1. “Singing is Music in Worship.” Most who attempt to talk to others about Christ are asked: “Why doesn’t the Church of Christ use music in worship?”

2. We know what is meant: “Why don’t you use a piano, organ, or other musical instruments in worship?” This lesson has a two-fold purpose: 1)To give a refresher synopsis of “singing as an act of worship”; and 2)To help answer the question we’re often asked about “musical instruments.”

3. Why we “sing” in worship: Because the N.T. specifies it at least 9 places: Matt.26:30 Jesus and the disciple sang Acts 16:25 Paul and Silas were singing Rom.15:9 David prophesied the Gentiles would sing 1Cor.14:15 Paul wrote to the Corinthians about singing Eph.5:19 Singing was to one another and the Lord Col.3:16 Singing was to teaching and admonish us and express thankfulness to God Heb.2:12 Singing was to express praise Heb.13:15 Praises…the fruit of lips could be prayer or some other expression, but most likely refers to singing James 5:13 A cheerful heart is to sing praises

4. “But not all of those are talking about a “worship service.” True. Because of this fact, singing is one act of worship that is not limited to the assembly. >In this way, it is like prayer, Luke 18:1; Acts 16:25. >But, it is different from the Lord’s Supper which is never depicted outside the assembly in the N.T. “So if it’s outside the assembly, can we use mechanical instruments in our singing praises to God?” >Is there any command or example of such in the N.T.? >“Yes, in Revelation!” >Since all the depictions of musical instruments in Revelation are in heaven, when you get to heaven you can use any musical instruments you find to praise God while you sing!

5. Reasons often to justify instrumental music in worship: “The N.T. doesn’t say not to use them.” >No, it doesn’t. It also doesn’t say “not to” use lamb and milk as elements for the Lord’s Supper. Why not use them since they are symbolic, John 1:36, 1Pet.2:2? >The simple answer? When God specifies what He desires, it eliminates other forms not specified. Lev.10:1-2 Nabab and Abihu had no regard for this principal and it cost them their lives. Heb.7:14 The specified tribe for the priesthood was Levi. Jesus was of Judah. Thus, even the Son of Man could not be a priest according to God’s Law.

6. Reasons often to justify instrumental music in worship: “They used instruments of music in the O.T.” >Yes they did. Psalm 150; 2Chron.29:25 >The O.T. was God’s law for the Jewish people who lived from Moses until the death of Jesus, Heb.10:9. >With Jesus’ death, that Law was removed and replaced with the Gospel of the kingdom- Christ’s Law of the N.T. cf. Col.2:14; Gal.3:23-25; 2:21; 5:4

7. Reasons often to justify instrumental music in worship: “The Greek word ‘psallo’ in Eph.5:19 means ‘to play’ (like on an instrument).” >Actually, it means to pull, rub, strike, pluck, or vibrate. >But what “instrument” is specified in the verse that is to be plucked, rubbed, struck, etc.? >The instrument is “your heart”. >Since the verse indicates all are to psallo, wouldn’t it require that all play the strings of their hearts in melodious praise to the Lord? >The truth is that the word psallo appears five times in the N.T. and in not one of them is it translated as anything other than “sing”. (Rom.15:9; 1Cor.14:15 x2; Eph.5:19; and Jas.5:13)

8. Please notice some facts: The apostles were to be, and were, guided into “all truth” by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John 14:26; 16:13. And yet one of them uttered a word in the N.T. about any Christian on earth ever praising God with an instrument of music. 1Cor.4:6 Jesus never uttered a word in command or acceptance of instrumental music in worship to Him. Rev.22:18-19 The Jews under the Law of Moses did use instruments in worship- so why is it so conspicuously absent from N.T. worship? The instruments were available. Instrumental music was first introduced into “Christian worship” by the Roman Catholic Pope Vitalian in 660 A.D., but it was not commonly used until even later. Where was it for 630 years if it was acceptable to God?

9. Please notice some facts: Even early denominational leaders were opposed to the use of instruments of music in worship; >Martin Luther (Lutherans) is on record as opposed. >John Calvin (Presbyterians) is on record as opposed. >Charles Spurgeon (Baptists) is likewise on record as opposed. >John Wesley (Methodists) said, “I have no objection to instruments of music in our chapels, provided they are neither heard nor seen.” >Adam Clarke added to Wesley’s words, “I say the same, though I think the expense of purchase had better be spared.” (Clarke’s Notes on Amos 6:5) Instrumental music in worship to the Lord is not wrong because of these men’s, nor other’s, words- it is wrong because God’s Word didn’t supply it for our worship of Him.

10. So, When we gather to worship God, we “sing” as specified in His word: >with our spirits and our minds, 1Cor.14:15 >with melodies of thanksgiving in our hearts, Eph.5:19b >with teaching and admonitions for one another, Col.3:16 >and praise and worship for God, Heb.2:12. The real question then becomes: Why doesn’t everyone, given what the New Testament says?