International Bible Teaching Ministries
General Mechanical Instrument Questions
Question 1: Is it a sin to use and/or sing to the accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music in worship services?
ANSWER: Yes! It is sin to do so because there is no passage in the New Testament that authorizes the use of mechanical instruments in worship to God! In Colossians 3:17, we are told that whatever we do in word (which would include singing) or deed (which would include playing and singing), it must be done in the name of (by the authority of) the Lord Jesus. Clearly, from Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16 and I Corinthians 14:15, we see that music authorized by the New Testament is vocal and congregational! We cannot, without sinning, take away from God's Word (Revelation 22:18). We cannot, without sinning, add to God's Word (Revelation 22:19). We cannot change His Word in any way (Galatians 1:6-9)! Neither can we go to the Old Testament to learn how we are to worship under the New Testament. This is true, because the Old Testament was taken out of the way at the cross of Christ. Please read carefully the following passages: II Corinthians 3; Galatians 3:16-29; Ephesians 2:13-19; Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 8:7.
Mechanical instruments of music were first introduced into worship services in the eighth century, almost eight hundred years after the establishment of the Church of Christ in 30-33AD. In fact, they have only become widely accepted in the last one hundred fifty years as religious groups moved, and are moving, progressively away from the purity of the Gospel. Clearly then, it is certain that the use of instruments was not included in the apostles' doctrine (teaching). We have been admonished to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42)! Would one be continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine if he or she did something not included in their doctrine? Obviously not! Would he or she be violating God's Word? Surely!
Question 2: May Christians today look to the Old Testament for authorization to use instruments of music in worship to God?
ANSWER: No! Those who have lived, are living, and will live from the cross of Christ until the end of time are to be judged only by the New Testament of Jesus Christ (John 12:48).
The Old Testament has been taken out of the way and replaced by the New Testament. Please read carefully the following passages: Romans 7:4-7; II Corinthians 3:13-14; Galatians 3:24-25; Ephesians 2:13-16; Hebrews 7:12; 8:7. In Colossians 2:14, we see that the handwriting of ordinances (Old Testament) was blotted out; that it was against us; that it was contrary to us. Therefore, He took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross! Because of this, Christians cannot look to the Old Testament for authority to offer animal sacrifices, burn incense, or worship with mechanical instruments. More important, there is no authority in the New Testament for us to engage in any such acts today. To do so is to sin and fall from grace (Galatians 5:4).
The New Testament, by which we will be judged, authorizes only congregational, vocal music with clearly enunciated words that teach and admonish (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17).
Question 3: Does the use of instruments of music by David before King Saul justify the use of instruments in worship services today?
ANSWER: No! A careful study of Romans 7:1-7 reveals that if one attempts to live under the Old Law and the New Law at the same time it is equal to a person having two marriage partners at the same time. Paul says in Romans 7:3, that such a person is committing adultery! The person with two marriage partners is guilty of physical adultery, while the person who attempts to live by the Old Law and the New Law together is guilty of spiritual adultery. Both are sins that will cause one to be lost! In fact, Paul states very clearly that when one tries to be justified by the Old Law, that individual has "fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:4). In Verse four of Romans. Chapter 7, Paul says, we "are become dead to the law" and that we "should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead." In Verse five, we are told that "we are delivered from the law" and should serve it no more. In Verse seven, we are clearly told what law we are dead to, and delivered from, i.e., the law that said, "thou shalt not covet." In other words we are dead to, and delivered from, the Old Testament law. Since this is true, we may not go to the Old Testament to learn how to worship God today. We are under the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Under it alone (lest we be guilty of spiritual adultery) we must learn to live and worship, because by it alone we will one day be judged (John 12:48).
There is no authority in the New Testament of Jesus Christ for the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship. Similarly, there is no authorization in the New Testament for the use of choirs, quartets, trios, duets, solos, dramatic presentations, praise teams, hand clapping, shouting, dancing, and suchlike! The music that our God authorizes in His Word is simply vocal and congregational. We have not the authority to add to it or take away from it (Revelation 22:18-19)!
Question 4: Is it right to use instruments of music for weddings in the church building?
ANSWER: It is improper for the simple reason that it teaches those who (in error) perceive the "meeting house" to be the "church" that it is okay to use mechanical instruments in worship to God. Since both worship and weddings occur in the place of worship, they often hold that if the instrument can be used in the wedding, (often in accompaniment of hymns, which is as well sinful - Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) it can, likewise, be used in the worship service. Indeed, they (because of their misperception) see the inconsistency in what the church sometimes practices. Not only sinful practices, but anything that could detrimentally affect the destiny of a soul needs to be avoided, whatever the likes or dislikes (Matthew 18:6).
Question 5: Can we justify the use of instruments in worship on the basis that God created the materials of which they are made?
ANSWER: No! On the same basis one could argue for, and justify, the use of animal sacrifices in worship, since, clearly, God created animals! As well, one could argue that since God made fruits and grain from which alcohol comes, we could, therefore, justifiably become drunken in worship to God! Further, since God created "all" of the elements from which "all" things are made, we could, based on the theory proposed, use any or "all" things in existence in worship to God in any way we might so elect. Surely, such confusion was not in the purpose of God (I Corinthians 14:33)! Neither was it left up to man as to how he would worship (John 4:24)!
Question 6: What is the difference between instruments and human beings? Both are His creation.
ANSWER: The difference is that human beings can worship! Instruments cannot! Neither can they satisfy the purpose of God in the music that He has authorized. In Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, we learn that God-approved music in worship demands "singing," "making melody in our hearts," "speaking," teaching one another," and "admonishing one another." The instrument does not and cannot answer to, or fulfill, the demands of music in Christian worship! Only human beings in compliance with His will can satisfy these scriptural requirements!
Question 7: Could it be that the reason for not using instruments in the early church was that they were not available?
ANSWER: No! They were available in New Testament times, as well as in Old Testament times. Please read Psalms 150! The reason they could not be used in New Testament times (including today) is supplied in the answers to the above questions.
Question 8: Where in God's word did He command us not to use instruments in worship?
ANSWER: Since people today are bound only by the New Testament, the question would more appropriately be, "Where in the New Testament did God command us not to use instruments in worship?" Even more appropriately the question should be, "Where in the New Testament did God begin or start (authorize) the use of instruments in worship?" The answer is: He didn't! Certainly those who add the instrument are adding to God's Word in defiance of Revelation 22:18. These are guilty of presumptuous sin (Psalms 19:13)!
Another answer to this question could rightly be: He commanded us not to use instruments in the same place that He commanded us not to use animal sacrifices, incense burning, the lighting of lamps, etc.
