They essentially believe I was raised in the C of C Mattew basically negates the 10 commandments. Realistically, if you do just those 2 things, you would still be following most of the original 10 commandments.
The reason for this is, we are not held to the standards required by the Old Testament law. Those standards were unachievable perfection. They, as do most other religions that are Christian in nature, believe that the only reason Christ could be the one whose sacrifice would atone for all ours sins, is because he was the only one to ever be perfectly sinless or the only one to achieve the perfection taught belt the old law.
I answered your questions to the best of my knowledge. I hope that helps! Without the Old Testament revelation, no one could fully understand the New Testament. Since God is the author of both the old covenant and the new covenant, many concepts from the Old are repeated in the New — both teach about God. But, the old covenant was about being an Israelite. The new covenant is about being a Christian. In general, the actual 10 were mostly repeated under the new covenant — several were mentioned together in passages like Matthew and Rom Why the Sabbath is no longer applicable as presented in the 10 Commandments is worthy of a separate study.
Reason being is that in that heavenly place there is harps and different musical instruments thats played by the angels to worship God!! Infact in the old testament we discover in Psalms that the bible says to worship the Lord with musical instruments. They think CoC members are the only ones going to Heaven and everyone else is wrong.
I really like this article and agree with it. Hi Bryan, your question was my question one year ago. May be please allow me to share the point with you. For example, microphone is used to louder the voice of song leader so that everyone can hear and sing along.
Eph Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord God commands us to sing from our heart and that is the best melody. Moses wrote in Deu Ye shall not add unto the word which i command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
Therefore, our singing just a cappella as God commands us to do so. A song book, a microphone or a projector screen do not fundamentally change the worship, they aid the worship in helping to carry it out in an orderly fashion. A musical instrument changes the worship by adding an element, that is, tones not produced by the human voice. The melody of a song is to emanate from the heart — a living instrument Eph.
I know plenty of people that play their instruments from the heart! They are just as passionate and more so as the ones that sing. A song book, microphone or a projector screen do not change the worship, the worship is still exactly the same whether they are present or not. Instruments of music do change the worship by adding something that previously was not there. The text is clear, the melody is to be made in the heart, not on an instrument.
Sorry you have had bad experiences. As you know each congregation is self governing, and each congregation is going to have its own flaws and problems. If song books, and projector screens etc… are being misused, then maybe there is a heart problem that the elders or congregation need to deal with.
But the premise still stands that these aids do not of themselves change in any way the worship service. I do not feel there should be musical instruments any more then a big screen and computers. What happen to teaching the preacher to give a sermon without all the bells and whistles? Sing songs from your heart even if that means changing last minute and not from some play list.
Allowing one instrument in worship but not another is showing the hypocrisy of the Church of Christ! A bit late, but I just found this great article and its good discussions.
If I can add a thought, there is a huge difference between requirement and preference. It never says we must use tonal, shaped note, four part harmony or chanting as long as it is words. It is culture and preference that determine these things, as does use of projected lyrics vs. Printed ones. It is culture and preference that determine where and how Christians can come together for worship. The New Law never endorses additional musical instruments, even though they were called for in the Old Law and readily available during the Roman Empire.
Thus, we may use music and musical instruments in any capacity, except for weekly worship. I hope this helps the discussion. I prayerfully encourage all to read only the Bible and be guided only by what the Holy Bible indicates for our faith. From my study of the Bible in the New Testament, I do not see that it teaches you can use instruments anytime but when you come together to worship.
I used to have that early but from study I have personally tchanged that view. I do not find the word and worship in the New Testament ever referring to the gathering of Christians. It is always used in the context of our life, that worship is our life. From my study I find that either the instrument has to be OK all the time or it has to be wrong all the time. Again, our life is a worship. We are constantly in the presence of God. My own study of gods word says let me to believe that the Bible including the New Testament my own study of gods word has let me to believe that The Bible, and even under the new covenant, that there is nothing wrong with instruments.
But it is my conviction either right all the time at the wrong time. Especially when it i but it is my conviction either right all the time for the wrong time.
