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In religious contexts, a ritual is a prescribed form of worship. Rituals consist of symbolic physical actions; examples include genuflecting before entering a pew, making the sign of the cross, and raising the Host during the Catholic Mass.
Religion can be described as the “belief in a deity, expressed through behavior and ritual.” The fundamental elements in this definition of religion are rules and rituals. To be a devout follower of Judaism or Islam, for instance, one must adhere to sets of obligations and prohibitions. Ritual-centered religion is prominently observed in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant liturgical High Church services, as well as being integral to Buddhism and Hinduism.
The Mosaic Law outlined a series of rituals for Israel’s worship of God. They were required to observe numerous ceremonial laws, some of which were highly specific and involved actions such as sprinkling water, blood, waving grain, or washing clothes. The Mosaic Law found its fulfillment in Christ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”, (Matthew 5:17). The rituals of the Old Testament were never meant to be a permanent aspect of worship, as Scripture clearly states: “[The gifts and sacrifices] are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—regulations that applied until the time of the new order” “which was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which are unable to perfect the conscience of the worshiper.”, (Hebrews 9:10, emphasis added). These “external regulations” are not obligatory for us today.
There is no directive in the New Testament to incorporate recitations, ceremonial items, or symbolic practices.Physical gestures play a role in our worship practices today. Our devotion is directed towards the Lord Jesus, rather than various rituals or liturgies. True Christianity, based on a precise interpretation of the Bible, is not rule-bound or ritual-centered. Instead, it is centered on relationships. Through Jesus, the living God has adopted those who have faith in Christ as His own children, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).
The only “rites” that the New Testament church is instructed to observe are the ordinances: baptism by immersion, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19), and communion, “After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:25). However, no specific instructions are provided regarding the exact methods to be used. Baptism necessitates water, while communion involves bread and “the cup.” Churches are at liberty to baptize individuals in baptismals, lakes, swimming pools, or horse troughs. Regarding communion, the Bible does not stipulate the frequency of the observance, the type of bread to be used, the alcohol content in “the cup,” or the specific individual responsible for administering the ordinance. Churches are granted some flexibility in these aspects.
All churches adhere to a customary format, which can be likened to a “ritual.” It is important for all things to be conducted “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40),Having a procedure to follow is not wrong. However, if a church is overly liturgical and its structure too rigid that the Holy Spirit cannot freely operate, liturgy has gone too far.
Moreover, liturgies or rituals devised by people are fallible and often unscriptural. It is even possible to “nullify the word of God” with the traditions people have created «making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. », (Mark 7:13). Jesus warned against “vain repetitions” «But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. », (Matthew 6:7), and many rituals practiced in churches today are just that. Repetitive prayers, creeds, or songs can, over time, lead to a lack of fervor in worship rather than the genuine expression of one’s heart, mind, and soul before God (Matthew 22:34-40).
Are rituals wrong? No, not inherently. Empty ritual is wrong, as is any ritual that supplants, obscures, or detracts from a vibrant relationship with Christ. Are rituals mandated in the church? No, except for baptism and communion. God looks at the heart, and He desires those who worship Him “in the Spirit and in truth” «God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. », (John 4:24). Rituals can be beneficial, but external ceremonies should never be permitted to supplant inner devotion.
