You may have noticed that we do not use instrumental music in our assemblies. We do not use them, not because we cannot afford them or any such thing, but because we do not find authority for their use in the New Testament. We would like to explore the New Testament with you to see how God desires to be praised by His people!

The Scriptures on Music

The Scriptures reveal God’s intentions for His servants regarding praise and music in the following passages:

Speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).

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 (Colossians 3:16).

Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise (James 5:13).

What Does God Want?

These verses establish that God desires His people to sing songs. These songs will praise God and provide instruction and encouragement to believers. The singing is designed to be as “speaking one to another” or “teaching and admonishing one another,” and therefore involves everyone in the assembly singing a message to build each other up. Instrumental music is not only not mentioned in these passages but also would hinder the purpose involved: the point is to speak to one another, and it is the message, not the production, that is important to God.

Arguments Raised

Let us consider many arguments raised in support of instrumental music.

The Bible never says you can’t use instruments.

While it is true that the Bible never explicitly condemns or speaks against the use of instruments, that fact in and of itself does not authorize their use. God specifically chose singing with melody in the heart, not an instrument, in Ephesians 5:19; God’s specific choice excludes all others (cf. Hebrews 7:12-14).

Furthermore, as Romans 14:23 establishes, “whatsoever is not of faith is sin”. We must seek to establish how God has authorized things, not how God has condemned them!

“But David used instruments”.

Yes, David did use instruments, but David also killed thousands of Philistines and brought many animals for sacrifices to God. Would we do such things also?

David was an Israelite who lived under the covenant between God and Israel. We live as Christians under the covenant between God and all men through Christ Jesus (cf. Hebrews 9:15). We learn in Ephesians 2:11-18, Colossians 2:14-17, and Hebrews 7-9 how with the change of covenant there is a change of laws and regulations, and so therefore we must seek New Testament authority for our practices as Christians.

Paul says to “sing psalms”, and psalms require instruments.

While it is true that “psalms” are listed in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, and that they often were sung with instruments, instruments were not required. Matthew 26:30 provides an example of psalms being sung without instruments.

People still sing– they just have instruments also!

While it is true that people are still singing, they are not “just” singing– instruments are also being played. The instruments are an addition to the singing that comes without divine authority. Furthermore, the instruments hinder the purpose of the singing– communicating a message to one another in song. One would not dare to play instruments all through the lesson and Bible class and Scripture readings– why, then, with song?

Let Us Follow God!

Much more could be said regarding the subject of instrumental music, both in terms of what God has revealed and also in terms of other arguments raised.

Nevertheless, we hope that you can see more clearly why we do not use instrumental music in praise to God– He has never authorized it.

Such things are not given for us to choose, but for us to obey (Romans 6:16-23). Let us strive to obey God and His will!

This E-Tract Compliments of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

We, the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio, are happy to present you with this e-tract to promote the truth of God throughout the world.

386 North Edgewood Drive
(Right off US 250 North)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

(419) 975-9270
norwalkchurch.org

Assemblies:

Sunday morning Bible Study: 9:30am
Sunday morning Assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening Assembly: 6:00pm
Wednesday evening Bible Study: 7:00pm

Want more information? Please contact us here!