Sing Unto the Lord! Biblical Instructions on Worship
Posted 02-09-2015 at 05:58 PM by NT Fellowship
The early church did it. Baptist churches used to; some Primitive Baptists still do. Most of the Reformed churches once did; a few do still. The Plymouth Brethren still do it. Charity churches and churches of Christ do too. Amish, Mennonite, Hutterite and Brethren Churches do. What do all these churches have in common? They all sing acapella; that is, without instrumental accompaniment.
Is acapella singing just another style, like Christian country, rock or folk? Is it a preference, or a mandate? Does God permit musical instrumentation in worship, or is it forbidden?
“I don’t see what the problem is,” someone admits. “Lots of churches use instruments...are you saying their worship doesn’t please the Lord?”
The answer to this question, as all questions, is to look to the Bible. The apostle Peter assures us that God’s Word has the answers we need: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him...whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises…(2 Pet 1:3-4) Yes, in every way, we’ll find direction for our lives in the Scriptures.
Old Testament Worship and Instruments
It is interesting to note that the first musical instruments were designed by the children of Cain—the man who did not worship God according to His ways. But to Cain and to his offering he [God] had not respect...And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire. (Gen 4:5-7)
Cain did not accept God’s correction. He killed his brother, Abel, (whose worship was pleasing to God), and then was driven away from the presence of the LORD. It was in this state that Cain began his family—a state of rebellion against the Lord. He remained in disobedience to God all his life. Learning Cain’s perverted attitudes and false worship, his sons patterned themselves after their father. Out of this environment, Cain’s son Jubal created the first musical instruments. Jubal...was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ (Gen 4:21).
“But,” someone might object, “David, a man after God’s own heart played the harp! Was this unacceptable to God, since he used a musical instrument?”
Alfred Edersheim, a Jewish Christian of the 19th century, studied the Old Testament worship of the Jews. His insights are highly respected even today. Of music in Temple worship, he wrote:
"Properly speaking, the real service of praise in the Temple was only with the voice. This is often laid down as a principle by the Rabbis. What instrumental music there was, served only to accompany and sustain the song...The blasts of the trumpets, blowed by priests only, formed-at least in the second Temple-no part of the instrumental music of the service, but were intended for quite different purposes...According to tradition, they were intended symbolically to proclaim the kingdom of God, Divine Providence, and the final judgment...On ordinary days the priests blew seven times, each time three blasts-a short sound, an alarm, and a sharp short sound (Thekiah, Theruah, and Thekiah), or, as the Rabbis express it, 'An alarm in the midst and a plain note before and after it.' According to tradition, they were intended symbolically to proclaim the kingdom of God, Divine Providence, and the final judgment. The first three blasts were blown when the great gates of the Temple-especially that of Nicanor-were opened. Then, when the drink-offering was poured out, the Levites sung the psalm of the day in three sections. After each section there was a pause, when the priests blew three blasts, and the people worshipped. This was the practice at the evening, as at the morning sacrifice. On the eve of the Sabbath a three-fold blast of the priests' trumpets summoned the people, far as the sound was carried over the city, to prepare for the holy days, while another threefold blast announced its actual commencement. On Sabbaths, when, besides the ordinary, an additional sacrifice was brought, and the 'Song of Moses' sung-not the whole every Sabbath, but divided into six parts, one for every Sabbath, -the priests sounded their trumpets additional three times in the pauses of the Sabbath psalm" (The Temple, Alfred Edersheim, pp. 50, 51).
Poetry was read aloud with the use of instrumental background, Edersheim indicates (Ibid., pg 51). But this was not a part of Temple worship. Rather it was a literary device. Thus, David’s playing upon the harp as he recited his psalms would have been typical of that time.
Because instruments were tied into false religion from the very beginning, they inevitably led to false worship. Toward the end of Old Testament times, God speaks of His hatred of such: Woe to them . . . That chant to the sounds of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David...(Amos 6:1,5). Apparently, God never approved of David’s musical inventions, but turned His head away for a time. God permitted instruments for a brief time, but never approved of them.
The Use of Instruments in the Church
The use of instruments in the Christian faith did not develop until Catholicism had taken a stronghold. Roman Catholicism is a mixture of the Christian faith with large doses of ancient Babylonian, Greek and Roman religious beliefs and practices—all three of which included instrumental music in their worship. Roman Catholicism also added choirs, cantatas, and passion plays to their religious services. Many modern churches base their reasoning to include the same upon the practices of the Roman church. However, those who held to Biblical truth avoided such things as worldly and unscriptural.
While Martin Luther accepted the Catholic ideal about worship (anything which is not forbidden is permitted), reformers Calvin, Bucer, Zwingli and Knox did not. Zwingli took the far end of the pendulum and forbade all singing in the church. But (at first) the other reformers only allowed acapella singing in the churches. Over the years, most Reformation churches incorporated organs and pianos; and eventually other instruments too.
