1. I would like for us to discuss "Instrumental Music In Worship."

2. This is an issue that has long divided the religious world and has caused much discussion.

• Some in our fellowship and in the religious world believe instrumental music is: (1) Commanded (2) Optional (3) Forbidden.
• The purpose of this lesson will not be to defend tradition or what someone is currently saying on the subject, but to ascertain what God's word says about it.

1. He authorizes by direct commands or statements.

• Imperative statements (Acts 2:38; Matt. 28:19,20; Heb.10:25; Jas. 1:22).
• Declarative statements (Matt. 7:21; Mk. 16:16; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Jno. 1:7; Matt. 5:3-12; Jno. 14:6; Mk. 8:38).
• Hortatory statements (Gal. 6:9,10; Heb. 6:1; Heb. 10:22-24).
• Optative (expressive of wish or desire) statements (Rom 6:1,2, 15; 7:7; 1 Cor. 6:15). Interrogative statements (1 Cor. 1:13; Lk. 6:46).

2. Binding examples - For an example to be binding there must be evidence that the action was binding on those involved and was intended to be permanent.

• Obeying God rather than men. (Acts 5:29).
• Lord's supper (Acts 20:7).
• This is an example of the early church partaking of the Lord's supper on "first day of the week."
• Many church historians believe this is an example of the weekly communion.
• There is historical evidence that the first Christian ate the Lord's supper every Sunday.

3. Necessary inferences

• The fact we are to partake of the fruit of the vine infers there must be a container for communion
• The fact we are to assemble infers and authorizes there be a place of assembly

 1. We are not to add or take away from God's word. (Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Matt. 15:9; 1 Cor. 4:6; Gal. 1:6-9; Col. 3:17; 1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Jno. 9,10; Rev. 22:18,19).

• Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1,2).
• Moses (Num. 20:1-12).

2. The Bible is inspired and complete. (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 2 Pet.1:21; 2 Sam. 23:2).

3. We are to live "by faith" and faith comes from hearing God's word. (2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 10:17).

 1. The Old Testament authorized its use. (Psa. 33:2,3; 43:4; 147:7; 149:3; 150:3-6; Isa. 38:20).

• It was introduced into the temple worship by David. (1 Chron. 15:16; 23:5; 2 Chron. 29:25,26).
• It was commanded by the Lord. (2 Chron. 29:25; Psa. 81:2,3; 92:1-3).
• Instrumental music was not only commanded, but it was worship. (1 Chron. 23:5).
• It was not a mere aid.
• It was not optional.
• Amos 6:5 did not condemn instrumental music, but it was a denunciation of high living in which people ate the finest foods and anointed themselves with the finest oils but were not concerned about the desolation of the land.
• In the first century we find the instrument was used in temple worship until its destruction in 70 A.D..
• The instrument was not used in the Jewish synagogues but the reason is not clear.
• It was not because they considered the instrument sinful. It was used in temple worship and the Old Testament authorized it.
• Some think because it was used in pagan worship, but again it was used in temple worship and the Old Testament authorized it.
• It may have not been used because it had no purpose in the synagogue - the synagogue was primarily reading and studying the scriptures.
• There is no reference in the New Testament or in the Mishna to instrumental or vocal music in the synagogue. (Matt. 4:23; 9:35; 13:54; Mk. 1:21; 6:2; Lk. 4:15, 31-33; 6:6; 13:10; Jno. 6:59). See Lk. 4:16-21; Acts 13:14-16; 13:27).
• Instruments were used in connection to funerals and pleasure. (Matt. 9:23; Lk. 15:25; Matt. 11:17; Lk. 7:32).

2. Singing is authorized in the New Testament. (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19; 1 Cor. 14:15; Heb. 2:12; 13:15).

3. Definition of terms

• "Psalms" comes from the Greek "psalmos." It refers likely to some of the Old Testament psalms which would be appropriate to Christian worship.
• "Hymns" comes from the Greek "humos." They may have been compositions which praise God and Christ.
• "Spiritual songs" comes from the Greek "odai pneumatikai." The words mean the songs were to be spiritual rather than secular.
• It is very difficult to clearly distinguish between "the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs."
• "Singing" comes from the Greek word "ado."
• It is done with the voice.
• The singing authorized by these verses requires words. They require us to speak, to teach, and to admonish.
• This singing can be four-part harmony, unison singing, or antiphonal singing.
• Many scholars believe much of the first century singing was antiphonal (responsive).
• This may have been responsive singing known as chanting -the reciting of an indefinite number of syllables to one tone.
• This may have been responsive. The congregation responding with various chants or musical oral responses following the direction of a leader.
• These verses do not authorize whistling, screaming, yelling, clapping, stomping, etc.
• They do not authorize humming.
• Webster defines "humming" to mean "to sing with closed lips and without articulating."
• Humming fails to produce words and does not satisfy the requirement to speak, to teach, and admonish.
• It may seem innocent, but it is not authorized.
• These words do authorize many types of singing.
• Our songs can be slow or fast.
• Our songs do not have to come out of a book.
• Our songs can be read out of a book or memorized.
• The songs in our hymnals may or may not be scriptural.
• The songs should not be accepted or rejected because they are in a particular hymnal.
• Most Christians will not be able to sing every song because of their understanding or lack of understanding of them.
• Ours songs can be short or long.
• Our songs do not have to come out of a certain period of time.
• Each generation has the right to compose spiritual songs.
• Most of the songs we sing have been written within the past 100 years.
• Previous generations sung other songs.
• It would be good for us to be expose to the spiritual songs of Christians in other lands.
• Our songs should be directed toward God (Deity) and man.
• Our singing should always come from the heart and it should be the very best we can do.
• Our singing can be led by a leader, but it is not commanded that someone stand in front and lead us.
• Every Christian may not be able to sing every hymn well.
• There are some songs that a Christian cannot sing well.
• The fact I cannot sing a song well should not keep the assembly of Christians from singing it.
• It would be good if some of our songs appealed to different ages - young and old.

