One of the first things one notices when visiting a worship service of a church of Christ is the absence of mechanical instruments of music. And the question is often asked, ”Why don’t you use instruments of music in your worship?”
Let it be noted that the absence of a mechanical instrument is not just an effort to be odd or peculiar. Neither is their lack of use in Christian worship from a lack of funds to purchase them. Churches of Christ do not refrain from the use of mechanical instruments in worship because others use it.
The scope of this lesson will be to show from a scriptural standpoint why we do not use the instrument in our worship.
THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK: Every New Testament reference to music designates singing.
“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives.” Matthew 26:30
“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives.” Mark 14:26
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Acts 16:25
“And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles and sing unto thy name.” Romans 15:9
“What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.” 1 Corinthians 14:15
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
“I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” Hebrews 2:12
“Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.” James 5:13
We would have to go beyond the bound of inspired revelation in order to introduce a mechanical instrument into worship. We do well to remember that, “Whosoever trangresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.” (2 John 9) Paul exhorted the brethren of Corinth not to go beyond that which is written.” (1 Corinthians 4:6)
This may seem like a difficult subject to teach, but it is a simple one to study. Come back next week to continue our thoughts on instrumental music in worship.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Billy
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