Why We Teach Instrumental Music is Not Authorized in Worship – Mike Demory

Mike Demory

Like the multitude of doctrinal differences that exist with the denominational world, the subject of mechanical instruments of music in worship finds the Lord’s church in the minority once again. Rejection of Bible Authority is the key to why all other religious groups find no problem with organs, pianos, or entire bands. The majority of churches who have added instruments of music to their worship would be shocked to learn that this is a new phenomenon and that historically, “Christian” churches were in agreement with the church of Christ today, using only A cappella type music. Believe it or not, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, et al, vigorously opposed the use of mechanical instruments in worship to God. In fact, Martin Luther referred to the instrument as “an ensign of Baal.” There are many other quotes that could be given by figures of the past to show that instrumental music in worship has not always been accepted, but Luther’s comment will suffice.

Why does the church of Christ teach and practice the non-usage of instrumental music in worship? Based upon a number of Scriptures that tell us not one person has God’s approval to do so. Take for instance in chapter four of the gospel account written by John, where we find Jesus speaking to a woman from the city of Samaria, whom He met at Jacob’s well. During their conversation the woman perceived that Jesus was a prophet, and our Lord tells her of true worship: “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is spirit: and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:20-24).

Here we are told that worship of God is regulated by the standard of being in “spirit and in truth.” In Spirit refers to our spirit, our being, which is the image of God, however our spirit is not free to worship as it pleases (Rom. 1:9). Jesus designated the manner in which our spirit must worship God—“In truth.” Truth denotes an objective standard which is the Word of God (John 17:17). Both are a unit unto the pleasing of God the Father, as the conjunction and signifies.

No one can please God with one or the other, both must be present. We teach that instrumental music is not authorized in our worship to God, and therefore is sinful in its usage because there is not one verse in the New Testament that authorizes their use. Those who use instruments in their worship services will defend their sinfulness by stating that the Bible is silent on the matter, as if silence equals authorization. By this same logic one could argue that it is pleasing to God to abuse drugs, to observe porn, to gamble, etc., etc. If not, why not?

We understand that such things are not allowed because they violate godly principles—yet the Bible is silent about them. Others will defend instrumental music by turning to the Old Testament and pointing to David’s use of them, forgetting all the while that we are no longer under the Law of Moses, or that the Law of Moses was not even given to the Gentiles (Col. 2:14; Gal. 5:3-4). Then the last defense is to run to the book of Revelation to show that there are trumpets and harps being used in heaven (Rev. 8:6; 14:2). But the context clearly shows it is speaking of heaven, not earth. The only way that God is glorified is when we obey His will.

Since God has not authorized the use of instruments in praise to Him, nor has He authorized women leading singing, solos or choirs, then it is impossible for God to receive glory by disobedient individuals (Philp. 1:10-11).

We teach that instruments of music are not authorized because we love God and submit ourselves to His commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 tell us that we are to “teach and admonish one another in psalms, and hymns and spiritual songs…” Not one mention of instruments in these or any other verse of the New Testament (Law of Christ). First, the only way we can meet the command to teach and admonish one another is by the use of words—not musical notes played on an instrument. Secondly, this is a reciprocal command “one to another,” I teach and admonish you through psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, while you teach and admonish me through psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

If instruments were allowed (and they are not), then we would all be commanded to not only sing to one another, but to play an instrument for one another! If not, why not? It is from the fruit of our lips that our praises are to come, not instruments (Heb. 13:15). To constantly search for ways to please ourselves (because we like it) instead of submitting to God in love is to remain a selfish unrepentant brat. We teach that instruments of music in worship, as well as solos, choirs and praise teams are sinful because they are acts that do not worship God in spirit and in truth, and are not acts by faith (2 Cor. 5:7). Keep in mind that if something is not done by faith, it is sinful (Rom. 14:23). How do we receive faith? By the word of God (Rom. 10:17). So it is the case that if something is believed, taught, or performed that is not found in the Bible, it is not by faith, it is not of truth, and is therefore a sin. Instruments, choirs, solos, praise teams and the like, are not found in the New Testament law of Christ, and therefore are not authorized by God, which is why we teach and practice A cappella singing to the praise and glory of God.

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