1. There is no commandment or example authorizing it.

2. There is no evidence it was used in the first century church, or that it was used for hundreds of years after the church was established.

3. Some argue the Bible does not say, "Do not use it."

• They argue from silence.
• Silence is not authority.
• On the basis of silence you could argue for hundreds of things in worship which are not specifically mentioned in the Bible.
• One could argue for dancing, animals sacrifices, snake handling, exorcisms, bingo games, burning of incense, etc.
• None of these things are specifically forbidden.
• We must have authority for what we do.

4. The law of exclusion has been binding in all ages of God dealing with man.

• The law of exclusion means when God specifically specifies what He want it eliminates anything else.
• Examples
• When God's specified an ark of gopher wood (Gen. 6:14), He did not have to give a list of other woods He did not want included. It was understood He wanted only gopher wood.
• God commanded "a male lamb without blemish." (Exod. 12:5). This excluded all other kinds of lambs and animals.
• No would think of changing or adding to God's teaching to use the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine in partaking of the Lord's supper though it was not explicitly forbidden. (Matt. 26:26-29).
• Practical applications
• We want what we order.
• We do not expect to give a list of negatives when we specify what we want.
• For example, the person who orders a table made of oak does not want to add, "Do not make it of walnut, maple, birch, pine, etc." He wants it of oak only unless otherwise specified.

1. "It was used in Old Testament."

• It was authorized in Old Testament worship.
• We cannot do something because it was used in Old Testament.
• Animal sacrifices (Psa. 20:3).
• Incense (Psa. 66:3).
• Sabbath (Exod. 20:8-11).
• Songs (psalms) crying out for the destruction of enemies are not Christian. (Matt. 5:43, 44).
• The Old Testament is no longer binding. (Col. 2:14; Heb. 8:1-11; 9:15-17; 10:9,10; 7:12).

2. "It is an aid."

• It is said, "The instrument is an aid like the song book or tuning fork."
• An aid helps us do what God has commanded without changing the commandment.
• The tuning fork does not operate during the singing. It gives the pitch and then is silent. It is an aid because it does not change the commandment.
• The song book is an aid. It helps us do what God has commanded. After the song book has been used, one has done exactly what God has commanded.
• The instrument is more than an aid. It is a different kind of music. After it has been used, one has done more than God authorized. He has sung and played. The command is to sing.

 3. "It is harmless."

• This is not for us to determine.
• Leviticus 10:1,2 shows our view may not be God's view.

 4. "I like it and it is inspiring."

• We are not authorized to please ourselves and do what we like.
• See Prov. 14:12; Matt. 15:9.

5. "Congregational singing is not authorized in the New Testament."

• It is argued that since there is no authority in the New Testament for congregational singing that we have the freedom to sing with the instrument or without it as we please.
• They thus admit they have no authorization for it.
• This argument contends that we can sing and play without authorization.
• Those who make this argument have no intention of giving up the instrument.
• They are saying if we can sing without authorization then we can play without authorization.
• Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 include singing where there are 2 or more singing.
• Even if one could hypothetically prove congregational singing is not authorized, this does not prove the instrument is authorized.
• Two wrongs would not make a right!

6. "It is in heaven." (Rev. 5:8; 14:2; 15:2).

• The language here does not prove there are literal instruments in heaven.
• This language cannot be taken literally unless the incense and the altar and the four living creatures are also taken literally.
• Furthermore, there is the erroneous notion we are to make the church like heaven.
• There is no Lord's supper in heaven. (1 Cor. 11:26).
• There is no confession of sin in heaven.
• There will be no baptisms in heaven.
• There will be no evangelism in heaven.
• There will not be faith and hope in heaven in the sense of anticipation. (1 Cor. 13:13; Heb. 11:6; Rom. 8:24,25).
• The church is to do what is authorized. It is not just like heaven.

 7. "It is commanded."

• Some contend the Greek "psallo" means "to sing and play."
• This would mean playing is mandatory and not optional.
• Psallo was used with several verbal meanings in its extra-biblical usage. This word meant "pluck" (a carpenter's line), "pull" (hair), "strike (the ground with saliva), "expectorate," "twang" (a bow string), "play" (a harp), sing.
• It means in this context "to twitch the strings of the heart, to make melody in the heart."
• For a fuller discussion of "psallo" see "Special Note" at end of outline.