Bible does say to make melody in your heart, but I can be done as wel bible does say to make melody in your heart, but I can be done while playing an instrument as well, again, just as David did.
Again, this is just my personal conviction. I respect your understanding as well. And yet you ignore the very strict regulation of those instruments in Jewish worship.
You cannot seek authority for instruments in NT worship from the OT. Funny, you just used the old Testament to confirm your new testament position. Then why not use Psalm ? All of the psalms of David were made by help or accompaniment of a liar stringed instrument which he played. Today many groups use stringed instruments to do the same. With wonderful results.
Janice gave NT passage to show what Christians are to do. To pick on her use of OT scripture that demonstrates a Bible wide principle, then use that as permissive to introduce OT scripture on musical instruments to justify NT practice, is both pedantic and twisted. Interesting viewpoint. Did they substitute the offering of money for the offering of animals? I am sorry you had a bad experience. All Churches of Christ are independent only local oversight. If you do what the new testament says you will be okay.
The name of the church means nothing. Also if you follow the teachings of Christ it would not be a denomination it would be his original Church.
Only members are to lay by in store for the first day of the week. I appreciate your perspective on this issue, but I have two questions. Do you believe God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow? If so, if musical instruments were pleasing to God as a form of worship in the Old Testament church why would they not still be so in the New Testament church?
But, 1 Samuel 15 teaches that God is pleased by obedience — not necessarily specific actions or efforts. Specifically see I Samuel Something that may have pleased God in another context, is only pleasing to God if offered in obedience. But instruments were used in the New Testament as well. It seems very presumptuous rather than studious. Not to mention the numerous verses in Revelations to horns, harps, etc.
There is not an expressive, explicit verse prohibiting instruments, so why should we add to scripture what is not there? Also the word Psalm in the greek as in Ephesians literally means to play a piece of accompaniment such as voice with instrument. Just some thoughts. Revelation is highly symbolic, generally most passages in Revelation the have musical instruments in them are not literal.
And none of them as far as I know are dealing with Christian worship on earth. Yes, there are instruments in the New Testament, but they are not being used in Christian worship. That is literally to — pluck the strings of the heart. God has given a clear instruction on what He expects in worship. If we ask you where is the passage of scripture that gives you authority to use instruments in worship, you will never be able to provide one.
To do anything other than what God wants is to show disobedience to His will. One must remember at all times, our worship toward God is not about what we want.
Jason, you say there is clear instruction to what God expects in worship. I completely disagree with that statement. There is no book of worship in the New testament.
And, more importantly. In the NT, the term worship is always used as what we do in every aspect of our life. In other words, Christian music we hear on the radio must also be considered evil. The reason for this is because the NT never says anything like, it is wrong to do this during this event, but not during this one.
He clearly is talking about 3 different genres of music. A Psalm was specifically a song played with music. The Bible in no way teaches any such concept. You will no where find any scripture that supports your concept of worship. The following scriptures are only a few of many that show worship is something that is done with intent. I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.
You have to remember that King David introduced instruments into the Jewish worship. Before King David, instruments were never used in the Jewish worship. Fleming, do you think that we need to be offering sacrifices as they did in the old testament also?
As someone commented earlier, the Old Testament is something for us to read and learn from but not to use as our guide. Could it be that the whole discussion on instrumental or non-instrumental music is an irrelevent issue. Either way, we are saved only by the grace of God, not any form of music.
Many people sing songs of praise to God out of habit not with their heart…. Not really. It is a matter of preference. No sin listed as to using instruments. Skip you may or may not be correct. I started in a C of C and my preference is A Cappela. It sounds and feels to me so much more than singing.
Bass drums, electric guitars, organs, pianos, etc all drown out the voices, the harmony, the love. I have nothing against instruments. My opinion. You can agree or not. Thank you for writing that. That through Christ and by Christ we are saved and will live with Him in eternity.
However we can cause henderances. Yes we read in decency and in order, but we cannot stop there. If we look into the scriptures without an argumentative agenda to see what God expects: it is loving him and loving one another and spreading the good news so that all people can be saved; it is spending time in fellowship, helping each brother and sister in the faith and being a good example to others; it is acknowledging our sins and short comings and when convicted to ask for forgivness-forgiveness from God and from people; it is holding each other accountable, in love, as we remind them and we also remember, Jesus will be the Judge as we are not capable of making the ultimate judgement call…no matter how well we think we know His word.
