Disagreement exists over the use of instrumental music in worship to God. Is it authorized? Or is it an addition to God’s word? If it is not authorized by God, then it is sinful and should not be practiced, for it is sinful to add to the word of God (Rev.22:18). If it is authorized by God, then it may be practiced with impunity.
As when considering other questions of religious practice, we must turn to God’s infallible word for the answer. We must not turn to our own feelings and opinions for the answer. Some things “seem right to a man,” but result in death and eternal damnation to the soul (Prov. 14:12; Galatians 1:8, 9). Neither can we turn to the creeds and theories of others, for those who worship according to the creeds and doctrines of men render their worship “vain” (Matthew 15:9). The only right way is God’s way, and God’s way has been expressed in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
Common Misrepresentations
Those of us who insist upon a “thus saith the Lord” for all that we believe, teach and practice in religion, are often misrepresented on the subject of instrumental music. Because of our opposition to instrumental music in worship to God, we are often accused of not believing in music at all! This is a false accusation, for we openly promote and practice music (vocal) in our worship assemblies, as authorized by plain Bible passages (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Vocal music is still music, though it is a different kind of music. It is unfair to accuse others of “not believing in music” just because they reject the use of one particular kind (instrumental) of music in their worship to God, and limit themselves to the kind that is explicitly authorized by Scripture.
Some have alleged that the members of non-instrumental music churches “don’t believe in mechanical instruments of music.” This is also a false accusation. Several members of the church where I preach are talented musicians. Some of them own and play a variety of musical instruments. My wife and I have musical instruments in our home. Our objection is not to the general use of these mechanical instruments of music, but to their use in worship to God. God has not legislated with regard to folk, bluegrass, classical, country or other types of music. However, He has legislated with regard to “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19). These types of songs are to be sung, not played. Our music is to be made by “speaking” and “singing” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Vocal music is plainly taught in the New Testament (Matt. 26:30; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15, 26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb.2:12; Jas. 5:13). Contrariwise, no New Testament passage authorizes the use of instrumental music in worship to God.
“New” Testament or “Old?”
There is no New Testament authority for the use of instrumental music in worship to God. I say “New Testament” authority, for many people turn to the OLD Testament for Bible authority for modern use of instrumental music in worship to God. Psalms 147, 149 and 150 are often cited in defense of modern use of mechanical instruments of music in worship. There are several problems with turning to the Old Testament (Law of Moses) for authority for New Testament practices.
1. The Law of Moses was given to the people of Israel (the Jews), and was perfectly fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Moses plainly declared that his Law was to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 4:44), and to no others (Deut. 5:3). The apostle Paul confirms this truth in Romans 3:2. By His perfect life and divine sacrifice, Jesus brought the Law of Moses to complete fruition. He fulfilled, or “fully filled” the Law of Moses (Matthew5:17, 18). By the actions of the Cross, Jesus “abolished” the authoritative aspect of the Law of Moses (Ephesians 2:14, 15), and He “took it out of the way, nailing it to the Cross” (Colossians 2:14). Paul explained to the Corinthians that many of the Jews failed to see that the Law was “being brought to an end,” and that “even to this day a veil remains over their hearts in the reading of the Old Covenant” (2 Corinthians 3:13-15). Sadly, Paul’s description still applies to many Jews and others today! They read the Old Testament with the purpose of justifying present religious and worship practices. We, however, are “under law to Christ” (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2), not to Moses.
Incidentally, one may deny that the Law of Moses is now authoritative without denying the inspiration of that Law. Paul taught that the Old Testament scriptures are just asinspired as the New Testament (2 Timothy 3:16). Also, the apostle Paul taught that the Law of Moses is useful for its history, examples and definitions (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11; Romans 15:4). A full appreciation of the New Testament cannot be had apart from an understanding of the Old Testament. While the New Testament constitutes God’s moral and religious standard for today, devoted Bible students will read and study both Testaments.
2. The nature of Mosaic Law was such that, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, to do them” (Galatians 3:10; Deut. 27:26). This means that there is no “pick-and-choose” approach to the Old Testament. Paul pronounced one as being spiritually condemned if he seeks justification by following only a part of the Law of Moses. Along with authorizing instrumental music in worship, the Law of Moses required animal sacrifices to be offered and annual trips to Jerusalem. Where are the people who are following those parts of the Old Law? Could it be that some people are appealing to the Law of Moses for justification only when it is convenient for them? Only when it supports what they want to do? Think about it.
3. The apostle Paul taught that if one seeks justification from the Old Law, “he is a debtor to do the whole law” (Galatians 5:3; see also 3:10). Some first century teachers were arguing that Gentile males had to be circumcised in order to be saved. Paul told them that if they went back to the Old Testament for their authority for the religious practice of circumcision that they would obligate themselves to keep the whole law. The same consequence applies for those who return to the Old Testament for their authority for instrumental music in worship to God: They are debtors to keep the WHOLE law! This means that if one goes to the Old Testament for his authority for instrumental music in worship, he also obligates himself to obey all Old Testament laws about cleanliness, food restrictions, Sabbath observance, animal sacrifice, separate priesthood, tithing, circumcision, interracial marriage and a host of other things. It is hypocritical to bring forward one or two of these practices and ignore the rest.
