Christ and His Death: It's all that Matters!

This blog writing will not mean anything to many of my readers, but it will mean a lot to several of them. There will be some who agree whole-heartedly with this writing, and there will be some who will never agree no matter the evidence. It is something that I have felt compelled to write for a long time but just haven’t had the nerve to do it. I think it probably has something to do with the fact that my mind has had a difficult time releasing it. When you are taught something from birth and then come to the conclusion later in life that you don’t agree with the teaching, it’s just difficult to look at it objectively and change your mind.

I have spent some time now studying the scriptures on instrumental music in the church. I’ve looked at every verse and have kept everything in context. I’ve looked at the evidence that those Christians who believe that it is a sin to sing to an instrument have used to make their case. After all of that, I have come to my own conclusions about it.

I want it understood that I absolutely love acapella music. I think the human voice untainted by an instrument is beautiful. I have nothing against acapella music and wouldn’t care if I had to sing that way the rest of my life; however, to say that anyone’s salvation is partially determined by whether or not they worship with an instrument is taking scriptures out of context and placing our own judgment on something that is not forbidden. Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for this very thing in Matthew 23:4. “They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.” He goes on to say in Matthew 23:23-24, “…You give a tenth of your spices –mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”

The following New Testament scriptures are given regarding music: Acts 16:25, I Corinthians 14:26, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16 and James 5:13.

Acts 16:25 states, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”

I Corinthians 14:26 states, “What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”

Ephesians 5:19 states, “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”

Colossians 3:16 states, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

James 5:13 states, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”

Those who grew up with the belief that instrumental music was a sin understand that our ancestors have always prided themselves on following New Testament example. They believe that if the first century Christians weren’t doing something during worship services then it is wrong for it to be incorporated into our services today. While this might be good in theory, it is impossible to follow. For one thing, first century Christians met in homes not buildings. First century Christians did not have access to modern-day technology, so therefor, didn’t use microphones, pitch-pipes, projectors, power point, song books, or countless other modern-day conveniences. First century Christian women kept their heads covered during worship.

If you go back and study these scriptures in the original Greek, you might be surprised to find that ‘speaking in psalms’ required the use of an instrument.

If you look up the word psalms in both verses in the Greek (Strong’s) you will find:

5568 yalmo,j psalmos {psal-mos'}

Meaning: 1) a striking, twanging 1a) of a striking the chords of a musical instrument 1b) of a pious song, a psalm. This word comes from psallo (5567) meaning to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes).

If you want to follow the New Testament to the letter of the law (which, by the way, Christ’s death buried), you would have to say that it is a sin not to use an instrument.

Hmmm…is this really something that Christ wanted us to focus on and fight over and divide? I hardly think so. Now, he has some requirements and they are: Hear the Word, Romans 10:17; Believe, John 8:24; Repent, II Corinthians 7:10; Confess, Romans 10:9; and Be Baptized, Acts 2:38. He expects us to live an upright life and be zealous for His kingdom.

I have seen well-meaning Christians take old testament verses completely out of context to try and prove something that is not in scripture. I actually read an article recently that tried to prove that instrumental music was wrong because of an obscure text in the old testament. The text had nothing to do with formal worship. It had to do with the Israelites thinking too highly of themselves and eating the fattened calves and lying on ivory beds and playing the music of David. These same well-meaning Christians will tell you when refuting other matters that the old testament is to no longer be followed. They speak out of both sides of their mouth. When it is convenient and they want to try and prove a point for their own beliefs, they will use any scripture, old or new, but when it doesn’t fit their purpose, they will tell you that the old testament law died with Christ. Others have tried to say that because the Bible doesn’t specifically state that the first century church used a piano or any other instrument, then it has to be wrong. They have made something a salvational issue that was never intended to be one.

Once again, in their search for “rules” for proper worship, not to use one is more of a sin than to use one. Do I think they are going to Hell because they refuse to sing with an instrument? That is absurd. The important thing is that you bring your heart to God and you feel the words with your heart and allow those words to fill up your heart. It means you’re not thinking about the next Ranger game or the grocery list or your financial state or…and the list is endless. You are giving your entire mind, body, and soul to God and worshipping Him without distractions.
Shame on us for taking our focus off the importance of reaching others with the message of Christ! Shame on us for allowing Satan to divide us in our ministry to a hurting world! I guarantee you that the hungry, the poor, the abused, the neglected, the homeless, and the hurting couldn’t care less about our senseless debates! May God forgive us and may we only preach Christ and Him crucified!

Blessings,
Penny