Last week, we cleared the air on some things the issue is not. Let us now consider other arguments you may hear on this issue.
The New Testament Does Not Say We Cannot Use Mechanical Instruments:It is true that the New Testament does not say, “Thou shalt not use mechanical instruments of music in worship.” However, it does not have to because it specifies how we are to worship God in song. Ten passages in the New Testament deal with worship to God in song (Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Ac. 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; Heb. 13:15; Jas. 5:13). It is obvious from these clear passages that God has specified singing as the only method to be employed while worshiping Him in song. As God is silent on anything other than singing (such as playing), we cannot acceptably do anything else. God’s silence establishes law (cf. Heb. 7:12-14), and a failure to respect His silence brings condemnation (cf. Lev. 10:1-2). As God specified “singing,” the only thing we are authorized to do is sing.
They Used Mechanical Instruments Of Music In The Old Testament:This is true – in fact, God commandedtheir use in the Old Testament (cf. 2 Chron. 29:25; Ps. 81:1-4). However, we “are no longer under” the Old Testament as Jesus took “it out of the way, having nailed it to His cross” (Gal. 3:23-25; Col. 2:14). Therefore, the use of mechanical instruments of music in the Old Testament is of no consequence to today (Heb. 8:7-13).
Mechanical Instruments Will Be In Heaven:People try to point to John speaking of harps in his heavenly vision as authorization for using mechanical instruments today (e.g. Rev. 14:2; 15:2-3). Remember that the book of Revelation employs figurative language. Even in the passages noted, John uses the word “like,” denoting figurative language. Aside from that, heaven is a spiritual place and harps are physical things. As “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 15:50), why would we suppose that wood and metal can? Further, if God desires mechanical instruments of music in heaven that will be great – however, last time I checked, none of us are there yet!
The Mechanical Instrument Makes Worship More Meaningful:Some say they do not “really feel like they are worshiping” without mechanical instruments. One must realize that worship is not about me – it is about God. Paul condemned “will worship” (Col. 2:23) –worship according to man’s will. Jesus taught that worship according to the desires of man instead of the dictates of God is offered “in vain” (Matt. 15:9). God demands that our worship “must” be “in truth” (Jn. 4:24). As God’s word is truth (Jn. 17:17), that means to worship God in a certain way, I must be able to put my finger on a passage of Scripture that teaches I can do so. As one cannot do that regarding mechanical instruments, they have no authority to worship God in that way no matter how edifying or uplifting they may think it to be!
Mechanical Instruments Of Music Are Just An Aid:Some try to claim that the mechanical instrument is just an aid to singing and no different than our use of pews, electric lights, and songbooks. An aid is something useful to an end, whereas an addition is something added to and above something else. The mechanical instrument is an addition to singing as a different type of music (mechanical) is being made by its use (cf. 2 Chron. 29:27-28). When using the things above, I am not “singing and pewing,” “singing and electric lighting,” or “singing and songbooking” – I am just singing! Yet, when adding a mechanical instrument, one is “singing and playing” – two different things. When adding to the teaching of Christ, as one does by employing mechanical instruments in worship, one does not have God (2 Jn. 9).
May these things help us to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason” concerning why we do not use mechanical instruments of music in worship (1 Pet. 3:15).
David Eldridge