4. By returning to the Old Testament for modern religious authority, one denies the priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 7:11-14). The Old Testament priesthood was constituted from the tribe of Levi. Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. The Hebrew writer argues that since Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, it would have been unlawful for Him to be a priest while the Law (of Moses) yet stood. This “made of necessity a change also of the law” (Heb. 7:12). That is, the Law of Moses had to be replaced with a different Law in order for Jesus to serve as High Priest. By invoking the Old Testament for our authority for instrumental music in worship or other things, one denies the very priesthood of Jesus! Without Jesus as our High Priest, we will die in our sins, for it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin (Hebrews 10:1-12).
God’s Silence and Instrumental Music In Worship
Many people defend instrumental music in worship to God on the basis that “God didn’t tell us not to do it.” This argument appeals to God’s silence, not to Bible commands, implications, direct statements or approved examples. When the devil tempted Jesus to worship him, Jesus cited the fact that God only is to be worshipped (Matt. 4:9, 10). Jesus did not have to cite a passage saying, “thou shalt not worship Satan.” He needed only to cite authority specifying God as the rightful recipient of worship. Silence does not authorize — it prohibits. The “authority-from-silence” approach to authority opens the floodgates for people to introduce all sorts of human innovations in the so-called “name of” Christ.
The Bible plainly teaches that God’s silence does not authorize. Consider these examples:
Jesus’ Priesthood: Let us again consider Hebrews 7:11-14. Mosaic law specified the tribe of Levi as the priestly tribe. Jesus was of the tribe of Judah. This is why it was necessary for the law to be changed in order for Jesus to serve as our high priest. Notice the reason that was given by the Holy Spirit as to why Jesus could not serve as a priest “while the law of Moses yet stood.” The inspired writer said, “for it is evident that our Lord descended from Judah; and in that connection Moses spoke nothing concerning priests” (Heb. 7:14). By specifying LEVI as the priestly tribe, all other tribes were disallowed. The fact that “God didn’t say not to” have priests from the tribe of Judah did not make it lawful. The same principle applies with music in worship to God. God did not tell us not to use mechanical instruments of music in worship to God, but He did tell us to “sing” and “speak” our music to Him. The only “instruments” that God specified are our mouth and heart (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1, 2): Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, offered“unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.” Notice that even though the Lord had not told them not to do this, they were still condemned for doing it! This example is a lesson for us (Romans 15:4), and it is a lesson that God’s silence does not authorize religious practices and activities.
Mechanical Instruments of Music in Heaven?
Some folks try to defend the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship to God by citing the fact that the book of Revelation describes instruments of music in Heaven. Perhaps they forget that the book of Revelation is a book of “signs” and symbols (Revelation 1:1). It frequently uses physical objects and actions to represent spiritual concepts and conflicts.
Let us remember that heaven is not a physical place. It is not and will not be inhabited by physical beings. “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:50). There will be no physical objects in heaven. The “harps” and “bowls of incense” in the book of Revelation represent spiritual actions, not physical objects.
Revelation does mention the use of harps in heavenly worship (Revelation 14:2; 15:2; 5:8), but according to this last verse, every person had a harp, not just a few performers. If this passage truly constitutes divine authority for the use of literal harps upon the earth, then every worshipper must have and use one in his worship to God.
Revelation 5:8 also mentions the worshippers (“4 beasts and 24 elders”) having“golden bowls full of incense” along with their harps. If one cites Revelation passages to defend the use of harps in worship, then he also obligates himself to the use of incense in worship. Of course, these bowls, we are told, represented “the prayers of the saints.”
If Revelation 5:8 authorizes the use of harps in worship of God today, then it authorizes their use by four, six-winged, multi-eyed beasts and 24 elders! If one part of the verse is to be interpreted literally, then the remainder of it must be, as well.
These passages describe things that are done in heaven, not upon the earth. One cannot cite a practice that is outside the reign of Christ’s law as authority for current religious practice.
John did mention “harps,” but what he actually heard was “singing.” Just as the “bowls of incense” represented the prayers of the saints, the “harps” represented the voices of singers singing (see Rev. 14:3 and 15:3). There are no physical “harps” in Heaven.
Conclusion
The New Testament authorizes singing in worship to God. It does not authorize the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship to God. God’s silence authorizes nothing. The Old Testament authorized practices of the past — prior to the Cross of Christ and ratification and revelation of the New Testament. The Old Testament does not authorize religious practices of today. The book of Revelation is a book of figurative and symbolic language. It cannot be used to justify the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship to God today. This leaves us with the simple singing passages of Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15, 26; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12 and James 5:13. Let us be content with these passages.
Tim Haile