Does it really matter if we use mechanical instruments of music in worship?

David used instruments of worship in the Old Testament

  • If instrumental music could be brought into modern times under the New Covenant, we must also bring over polygamy, observing the Sabbath, animal sacrifices, etc.
  • We are under the New Covenant now.
    • Hebrews 1:2
    • Hebrews 7:12, 18
    • Galatians 3:24-25
  • II John 1:9; Colossians 3:17

Verses about music in New Testament worship

  • Acts 16:25
  • Romans 15:9
  • I Corinthians 14:15
  • Ephesians 5:19
  • Colossians 3:16
  • Hebrews 2:12
  • James 5:13
  • All of these verses specifically say to sing!

What about instruments used in heaven?

  • Revelation 5:8
  • Heaven is a different place with different rules. We are not yet in heaven!

The word “psalmos”

  • The definition does not necessarily include an instrument. If an instrument was included in the definition, use of an instrument would always be required.

The word “psallo”

  • It means “to pluck.” The context must indicate what is being plucked.
  • In Ephesians 5:19, the context indicates vocal music from the heart.

“Jesus didn’t say not to.”

  • But Jesus told us what to do. That eliminates all other possibilities.

Makes no difference, God’s not that “picky” … (and it’s just church of Christ tradition anyway)

  • Was God just being “picky?”
    • Genesis 3 – They just ate a piece of fruit!
    • Leviticus 10:1-2 – They just used a different fire!
    • II Samuel 6:6-8 – Uzzah was just trying to keep the ark from falling.
    • Galatians 2:11-14 – Peter just chose not to eat with the Gentiles!
  • What we say and do makes a difference to God.
    • Colossians 3:17
    • II John 1:9
    • II Thessalonians 1:7-9