The way one congragation worships compared to another and compared to the scriptures is not what God said will cause a soul to be lost.
Do we remember what Jesus said to the disciples when they returned from their assignment. They said to Jesus that they saw others working the same work but these people were not present with Jesus. Jesus told the 12 not to worry about them. Why are we worrying over things that are drawing people closure to God, but are different than we feel is right.
Let God deal with them through their reading of the Bible and their hearts and let God be the Judge as he is intended to be. Let us work on unity and strive to saving souls and teaching souls. But teachings souls through love and hope and the Bible and stop causing brothers and sisters in the faith to feel ashamed. Besides, are those that fuss and fight over small matters not concerned that their souls will be in jeopardy of judgment of a millstone being placed around their necks because of the unnecessary divisions caused.
Yes this is a small matter because salvation will not be lost on playing a musical instrument, nor will there be salvation to those that do not play one or more. We all who are believers are working to, praying for and have faith in reachng perfection, but true perfection will only be fulfilled when we meet our Lord.
I am impressed and inspired by reading the article you wrote on the use of musical instruments in our worship. God bless you for writing such a beautiful article. I have enjoyed reading your writing. God bless you. Behailu Abebe Endeshaw Evangelist Ethiopian. But dear sister, the oracles of God, mentioned by Peter here, were the Scriptures, the existing old testament. So then, psalm was part of the oracles of God!
I agree except that the Bible says that Jesus came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it. He fulfilled the old law and then established the new law, His law. Great article! Because, like myself, I disagree with the argument. You assume that what is said is absolutely correct.
Let me ask you this. Do you do to the doctor when you are sick? According the this argument, the silence of scripture, you are in violation of the New Testament if you go to the doctor. Because, after Jesus died we have only two references of what to do if you are sick. One, Paul told Timothy to take some wine for his stomach.
And two, James said if you are sick to call the elders to pray over the sick. The only command is to call the elders to pray. Therefore going to the doctor is adding to gods word and in violation of this idea of the silence of the scriptures. We are told what to do if we are sick, and there is no mention of going to the doctors.
Interesting view point to state that the Church of Christ follows the New Testament however, I have never heard anyone speak in tongues in a Church of Christ? Clearly in the Book of Acts, we see where Peter stood up and preached the Gospel Good News and were saved accepted Christ and what appeared to be Tongues of Fire fell upon them.
The tongues they spoke on the day of Pentecost, were so all the people from the other countries could understand in their own Language. It would be like me speaking in German or Russian or Mexican. All the people heard in their own language! Some Churches of Christ disagree with this article and use instruments when they worship. Do they get kicked out of the Church of Christ?
There are Churches of Christ, and then there are Churches of Christ. If taken in that aspect, then churches should not have electrical lighting, PA systems, recording media or projrection media as they were not available either. There would be no use of publoc broadcasting of services. Some would argue those are ok, but you cannot pick and choose which parts or pieces you want to justify use of particular itsm or not using another. Great Article???? The early Christians were even command to sing Psalms… you know..
Why would God have us sing about doing something we were forbidden to practice? Ephesians says nothing about playing, so why would one of the folks that want music use it? Same thing in Colossians ? A psalm was specifically a hindrance of music accompanied by an instrument. A psalm was specifically a hindrance of music accompanied by an instrument! This is a topic that I have spent much time studying.
When I first joined the Church of Christ, I was under the impression that instruments were used all the way throughout Old Testament worship until Jesus came along and then — out of nowhere — they stopped using them.
If this were the case, then one would logically assume that the change in Covenants led to a change in the mode of worship. However, my initial impression had been false. I had not done enough research on Old Testament worship. It turns out that New Testament worship was modelled after the synagogue worship that developed during the Babylonian exile and carried forward into the first century.
