“As we study the Bible, we cannot help but be impressed with the fact that the way in which we worship God is considered of great importance. This can be seen in the fact that the subject is dealt with in the Ten Commandments. A large portion of the Pentateuch is devoted to instruction in worship. Much of the Psalter was given for instruction and use in worship. All of this serves to point up the importance of proper worship of God by man.

The way in which people worship is a good barometer of their spiritual condition. A Church that is concerned with worshipping God in accord with the Scriptures, is a Church that is concerned about the true spiritual welfare of its people. When, on the other hand, a Church becomes careless or indifferent to the Biblical prescriptions regarding worship, then that Church is spiritually sick. The Reformers saw the truth of this fact, and spoke of worship as one of the marks of a true Church.” — Morton H. Smith, How Is the Gold Become Dim: The Decline of the Presbyterian Church, U.S., As Reflected in Its Assembly Actions (1973), p. 97