1. The Origin of Worship: Where Did It Begin?
The worship format seen in today’s churches originated from the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His twelve disciples. At this gathering, Jesus sang hymns to God (Matthew 26:30), taught His disciples, prayed, and again sang hymns—thus demonstrating the core of true faith through these simple, essential acts. Over time, these acts were gradually systematized, forming the prototype of early Christian worship, which later developed into the format of the Catholic Mass.

2. The Transformation of Worship Forms — From Catholic Mass to Protestant Service
While the Catholic Mass began with the Last Supper of Jesus, over time it became more focused on external rituals and strict procedures than on its essence. The Mass is conducted according to a rigid order of ceremonies (entrance, hymn, prayer, sermon, communion, benediction, etc.), gradually placing greater weight on repetitive forms and customs rather than on inner faith. When the Reformation occurred in the 16th century, reformers like Luther and Calvin sharply criticized the corruption and nonessential elements of the Mass (such as indulgences, veneration of relics, and use of Latin only). Yet, surprisingly, the overall structure and procedural framework of worship were largely unchanged. Though the focus shifted to the sermon, the basic order of service (hymn, prayer, sermon, offering, communion, closing prayer) was still inherited from Catholic tradition. As a result, most Protestant services today also proceed with external, legalistic order and form. Such worship tends to emphasize keeping prescribed forms over the inner transformation and sincerity that Jesus originally stressed.

3. The True Roots of Worship — The Essence of the Old Testament Temple and Its Feasts
When we look deeper into the origin of worship, its roots go back to various feasts observed at the Old Testament temple, such as the Sabbath, Day of Atonement, and Passover. The fundamental reason God commanded these feasts and rituals was not for mere repetition or outward actions, but so that the people would reflect on and repent of their sins, receive forgiveness, and purify the temple (which at the time was a building, but today is the heart and life of the believer). In other words, true worship is found in repentance from an evil heart, the practice of good deeds with a sincere heart, and the deep, personal communion with God. The heart of worship is not in legalistic form, but in repentance and change, love and action, and living fellowship with God.

4. The Limitations of Legalistic Worship and the Call for Genuine Restoration
The modern church’s worship format—especially the various steps derived from the Lord’s Supper (hymn, prayer, offering, sermon, communion, etc.)—is essentially a man-made legalistic tradition. Such external forms and repeated procedures cannot replace the essence of faith, which is a true encounter with God. Jesus said, “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23–24). This refers not to mere formal acts, but to worship in which believers are cleansed from sin and evil, bear fruit of love, good deeds, and truth in their lives, and engage in personal, spiritual communion with God. We must remember that genuine worship is perfected not through outward forms but through inner transformation, the fruit of our lives, and deep spiritual communication with God.

5. Conclusion — Returning to True Worship
Many churches today have lost the true essence of worship by clinging to the legalistic formats rooted in the Lord’s Supper. However, true worship is found in a life that purifies the temple of our hearts, avoids evil, and practices good as an offering to God. Now is the time for churches and believers to break free from outward forms and return to the kind of worship God truly desires—worship in spirit and in truth, with repentance, love, life change, and practice.