1. The Instrumental Music Question Answering Arguments from Human Reasoning Part 3

2. Answering Arguments Where does the Bible say not to? Answer: When God specifies one kind of music for worship, any other kind of music is excluded (cf. Gen.6; Ex.12; Num.19; 2 K.5; Mt.26:26-29; Jn.9; Eph.5:19). Had God said, “Make music,” any kind of music would be authorized. We go by what God says, not by what He does not say (cf. Lev.10:1; Deut.17:3; 18:20; Jer.7:31; Ac.15:24). Remember, a practice does not have to be expressly forbidden to be sinful.

3. Answering Arguments The New Testament does not specifically prescribe it or forbid it (“Adiaphoros,” used by the Lutheran Church, means morally neutral; neither right, nor wrong). Answer: God has spoken about the kind of music he wants in the church. When he specifically authorizes singing, all other music is forbidden.

4. Answering Arguments There is no specific mention of it in the New Testament, like church buildings. The Scriptures are “silent” on mechanical instruments so the issue is in the realm of opinion. Answer: This is mixing “apples and oranges.” The church building is authorized under the generic authority to assemble (Heb.10:25). The instrument is excluded by the specific authority to sing.

5. Answering Arguments It is only an “aid,” like songs books, song leaders or a pitch pipe. Answer: A true “aid” does not add anything to, or change in any way, that which is specified. An true “aid” is not an addition. Mechanical instruments of music are an addition. When using a song book, one thing is being done – singing. When singing with a mechanical instrument, two things are being done – singing music and playing music.

6. Answering Arguments God’s generic authority allows any expedient or aid to fulfill the generic authority. An “aid” must (1) be lawful (1 Cor.6:12-13; 10:23), (2) edify (1 Cor.10:23), and (3) not cause destruction (1 Cor.8:13; 10:32-33). But, in the case of music, we have specific authority – singing. What about using the piano to keep the “pitch” all throughout the song? The repetition of tones is “melody,” not “pitch.”

7. Answering Arguments Instrumental music in the home. Answer: There are some things that are morally right when done in the home, but religiously wrong when done in the church (Mk.7:3-7; 1 Cor.11:22,34; Gal.5:1-4). I use my talent to praise God. I have a God- given talent to play the piano in worship. Answer: This argument would allow anything in worship to God. Standing on your head and hog calling are talents. Should these be in the church? God’s prescription/pattern comes first (Ex. 25-30), then man’s talent (Ex. 31, 35-39), not the other way around.

8. Answering Arguments I don’t see any harm in it. I like it. It sounds good. Answer: What about Eve (Gen.3)? What about Uzzah (2 Sam.6:6-7)? The important things is what does God want? What does He like (1 Cor.2:12-13)? What does God say (Heb.1:1-2)? Will-worship is sinful (Col.2:23; see also Mt.15:9 and Ac.17:22-23; Isa.55:8-9; Jer.10:23; Prov.14:12)! “What saith the scriptures (Rom.4:3)?” should be our guideline, not, “What do I like?”

9. One Argument Never Made You will never hear anyone say, “Jesus commands all New Testament Christians to use mechanical instruments of music, and you cannot be pleasing to God unless you play a mechanical instrument of music.”

10. 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.