Recalling the Hope of Glory

by Allen P. Ross

Moving beyond worship wars over style and denominational proclivities, Allen Ross has completed an extensive study of the biblical material that informs the heart of true worship: "to recall and celebrate the hope of glory." Much more than a biblical theology of worship, Recalling the Hope of Glory is an inductive study of the Bible, showing how the many biblical events and teachings develop the central focus of worship.

Beginning not with early Israelite worship, but with creation itself, this work uncovers the glories and beauty of true worship as it is progressively revealed from its beginning in the Garden to its climax in the new heavens and new earth. Throughout the book, the focus is on the integral issue of who we worship . . . and why. Ross then applies these discoveries to the contemporary Christian practice and debate.

Recalling the Hope of Glory stands to become a definitive resource for the pastor, worship leader, and those training for the ministry. Regardless of their denomination, readers will appreciate the author's high view of Scripture and just how much it can and should inform Christian worship.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian, Nonfiction, Music, Church, Christianity

592 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2006

Reviews

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the textbook for my Theology of Worship class, and wow was it good. If I were to teach a class on worship, I would easily choose this as the textbook. And as far as textbooks go, it was eminently readable. It was my second favorite book I've read so far in seminary. Highly recommend.

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful book on worship in the Bible, especially as it relates to understanding different aspects of Israel’s worship throughout its history. Although the book sticks to the biblical material, Ross is informed by a tremendous amount of research and great familiarity with the Christian tradition.

It is a little long and certain things are repetitive. For example, giving in all era of Israel’s history has a pretty universal and relatively unchanged application for worship today. However, nearly the same point is made about 4 or 5 times throughout the book.

The canonical/historical organization of the book makes it a helpful reference if studying a certain period of Israel’s history.

[Zach Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is helpful in that it gives an historical overview of Israel’s worship and draws out guiding principles for worship in the Church today. I wish it was more practical, though, and spent some time suggesting possible ways to put the principles it distills into practice

[Ethan Oberst · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly biblical and biblically thorough survey of worship in the Scriptures. 10/10

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book that is in effect a biblical theology of corporate worship. I found this edifying and enlightening.

[Daniel Kleven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really long, but had bursts of good insight on worship, and on specific biblical texts that explicate it. One weakness that I sensed at the beginning in his fundamental definition of "worship" was a strong emphasis on "reverence" and not a word about "joy." He alleviated this a little bit later in the book, emphasizing the necessity of joy in worship, but it felt definitely lacking at the beginning. It was a decent book. But it was long.

[Luke Heisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most effective and interesting part of Ross’s book on worship is his tracing of the history of Israel’s positioning to worship, how it shifted, how it remained constant, and how it stood unique at the time in its surrounding context.

He kind of does a weird kind of reverse bait and switch, where he seems to imply a belief that we have an eternal heavenly home and not a redeemed earthly one, but by the end of the book he places an emphasis on the New Creation as a typified Eden (something that, I think, GK Beale and J Richard Middleton did much better).

I think his goal there was to write from the perspective of biblical narrative, not presuming to know what happens when this is all over toward the beginning because, well, Genesis doesn’t know what happens at the end of all this. That’s just kind of odd.

Overall, insightful though not particularly profound. Useful though not incredibly practical. Wise though not overtly insightful. A good book!

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could add an extra half star. The critique most will give is his reliance on OT to establish worship principles for the current church. Another may be a lack of practical application when implementing the vision he is arguing for. Having read quite a bit of worship theology, Ross's treatment seems more balanced than most and his use of the entire canon of Scripture affords a holistic treatment of worship. I really appreciated the bulk of his work in Parts 3-6 to showcase the patterns needing to be understood from the Hebrew scriptures. As a reader though, you have to come to grips with not only his ascension language but also the use of the Supper as the turning point in Christian worship. He is convincing, although I think more can be developed in light of that particular chapter.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book surveys the way humans have worshiped since creation and up through the church age. There were some interesting historical details I wasn't really familiar with (like how synagogues came into being), but it was a bit of a slog to read from front to back. As far as application to modern-day worship, it was pretty vague. Some of the more interesting bits to consider were encouragements towards more corporate prayer, and positive arguments for pre-written confessions of faith and prayers.

[Matt Candler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic biblical theology of the whole bile by Allen Ross.

[Ryan Rench]

I have not finished this. It seems thorough and seems like a great book, but not quite for me. At least right now.

[Kim Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have used Ross’s text as a textbook, as a research document, and as an aid in personal devotions. His overall theme reveals God’s initial design for worship in the Garden of Eden, and how, once sin destroyed our fellowship with Him, we have continually strived for communal relationship with our God, which we anticipate in fullness when we see Him in glory. Ross provides deep detail into worship from the time of Eden, progressing through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and eventually New Testament worship. He discusses the qualifications for worship leaders in the Old Testament, which leads into his chapters on prophetic worship reforms. Ross gives ample discussion to early Christ-worship, pointing to ultimate heavenly worship in the eschaton. If you have ever wanted to study biblical worship in-depth, this is the book for you. It is saturated with Scripture and definitions, and clearly articulates the purpose of everything God instituted in biblical worship.

Quote: “One might be inclined to minimize the importance of the tabernacle and the later temple for any consideration of what might be included in planning buildings for Christian worship, thinking that because they are in the Old Testament they are no longer relevant. But since the old sanctuary was patterned after heaven’s eternal places, it remains relevant for our instruction. Its principles and purposes should help us think more seriously about what we construct for worship” (189).

[Alex Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid biblical theology of worship.

Here's Ross' definition of worship:

"True worship is the celebration of being in covenant fellowship with the sovereign and holy triune God, by means of the reverent adoration and spontaneous praise of God’s nature and works, the expressed commitment of trust and obedient to the covenant responsibilities, and the memorial reenactment of entering into covenant through ritual acts, all with the confident anticipation of the fulfillment of the covenant promises in glory."

[Dan42guy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about worship. His main premise that surfaces throughout the entire book is that worship has been centered around communion since the garden of Eden. To "recall the hope of glory," we must turn back to communion centered services and lifestyles.

[Marc Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quality work on the theology and practice of worship. If you want to know why humans worship the biblical God, and understand more about the singularly holy approach that one must take in such worship, then this book is the place to look.

[Jason Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem. Thoroughly Biblical. Survey style. Accessible. Memorable. Quotable. Practical. If you are studying to develop a philosophy of worship I see no way you can complete your task without reading this book!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on worship I've ever read. Highly recommended, very through theology of worship.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am more impressed with this book the more I use it. Excellent resource.

[JonM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though its not a detailed argument for a certain liturgical tradition, its a very enjoyable read.