with reverence as well.

With regrets, some modern “praise” songs tend to be more about “I” and “me”. With that said, we really need to get back to the heart of biblical worshipping and praising God. Remember, praise is about being humble in our expression toward God and His greatness and great works. It’s not about us.

What Does The Bible Say About Making New Songs Unto God?

The Bible repeatedly encourages believers to sing a “new song” unto the Lord. Passages such as Psalm 33:3, Psalm 96:1, and Psalm 98:1 connect new songs with fresh expressions of gratitude and praise for God’s continuing faithfulness and His mighty acts.

The command to sing a new song doesn’t mean believers must abandon older hymns or continually pursue novelty simply for the sake of innovation. The heavenly worship scenes in Revelation also include the redeemed singing a new song unto Christ because of His work of redemption.

Revelation 5:9 declares that Christ is worthy because He was slain and redeemed His people by His blood. This shows that new songs can often arise from deeper understanding of God’s salvation and glory.

Whether old or new, biblical songs should remain faithful to Scripture, centered on God, and filled with truth. The value of a song isn’t primarily determined by style or age, but by whether it honors God and communicates sound doctrine.

What Should The Heart Of A Believer Be During Praise Or Worship Times?

The heart of a believer during praise and worship should be marked by reverence, humility, sincerity, gratitude, faith, joy, repentance, and love for God. Yes, that is a long list but each is important!

Worship and praise songs aren’t meant to be a mere performance for others or merely an emotional experience. Instead, it is the believer responding truthfully and submissively to the greatness and holiness of God.

Scripture consistently teaches that God looks at the heart. A believer may sing loudly, raise hands, kneel, or participate outwardly, yet still fail to worship genuinely if the heart is prideful, hypocritical, or disconnected from God. True worship flows from sincere devotion and a desire to honor the Lord above all else.

Believers should also approach worship with thankful hearts because of salvation through Jesus Christ and what He did for us by dying on the Cross and rising again. The New Testament connects praise with thanksgiving for God’s grace, mercy, and redemption. Worship should therefore be a joyful response—from deep in your own soul—to the finished work of Christ rather than an attempt to earn favor with God.

At the same time, worship should involve submission and obedience. A worshipful life isn’t confined to a church service but continues daily as believers seek to glorify God in their thoughts, words, and actions. Genuine praise and worship ultimately direct attention away from self and toward the majesty and worthiness of God alone.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

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