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Bible Will I Find: Instrumental Music Authorized of God? By: Gary Colley
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Bible Will I Find: Instrumental Music Authorized of God? By: Gary Colley
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Since so many religious people use mechanical instruments music in worship to God, it seems it would be easy to find Scriptural authority for the practice. But, such is not the case! It is stated without fear of successful contradiction that there is no command, approved example, or necessary inference in the New Testament for anyone ever to use musical instruments in worship. Why we would offer something to God that He has not expressly commanded in worship, is hard to understand, especially in view of Jesus words, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt.15:9). The reasons the churches of Christ do not using mechanical musical instruments in worship is not because we cannot afford them, nor that we do not like instrumental music, but rather: 1. Jesus never taught it (Acts 1:1). 2. The Disciples of Christ never practiced nor taught it (Matt.28:18-20). 3. Peter and the other apostles who had the keys of the kingdom did not authorize it (Matt.16:19; 18:18). 4. The Holy Spirit never instructed it (Jn.16:13). 5. One cannot speak as the oracles of God and teach its use in New Testament worship (I Pet.4:11). 6. Instrumental music is not “in truth” (Jn.4:24; 17:17). 7. It does not pertain to life in Christ and godliness (II Pet.1:3). 8. It is not a “good work” in God’s eyes (II Tim.3:16-17). 9. To preach its use is to teach another Gospel (Gal.1:8-9). 10. By admission of most, such teaching is an effort to please the ears of men (Gal.1:10). 11. It did not come by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal.1:11-12). 12. It is no part of the counsel of God (Acts 20:27). 13. It is not according to sound words (II Tim.1:13). 14. It is not in the better covenant (Heb.8:6). 15. It is not of faith (Rom.10:17; II Cor.5:7). Where there is no testimony, there can be no faith! 16. It is not a blood-sealed practice (Heb.10:28-29). 17. Instrumental music in worship is a doctrine of men (Matt.15:9). 18. It is an addition to the worship prescribed in the Word of God (Rev.22:18). 19. It is offering “strange fire” in worship unto God (Lev.10:1; I Tim.3:14-15). 20. To use such is not to abide in the doctrine of Christ (II Jn.1:9-11). 21. It is will worship (Col.2:20-23). 22. It is a substitute for the God-given system of religion (Acts 2:42). 23. It cannot be done in the name of the Lord (Col.3:16-17). 24. Preaching the use of it is not preaching the Word faithfully (II Tim.4:2). It will not be contended for by the faithful (Jude 3). 25. One cannot walk in the light and support its use in worship (I Jn.1:7). 26. The practice of such departs from the simplicity that is in Christ (II Cor.11:3). With these reasons and facts before us, let all cease from this sin of presumption!--Gary Colley