The reason that there is so much confusion in the religious world today is that men have come to believe that if God did not specifically say "you can't do it," it is okay to go ahead and do it! This thinking is foreign to the Bible! When God specifically tells us how to do something, everything else is automatically excluded. One example is: God specified that Noah's ark was to be built out of "gopher wood" (Genesis 6:14). Noah did exactly what God had commanded him to do (Genesis 6:22) and thereby pleased God and became an "heir of righteousness" (Hebrews 11:7). When God commanded Noah to use "gopher" wood, He automatically excluded all other woods, such as, oak, pine, cherry, birch, etc. God was not obligated to say, "don't use oak," "don't use pine," don't use cherry," etc. Noah understood that he could not use a replacement wood or a multiplicity of woods without sinning, i.e., transgressing God's commandment (I John 3:4). The same principle remains valid today! There are two kinds of music, i.e., vocal and instrumental. God said we are to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; I Corinthians 14:15). When God commanded "sing," He automatically excluded the playing of instruments, just as in the case of Noah's ark. When God commanded fruit of the vine and unleavened bread to be used during the Lord's Supper, He automatically excluded all other drinks and food on His table! If the argument is valid (and it isn't) that one can use the instrument because God did not specifically command us not to use it, the same argument could be rightly be used to place a "Big Mac" sandwich on the Lord's Table, because surely God did not command us not to use a "Big Mac" sandwich. In fact, in worship services, we could do anything we wanted to do under this argument and call it "worship." We could dance, swim, sacrifice animals, sleep, talk to our neighbor, watch a hand-held television, etc. Surely, God did not command us not to do these things! All who would worship God need to realize that we are only permitted to do what He authorizes us in scripture to do! All else is in violation of His authorization and is, therefore, sinful!
If people of today would adopt this vital and proven biblical principle, it would go a long way in answering the Lord's prayer for unity among believers (John 17:20-23).
Question 9: In Matthew 16:19, Jesus promised Peter that whatsoever he would bind on earth would also be bound in heaven and whatsoever he would loose on earth would also be loosed in heaven. Can we not do the same today and thereby authorize the use of instruments in worship to God? It should be proper if 'whatsoever we do, we do it all in His name' (Colossians 3:17).
ANSWER: This same promise was also made to the other apostles (Matthew 18:18). But we must understand that this promise was tied into the promise that the apostles would be given the Holy Spirit who would "teach them all things" (John 14:26) and guide them "into all truth" (John 16:13). The "binding" and the "loosing" that the inspired apostles would do on this earth would not be of themselves, but rather as they were so led to do by the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, the Bible would be of men, and not of God! All of the "binding" and "loosing" that was to be done (only by inspired men) was ended with the completion of the written Word of God. Therefore, nothing can be "bound" or "loosed" today that has not already been "bound" or "loosed" in God's Word. This being the case, it is true then that all who would be pleasing to God today are "bound" to congregational singing without the instrument in keeping with Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19. To use the instrument in violation of these passages would be to "loosen" that which the Holy Spirit has "bound". The result of so doing is sin (Revelation 22:18-19)!
Further, we cannot "bind" or "loosen" in His name! The phrase "in the name of the Lord Jesus," in Colossians 3:17, means ‘by the authority of the Lord Jesus!’ Paul is saying in this passage, that everything a Christian does, he must do by the authority of Christ. His authority can be found only in that which has already been "bound" and "loosed" through inspired men at the direction of the Holy Spirit, that is, in the Word of God!
To "loosen" where God has "bound" or to "bind" where God has "loosed" is to reject the authority of Christ; to preach a false gospel; and to be accursed of God (Galatians 1:6-9)! Such is the case with those who would employ instruments in worship to Him!
Question 10: Does not Colossians 3:17 authorize instrumental music when it says, "Whatever you do in word (singing) or deed (playing instruments), do all in the name of the Lord Jesus?"
ANSWER: This passage does not remotely support the above suggestion! The phrase "in the name of the Lord Jesus," in Colossians 3:17, means by the authority of the Lord Jesus! It does not mean that we can do whatever we like as long as we say we are doing it as Christians to glorify Christ! Paul is simply saying in this passage, that everything a Christian does must be done only by the authority of Christ as expressed in His Word. The authority of Christ relative to music in worship to God is expressed in the preceding verse (sixteen) which limits us to vocal congregational singing, thereby excluding the use of instruments. There is no authority anywhere in the New Testament for instruments of music in worship. Since there is no authority for the "deed" of playing instruments in worship, this "deed" when performed is sinful! Just by saying or thinking "we are doing it in the name of Christ" does not change the deed from sin to righteousness!
One of the things that cause so much religious division is the unscriptural position expressed in the above statement. When people begin believing that they can do anything they want in worship to God simply by affirming that they are doing it under the banner (in the name) of Christ or Christianity, then all sorts of ungodliness in worship will be permitted. Those with this unscriptural notion can, and often do, perform all kinds of entertainment for themselves and others during worship to God, simply by proclaiming that such is being done under the name of Christ. We could dance in worship, perform tricks of magic, prepare and eat hamburgers, sleep, talk to our friends, or anything else we could imagine, if this were true. It is evident, however, from the New Testament that none of these things can be performed in worship without sinning (including playing on instruments), because none of them can be performed in the name of (by the authority of) Jesus Christ! To engage in any activity in worship for which there is no authority is to sin and be separated from God!
Question 11: What is the meaning of "choir?"
ANSWER: A "choir" in a church is a group of people, generally consisting of both men and women, who often (1) lead the singing in a church, (2) sing “to” the church, and (3) sing “for” the church. In either or all of these cases, such is sinful! There is no authorization in God's Word for singing groups in worship services! Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 are instructions and exhortations relative to acceptable worship for all Christians for all time. In these passages, we are taught that our singing is to be corporate (collective or congregational) with vocally enunciated words by which we teach and admonish one another! No other type of music is authorized, and would, therefore, be in error! This is to say that the Bible does not authorize, and reckons as sin, the use of solos, singing groups, humming, whistling, drums, or any type of musical instrument!
Question 12: Is it wrong to use instruments of music outside the church?
ANSWER: It is wrong to "worship" God with instruments of music inside of the church building and outside of the church building! It is not wrong to play non-religious music on instruments. The sin is not in the instrument. The sin occurs when we introduce into worship that which God has not authorized. God has not authorized the playing of instruments in worship. It is therefore sinful to do so! The same is true of quartets and singing groups used to entertain visitors and the rest of the congregation. God has not authorized this practice. It, too, is therefore sinful!
Question 13: What will happen to those who sin by using instruments in worship to God?
ANSWER: God will not excuse or forgive any sin where there is no repentance! Therefore, unless there is true repentance, the same thing will happen to these as all others who disobey God! Paul tells us in II Thessalonians 1:7-9, "To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of God, and from the glory of His power."
Question 14: Where in the Bible are we allowed to make inferences in one thing, but not allowed to make inferences on other things?
ANSWER: We can only infer what the Bible implies! For example: When studied in context we understand that Hebrews 2:12 does not really imply that we may sing solos in worship to God. If we infer that it does, then we have inferred improperly and err in so doing. If we infer that Matthew 26:27 implies and authorizes the use of one container only during communion, we are wrong. We must rightly divide the Word of Truth (II Timothy 2:15). This means that we cannot draw conclusions or inferences by taking passages out of context in order to justify personal likes and desires! We must not, for any reason or under any circumstance, infer what God has not clearly implied in His Word!
Question 15: Would you please explain Revelation 5:8 as relates to the use of instruments of music? Does this passage justify their use in Christian worship today?
ANSWER: The book of Revelation was written in symbolic language and is not, generally, to be understood literally (Revelation 1:1, the word signified means that John was shown things in "signs," that must shortly come to pass). So it is in this passage. Notice in the verses immediately preceding the symbolic language used relative to the Lamb, that it is an obvious reference to Christ. Surely none would hold that Christ has seven literal eyes, seven literal horns, and seven literal spirits. All of these things are figurative and represent something else! He tells us in the passage under consideration that the golden bowls of incense represents something else. In this case, incense figuratively represents the prayers of the saints. So it is with the word "harps." The writer is not speaking of literal harps, but rather in reference to something else. Most scholars hold that this reference to harps has to do with "praise" to God. Remember that heaven is not a physical place with physical things. It is a spiritual place!