Unlike Temple worship, the purpose of synagogue worship was primarily to learn scripture; music was secondary. In fact, for some period of time, it appears that music was not allowed to be sung due to the mourning that was taking place after exile. Why is this important? Because synagogue worship, as far as we know, was never commissioned by God.
The mode of worship and the decision to omit instrumental music was a decision of man [also note that God seemingly never condemned these men for implementing a new way of worship in a time where they had no access to the Temple]. Thus, if New Testament worship was patterned after the synagogue, then the lack of instrumental music can only be seen as a cultural practice derived from synagogue worship. One may respond with Ephesians and Colossians However, I am sorry to say that the Church of Christ has grossly misrepresented these passages.
These passages are not explicit instructions as to the mode of worship, and it is unfair to represent them as such. I think it absolutely leaves instruments as a matter of preference. In addition to the fact that it was a cultural adaptation of synagogue worship, I think the other key point of importance is that the New Testament gives us no specific instructions as to the MODE of worship. The common arguments here are Eph and Col , which I addressed in my previous comment.
As far as sources that I have to provide, I think the key is to search from a historical perspective and not a doctrinal one. My primary sources that I used were simple Bible dictionaries. But the Bible was also translated and interpreted by man.
And on that note, no pun intended I have researched the literal meaning of psalm. In Hebrew the meaning of the word psalm mizmor is uncertain. But it is derived from the Greek which signifies playing on a stringed instrument, most likely a lyre or harp. There are different interpretations but this seems to be the definition. And I still prefer A Cappela. Brandon, appreciate your comments. I grew up in churches of Christ and for a time was convicted instruments were wrong, mainly because what I was fed.
When I got older and did a lot of my own study, I came to a different conclusion and find no fault with instruments. You mentioned how many believe that instruments abruptly halted when Jesus came. This was a point that got to me in connection with revelation. I know that revelation is highly a book of metaphors and symbolism.
But if instruments had all of a audden become evil in worship, then why would you even use the picture of instrumental worship in revelation. It seems that would be quite confusing to these Jews and Gentiles who are now being told that instruments are an abomination to use before God.
And it even says in revelation that the harps were given to the angels. The actual command in Ephesians is found in vs. The latter part of the verse contrasts the former. The former being that which drives out the presence of the Spirit that was given to us, Acts How is one filled with the Spirit? The following 5 participles tell us how. So vs. Note the conjunctive in verse 19 between singing and making melody. We are to sing and make melody with our heart literally to pluck the strings of the heart while we sing.
Paul is giving instruction on how we can promote the presence of God in our lives. The first participle is to address one another. When we sing, we do so together, the whole congregation is involved. The image given by Paul is one of worship, an activity done together, toward God.
In addressing each other in song we do so in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, in order to teach each other Colossians And we do so with a melody in our hearts. What is the melody? Participle 4, giving thanks. When we sing, we do so with thankful hearts!!! When we sing to each other we are also to submit to each other. In addressing one another and submitting to one another we are placing ourselves in the role of servant.
I agree that when we sing, we make melody in our heart. Our voice makes melody as well, but the importance is that our heat is making melody to God. An instrument does not prohibit one from making melody in the heart.
They can still sing from the heart and make Millatti to Go an instrument does not prohibit one from making melody in the heart. They can still sing from the heart and make melody to God. Many People who used instruments say the instrument is simply an aid to their praising God.
I completely agree with you that Paul is encouraging us to do that which will help us to lead Spirit-filled lives, and singing praises to God is certainly one thing that will promote such a life.
However, this in no way excludes the possibility of instrumental music because Paul is not giving an exhaustive list here. And, even more importantly, he is not talking specifically about the mode in which we are to conduct corporate worship.
While verses do include acts of worship, one would have to assume that Paul diverted from the context of his writing. The context for Ephesians actually begins in Ch. In its proper context, outside of the scope of the mere 3 verses at the end of chapter 5, these appear to be very general commands rather than specific instructions on how we should conduct corporate worship. God commanded through his servant Paul that we should sing.
This is an explicit instruction to those reading on how to be filled with the Spirit. Note that according to this verse alone, we are not free to sing what we like, we have specific instruction on what we can sing. Paul has given authority to Christians everywhere to sing and how to conduct their singing. Christians have no authority to sing any other way, because they have been told what is expected.
