The difference is this: the New Testament commands baptism and the Lord’s Supper, but nowhere commands incense, bells, icons, or man-made liturgies. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are both given by Christ Himself (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). But adding other rituals and claiming they “express” the gospel is exactly what Jesus condemned when He said, “In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). The early church “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42), simple obedience, not layers of ritual.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 is also abused to get to “Tradition”, but Paul did not give authority to traditions centuries later, he was commanding them to hold fast to what he himself taught them directly as an apostle. And the same Paul later said, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Scripture is sufficient. If Tradition were necessary, Paul would not say Scripture makes the man of God complete.
As for beauty, yes, creation reflects God’s glory (Psalm 19: 1), but worship must be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). The “truth” is the Word of God (John 17:17). Beauty, symbols, and rituals may appeal to the senses, but they cannot add one ounce of saving grace. Romans 10: 17 says faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, not by incense, icons, or liturgy.
The bottom line is this: Christ is enough. His finished work is enough. His Word is enough. Anything added to that may look spiritual, but it is what Paul warned of, “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5).