The book of Genesis establishes the foundation of worship as humanity’s response to God’s presence, authority, and provision. Before the Fall, Adam and Eve’s very existence was an act of worship, expressed through obedience, stewardship, and communion with God. As image-bearers of the Creator, they were given the privilege of walking in His presence and the responsibility of honoring Him through their lives. This shows us that worship begins not with ritual, but with relationship—a heart posture of trust, gratitude, and reverence.

However, with the entrance of sin in Genesis 3, worship was disrupted. No longer could humanity experience God’s presence in the same way, and their response to His approach shifted from fellowship to fear. The first recorded act of worship—Cain and Abel’s offerings—illustrates how worship, when done in faith and obedience, is accepted by God, while worship done out of duty or self-interest is not. As Genesis 4:26 states, after sin increased in the world, people began to call on the name of the Lord, marking the beginning of prayer and formalized worship as a way of seeking God’s presence once more.

Even after the Fall, worship remained a privilege and responsibility—one that required submission, trust, and faithfulness. In Genesis 2:15-17, Adam was commanded to steward the garden, showing that worship is not just about offerings, but about how we care for and honor what God has given us. The life of Enoch, who walked with God and was taken up without seeing death, serves as a reminder that true worship is a lifelong pursuit of closeness with God. From Genesis to today, worship is an invitation to draw near to our Creator, living in a way that glorifies Him and anticipates the day when all creation will be restored to perfect praise.