Reverence in worship is a key theme in the Bible, where entering God’s presence with respect and humility is emphasized. Scripture calls believers to treat the sanctuary with honor, recognizing it as a place to connect with the divine. Discover what the Bible says about proper attitudes and behaviors when we gather for worship.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About A Woman Cutting Her Hair
What Does The Bible Say About Reverence In The Sanctuary
Leviticus 19:30
“You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring God’s sanctuary and treating it with reverence. Keeping the Sabbaths and showing respect for the sanctuary is an expression of our devotion to the Lord.
Reverencing the sanctuary goes beyond mere physical actions; it involves recognizing the sacredness of the space and approaching it with awe and humility, knowing that we are entering into the presence of the Almighty God.
Psalm 89:7
“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.”
This verse highlights the reverence we should have for God in the assembly of believers. It reminds us that when we gather together to worship, we must approach the presence of God with deep respect and awe.
Recognizing God’s greatness and holiness should lead us to hold Him in high regard and reverence, both individually and collectively, as we come before Him in the sanctuary.
Psalms 96:9
“Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; Tremble before Him, all the earth!”
This verse calls us to worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. It encourages us to approach God with awe and reverence, recognizing His majestic and holy nature.
As we gather in the sanctuary, we are called to stand in awe of the Lord, acknowledging His greatness and bowing our hearts before Him in reverence and adoration.
Ecclesiastes 3:14
“I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him.”
This verse reminds us that everything God does is eternal and unchangeable. It directs us to respond with fear and reverence, recognizing that God’s plans and purposes are beyond our comprehension.
As we enter the sanctuary, we should approach God with a reverence that recognizes His sovereignty and submits to His will, trusting that His ways are perfect and worthy of our utmost respect.
Hebrews 12:28
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
This verse encourages us to serve God with reverence and godly fear, recognizing that we are part of an unshakeable kingdom. It reminds us that our service to God should be characterized by deep respect and awe.
As we gather in the sanctuary, let us offer our worship and service to God with reverence, mindful of His majesty and our privileged position as His children in His eternal kingdom.
Psalms 111:9
“He sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.”
This verse praises God for His redemption and highlights the holiness and awe-inspiring nature of His name. It reminds us of the reverence we should have for Him, knowing that He is the source of salvation and the keeper of His covenant.
As we enter the sanctuary, let us approach God with reverence, recognizing the holiness of His name and the grace and redemption He has bestowed upon us through His everlasting covenant.
Psalm 89:14
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.”
This verse declares that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne, with mercy and truth preceding Him. It reminds us of the holiness and majesty of God, deserving our utmost reverence.
As we gather in the sanctuary, let us approach God with reverence, recognizing His righteous rule and justice. May we also acknowledge His mercy and truth, humbling ourselves before Him in awe and gratitude.
Isaiah 6:3
“And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!'”
This verse depicts the heavenly beings proclaiming the holiness of the Lord. It highlights God’s transcendence and glory, calling us to approach Him with deep reverence and awe.
When we enter the sanctuary, let us join in the declaration of God’s holiness and acknowledge His glory. May our hearts be filled with reverence as we stand in the presence of the thrice holy Lord.
Hebrews 12:29
“For our God is a consuming fire.”
This verse portrays God as a consuming fire. It reminds us of His all-consuming holiness and power, calling us to approach Him with reverence and awe.
In the sanctuary, let us be mindful of the God we worship; He is not to be taken lightly. May our hearts be filled with reverence, knowing that we stand before the majestic presence of a holy and consuming fire.
Psalms 29:2
“Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
This verse calls us to give glory to the Lord and worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. It emphasizes the reverence and honor we should ascribe to His name.
As we gather in the sanctuary, let us offer heartfelt worship to God, recognizing His holiness and giving Him the honor and reverence that is due. May our worship be characterized by awe and adoration.
1 Chronicles 16:29
“Give to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!”
This verse emphasizes the need to give glory to the Lord and worship Him in the beauty of holiness. It encourages us to come before Him with offerings and hearts filled with reverence.
When we enter the sanctuary, let us bring our offerings, not only in material form but also in the form of genuine worship and reverence. May our worship be an expression of the beauty of holiness, honoring the name of the Lord.
Psalms 22:23
“You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!”
