"What We Wish People Knew: Music in Worship"

David B. Smith

  In recent years, there's been more discussion about music in the church than perhaps there was in the past. Our culture is geared toward entertainment and personal gratification, so music in worship is often seen as a means to that end. Some view the Church of Christ as "behind the times" because we only engage in acapella singing as a congregation. Now we are told that the true path to relevance is through special singing groups and instrumental music. Plus, this has always been a subject of contention for members of denominational groups. What does the Bible say? Here are some things we wish people knew about music in worship:

 1. The New Testament is our authority for service and worship today. Jeremiah and other prophets foretold the coming of the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34). The bringing in of a new system meant the ending of the old. The writer of Hebrews explains that the Old Testament was never meant to last, since it was ratified with the blood of bulls and goats (Heb. 10:1-4). The New Testament is the last will and testament of Jesus Christ (Heb. 9:15-17), made possible by His blood (Matt. 26:28). We now live under His gospel (Matt. 28:18-20). This is important for people to understand, because it prevents us from looking to the Old Testament for our pattern. King David and others may have used instruments, but they lived under a different covenant.Our pattern is different today. 

 2. The New Testament only authorizes singing in worship. Paul writes, "Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19). The language is very specific, which limits the action. Singing means "sing only." No other action can fulfill this command except the act of speaking words in song. Not only do these words praise God, they teach and admonish the others in the assembly (Col. 3:16). 

 3. Singing in worship is to be done congregationally. We must remember that Paul is writing to the whole church about their worship. This is what they do with "one another" (Col. 3:16), meaning reciprocally. Everyone in the assembly is to speak "to one another" and sing and make melody. Just like our prayers or the Lord's Supper, we all participate together at the same time. 

  If more people understood these three things, perhaps this would lead to greater unity and less division. The Lord has a very clear pattern for worship and service in the New Testament. Let us do our best to help others understand the will of God in this matter (1 Pet. 3:15).