The early church (“Waldenses”, etc.) saw no need of instruments. They wished to worship in spirit and truth — only as the New Testament dictates. Seeing no musical instruments used by Christ and the apostles, they forbade the use in the church, also. This is the thinking of the various churches who continue to worship acapella (ie: churches of Christ—non-instrument; Plymouth Brethren, etc.) God does not command or require it, thus we will not use them, either.
Further Thoughts on Musical Instruments
While the sound of instrumental music can please the ear, it is a sound without a message. A person, never knowing the words of the gospel song, may be moved by the beauty of a piano recitation of “Amazing Grace”, yet their hearts and minds would be unmoved regarding the gospel. Instruments are a noise—a pleasant noise—but an empty sound. Those sounds sway the emotions, but without the clear message of Scripture, the truth of the song is unheard. The message is contained in the words. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongues words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For ye shall speak into the air (1 Cor 14:8-9).
Musical instruments are expensive to purchase, learn to use, and to maintain. Some might object by saying the harmonica, a simple folk guitar, dulcimer or other basic instrument are not expensive. Many people learn to play these without costly lessons.
How many church services are led by a harmonica player? How many worship leaders use only a folk guitar or dulcimer? Few, if any. Most churches began including instruments by incorporating the piano or organ (very expensive instruments, indeed). They often had to hire a pianist or organist who had professional training to play these instruments for worship services. Eventually, it led to the inclusion of other instruments; and soon the church orchestra was born. In the 1980’s, rock music took hold of many churches, so the drum, electric guitar and other non-melodic instruments took the forefront.
The high cost of instruments and the consuming time that is required to perfect oneself on that instrument, are two important arguments against instruments in church worship. These are contrary to the Bible’s teaching regarding contentment with simplicity, redeem[ing] the time (Matt 6:31-34; Eph 5:16; Phil 4:11-13; 1 Tim 6:8-10).
In having musical instruments, the emphasis is on perfecting one’s talent, which boosts pride and competition. This is quite opposite of the Bible’s exhortation to think more highly of others than yourself.
Experience shows that once a piano, organ or guitar is used, other instruments soon follow. There simply is no stopping point. Nearly every church that once adhered to a “piano only” instrumental support to singing now include an entire “Rock Band,” along with all that accompanies. Further, as instruments blare, people sing less and less. Therefore, the ‘worship service’ of reverent singing is replaced by a performance.
When the congregation sings acapella, the words are emphasized, and the focus is better kept on Christ. Reverence in worship is more easily maintained. Instruments begin as an accompaniment to the singers, but soon overshadow and replace Biblical worship by God’s people. Let us follow the Biblical directive and Sing unto the LORD!
New Testament Fellowship
Pastor David Lee
Is acapella singing just another style, like Christian country, rock or folk? Is it a preference, or a mandate? Does God permit musical instrumentation in worship, or is it forbidden?
“I don’t see what the problem is,” someone admits. “Lots of churches use instruments...are you saying their worship doesn’t please the Lord?”
The answer to this question, as all questions, is to look to the Bible. The apostle Peter assures us that God’s Word has the answers we need: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him...whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises…(2 Pet 1:3-4) Yes, in every way, we’ll find direction for our lives in the Scriptures.
Old Testament Worship and Instruments
It is interesting to note that the first musical instruments were designed by the children of Cain—the man who did not worship God according to His ways. But to Cain and to his offering he [God] had not respect...And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire. (Gen 4:5-7)
Cain did not accept God’s correction. He killed his brother, Abel, (whose worship was pleasing to God), and then was driven away from the presence of the LORD. It was in this state that Cain began his family—a state of rebellion against the Lord. He remained in disobedience to God all his life. Learning Cain’s perverted attitudes and false worship, his sons patterned themselves after their father. Out of this environment, Cain’s son Jubal created the first musical instruments. Jubal...was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ (Gen 4:21).
“But,” someone might object, “David, a man after God’s own heart played the harp! Was this unacceptable to God, since he used a musical instrument?”
Alfred Edersheim, a Jewish Christian of the 19th century, studied the Old Testament worship of the Jews. His insights are highly respected even today. Of music in Temple worship, he wrote:
"Properly speaking, the real service of praise in the Temple was only with the voice. This is often laid down as a principle by the Rabbis. What instrumental music there was, served only to accompany and sustain the song...The blasts of the trumpets, blowed by priests only, formed-at least in the second Temple-no part of the instrumental music of the service, but were intended for quite different purposes...According to tradition, they were intended symbolically to proclaim the kingdom of God, Divine Providence, and the final judgment...On ordinary days the priests blew seven times, each time three blasts-a short sound, an alarm, and a sharp short sound (Thekiah, Theruah, and Thekiah), or, as the Rabbis express it, 'An alarm in the midst and a plain note before and after it.' According to tradition, they were intended symbolically to proclaim the kingdom of God, Divine Providence, and the final judgment. The first three blasts were blown when the great gates of the Temple-especially that of Nicanor-were opened. Then, when the drink-offering was poured out, the Levites sung the psalm of the day in three sections. After each section there was a pause, when the priests blew three blasts, and the people worshipped. This was the practice at the evening, as at the morning sacrifice. On the eve of the Sabbath a three-fold blast of the priests' trumpets summoned the people, far as the sound was carried over the city, to prepare for the holy days, while another threefold blast announced its actual commencement. On Sabbaths, when, besides the ordinary, an additional sacrifice was brought, and the 'Song of Moses' sung-not the whole every Sabbath, but divided into six parts, one for every Sabbath, -the priests sounded their trumpets additional three times in the pauses of the Sabbath psalm" (The Temple, Alfred Edersheim, pp. 50, 51).
