Worship practices have long been a topic of discussion within religious communities, often centering on whether instrumental music has a place in worship services. Advocates of instrumental music cite Psalms, particularly David’s words, as justification. However, delving into this matter from the lens of New Testament teachings reveals a different perspective worth exploring.
The assertion supporting instruments often derives from Psalms 150, where David urges the use of various instruments to praise God. This argument implies that if we are to accept instrumental music based on Psalms, it necessitates a broader adherence to Old Testament practices. Galatians 5:3’s analogy of circumcision becomes relevant here, emphasizing the interconnectedness of laws—if one is adopted, the whole must be followed. Yet, Christ’s arrival heralded liberty from the exhaustive demands of the Mosaic Law, as emphasized in Galatians 5:1.
Exploring this reasoning further, accepting instrumental music as mandated due to Psalms aligns with embracing sacrificial offerings, continuous burnt offerings, reinstating altars, and reconstructing the temple in Jerusalem—elements supplanted in the New Testament by the sacrifice of Christ (Psalms 20:3, Psalms 66:15, Psalms 50:8, Psalms 51:19, Psalms 27:4, Psalms 68:9).
Challenges to this viewpoint often pivot on the distinction between personal choice and communal worship practices. While an individual may personally engage with instruments outside formal worship, the contention arises when individual preferences are projected onto collective worship settings, assuming God’s endorsement without scriptural backing.
The heart of the matter lies in the absence of New Testament authorization for instrumental worship. Scripture explicitly advocates vocal singing in worship contexts (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16) without mentioning instruments. This absence prompts reflection on the legitimacy of introducing elements unsupported by New Testament guidance into collective worship.
The comparison of circumcision, a personal choice during the New Testament era, offers an insightful analogy (Acts 16:3, Galatians 6:5). Paul’s decision to circumcise Timothy wasn’t mandated by God but was circumstantial. Similarly, personal use of instruments outside worship doesn’t inherently oppose Scripture. However, conflating personal preferences with mandated collective worship introduces a new dimension of compliance.
The contention that God authorizes instrumental music raises a pivotal question: where is this endorsement explicitly found in the New Testament, the guiding document for Christian worship practices? If such authorization existed, it would stand as a requirement, not a subjective choice.
It’s crucial to distinguish the Jews’ obligation to use instruments in their worship from the absence of a similar mandate in the New Testament. If instruments were indeed God-ordained for worship, they would be obligatory for all worshipers, not subject to individual discretion.
In essence, the discussion on instrumental worship isn’t merely about personal preference; it’s about aligning worship practices with New Testament guidance. It’s about ensuring worship remains rooted in truth and spiritual authenticity, adhering to the scriptural framework outlined in the New Testament.
As believers seek to worship in spirit and truth, the significance of scriptural foundations in shaping worship practices cannot be understated. Embracing the New Testament framework for worship offers clarity and ensures devotion that is in harmony with the teachings of Christ and His apostles. This commitment to scriptural guidance provides a firm basis for worship practices, emphasizing vocal praise as the prescribed form of worship.
Very thoughtful Andrew. Interesting considerations. I feel the central question would be, whether instrumental or vocal, is God being glorified? Is it worship or is it a performance. If it’s genuine worship, God is honored. Let a man choose His preferred method of honoring and praising Him. If those are the intentional motives and God knows what those are, I’m reasonably sure they are acceptable to Him. Thank you for sharing your perspective. May you continue to be blessed! Confident that He who began a good work in you. HE will complete it! Praise God for that specific promise!