In addition to this, worship service to God in the church is not remotely mentioned in this passage. If we were to try to use this verse has a basis for worship in the church, in order to be consistent, we would also have to insist that each (all) worshipper(s) have a harp and a bowl of incense. Clearly, those who would seek in this passage a pattern for Christian worship are in violation of the most basic rules of biblical interpretation!
Question 16: What do the Christian leaders of the past say about the use of mechanical instruments in Christian worship?
ANSWER: Just a few of the many state as follows:
Curt Sachs – “All ancient Christian music was vocal. (Columbia University)
James McKinnon – “More important than explicit opposition to instruments is the simple fact that they were not used during the patristic period” (through the 4th century). (A Catholic’s dissertation entitled, “The Church Fathers and Musical instruments”; Columbia Universit, Ph.D., 1965)
Frank Humphreys – “The early Christians discouraged all outward signs of excitement, and from the very beginning, in the music they used. All the music employed in their earlier services was vocal. (Evolution of Music – Page 42)
Martin Luther – “The organ is an ensign of Baal.” (Encyclopedia of Music, Vol. VII, Page 762)
John Wesley – “I have no objection to instruments of music in our chapels, provided they are neither seen nor heard.” (Founder of the Methodist Church – Clarke’s Commentary)
John Calvin – “ Musical instruments in celebrating the praise of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things from the Jews (Commentary on the 23rd Psalm – Founder of the Presbyterian Church)
Adam Clarke – “I believe that the use of instruments of music in the Christian Church, is without the sanction of God, and against the will of God; that they are subversive of the spirit of true devotion; and that they are sinful. I am an old man, and an old minister; and I here declare that I never knew them to be productive of any good in worship of God; and have reason to believe they were 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.” (Methodist Minister - Commentary on Amos 6:5) From Clake’s Commentary on II Chronicles 29:25, he writes, “. . . the whole spirit, soul, and genius of the Christian religion are against this.” “And those who know the Church of God best, and what constitutes its genuine spiritual state, know that these things (instruments) have been introduced as a substitute for the life and power of religion; and where they prevail most, there is least of the power of Christianity. Away with such portentous baubles from the worship of that infinite Spirit who requires his follower to worship him in spirit and in truth, for to no such worship are those instruments friendly.”
Charles Spurgeon – “David appears to have had a peculiarly tender remembrance of the singing of the pilgrims, and assuredly it is the most delightful part of worship and that which comes nearest to the adoration of heaven. What a degradation to supplant the intelligent song of the whole congregation by the theatrical prettiness of a quartet, the refined niceties of a choir, or the blowing off of wind from inanimate bellows and pipes. We migt as well pray by machinery as praise by it.” (Noted Baptist preacher, known and respected by all Baptists, commenting on the 42nd Psalm in his series, The Treasury of David)
David Benedict – “Staunch old Baptists in former times would have as soon tolerated the pope of Rome in their pulpits as an organ in their galleries. And yet the instrument has gradually found its way among them and their successors in church management, with nothing like the jars and dicciculties which arose of old concerning the bass viol and smaller instruments of music.” (Noted Baptist historian, from his book, “Fifty years among the Baptists”)
Alexander Campbell – “ To those who have no real devotion or spirituality in them, and whose animal nature flags under the oppression of church service, I think that instrumental music would not only be a desideratum, but an essential prerequisite to fire up the souls to even animal devotion. But I presume to all spiritually-minded Christians, such aids would be as a cow bell in a concert.” (Memoirs of A. Campbell, Page 366)
These positions were held by all for many hundreds of years following the establishment of the church. They are biblically accurate. However, as spirituality and God’s Word were pushed more and more into the background to make way for the wants and wishes of vain man, the instrument became more and more accepted. But, it didn’t stop with the organ! The man-made principle that allowed the organ also allowed the piano and, now, drums, guitars, horns, dancing, skits, dramatic presentations, praise teams, applause for the performers, shouting, yelling, and just about any kind of entertainment one can imagine, all now said to be worship to God! However, it is, clearly, not of God, being neither in spirit (the right attitude of reverence toward God), nor (according to) truth (John 4:24)!
Question 17: Isn’t a psalm a song sung with instruments?
ANSWER: No! Psalms in the context of the passage refer simply to songs that are devoted to the praise of God. The command of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 is to “sing” psalms, not to “play” psalms, nor to sing “and” play psalms. In the singing we are to “speak,” “teach,” and “admonish.” This, the voice can do, but the instrument cannot! If it were the case (and it isn’t) that the instruction to sing in these passages included the instrument, since “all” assembled are commanded to sing, it would then follow that in order to be pleasing to God, “all” in the assembly would then have to play an instrument! Certainly, there is no indication that one should “play” and the rest should “sing.” It is also worthy of note that if playing of an instrument inheres in the word “psalms,” then if the instrument is not used, those participating in the service would be sinning by transgressing that command (I John 3:4). As well, we would have to conclude that the apostles and all of those in the church prior to the first use of the instrument in Christian worship (many hundreds of years after the church was established) were sinning every time they worshipped, since they did not employ the instrument!
Additionally, if the original Greek (psalmos) included the idea of playing on an instrument, then it would be the case that the one hundred plus scholars that translated the King James and American Standard Versions of the New Testament were in error for not so translating the word, to say nothing of many other translations!
As well, it is worthy of note that the word “a cappella,” that we understand to mean “without instrumental accompaniment,” is literally translated from the Italian as “in the custom of the chapel.” It recognizes the truth that instruments were not used, and not to be used, “in the chapel!”
Question 18: The reason that the early Christians did not use instruments of music was only because they were afraid their persecutors would hear them. Comment?
ANSWER: Without doubt, shortly after the establishment of the church, there was no fear by Christians that they would be “heard” worshipping and, therefore, opted not to use mechanical instruments of music. Surely, instruments of music can be played just as softly as one praying or preaching, if they were afraid of being heard! To the contrary, however, Acts 4:13 speaks of the boldness of the apostles in proclaiming the Gospel. In Verse 29, they prayed to God for boldness to speak His Word. In Verse 31, they spoke that word with boldness. Chapter 5:42, “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Consider the same in Acts 9:27; Acts 9:29; Acts 14:3; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8 and the fact that “they went everywhere preaching the Word!” They taught and worshipped openly without shame (Mark 8:38), but they did it without instruments of music! Certainly, they would later suffer severe persecution, but even in the openness and growth that was being experienced in the first years of the first century and even for hundreds of years afterwards, Christians refused to use the instruments, because they did not have the authority from God to do so!
The reason for instruments of music in worship today results from what man likes and wants, not what God has authorized! God wants to be worshipped the way He wants. Man has no right to add or to take away from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19). Neither can they change it in anyway without being accursed (Galatians 1:6-9). Our thoughts are not His thoughts, neither are our ways His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Take note in Leviticus 10:1-2 that two priests refused to worship God according to the directions given. Rather than igniting the censor as they were instructed, they used fire from a strange source. As a result God slew them! Of course, under the New Testament, He does not do so today, but clearly we can see His displeasure expressed in the death of these two! King Saul offered worship to God that He had not authorized (I Samuel 13:9-13) and as a result he lost his kingdom. To do something in worship to God that he has not authorized is to commit presumptuous sin (Psalms 19:13). This is exactly what the two priests and Saul did. They presumed that what they wanted is what God would accept! The same is true of those who employ the instrument in worship to Him!
