"WHAT ABOUT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN WORSHIP SERVICES?"

By Dr. Hoyt W. Allen, Jr.

Followers of Jesus Christ (Christians) are divided over the issue of using an instrument to praise God in a worship service. Briefly looking at the situation, I would like to state the following;

1) I am convinced that the Greek words used in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 permit instrumental accompaniment. These words are as follows;

A) Psalm (Greek - PSALMOS) has a meaning of singing with instrumental accompaniment.

B) Hymn (Greek - HUMNOS) means singing a praise to God.

C) Song (Greek - ODE) means a general word for a song, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, whether of praise or on any subject. Thus, here the adjective "spiritual" is added.

2) It is possible for the same song to be all three of the above, at the same time! Doesn't it make sense to exalt the God of creation and His Son and Savior of mankind by using whatever means He (God) permits us to have?

3) Those who oppose accompaniment in singing stand on the conviction that the above word (Psalm) did not have the accompaniment with it during the writing of the New Testament. However, to this subject, worldwide scholarship of those dealing with the etymology of words (study of words) disagree. These are people who write Dictionaries, Commentaries, Concordances, Encyclopedias, Lexicons, and serve as Professors in universities around the world. They all agree that "Psalm" meant using an instrumental accompaniment.

4) Now, without being cruel or nasty, the servants who say "one can not do anything in the form of worship, which is not authorized in the New Testament, "Do not practice what they preach". A few examples might be asked - just where is there authorization in the New Testament, for;

5) The above list could go on and on. No doubt, an open minded person could agree that once one starts down the road of "One must have a book, chapter, and verse for everything done in the Name of Christ" - there is no stopping.

6) Isn't it much more reasonable to agree that Jesus gave the Church the Great Commission (Taking the Gospel to all mankind), but left the means up to the individual and congregations. He did not say to use the printing press, but printed materials have won millions to the Lord. He did not say to use the airways, but is it sinful?

7) He did not say to erect Houses of Worship for millions of dollars and use them for a congregational gathering a few hours a week for formal services, but our culture calls for a nice meeting place. Thus, is it a sin to have a church building?

8) Even if God had not given us authority via "Psalm" to use accompaniment in our singing praises to Him, would it be sin? A person has to really have a "closed mind" to arrive at this conclusion.

9) To deny a person, who has talent to play an instrument, from using it to Praise God during a Worship Service is going beyond the Scriptures, to say the least!

10) The bottom line of this article is this - Are we serving God with the various talents he gives us? If not, while the Lord grants us life may we be about our Father's business. That is of course;

A) Striving to be a Seed Sower, and keeping busy watering.
B) Building up the Brethren on a regular basis.

When one obeys the Lord in becoming a Christian, Christ adds him/her to His Church (His "Called Out Followers"). See Acts 2:47; I Corinthians 1:9. Therefore, one needs to identify with a local congregation of Bible studying and dedicated believers. One needs to do this so that a person may be nourished spiritually and can share in opportunities to use various God-given talents to serve the Lord. The local church is to be a "Lighthouse" in the community. It is in need of one's abilities and support as much as a person is in need of the church. May each of us be understanding that it is only by God's grace that anyone can be forgiven of sins and have the opportunity for heaven.

Each of us needs to consider being an member of the Lord’s church and being open to God’s leading us to be responsible servants.

The aim of the CHRISTIAN CHURCH and CHURCH OF CHRIST, is to restore the Bible’s teachings. Everyone realizes that concerning the non-essentials there will be differences of opinion. If we did not have human differences, we would all like the same kind of food, entertainment, cars, houses, etc. We should, in the church however, attempt to return to the BIBLE for all instructions, and to do all things in love. WE are Christians only, but not the only Christians. Where the Bible speaks, we speak and where the Bible is silent, we strive to be silent and allow liberty.

Beliefs are sometimes founded on comments heard from childhood, with no foundation in the Word of God (The Bible). We may disagree on matters such as, "What heaven is exactly like" or "What happens immediately after death". It's good to discuss such things, but it is easy to see why we would disagree on things where the Bible does not go into detail. However, on matters concerning the teachings of Jesus Christ and salvation, there can be little disagreement Thus, in essentials, we should strive for unity; & in non-essentials, liberty and, in all things, love. The Savior of mankind prayed that all believers be united in Him (John 17:20-21). May everyone of us who claim Jesus as Savior make a real effort to do so.