WHY DOES THE CHURCH OF CHRIST NOT USE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Visitors to services of the church of Christ notice that there is no instrumental music in worship. This might seem a bit odd since denominations have pianos, organs, guitars, and drums.
The simple reason churches of Christ do not use instrumental music in worship is that it is not authorized. By “authorized,” I mean that there is no Biblical authority for having instrumental music in worship. Rather, the Scriptures teach that we are to “sing.”
Some say, “Well, David used instruments of music in the Old Testament.
Just read Psalm 150.” Anytime someone refers to the Old Testament for authority that reveals two very important points concerning this issue: 1) the person who refers to David admits the need for “Biblical” authority; otherwise, that person would say, “Well, I just like it, and that is why we should have it.” Rather than doing that, the person points to the Old Testament for “Biblical” authority. 2) The person who points to David and the Old Testament for authority is admitting that such authority “cannot be found in the New Testament.” If the New Testament authorized instrumental music in worship, instead of referring to the Old Testament, the person who tried to justify it would appeal to the New Testament for authority.
This shows there is no New Testament authority for instrumental music in worship, and since we today are living under the New Testament, we must follow its teachings. The Old Testament has been “taken out of the way” and “nailed to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). Paul wrote, “But now we are delivered from the law” (Romans 7:6).
We all recognize that Christians are not bound to practice circumcision, offer animal sacrifices, keep the Passover, or worship at the Old Testament temple. Why not? Because we are not living under the Old Testament. It is not our authority for worshiping the Lord today.
The New Testament teaches that we are to sing and make melody “in our hearts” unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Paul wrote, “I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (I Corinthians 14:15). Notice: “I will sing,” not “sing and play.”
It might be surprising to some, that well-known men of the past who started and/or served in some of the prominent denominations among us opposed instrumental music in worship, for the same reason I have given. Charles Spurgeon, John Wesley, Adam Clark, and many others opposed instrumental music in worship. They recognized the instrument was not authorized.
If you attend services where instruments are used, please consider these things. The Lord has given us instruction for worship…He expects us to abide by it (John 4:24; Colossians 3:17).