Question 19: Some have suggested that having many communion cups, Bible classes, speaker systems, pitch pipes, songbooks, etc. is equal to using musical instruments in worship. Would you comment?
ANSWER: The reason some will hold that the use of instruments of music in worship is equal to song books, pitch pipes, speaker systems, etc. is that they fail to understand what constitutes an approved, scriptural “expedient.” Any aid or expedient action which provides a scriptural advantage to complying with a direct statement (command), implication, or approved example from God's Word is scripturally authorized for use. This would include such things as church buildings, church benches, artificial lighting, meeting to learn new songs, songbooks, and tuning forks or pitch pipes. All of these things, being subordinates (not equal to), provide a scriptural advantage to the accomplishment of the primary purpose or duty.
Instruments of music, however, do not fall in the category of authorized expedients, because they are not subordinate to the primary duty or action of making vocal music. That is, instrumental music, being totally different in kind, is, in the realm of music, equal to (not subordinate to) vocal music. In fact, in denominational worship the instrument is very often used without vocal accompaniment, thus testifying to the well known and accepted truth that instrumental music is, indeed, a “different kind” of music and, when employed, constitutes an additional, unauthorized “act” of worship! Surely, none can conclude that speaker systems, songbooks, pitch pipes, Bible classes, and multiple communion cups constitute “acts” or “actions.” Neither do they stand in contrast to acts of worship that are authorized, but are clearly expedients to the accomplishing of that which Christ has authorized! Without doubt, the use of instruments in worship is not authorized as a separate act of worship, nor as an expedient, and, when so used, are in addition to God's Word, violating Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; I Corinthians 4:6 and Revelation 22:18-19.
Question 20: I have often come across booklets and tracts dealing with the use of instrumental music in worship to God. Why do these booklets and tracts never mention such passages as Amos 5:23 and Amos 6:5?
ANSWER: In context, these passages are dealing with backsliding Israel; or those who were “at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1). These had rejected the true and living God and were engaging in things they desired in place of being in obedient service to Him. Thus, the mention of being “upon beds of ivory and stretching themselves upon their couches” (Amos 6:4) while ‘singing and using instruments of music, drinking of wines and anointing themselves with the best ointments’ (Amos 6:5-6). They were doing all of this rather than grieving for the state into which Israel had fallen. As a result of their desire for these things, rather than expressing loyalty to their Creator, they would eventually be carried off into captivity (Amos 6:7).
We should never take a verse out of context to prove a biblical stance. Since the Old Testament was taken out of the way at the cross of Christ (Ephesians 2:12; Colossians 2:14), we cannot use it to support specific worship practices of those answerable to the New Testament, as is the case with all people living today! As it is right to contend that one cannot justify the use of the instrument in Christian worship today by reverting to the Old Testament, it is also right to contend that one cannot condemn the use of instruments in Christian worship by reverting to the Old Testament. This is not to say that the eternal principles of God that appear in the Old Testament as relates to worship in general, relative to honor and obedience, are invalid today! Such are valid because those same principles, being eternal, are seen also in the New Testament! The specific use of musical instruments in Christian worship violates the general eternal principles of honor and obedience found in both Testaments.
That musical instruments may not be used in Christian worship is clearly evidenced by the fact that there is no authorization given in the New Testament for their use! This fact, coupled with the direct teaching of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, reveals the truth of the matter, i.e., that vocal music (clearly enunciated words that teach and admonish) sung congregationally (every worshipper in participation) is the only scriptural and justifiable response to the matter. Nothing else can, therefore, be justified, including instruments of music, choirs, quartets, trios (singing groups of any kind, including praise teams), hand clapping, shouting, and other emotional outbursts. All of these, not being scripturally justified, are therefore sinful!
Question 21: Isn’t it true that if one can use a pitch pipe in worship. He can also use a piano?
ANSWER: The implication of your question is that a pitch pipe is a musical instrument equal to pianos, organs, guitars, and such like, or that if one can use a pitch pipe, then one may use these other items. First of all, there is, in reality, little or no comparison between the two. One does not “play” music on a pitch pipe as one does a piano or organ. Neither does one “play” music on a tuning fork. Their purpose is simply to get the pitch of a song so that everything may be done decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40). As such they are authorized expedients, i.e., they are subordinate to the function of singing and provide a scriptural advantage to the accomplishment of the command to “sing.” There are, as any encyclopedia or School of Music will demonstrate, two kind or types of music, i.e., vocal music and instrumental music. Playing an instrument is not subordinate to vocal music, but rather it is coordinate with vocal music, and cannot, therefore, be considered an expedient. It would be an addition to what has been commanded. God nowhere commanded that an instrument of music be “played” in the worship service of Christ’s church! In order for a pitch pipe / tuning fork to be properly compared to the use of a piano in Christian worship, it would follow that the piano could only be used to sound a “pitch,” as with the pitch pipe or tuning fork, in which case no sin would be committed. The sin is not in the instrument. The sin is in the “playing” of the instrument in place of, or in addition to, the direct command to sing. May it also be noted that the command to “sing” is directed to “each” worshipper? If one should conclude that the instrument is inherent in this command, then it would be the case that each and every worshiper would have to “play” an instrument during the worship service in order to be pleasing to God!
Question 22: Explain and differentiate between psalms, hymns, choruses, and spiritual songs.
ANSWER: The following is excepted from the Gospel Advocate Commentary on Ephesians by brother J. W. Shepherd. “Psalms are songs devoted to the praise of God, extolling His name, power, character, and works. The songs of David are mainly of this character, hence were called psalms. Hymns are songs of praise, thanksgiving, and supplication, teaching our dependence on God and His willingness to hear and bless. Spiritual songs are those intended to inspire and cultivate feeling of spiritual devotion and to bring the spirit of man into harmony with, and under control of, the Spirit of God.”
A chorus of a song is also referred to as the refrain of a song. It is a phrase or a verse repeated at intervals in a song, generally after each verse or stanza.
Question 23: Is it wrong to listen to ‘gospel’ music that is accompanied by instruments?
ANSWER: It is wrong to "worship" God with instruments of music inside the church building and outside of the church building! A person can worship in a formal public assembly or in a personal private setting. If a person is alone and singing with focus, “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah,” I would fail to see how that person is not worshipfully praising Jehovah, Certainly there can be no doubt that what he/she is doing (worshipping) would be acceptable and scriptural. If a person is, in focus, processing those words through his/her heart (mind) as a result of ‘listening,’ though not mouthing the words, it seems clear that the purpose and effect is the same, since God knows the intent of every man’s heart, i.e., that person, as well, is worshipfully praising Jehovah. If, as noted, such is acceptable worship, what right would a person have to allow instruments into that praise and worship? By what authority? Further, by what authority may one use spiritual things (God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Heaven, etc.) for purposes of entertainment? There is no authority for such!
QUESTION No. 412: Is it a sin to use and/or sing to the accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music in worship services?