No, this is not an exhaustive list on what activities Christians can or must do in order to promote the presence of God in our lives.
However, when it comes to singing, yes, it is an exhaustive list and Christian are bound by it. No where in the the New Testament are Christians ever instructed to worship or ever us instruments in a manner that would resemble worship.
If we were, one would only have to reference that verse and the matter would be solved!!! Instead, those who would promote their use in worship have to refer to the Old Testament, in which they completely ignore all the rules governing their use, or Revelation in which passages are symbolic and not even dealing with Christian worship on earth, or just plain take a single word psallo , out of context as authority.
Arguing for authority from the absence of authority, is a completely illogical argument. I must commend you though, at least you are using scripture, so many others do not. I appreciate your comments. However, your response seemed to largely overlook the point of my previous comment.
As I laid out before, Eph. If you claim that the mode of worship must only include singing because Paul — in passing — mentions that the life of a Christian includes singing, then you find yourself in a difficult predicament. Paul also commands us to greet one another with a holy kiss Romans and encourages the consumption of wine for stomach ailments 1 Timothy , but you do not presume that people must do these things — and especially not ONLY these things.
This is what Christians were already doing in worship, and had been for quite some time even during the Old Testament. This was no new revelation, and no instruction as to the mode of worship, but simply instruction on how to live as Christians. Now if this is true, then there is literally no form of instruction as to the mode of worship.
Thus, instrumental music along with song books, pitch pipes, etc. As to authority, perhaps it would be worthwhile to point out that, in the Old Testament, only the Priests were allowed to use instruments in corporate worship.
In fact, God found favor in David for doing this very thing. In 2 Samuel , David decided that he was going to build a house for God, despite the fact that he had never been commanded to do so. Yet these things pleased God. Greeting one another with a holy kiss is another study, but it is something we should be doing. The consumption of wine that you are using must be placed in its context. Also, wine is often a general term in the Bible and does not necessarily refer to alcohol.
Not correct, the church never existed in OT times. Between the end of the OT and the beginning of the NT is a period of approx. However, as you point out, the church sung in its worship and that is all they did when it came to the music of the church.
Paul instructed the church in regard to its music, and the church likely had instruction that is not recorded in the Bible. But we see that the church never used instruments in worship. Continuing to shift base is not an honest way to deal with this issue.
Instruments are not an aid, they fundamentally change the worship in a fashion that aids do not. False, we are given instruction. And no, it does not logically follow the example of Noah. The fact is if Christians were authorized to use them in worship we would see examples of their use, we would find commands etc… there is nothing!
Only singing is ever see in Christian worship. Unfortunately, this is where attempts are made from the Greek language to try and condemn instrumental praise. Many articles and studies by members of the Churches of Christ have been done on this Greek word. The first two Google rankings are articles by members of the Churches of Christ.
While I encourage you to do your own research and see for yourself, you will find that the conclusion on these articles are the same. The problem is that many members of the Churches of Christ have added a very important word to the definition. This can be seen by the way it is translated in the Greek Old Testament. God certainly knows how to make something clear when He is being specific and exclusive. In Ephesians , the Bible says that Christians are to sing and make melody in their heart Eph.
Some argue that if the melody is to be made in the heart, then that would somehow prohibit melody being made on a piano, a guitar, or any other instrument.
Some claim that the instrument that we are to pluck or play is the instrument of our heartstrings, thus, excluding any mechanical instruments. This alleged argument holds no weight and should be dismissed for the following reasons:. Greek-English Lexicon, p. Paul is teaching Christians that they need to worship and praise God sincerely. Word Pictures in the New Testament, vol.
The idea is that the praise needs to come from the heart in order to be acceptable Mk. Second, the heart was an essential component with singing under the Old Law Psa.
Singing in the heart has never prohibited mechanical instruments. The Bible teaches that it is possible to sing in your heart with or without the accompaniment of a mechanical instrument. It also needs to be noted that Ephesians says that both the singing ado and the melody psallo are to be done in the heart see also: Colossians While there are other things that can be said, suffice it to say that there is absolutely nothing sinful with using mechanical instruments of music to praise God.