This verse calls all who fear the Lord to praise and glorify Him. It underscores the reverence we should have for God as His chosen people.
As we gather in the sanctuary, let us unite in praising and glorifying the Lord. May our hearts be filled with reverence for the God who has chosen us and called us into His holy presence.
Psalms 33:8
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.”
This verse proclaims the universal call for all the earth to fear the Lord and stand in awe of Him. It emphasizes that all people, regardless of their nationality or position, should revere God.
In the sanctuary, let us join with believers from around the world to worship the Lord. May our reverence for God unite us as we stand in awe of His greatness and offer Him our worship and adoration.
Psalms 96:4
“For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.”
This verse highlights the greatness of the Lord and His worthiness of our praises. It asserts that God is to be feared above all other gods.
As we gather in the sanctuary, let us exalt the Lord and lift our voices in praise. May our reverence for God surpass all other allegiances and our worship be filled with genuine awe and adoration.
Deuteronomy 10:20
“You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name.”
This verse instructs us to fear the Lord, serve Him, and hold fast to Him. It calls for reverence, obedience, and loyalty to God.
As we enter the sanctuary, let us offer our whole selves to the Lord in reverent service. May we hold fast to Him, being mindful of His authority and submitting ourselves to His will.
Psalms 67:7
“God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.”
This verse declares that when God blesses us, the ends of the earth will fear Him. It emphasizes that God’s blessings should inspire reverence and awe in all people.
In the sanctuary, let us testify to God’s blessings in our lives and let His goodness and faithfulness lead others to fear and reverence Him. May our worship be a witness to the greatness of our God.
Psalms 33:21
“For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.”
This verse speaks of the joy that comes from trusting in God’s holy name. It affirms that our rejoicing stems from a deep reverence and confidence in the Lord.
When we gather in the sanctuary, let our hearts be filled with joy as we put our trust in God’s holy name. May our worship be marked by a reverential joy that springs from our unwavering confidence in His faithfulness.
Psalms 135:20
“Bless the LORD, O house of Levi! You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!”
This verse calls the house of Levi and all who fear the Lord to bless His name. It reminds us that reverence for God should lead to a lifestyle of praise and worship.
In the sanctuary, let us join with the Levites and all who fear the Lord to bless and worship Him. May our reverence for God overflow into a continual offering of praise and adoration.
Ecclesiastes 8:12-13
“Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.”
This passage reflects on the consequences of fearing God or not. It underscores that those who fear God will experience His blessing and goodness, while the wicked will face judgment.
As we gather in the sanctuary, let us have a healthy fear of God, knowing that it leads to His favor and blessings. May our reverence for God shape our lives and keep us from the ways of wickedness.
Revelation 14:7
“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
This verse urges us to fear God and give Him glory. It reminds us that God is the Creator and the One who holds the authority to judge.
As we enter the sanctuary, let us fear God and give Him the honor and worship that He deserves. May our reverence and awe be expressed through our heartfelt adoration and surrender to the One who reigns over all creation.
Psalms 128:1-2
“Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.”
This passage speaks of the blessings that come to those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways. It assures us that when we live in reverence to God, we will experience happiness and well-being.
In the sanctuary, let us walk in the fear of the Lord, knowing that it is the path to true joy and fulfillment. May our reverence for God lead us into a life of obedience and bring the blessings He promises.
Psalms 111:10
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.”
This verse states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It implies that reverence for God is necessary for a right understanding of His commandments.
As we gather in the sanctuary, let us seek the fear of the Lord, knowing that it leads to true wisdom and understanding. May our reverence for God shape our lives and guide us in the paths of righteousness.
Proverbs 14:27
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.”
This verse highlights that the fear of the Lord is a source of life and protection. It suggests that reverence for God leads to a life that is guarded against the traps of death.
When we enter the sanctuary, let us embrace the fear of the Lord, knowing that it brings life and preserves us from spiritual harm. May our reverence for God be a constant reminder to turn away from the ways that lead to destruction.
Psalm 34:9
“Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.”
This verse encourages the saints to fear the Lord, assuring that those who do so will lack nothing. It stresses that reverence for God brings His provision and care.
As we gather in the sanctuary, let us fear the Lord, knowing that He is our Provider. May our reverence for God free us from worry and trust in His faithfulness to meet all our needs.