ANSWER: Yes! It is sin to do so because there is no passage in the New Testament that authorizes the use of mechanical instruments in worship to God! In Colossians 3:17, we are told that whatever we do in word (which would include singing) or deed (which would include playing and singing), it must be done in the name of (by the authority of) the Lord Jesus. Clearly, from Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16 and I Corinthians 14:15, we see that music authorized by the New Testament is vocal and congregational! We cannot, without sinning, take away from God's Word (Revelation 22:18). We cannot, without sinning, add to God's Word (Revelation 22:19). We cannot change His Word in any way (Galatians 1:6-9)! Neither can we go to the Old Testament to learn how we are to worship under the New Testament. This is true, because the Old Testament was taken out of the way at the cross of Christ. Please read carefully the following passages: II Corinthians 3; Galatians 3:16-29; Ephesians 2:13-19; Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 7:12; Hebrews 8:7.
Mechanical instruments of music were first introduced into worship services in the eighth century, almost eight hundred years after the establishment of the Church of Christ in 30-33AD. In fact, they have only become widely accepted in the last one hundred fifty years as religious groups moved, and are moving, progressively away from the purity of the Gospel. Clearly then, it is certain that the use of instruments was not included in the apostles' doctrine (teaching). We have been admonished to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42)! Would one be continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine if he or she did something not included in their doctrine? Obviously not! Would he or she be violating God's Word? Surely!
QUESTION No. 413: May Christians today look to the Old Testament for authorization to use instruments of music in worship to God?
ANSWER: No! Those who have lived, are living, and will live from the cross of Christ until the end of time are to be judged only by the New Testament of Jesus Christ (John 12:48).
The Old Testament has been taken out of the way and replaced by the New Testament. Please read carefully the following passages: Romans 7:4-7; II Corinthians 3:13-14; Galatians 3:24-25; Ephesians 2:13-16; Hebrews 7:12; 8:7. In Colossians 2:14, we see that the handwriting of ordinances (Old Testament) was blotted out; that it was against us; that it was contrary to us. Therefore, He took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross! Because of this, Christians cannot look to the Old Testament for authority to offer animal sacrifices, burn incense, or worship with mechanical instruments. More important, there is no authority in the New Testament for us to engage in any such acts today. To do so is to sin and fall from grace (Galatians 5:4).
The New Testament, by which we will be judged, authorizes only congregational, vocal music with clearly enunciated words that teach and admonish (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17).
QUESTION No. 414: Does the use of instruments of music by David before King Saul justify the use of instruments in worship services today?
ANSWER: No! A careful study of Romans 7:1-7 reveals that if one attempts to live under the Old Law and the New Law at the same time it is equal to a person having two marriage partners at the same time. Paul says in Romans 7:3, that such a person is committing adultery! The person with two marriage partners is guilty of physical adultery, while the person who attempts to live by the Old Law and the New Law together is guilty of spiritual adultery. Both are sins that will cause one to be lost! In fact, Paul states very clearly that when one tries to be justified by the Old Law, that individual has "fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:4). In Verse four of Romans. Chapter 7, Paul says, we "are become dead to the law" and that we "should be married to another, even to Him who is raised from the dead." In Verse five, we are told that "we are delivered from the law" and should serve it no more. In Verse seven, we are clearly told what law we are dead to, and delivered from, i.e., the law that said, "thou shalt not covet." In other words we are dead to, and delivered from, the Old Testament law. Since this is true, we may not go to the Old Testament to learn how to worship God today. We are under the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Under it alone (lest we be guilty of spiritual adultery) we must learn to live and worship, because by it alone we will one day be judged (John 12:48).
There is no authority in the New Testament of Jesus Christ for the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship. Similarly, there is no authorization in the New Testament for the use of choirs, quartets, trios, duets, solos, dramatic presentations, praise teams, hand clapping, shouting, dancing, and suchlike! The music that our God authorizes in His Word is simply vocal and congregational. We have not the authority to add to it or take away from it (Revelation 22:18-19)!
QUESTION No. 415: Is it right to use instruments of music for weddings in the church building?
ANSWER: It is improper for the simple reason that it teaches those who (in error) perceive the "meeting house" to be the "church" that it is okay to use mechanical instruments in worship to God. Since both worship and weddings occur in the place of worship, they often hold that if the instrument can be used in the wedding, (often in accompaniment of hymns, which is as well sinful - Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) it can, likewise, be used in the worship service. Indeed, they (because of their misperception) see the inconsistency in what the church sometimes practices. Not only sinful practices, but anything that could detrimentally affect the destiny of a soul needs to be avoided, whatever the likes or dislikes (Matthew 18:6).
QUESTION No. 416: Can we justify the use of instruments in worship on the basis that God created the materials of which they are made?
ANSWER: No! On the same basis one could argue for, and justify, the use of animal sacrifices in worship, since, clearly, God created animals! As well, one could argue that since God made fruits and grain from which alcohol comes, we could, therefore, justifiably become drunken in worship to God! Further, since God created "all" of the elements from which "all" things are made, we could, based on the theory proposed, use any or "all" things in existence in worship to God in any way we might so elect. Surely, such confusion was not in the purpose of God (I Corinthians 14:33)! Neither was it left up to man as to how he would worship (John 4:24)!
QUESTION No. 417: What is the difference between instruments and human beings? Both are His creation.
ANSWER: The difference is that human beings can worship! Instruments cannot! Neither can they satisfy the purpose of God in the music that He has authorized. In Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, we learn that God-approved music in worship demands "singing," "making melody in our hearts," "speaking," teaching one another," and "admonishing one another." The instrument does not and cannot answer to, or fulfill, the demands of music in Christian worship! Only human beings in compliance with His will can satisfy these scriptural requirements!
QUESTION No. 418: Could it be that the reason for not using instruments in the early church was that they were not available?
ANSWER: No! They were available in New Testament times, as well as in Old Testament times. Please read Psalms 150! The reason they could not be used in New Testament times (including today) is supplied in the answers to the above questions.
QUESTION No. 419: Where in God's word did He command us not to use instruments in worship?
ANSWER: Since people today are bound only by the New Testament, the question would more appropriately be, "Where in the New Testament did God command us not to use instruments in worship?" Even more appropriately the question should be, "Where in the New Testament did God begin or start (authorize) the use of instruments in worship?" The answer is: He didn't! Certainly those who add the instrument are adding to God's Word in defiance of Revelation 22:18. These are guilty of presumptuous sin (Psalms 19:13)!
Another answer to this question could rightly be: He commanded us not to use instruments in the same place that He commanded us not to use animal sacrifices, incense burning, the lighting of lamps, etc.
