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.
- 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.