Music in Worship Why don t you have it?
The Music God Wants Every NT reference to music in worship speaks of singing. Conclusion: God wants only singing in the church s worship Matthew 26:30 Mark 14:26 Acts 16:25 Romans 15:9 1 Cor. 14:15 Ephesians 5:19 Colossians 3:16 Hebrews 2:12 James 5:13 Rev. 5:8; 14:2
Some argue, Playing an instrument is inherent in the meaning of the Greek words psallō and psalmos. Every NT translation of psallō (from psaō meaning to twitch or twang) is sing, sing praises, make melody. Strong s: psalmos a set piece of music accompanied with voice, harp or other instrument. In the NT, a mechanical instrument is never mentioned in connection with these Greek words. James 5:13 requirement to sing psalms ( praise ESV) when cheerful is distorted if psallō means play.
Some argue, The word psalm means they were originally sung to instrumental accompaniment. In the OT, some were & some were not. All the psalms we have were in use during the time of Jesus and the apostles. Secular history indicates early Christians sung the Psalms during worship, especially around the Lord s table.
Some argue, "The Bible does not say, You shall not use the instrument'." Nothing is said of emblems we are not to use on the Lord s table. Jews preaching circumcision were wrong because it was not commanded. Acts 15:24 Priests did not come from the tribe of Judah because Moses never spoke of that. Hebrews 7:13, 14 Silence does not authorize in any venue.
Some argue, Instruments were used in Old Testament worship. God commanded instruments in OT worship (2 Chronicles 29:25), but not in New. Christ removed the old in favor of the new. Hebrews 10:9, 10 The old law with all of its provisions was nailed to the cross. Colossians 2:14 Shall we be indebted to keep all of the old law? Galatians 5:3
Some argue, Instruments are only an aid to the singing. This argument confuses aids with additions. Aids are expedients which help us carry out what God has authorized. Additions are unauthorized things of the same class: vocal versus instrumental music. Additions are strongly condemned in 2 John 9. Could Noah have used oak as an expedient?
Some argue, Song books are not mentioned in the New Testament. Aren't they an addition? Song books, pitch pipes, etc. cannot produce music. They are not in the same class; therefore, they are aids. Illus: A man is told he will receive $100 if he walks to the next city. He cannot use another means of transport, but would be free to use walking shoes and a cane as aids.
Some argue, There is instrumental music in heaven, why not in the church? Should the reference in Revelation 5:8 and 14:2, a book of symbols, be taken literally? Even so, that is in heaven, not here in the church. Since there is no marriage in heaven shall we abolish marriage here? What about baptism; the Lord s Supper; faith and hope?
Some argue, Instrumental music is enjoyed in the home, why not in the church?" There are many good activities in the home, which have no place in the assembly of the Lord's church: bathing, eating meals for nourishment, recreation. Acts 5:4 shows clearly the distinction between the individual and the church.
The New Testament says we are to sing Singing necessarily excludes other kinds of music. Playing on instrument Humming Whistling Etc. Context of Col. 3:16 includes vs. 17 Matthew 26:30 Mark 14:26 Acts 16:25 Romans 15:9 1 Cor. 14:15 Ephesians 5:19 Colossians 3:16 Hebrews 2:12 James 5:13
Secular history agrees: The American Encyclopedia, Vol. 12, p. 688 "Pope Vitalian is related to have first introduced organs into some of the churches of Western Europe in 670; but the earliest trustworthy account is that of one sent as a present by the Greek emperor Constantine Copronymus to Pepin, king of Franks in 755."
Secular history agrees: Chambers Encyclopedia, Vol. 7, page 112 "The organ is said to have been introduced into church music by Pope Vitalian in 666 AD." Wikipedia, Early Christianity Many practices which later became characteristic of Christian worship had not yet developed. Singing was generally without instrumentation and was normally in unison.
Even founders of present denominations opposed its use: John Calvin (Presbyterian, 1509-1564): "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, and the restoration of other shadows of the law."
Even founders of present denominations opposed its use: John Wesley (Methodist, 1703-1791): "I have no objection to the organ in our chapels provided it is neither seen nor heard."
Even founders of present denominations opposed its use: Martin Luther (Lutheran, 1483-1546): called the organ in worship of God "an ensign of Baal."
Noted denominational scholars also: Adam Clarke (Methodist scholar, 1762 1832 ): "I have never known instrumental music to be productive of any good in the worship of God and I have reason to believe that it has been productive of much evil. Music as a science I esteem and admire, but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music and I here register my protest against all such corruption in the worship of that Infinite Spirit who requires his followers to worship him in spirit and in truth."
Let us be satisfied with doing in worship only that which the Lord has authorized. And let us be ready to give answer for the hope within us. 1 Peter 3:15