The reason that there is so much confusion in the religious world today is that men have come to believe that if God did not specifically say "you can't do it," it is okay to go ahead and do it! This thinking is foreign to the Bible! When God specifically tells us how to do something, everything else is automatically excluded. One example is: God specified that Noah's ark was to be built out of "gopher wood" (Genesis 6:14). Noah did exactly what God had commanded him to do (Genesis 6:22) and thereby pleased God and became an "heir of righteousness" (Hebrews 11:7). When God commanded Noah to use "gopher" wood, He automatically excluded all other woods, such as, oak, pine, cherry, birch, etc. God was not obligated to say, "don't use oak," "don't use pine," don't use cherry," etc. Noah understood that he could not use a replacement wood or a multiplicity of woods without sinning, i.e., transgressing God's commandment (I John 3:4). The same principle remains valid today! There are two kinds of music, i.e., vocal and instrumental. God said we are to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; I Corinthians 14:15). When God commanded "sing," He automatically excluded the playing of instruments, just as in the case of Noah's ark. When God commanded fruit of the vine and unleavened bread to be used during the Lord's Supper, He automatically excluded all other drinks and food on His table! If the argument is valid (and it isn't) that one can use the instrument because God did not specifically command us not to use it, the same argument could be rightly be used to place a "Big Mac" sandwich on the Lord's Table, because surely God did not command us not to use a "Big Mac" sandwich. In fact, in worship services, we could do anything we wanted to do under this argument and call it "worship." We could dance, swim, sacrifice animals, sleep, talk to our neighbor, watch a hand-held television, etc. Surely, God did not command us not to do these things! All who would worship God need to realize that we are only permitted to do what He authorizes us in scripture to do! All else is in violation of His authorization and is, therefore, sinful!
If people of today would adopt this vital and proven biblical principle, it would go a long way in answering the Lord's prayer for unity among believers (John 17:20-23).
QUESTION No. 420: In Matthew 16:19, Jesus promised Peter that whatsoever he would bind on earth would also be bound in heaven and whatsoever he would loose on earth would also be loosed in heaven. Can we not do the same today and thereby authorize the use of instruments in worship to God? It should be proper if 'whatsoever we do, we do it all in His name' (Colossians 3:17).
ANSWER: This same promise was also made to the other apostles (Matthew 18:18). But we must understand that this promise was tied into the promise that the apostles would be given the Holy Spirit who would "teach them all things" (John 14:26) and guide them "into all truth" (John 16:13). The "binding" and the "loosing" that the inspired apostles would do on this earth would not be of themselves, but rather as they were so led to do by the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, the Bible would be of men, and not of God! All of the "binding" and "loosing" that was to be done (only by inspired men) was ended with the completion of the written Word of God. Therefore, nothing can be "bound" or "loosed" today that has not already been "bound" or "loosed" in God's Word. This being the case, it is true then that all who would be pleasing to God today are "bound" to congregational singing without the instrument in keeping with Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19. To use the instrument in violation of these passages would be to "loosen" that which the Holy Spirit has "bound". The result of so doing is sin (Revelation 22:18-19)!
Further, we cannot "bind" or "loosen" in His name! The phrase "in the name of the Lord Jesus," in Colossians 3:17, means ‘by the authority of the Lord Jesus!’ Paul is saying in this passage, that everything a Christian does, he must do by the authority of Christ. His authority can be found only in that which has already been "bound" and "loosed" through inspired men at the direction of the Holy Spirit, that is, in the Word of God!
To "loosen" where God has "bound" or to "bind" where God has "loosed" is to reject the authority of Christ; to preach a false gospel; and to be accursed of God (Galatians 1:6-9)! Such is the case with those who would employ instruments in worship to Him!
QUESTION No. 421: Does not Colossians 3:17 authorize instrumental music when it says, "Whatever you do in word (singing) or deed (playing instruments), do all in the name of the Lord Jesus?"
ANSWER: This passage does not remotely support the above suggestion! The phrase "in the name of the Lord Jesus," in Colossians 3:17, means by the authority of the Lord Jesus! It does not mean that we can do whatever we like as long as we say we are doing it as Christians to glorify Christ! Paul is simply saying in this passage, that everything a Christian does must be done only by the authority of Christ as expressed in His Word. The authority of Christ relative to music in worship to God is expressed in the preceding verse (sixteen) which limits us to vocal congregational singing, thereby excluding the use of instruments. There is no authority anywhere in the New Testament for instruments of music in worship. Since there is no authority for the "deed" of playing instruments in worship, this "deed" when performed is sinful! Just by saying or thinking "we are doing it in the name of Christ" does not change the deed from sin to righteousness!
One of the things that cause so much religious division is the unscriptural position expressed in the above statement. When people begin believing that they can do anything they want in worship to God simply by affirming that they are doing it under the banner (in the name) of Christ or Christianity, then all sorts of ungodliness in worship will be permitted. Those with this unscriptural notion can, and often do, perform all kinds of entertainment for themselves and others during worship to God, simply by proclaiming that such is being done under the name of Christ. We could dance in worship, perform tricks of magic, prepare and eat hamburgers, sleep, talk to our friends, or anything else we could imagine, if this were true. It is evident, however, from the New Testament that none of these things can be performed in worship without sinning (including playing on instruments), because none of them can be performed in the name of (by the authority of) Jesus Christ! To engage in any activity in worship for which there is no authority is to sin and be separated from God!
QUESTION No. 422: What is the meaning of "choir?"
ANSWER: A "choir" in a church is a group of people, generally consisting of both men and women, who often (1) lead the singing in a church, (2) sing “to” the church, and (3) sing “for” the church. In either or all of these cases, such is sinful! There is no authorization in God's Word for singing groups in worship services! Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 are instructions and exhortations relative to acceptable worship for all Christians for all time. In these passages, we are taught that our singing is to be corporate (collective or congregational) with vocally enunciated words by which we teach and admonish one another! No other type of music is authorized, and would, therefore, be in error! This is to say that the Bible does not authorize, and reckons as sin, the use of solos, singing groups, humming, whistling, drums, or any type of musical instrument!
QUESTION No. 423: Is it wrong to use instruments of music outside the church?
ANSWER: It is wrong to "worship" God with instruments of music inside of the church building and outside of the church building! It is not wrong to play non-religious music on instruments. The sin is not in the instrument. The sin occurs when we introduce into worship that which God has not authorized. God has not authorized the playing of instruments in worship. It is therefore sinful to do so! The same is true of quartets and singing groups used to entertain visitors and the rest of the congregation. God has not authorized this practice. It, too, is therefore sinful!
QUESTION No. 424: What will happen to those who sin by using instruments in worship to God?
ANSWER: God will not excuse or forgive any sin where there is no repentance! Therefore, unless there is true repentance, the same thing will happen to these as all others who disobey God! Paul tells us in II Thessalonians 1:7-9, "To you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of God, and from the glory of His power."
QUESTION No. 425: Where in the Bible are we allowed to make inferences in one thing, but not allowed to make inferences on other things?
ANSWER: We can only infer what the Bible implies! For example: When studied in context we understand that Hebrews 2:12 does not really imply that we may sing solos in worship to God. If we infer that it does, then we have inferred improperly and err in so doing. If we infer that Matthew 26:27 implies and authorizes the use of one container only during communion, we are wrong. We must rightly divide the Word of Truth (II Timothy 2:15). This means that we cannot draw conclusions or inferences by taking passages out of context in order to justify personal likes and desires! We must not, for any reason or under any circumstance, infer what God has not clearly implied in His Word!
QUESTION No. 426: Would you please explain Revelation 5:8 as relates to the use of instruments of music? Does this passage justify their use in Christian worship today?
ANSWER: The book of Revelation was written in symbolic language and is not, generally, to be understood literally (Revelation 1:1, the word signified means that John was shown things in "signs," that must shortly come to pass). So it is in this passage. Notice in the verses immediately preceding the symbolic language used relative to the Lamb, that it is an obvious reference to Christ. Surely none would hold that Christ has seven literal eyes, seven literal horns, and seven literal spirits. All of these things are figurative and represent something else! He tells us in the passage under consideration that the golden bowls of incense represents something else. In this case, incense figuratively represents the prayers of the saints. So it is with the word "harps." The writer is not speaking of literal harps, but rather in reference to something else. Most scholars hold that this reference to harps has to do with "praise" to God. Remember that heaven is not a physical place with physical things. It is a spiritual place!
