WHAT’S WRONG WITH INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC?

Most people find it very curious that churches of Christ do not use instrumental music in worshipping God.  Since this is unusual in the religious world, the question naturally arises:  “Why?”

Something so familiar seems so right.  People ask “What is wrong with using an instrument in worship?”  In response to such a question asked sincerely and with an open, inquisitive mind, let us make a few suggestions.

1.  Instrumental music often springs from the wrong motive.  In worship we are to express praise and adoration to God in ways authorized by and pleasing to Him.  Sometimes people forget this as they defend instrumental music on the grounds they enjoy it.  Is our motive in worship to please God or ourselves?  If we worship to please God, should we not do what He has authorized?

2.  Instrumental music involves the wrong kind of worship.  Jesus taught that God seeks worship offered in spirit and truth.  God’s word is the standard of truth (John 17:17) and guides us in the acts through which we worship.  The New Testament teaches singing (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16).  The doctrines of men constitute vain worship (Matt. 15:19).  Since instrumental music is of men rather than God, it is vain as worship.

3.  Instrumental music is in the wrong dispensation.  Under the Old Testament age, God tolerated the use of instruments which were introduced by David. However, the church is a New Testament institution guided by a new and better covenant. The law of Moses has been taken away (Col. 2:14).  Such things as animal  sacrifices, sabbath-day worship, instrumental music and feast days which were characteristic of the old system are not part of the new.

4.  Instrumental music is from the wrong source.  Singing is the specified music of the New Testament church.  God is the source of vocal music. Instrumental music was introduced hundreds of years after the church was established.  Man, not God, is the source of instrumental music.

The use of instrumental music is wrong.  It is a sin because it goes beyond God’s word and adds something not authorized by Scripture (II John 9, Rev. 22:18-19).

—Selected