Question:
Why no instrumental music?
Answer:
Upon visiting the Lord’s church, one of the most
common questions asked is, “Why do you not use instrumental music?”
Sometimes, a visitor’s eyes immediately begin to search for the piano,
organ or set of drums. So, consider a few reasons why we do not have
instrumental music.
First, all we do in worship to God should be commanded by God. John 4:24
says, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in
spirit and truth.” Our worship is not designed to please and
entertain audiences. It is designed to worship God in the way He
prescribed. So, how do we know we are worshipping “in spirit and
truth?”
Well, John 17:17 says, “Your word is truth.” So, we can know if
we worship God truthfully if we consult His Word (Jn. 8:32).
This leads us to a second point. We must understand which part of God’s
Word applies to us today. Various passages of Scripture teach us the old
law has become obsolete and been replaced by the new covenant
(Colossians 2:13,14; Hebrews 7:7-13). So, we cannot reach back into the
Old Testament for justification in our worship. If we can go to the old
law to justify instruments, why not animal sacrifice, burning of
incense, etc.? In fact, Galatians 5:4 says, “...you who attempt to be
justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”
So, as we look at the new testament, the law we are under today, what
does it say about the music we offer to God?
In every command, example and inference of New Testament Scripture we
are never commanded to play. However, we are commanded to “sing”
to worship God and teach one another (Matt. 26:30; Acts 16:25; 1
Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13).
Take a look at all of the previous list of passages. Was the
first-century church ever commanded to play? No. In fact, historians,
encyclopedias and commentators will affirm that no instrument of music
was in the church until several centuries after its establishment.
Will you put your faith in the wisdom of men or God? Be careful of
adding to or taking away from God’s Word (Gal. 1:6-9; Rev. 22:18,19).
1,500 years ago, no church in Christendom used an instrument...so tell
me, who changed?
July 2005