8. "Everyone uses it."

• This is not much of an argument.
• It could be used to justify drinking, lying, fornication, indifference, and hundreds of other sings.

1. Is it right to listen to contemporary Christian music which employs instrumental music?

• It is wrong (unauthorized).
• Reasons
• Listening to such music appears innocent, but it encourages people to produce, sing, sell, and cultivate a love for what is not authorized.
• It is difficult, if not impossible, to listen to such music without at least to some extent participating and worshiping.
• It is difficult to voluntarily listen to such music without endorsing it or leaving the impression one endorses it.
• Most people will never see the alleged consistently between opposing it at worship services and then listening to it on the way home from church and other times.

2. Are those who use the instrument Christians?

• Those who have accepted Jesus and have experienced the new birth are Christians. (Jno. 8:24; Mk. 16:16; (Jno. 3:1-5; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:13).
• The fact a person or persons does something that is not authorized does not mean he or she is not a Christian.
• No sin is authorized.
• Every person we fellowship is a sinner. (1 Jno. 1:8,10).
• They must give account to God for doing what He has not authorized. (Col. 3:17; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 4:6; Rom. 14:12).

3. Will those who use the instrument be lost?

• We cannot know that.
• This is not for us to decide.
• We must let God decide.
• It is our place to do only what is authorized and encourage others to do the same.

4. Can we have fellowship with those who use the instrument?

• It is clear we cannot participate with them in unauthorized worship.
• It is clear some who use instruments are our brothers.
• The fact a person may be wrong about something does not mean he is not our brother.
• The fact a person may differ from us does not mean he is not our brother.
• We fellowship churches of Christ that differ with us on many issues.
• Marriage and divorce
• Personal indwelling of Holy Spirit
• Capital punishment and war
• Support of orphans homes & colleges
• Missions - some churches do none and really do not believe in it.
• Churches who practice racial discrimination
• Modestly
• Fellowship some who do not believe in Bible classes.
• Widows marrying a Christian.
• The fact we may fellowship (agree to disagree) does not mean:
• The matter is unimportant.
• There is not a right and wrong.
• We assemble or regularly assemble together.
• Someone will not be lost over the matter.
• There should be no teaching on the matter.
• One should not be permitted to contend for his conviction of truth.
• We fellowship members of churches of Christ who believe:
• The instrument is not wrong.
• The instrument is a matter of indifference.
• The instrument is a "little sin."
• The instrument is a sin
• Fellowship with brethren who use the instrument is difficult.
• Most often there is an insistence on the use of the instrument which is a violation of the authorization of God and the conscious of most non-instrumental brothers.
• The belief that silence is authority often leads to other unauthorized practices in worship.
• We should try to find some occasions to have communication, Bible study, and prayer together without compromising the truth and our convictions.
• The fact we have some fellowship together and try to show Christian love and concern for one another does not mean within itself we are endorsing the instrument.

5. Can we sing spiritual songs with instrumental accompaniment at home and other places outside the assembly?

• The scriptures do not have different instructions for singing spiritual songs at home and in small gatherings
• It is not authorized.

 1. Instrumental music should be opposed by those who respect the authority of God's word.

 2. Here are some closing thoughts on instrumental music.

• It was not authorized by Jesus. (Acts 1:1,2; 2 Jno. 9-11).
• It was not taught by the apostles. (Matt. 28:18-20; Lk. 10:16; 1 Tim. 1:3; 1 Jno. 4:6).
• It was not revealed by the Holy Spirit. (Jno. 16:13; 14:26).
• It is not found in the truth. (Jno. 1:17; 16:13), in which we must worship. (Jno. 4:23,24; 17:17).
• It does not pertain to life and godliness. (2 Pet. 1:3).
• It is not authorized in the scriptures which furnish us completely. (2 Tim. 3:16,17, ASV).
• It is not included in the oracles of God. (1 Pet. 4:11).
• It is no part of the counsel of God. (Acts 20:27).
• It was not bound in heaven. (Matt. 16:19; 18:18).
• It is not an act of faith since faith comes from hearing God's word. (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6).
• It does not have one drop of the blood of Christ on it. (Heb. 9:18, 20; Ezek. 22:26; Matt. 26:28; Lk. 22:20; Heb. 10:29).
• It is "will worship." (Col. 2:20-23).
• It is "vain" worship. (Matt. 15:9; Mk. 7:7).
• It is presumptuous. (Deut. 18:20; Psa. 19:13).
• It is an addition to Christ's revelation. (1 Cor. 4:6; Matt.15:9; 1 Tim. 1:3; Gal. 1:6-8; Rev. 22:18,19).
• It is the wrong kind of praise. (Heb. 13:15).
• It causes division contrary to the prayer of the Lord for unity. (Jno. 17:20-23).
• Many congregations have split over the instrument question.
• Many congregations in the future will split over the instrumental question.
• It was not found in the church of the first century and in the church for centuries after the close of the apostolic age.