Poetry was read aloud with the use of instrumental background, Edersheim indicates (Ibid., pg 51). But this was not a part of Temple worship. Rather it was a literary device. Thus, David’s playing upon the harp as he recited his psalms would have been typical of that time.
Because instruments were tied into false religion from the very beginning, they inevitably led to false worship. Toward the end of Old Testament times, God speaks of His hatred of such: Woe to them . . . That chant to the sounds of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David...(Amos 6:1,5). Apparently, God never approved of David’s musical inventions, but turned His head away for a time. God permitted instruments for a brief time, but never approved of them.
The Use of Instruments in the Church
The use of instruments in the Christian faith did not develop until Catholicism had taken a stronghold. Roman Catholicism is a mixture of the Christian faith with large doses of ancient Babylonian, Greek and Roman religious beliefs and practices—all three of which included instrumental music in their worship. Roman Catholicism also added choirs, cantatas, and passion plays to their religious services. Many modern churches base their reasoning to include the same upon the practices of the Roman church. However, those who held to Biblical truth avoided such things as worldly and unscriptural.
While Martin Luther accepted the Catholic ideal about worship (anything which is not forbidden is permitted), reformers Calvin, Bucer, Zwingli and Knox did not. Zwingli took the far end of the pendulum and forbade all singing in the church. But (at first) the other reformers only allowed acapella singing in the churches. Over the years, most Reformation churches incorporated organs and pianos; and eventually other instruments too.
The early church (“Waldenses”, etc.) saw no need of instruments. They wished to worship in spirit and truth — only as the New Testament dictates. Seeing no musical instruments used by Christ and the apostles, they forbade the use in the church, also. This is the thinking of the various churches who continue to worship acapella (ie: churches of Christ—non-instrument; Plymouth Brethren, etc.) God does not command or require it, thus we will not use them, either.
Further Thoughts on Musical Instruments
While the sound of instrumental music can please the ear, it is a sound without a message. A person, never knowing the words of the gospel song, may be moved by the beauty of a piano recitation of “Amazing Grace”, yet their hearts and minds would be unmoved regarding the gospel. Instruments are a noise—a pleasant noise—but an empty sound. Those sounds sway the emotions, but without the clear message of Scripture, the truth of the song is unheard. The message is contained in the words. For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongues words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? For ye shall speak into the air (1 Cor 14:8-9).
Musical instruments are expensive to purchase, learn to use, and to maintain. Some might object by saying the harmonica, a simple folk guitar, dulcimer or other basic instrument are not expensive. Many people learn to play these without costly lessons.
How many church services are led by a harmonica player? How many worship leaders use only a folk guitar or dulcimer? Few, if any. Most churches began including instruments by incorporating the piano or organ (very expensive instruments, indeed). They often had to hire a pianist or organist who had professional training to play these instruments for worship services. Eventually, it led to the inclusion of other instruments; and soon the church orchestra was born. In the 1980’s, rock music took hold of many churches, so the drum, electric guitar and other non-melodic instruments took the forefront.
The high cost of instruments and the consuming time that is required to perfect oneself on that instrument, are two important arguments against instruments in church worship. These are contrary to the Bible’s teaching regarding contentment with simplicity, redeem[ing] the time (Matt 6:31-34; Eph 5:16; Phil 4:11-13; 1 Tim 6:8-10).
In having musical instruments, the emphasis is on perfecting one’s talent, which boosts pride and competition. This is quite opposite of the Bible’s exhortation to think more highly of others than yourself.
Experience shows that once a piano, organ or guitar is used, other instruments soon follow. There simply is no stopping point. Nearly every church that once adhered to a “piano only” instrumental support to singing now include an entire “Rock Band,” along with all that accompanies. Further, as instruments blare, people sing less and less. Therefore, the ‘worship service’ of reverent singing is replaced by a performance.
When the congregation sings acapella, the words are emphasized, and the focus is better kept on Christ. Reverence in worship is more easily maintained. Instruments begin as an accompaniment to the singers, but soon overshadow and replace Biblical worship by God’s people. Let us follow the Biblical directive and Sing unto the LORD!
New Testament Fellowship
Pastor David Lee