In addition to this, worship service to God in the church is not remotely mentioned in this passage. If we were to try to use this verse has a basis for worship in the church, in order to be consistent, we would also have to insist that each (all) worshipper(s) have a harp and a bowl of incense. Clearly, those who would seek in this passage a pattern for Christian worship are in violation of the most basic rules of biblical interpretation!
QUESTION No. 427: What do the Christian leaders of the past say about the use of mechanical instruments in Christian worship?
ANSWER: Just a few of the many state as follows:
Curt Sachs – “All ancient Christian music was vocal. (Columbia University)
James McKinnon – “More important than explicit opposition to instruments is the simple fact that they were not used during the patristic period” (through the 4th century). (A Catholic’s dissertation entitled, “The Church Fathers and Musical instruments”; Columbia Universit, Ph.D., 1965)
Frank Humphreys – “The early Christians discouraged all outward signs of excitement, and from the very beginning, in the music they used. All the music employed in their earlier services was vocal. (Evolution of Music – Page 42)
Martin Luther – “The organ is an ensign of Baal.” (Encyclopedia of Music, Vol. VII, Page 762)
John Wesley – “I have no objection to instruments of music in our chapels, provided they are neither seen nor heard.” (Founder of the Methodist Church – Clarke’s Commentary)
John Calvin – “ Musical instruments in celebrating the praise of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things from the Jews (Commentary on the 23rd Psalm – Founder of the Presbyterian Church)
Adam Clarke – “I believe that the use of instruments of music in the Christian Church, is without the sanction of God, and against the will of God; that they are subversive of the spirit of true devotion; and that they are sinful. I am an old man, and an old minister; and I here declare that I never knew them to be productive of any good in worship of God; and have reason to believe they were 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.” (Methodist Minister - Commentary on Amos 6:5) From Clake’s Commentary on II Chronicles 29:25, he writes, “. . . the whole spirit, soul, and genius of the Christian religion are against this.” “And those who know the Church of God best, and what constitutes its genuine spiritual state, know that these things (instruments) have been introduced as a substitute for the life and power of religion; and where they prevail most, there is least of the power of Christianity. Away with such portentous baubles from the worship of that infinite Spirit who requires his follower to worship him in spirit and in truth, for to no such worship are those instruments friendly.”
Charles Spurgeon – “David appears to have had a peculiarly tender remembrance of the singing of the pilgrims, and assuredly it is the most delightful part of worship and that which comes nearest to the adoration of heaven. What a degradation to supplant the intelligent song of the whole congregation by the theatrical prettiness of a quartet, the refined niceties of a choir, or the blowing off of wind from inanimate bellows and pipes. We migt as well pray by machinery as praise by it.” (Noted Baptist preacher, known and respected by all Baptists, commenting on the 42nd Psalm in his series, The Treasury of David)
David Benedict – “Staunch old Baptists in former times would have as soon tolerated the pope of Rome in their pulpits as an organ in their galleries. And yet the instrument has gradually found its way among them and their successors in church management, with nothing like the jars and dicciculties which arose of old concerning the bass viol and smaller instruments of music.” (Noted Baptist historian, from his book, “Fifty years among the Baptists”)
Alexander Campbell – “ To those who have no real devotion or spirituality in them, and whose animal nature flags under the oppression of church service, I think that instrumental music would not only be a desideratum, but an essential prerequisite to fire up the souls to even animal devotion. But I presume to all spiritually-minded Christians, such aids would be as a cow bell in a concert.” (Memoirs of A. Campbell, Page 366)
These positions were held by all for many hundreds of years following the establishment of the church. They are biblically accurate. However, as spirituality and God’s Word were pushed more and more into the background to make way for the wants and wishes of vain man, the instrument became more and more accepted. But, it didn’t stop with the organ! The man-made principle that allowed the organ also allowed the piano and, now, drums, guitars, horns, dancing, skits, dramatic presentations, praise teams, applause for the performers, shouting, yelling, and just about any kind of entertainment one can imagine, all now said to be worship to God! However, it is, clearly, not of God, being neither in spirit (the right attitude of reverence toward God), nor (according to) truth (John 4:24)!
QUESTION No. 428: Isn’t a psalm a song sung with instruments?
ANSWER: No! Psalms in the context of the passage refer simply to songs that are devoted to the praise of God. The command of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 is to “sing” psalms, not to “play” psalms, nor to sing “and” play psalms. In the singing we are to “speak,” “teach,” and “admonish.” This, the voice can do, but the instrument cannot! If it were the case (and it isn’t) that the instruction to sing in these passages included the instrument, since “all” assembled are commanded to sing, it would then follow that in order to be pleasing to God, “all” in the assembly would then have to play an instrument! Certainly, there is no indication that one should “play” and the rest should “sing.” It is also worthy of note that if playing of an instrument inheres in the word “psalms,” then if the instrument is not used, those participating in the service would be sinning by transgressing that command (I John 3:4). As well, we would have to conclude that the apostles and all of those in the church prior to the first use of the instrument in Christian worship (many hundreds of years after the church was established) were sinning every time they worshipped, since they did not employ the instrument!
Additionally, if the original Greek (psalmos) included the idea of playing on an instrument, then it would be the case that the one hundred plus scholars that translated the King James and American Standard Versions of the New Testament were in error for not so translating the word, to say nothing of many other translations!
As well, it is worthy of note that the word “a cappella,” that we understand to mean “without instrumental accompaniment,” is literally translated from the Italian as “in the custom of the chapel.” It recognizes the truth that instruments were not used, and not to be used, “in the chapel!”
QUESTION No. 429: The reason that the early Christians did not use instruments of music was only because they were afraid their persecutors would hear them. Comment?
ANSWER: Without doubt, shortly after the establishment of the church, there was no fear by Christians that they would be “heard” worshipping and, therefore, opted not to use mechanical instruments of music. Surely, instruments of music can be played just as softly as one praying or preaching, if they were afraid of being heard! To the contrary, however, Acts 4:13 speaks of the boldness of the apostles in proclaiming the Gospel. In Verse 29, they prayed to God for boldness to speak His Word. In Verse 31, they spoke that word with boldness. Chapter 5:42, “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Consider the same in Acts 9:27; Acts 9:29; Acts 14:3; Acts 18:26; Acts 19:8 and the fact that “they went everywhere preaching the Word!” They taught and worshipped openly without shame (Mark 8:38), but they did it without instruments of music! Certainly, they would later suffer severe persecution, but even in the openness and growth that was being experienced in the first years of the first century and even for hundreds of years afterwards, Christians refused to use the instruments, because they did not have the authority from God to do so!
