"WHERE'S THE PIANO?"

Churches of Christ who follow the New Testament pattern for worship, do not use instrumental accompaniment while singing.  Often, the first question that arises when visitors attend is that of the previously mentioned title: "Where's the piano?"

Those who derive their authority from the pattern found in the inspired New Testament, are in agreement that there is no biblical authority in the practice of First Century worship for using an instrument of music.  This was not because they had no instruments to use.  As far back as Genesis 4:21, we find those who crafted musical instruments.  Jubal was known as the "father of all such as handle the harp and organ."

Under the Old Testament Law of Moses, musical instruments were often used in the worship to God. 2 Chronicles 29:25 says,   "And he set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the LORD by his prophets."

The book of Revelation records John's highly figurative vision of things that occur after this life, that there would be "harpers with their harps." Yet there is absolutely no authority, whether it be by command, implication or apostolic example, in the teaching of the early church that would permit one to use a mechanical instrument in worship to God!  Churches of Christ who want to follow the authorized New Testament pattern for worship to God, must use the only instrument that is  authorized in Scripture.  "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" (Eph 5:19).  The melody is not on a piano or other man-made instrument, but rather on a God-made instrument: the heart.

Paul Kirkpatrick