LET’S TALK INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN WORSHIP

Victor M. Eskew

 

          It is interesting how the debate on instrumental music in the church continues to go round and round from generation to generation.  Individuals throw it into the realm of opinion.  Churches introduce instruments of music into the worship of the church.  The church divides.  There is a heated period of debate.  The question of the instrument of music is put to silence for a few years.  Then, individuals put it, once again, into the category of opinion.  The cycle then starts all over.  It would be nice to be able to put this issue to rest within the church once for all. 

          In this article, we want to talk about instrumental music in worship.  We will do so by listing some interesting points about the subject.

 

1.     Jesus taught His apostles to teach those they convert “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20).  Where is the instrument of music commanded in the New Testament?  If the apostles could only teach what is commanded, we can only do the same.  If the instrument is not commanded, we cannot teach that it is to be used in the worship services.

 

2.    There are a few worship services noted in the New Testament.  Not one of them mentions the use of an instrument of music (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7-9; 1 Corinthians 11-14).

 

3.    The early church did not use instruments of music.  It was introduced into the worship several hundred years after the church was established.  When it was introduced, it brought division.  These are not false assertions.  These statements have been borne out by numerous historians of early church history.

 

4.    The word “a capella” carries this meaning “to sing without instruments of music.”  However, the literal definition of the word is “in the manner of the church.”  Thus, when the word was heard in the original language, people understood it as follows:  “Let’s sing in the manner of the church.”  So, they sang in the manner of the church, that is, without instruments of music.  In essence, one word tells us the practice of the church from its earliest times.

 

5.    The Bible affirms a principle known as “the law of inclusion.”  When God specifically commands something, it alone is included as the authorized action.  Under the Law of Moses, God authorized only the tribe of Levi to be priests (Num. 3:11-13).  It is interesting that God did not strictly prohibit the other tribes from being priests.  However, it was understood that when Levi was chosen the other tribes were excluded from the work of the priesthood.  The writer of Hebrews understood this principle and applied it to Jesus in Hebrews.  “For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood” (Heb. 7:14).  Notice the writer says that Moses spake NOTHING concerning priesthood with regard to Judah.  He did not say those of the tribe of Judah could be priests.  He did not forbid their being priests.  He simply said nothing.  Levi was included in God’s command.  When God spake nothing concerning Judah and the other tribes, all knew they had been excluded from the priesthood.

 

6.    In the New Testament, we are authorized to sing praises to God (Eph. 5:19. Col. 3:16; 1 Cor. 14:15; Heb. 13:15).  When God specifically commanded us to sing, only singing was included.  All other forms of music were excluded from the command.  Thus, there does not have to be a specific command from God forbidding the use of instrumental music in worship.  Let’s look at another illustration.  God commanded unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine to be used on the Lord’s Table.  He did not strictly forbid leavened bread and another form of drink.  Yet, leavened bread and other forms of drink are prohibited.  When unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine were included, all other things were excluded.

 

7.    There are many individuals who will argue that the words “making melody” in Ephesians 5:19 include the use of instruments.  Paul writes:  “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”  Strong defines the Greek word that is translated “making melody” as “ to twitch or twang, that is, to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes)” (e-sword).  From this definition, some argue that instrumental music in worship is acceptable.  There are three answers one can make regarding this argument.  First, the Greek word can simply be defined as “sing.”  Thayer defines the words as follows:  “in the NT to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song” (e-sword).  Second, if the words, “making melody,” include an instrument, then all must play the instrument for all are commanded to make melody.  Third, Paul notes the instrument upon which one is to play in the verse.  “…singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”  The instrument is the heart of man.  Individuals should not insert an instrument into the Biblica text when God has already authorized the instrument.

 

These are just a few comments that need to be considered regarding instrumental music in worship.  Some do not act as if this matter is very important.  Jesus said:  “God is a Spirit:  and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).  Note that we MUST worship God “in truth.”  Jesus said His words are truth in John 17:17.  If we fail to worship in the manner God has authorized in His Word, our worship will be rejected by God.  Cain learned this lesson when he offered the wrong offering to God long ago.  The Bible tells us:  “But unto Cain and his offering He had not respect…” (Gen. 4:5).  Hebrews 11:4 reveals that Cain’s offering was not offered by faith.  Romans 10:17 teaches that faith comes by hearing the Word of God.  Cain did not pay attention to the divine instructions of God.  He offered from the fruit of the ground instead of the firstlings of the flock.  Thus, God rejected His worship.  Dear readers, God still rejects unauthorized worship today.  “And whatsoever ye do in words or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17).  If our worship is not done “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” that is, by the authority of the Lord Jesus, God will not have respect unto it.