The reason for instruments of music in worship today results from what man likes and wants, not what God has authorized! God wants to be worshipped the way He wants. Man has no right to add or to take away from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19). Neither can they change it in anyway without being accursed (Galatians 1:6-9). Our thoughts are not His thoughts, neither are our ways His ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Take note in Leviticus 10:1-2 that two priests refused to worship God according to the directions given. Rather than igniting the censor as they were instructed, they used fire from a strange source. As a result God slew them! Of course, under the New Testament, He does not do so today, but clearly we can see His displeasure expressed in the death of these two! King Saul offered worship to God that He had not authorized (I Samuel 13:9-13) and as a result he lost his kingdom. To do something in worship to God that he has not authorized is to commit presumptuous sin (Psalms 19:13). This is exactly what the two priests and Saul did. They presumed that what they wanted is what God would accept! The same is true of those who employ the instrument in worship to Him!
QUESTION No. 430: Some have suggested that having many communion cups, Bible classes, speaker systems, pitch pipes, songbooks, etc. is equal to using musical instruments in worship. Would you comment?
ANSWER: The reason some will hold that the use of instruments of music in worship is equal to song books, pitch pipes, speaker systems, etc. is that they fail to understand what constitutes an approved, scriptural “expedient.” Any aid or expedient action which provides a scriptural advantage to complying with a direct statement (command), implication, or approved example from God's Word is scripturally authorized for use. This would include such things as church buildings, church benches, artificial lighting, meeting to learn new songs, songbooks, and tuning forks or pitch pipes. All of these things, being subordinates (not equal to), provide a scriptural advantage to the accomplishment of the primary purpose or duty.
Instruments of music, however, do not fall in the category of authorized expedients, because they are not subordinate to the primary duty or action of making vocal music. That is, instrumental music, being totally different in kind, is, in the realm of music, equal to (not subordinate to) vocal music. In fact, in denominational worship the instrument is very often used without vocal accompaniment, thus testifying to the well known and accepted truth that instrumental music is, indeed, a “different kind” of music and, when employed, constitutes an additional, unauthorized “act” of worship! Surely, none can conclude that speaker systems, songbooks, pitch pipes, Bible classes, and multiple communion cups constitute “acts” or “actions.” Neither do they stand in contrast to acts of worship that are authorized, but are clearly expedients to the accomplishing of that which Christ has authorized! Without doubt, the use of instruments in worship is not authorized as a separate act of worship, nor as an expedient, and, when so used, are in addition to God's Word, violating Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; I Corinthians 4:6 and Revelation 22:18-19.
QUESTION No. 431: I have often come across booklets and tracts dealing with the use of instrumental music in worship to God. Why do these booklets and tracts never mention such passages as Amos 5:23 and Amos 6:5?
ANSWER: In context, these passages are dealing with backsliding Israel; or those who were “at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1). These had rejected the true and living God and were engaging in things they desired in place of being in obedient service to Him. Thus, the mention of being “upon beds of ivory and stretching themselves upon their couches” (Amos 6:4) while ‘singing and using instruments of music, drinking of wines and anointing themselves with the best ointments’ (Amos 6:5-6). They were doing all of this rather than grieving for the state into which Israel had fallen. As a result of their desire for these things, rather than expressing loyalty to their Creator, they would eventually be carried off into captivity (Amos 6:7).
We should never take a verse out of context to prove a biblical stance. Since the Old Testament was taken out of the way at the cross of Christ (Ephesians 2:12; Colossians 2:14), we cannot use it to support specific worship practices of those answerable to the New Testament, as is the case with all people living today! As it is right to contend that one cannot justify the use of the instrument in Christian worship today by reverting to the Old Testament, it is also right to contend that one cannot condemn the use of instruments in Christian worship by reverting to the Old Testament. This is not to say that the eternal principles of God that appear in the Old Testament as relates to worship in general, relative to honor and obedience, are invalid today! Such are valid because those same principles, being eternal, are seen also in the New Testament! The specific use of musical instruments in Christian worship violates the general eternal principles of honor and obedience found in both Testaments.
That musical instruments may not be used in Christian worship is clearly evidenced by the fact that there is no authorization given in the New Testament for their use! This fact, coupled with the direct teaching of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, reveals the truth of the matter, i.e., that vocal music (clearly enunciated words that teach and admonish) sung congregationally (every worshipper in participation) is the only scriptural and justifiable response to the matter. Nothing else can, therefore, be justified, including instruments of music, choirs, quartets, trios (singing groups of any kind, including praise teams), hand clapping, shouting, and other emotional outbursts. All of these, not being scripturally justified, are therefore sinful!
QUESTION No. 432: Isn’t it true that if one can use a pitch pipe in worship. He can also use a piano?
ANSWER: The implication of your question is that a pitch pipe is a musical instrument equal to pianos, organs, guitars, and such like, or that if one can use a pitch pipe, then one may use these other items. First of all, there is, in reality, little or no comparison between the two. One does not “play” music on a pitch pipe as one does a piano or organ. Neither does one “play” music on a tuning fork. Their purpose is simply to get the pitch of a song so that everything may be done decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40). As such they are authorized expedients, i.e., they are subordinate to the function of singing and provide a scriptural advantage to the accomplishment of the command to “sing.” There are, as any encyclopedia or School of Music will demonstrate, two kind or types of music, i.e., vocal music and instrumental music. Playing an instrument is not subordinate to vocal music, but rather it is coordinate with vocal music, and cannot, therefore, be considered an expedient. It would be an addition to what has been commanded. God nowhere commanded that an instrument of music be “played” in the worship service of Christ’s church! In order for a pitch pipe / tuning fork to be properly compared to the use of a piano in Christian worship, it would follow that the piano could only be used to sound a “pitch,” as with the pitch pipe or tuning fork, in which case no sin would be committed. The sin is not in the instrument. The sin is in the “playing” of the instrument in place of, or in addition to, the direct command to sing. May it also be noted that the command to “sing” is directed to “each” worshipper? If one should conclude that the instrument is inherent in this command, then it would be the case that each and every worshiper would have to “play” an instrument during the worship service in order to be pleasing to God!
QUESTION No. 433: Explain and differentiate between psalms, hymns, choruses, and spiritual songs.
ANSWER: The following is excepted from the Gospel Advocate Commentary on Ephesians by brother J. W. Shepherd. “Psalms are songs devoted to the praise of God, extolling His name, power, character, and works. The songs of David are mainly of this character, hence were called psalms. Hymns are songs of praise, thanksgiving, and supplication, teaching our dependence on God and His willingness to hear and bless. Spiritual songs are those intended to inspire and cultivate feeling of spiritual devotion and to bring the spirit of man into harmony with, and under control of, the Spirit of God.”
A chorus of a song is also referred to as the refrain of a song. It is a phrase or a verse repeated at intervals in a song, generally after each verse or stanza.
QUESTION No. 434: Is it wrong to listen to ‘gospel’ music that is accompanied by instruments?
ANSWER: It is wrong to "worship" God with instruments of music inside the church building and outside of the church building! A person can worship in a formal public assembly or in a personal private setting. If a person is alone and singing with focus, “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah,” I would fail to see how that person is not worshipfully praising Jehovah, Certainly there can be no doubt that what he/she is doing (worshipping) would be acceptable and scriptural. If a person is, in focus, processing those words through his/her heart (mind) as a result of ‘listening,’ though not mouthing the words, it seems clear that the purpose and effect is the same, since God knows the intent of every man’s heart, i.e., that person, as well, is worshipfully praising Jehovah. If, as noted, such is acceptable worship, what right would a person have to allow instruments into that praise and worship? By what authority? Further, by what authority may one use spiritual things (God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Heaven, etc.) for purposes of entertainment? There is no authority for such!