In conclusion, it is my prayer that this study will help free those caught in the trap s of legalistic thinking and also shine proper light and facts on this matter. Kevin, Good article about Music. Much is made of nothing in the Church of Christ about the teaching of Acapella only music. There is nothing to condemn Instrumental Music in the Old Testament writings. First of all, a testament or a covenant is not a book or set of books in the Bible.
It is a relationship with God. But that relationship is not a book. There is freedom to use or not use Acapella music or IM, but not freedom to condemn people for different choices. What are your thoughts on the Jews only worshiping with instruments in the Temple. When the temple was destroyed they saw that they were no longer authorized to worship with instruments in the synagogues. I saw it as the musical instruments we use our voice and heart as being in our temple body and nothing outside the temple body would be used.
Just curious of your thoughts. What source are you using that led you to that conclusion? I will look into the book you recommended to learn more about the history, thank you.
In my research I did come across something else that I have question about. Only the heart is used as instrument. I see a big difference in the OT and the NT definition. I hope that you can see I truly am seeking truth and why this definition causes me to wonder. That also causes me to wonder why my unabridged dictionary older version says that the word acapella means to sing as in church.
New dictionaries say to sing without instruments. Does the book you recommended cover that? Seems like that change has come in more recent years.
So much confusion! From what I see in Eph it could possibly mean to do it inside your own self. However, in Col I do see the words in your heart, but it looks like grace is in the heart while singing is to be heard, since the purpose is to teach others. The more I am studying this the more questions I have. I seem to have more questions than answers, but am thankful your article is making me get back to researching this topic.
Based on your comments, there are several fundamental differences in the way we approach God that have a major overall impact on how we reach our conclusions. Rather, I will stick to addressing why I believe the actual academic reasoning behind condemning instruments in worship is invalid. In the church in St. There was much bickering about it for years, but it was finally used. As the issue grew hotter, more and more men begin to write and discuss it.
McGarvey was a new man on the scene. He had written a commentary on Acts that was widely received and he was viewed as a powerful Bible scholar.
McGarvey opposed instruments as did Moses Lard. IV, No. However, others rose to defend the instrument. The champion of the instrument was Isaac Erret and the paper Christian Standard.
Our object is to persuade brethren who favor such use to hold their preferences in abeyance for the sake of harmony … it is wrong to make this difference a test of fellowship or an occasion of stumbling.
Of course, such an approach rarely brings unity because it casts those who oppose the instrument as nothing but troublemakers who are trying to their own narrow-minded opinion on everyone.
So more trouble came, more churches put in organs and division became inevitable. First, there is no question that the instrument was the innovation. The situation was not that every church had instrumental music, someone decided that was wrong, tried to purge them all out.
At one time, no church used instrumental music, not even denominational churches. The Methodist, Independents, and Baptists rarely had them and by the Presbyterians were stoutly opposed. But since these bodies began to introduce organs, the adoption of them has been unchecked.
Even the Presbyterians are giving away, and if we read the future by the past, we can hardly doubt that in a few years, unaccompanied singing will very seldom be heard. Instrumentalists attacked their brethren as trouble makers but of course, that was simply not the case.
Non-instrumental brethren had every right to object to such treatment, and should continue to do so today! There never needed to be any division over this issue. Everyone agreed singing was right. Why not do just that instead of forcing division by asking brethren to violate their consciences?
Brethren could work together and should have continued together. Division is wrong and not pleasing to the Lord John ; 1 Cor ff. Over and over churches brought it in, forcing brethren who conscientiously could not worship with one to leave. Joe T. The Richland Hills church of Christ has introduced a instrumental music service on Saturday nights, urging members who disagree to attend the non-instrumental services on Sundays.
But can one remain at Richland Hills, giving his money to support the work of that church when it practices and teaches what one believes to be error? Richland Hills has forced brethren to choose silence and complacency or their conscientious view of how to worship! Rick Atchley makes clear in his three sermons justifying instrumental music that if you want to leave over this matter then that is just fine.
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