Music in the Worship of the Church Lesson 17: Music in the Worship of the Church

Music in the Worship of the Church All Worship Must Be Authorized By God to Be Acceptable to Him! All Worship Today Must Be Authorized By the New Testament!

Music in the Worship of the Church God Desires and Has Authorized Congregational Singing in Worship! The N.T. identifies and authorizes the type of music in worship—singing. Music in worship in the N.T. was only singing. Every N.T. verse referencing music in worship is always singing. The N.T. identifies and authorizes the object of singing in worship—God. The N.T. identifies and authorizes the two-fold purpose of singing. The N.T. identifies and authorizes the manner in which to sing. The N.T. identifies and authorizes the instrument to be used in singing.

Music in the Worship of the Church God Is Specific (Not Generic) About Singing in Worship. God authorizes through both generic authority and specific authority. It is vital to understand the difference between generic authority and specific authority, and to understand how each includes inclusive and exclusive elements. God utilized Generic Authority and Specific Authority in the commands of the Bible. Regarding music in worship, God specified singing: “…singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

Music in the Worship of the Church God Is Silent About Instrumental Music in Worship. A favorite argument in favor of instrumental music in worship is, “There isn’t a verse in the Bible that says, ‘Thou shalt not use instrumental music in worship.’” So, how is one to properly handle the silence of the Scriptures? This is not a hard issue, for we readily understand “silence” in everyday life. God understands the significance of silence and makes arguments based upon it. The superiority of Jesus over angels is argued from silence (Heb. 1:4-5, 13). The superiority of Jesus as High Priest and the necessity of the change of the law is argued from silence (Heb. 7:11-15).

Music in the Worship of the Church God Is Silent About Instrumental Music in Worship. God’s “silence” regarding instrumental music in worship is prohibitive, not permissive! Severe consequences await those who do not respect the silence of the Scriptures. Conclusion: To act in a realm where the Lord is silent is prohibitive and sinful!

Music in the Worship of the Church Answering Some Common Arguments Made to Support Instrumental Music in Worship. Some argue that instruments are permissible because God accepted them in the O.T. Some argue that instruments are permissible because they are found in heaven. Some argue that instruments are just an aid, like a tuning fork or pitch pipe. Some argue that the Greek word psallo means “to play.” Some argue that they have a “God-given talent” for playing, so it must be acceptable.

Music in the Worship of the Church Many Do Not Realize That Instrumental Music in Worship Is a Relatively New Addition. Mechanical instruments were not used in the first-century church. Mechanical instruments began to be introduced into worship by the Roman Catholic and Latin churches, but not until several centuries after the establishment of the church. Mechanical instruments were not part of worship in protestant denominations when they first began (which is a surprise for many to hear).

Music in the Worship of the Church Conclusion In the New Testament, God specifies, authorizes and commands singing in worship. The New Testament does not authorize the use of mechanical instruments in worship. God is the object of our worship (John 4:24). True worship is TO God as authorized BY God! May we obey His will, in order to please Him!