The Instrumental Music Question The Case for Singing in the New Testament Part 1

Introduction Many misunderstanding the music question One thing known about [some] churches of Christ is the absence of instrumental music Denominations act as if instrumental music has always been in their church (see the many quotes from church scholars and historians to the contrary) Religious people often ask us, “Why don’t you use an instrument?”

What is the issue? This issue is not… Do we believe in music? Yes, we do. Do we use or like mechanical instruments of music outside the worship service? Yes, we do. Can we afford a mechanical instrument? Yes, we can. Do we have the musicians to play a mechanical instrument? Yes, we do. Are mechanical instruments of music in worship to God found in the Bible? Yes, they are. Are mechanical instruments of music themselves sinful? No, they are not.

What is the issue? This issue is … What kind of music is authorized by God? Vocal, instrumental or both? What kind of music is authorized by God in the New Testament, for the New Testament church? Is mechanical instrumental music in worship to God sinful?

Music in the New Testament 1. Matthew 26:30 – “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out unto the mount of Olives” (see also Mk.14:26). 2. Acts 16:25 – “But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns unto God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” 3. Romans 15:9 – “and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, Therefore will I give praise unto thee among the Gentiles, And sing unto thy name.”

Music in the New Testament 4. 1 Corinthians 14:15 – “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” 5. Ephesians 5:19 – “speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” 6. Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.”

Music in the New Testament 7. Hebrews 2:12 – “saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, In the midst of the congregation will I sing thy praise.” 8. Hebrews 13:15 – “Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.” 9. James 5:13 – “Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise.”

Psallo in the New Testament ** Greek Word Meaning Passage psalleto sing psalms Jas. 5:19 psallantes making melody Eph. 5:19 psallo sing Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15 (2x) psalmo / psalmon psalms (quoted) Lk. 20:42; Ac. 1:20; 13:33 psalmois in psalms (quoted, singing) Lk. 24:44 Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 psalmon a psalm (spoken) 1 Cor. 14:26 ** Psalms were quoted, spoken, and sung, but never played in the NT

Two Parallel Passages Ephesians 5:19 Colossians 3;16 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord. ... teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.

Three Observations 1. We observe in the passages listed above: WHO is to sing; WHAT to sing; WHEN to sing; WHY to sing; WHERE to sing; and HOW to sing. 2. These are all the passages on music in the New Testament with reference to worshipping God; most with reference to Christians. Every example is that of singing. 3. No one disagrees that the New Testament teaches that singing is right – all admit that singing is right.

Why No Instruments? Not because… I do not like it. There is no one to play it. We can’t afford it. Our culture or “tradition” prohibits it (the “Restoration Movement tradition”). The denominations do it. We desire to provide an a cappella singing alternative (tradition) to the religious community.

Why No Instruments? Because it … Was not commanded by Christ (Mt.28:18-20; Col.3:17). Goes beyond the doctrine of Christ, and adds to the Word of God (2 Jn.9-11; cf. 1 Jn.3:4). Makes worship vain (Mt.15:1-9). Is not a part of true worship (Jn.4:24) Is not a part of the “the truth” of the Apostles (Jn.16:13; 17:17). Is not walking by faith (Rom.10:17).

Why No Instruments? Because it … Creates division (Jn.17:20; 1 Cor.1:10). Cannot accomplish what God wants done – God wants singing (Eph.5:19; Col.3:16). Was never used in the NT church. Please put the passage in the blank that speaks of a mechanical instrument of music in worship to God in the church ( __________ ?). Note: Many quotes from Church History could be given here to show that instruments of music were introduced into worship by the Catholic Church between A.D. 600 and A.D. 800.

The Instrumental Music Question Do we understand better the issue over the instrument? We “sing” because that is what God said he wanted. We refuse to play a mechanical instrument because God never authorized it in the New Testament. We can unite upon what is in the New Testament. We can never unite upon what is not in the NT. Mechanical instruments of music in worship to God by Christians is never found in the New Testament.