Indisputable Facts – II

The advent of choirs, the use of solos, and various other forms of religious entertainment were late comers to the worship of the church and lack any New Testament authority. The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Vol. VI, page 758) says: “These innovations were first made in the 4th century; and though the people continued to enjoy their ancient privilege of all singing together, it is conceivable that it gradually was forced to die…An artificial style of music, having no affinity with the worship of God, soon began to take the place of those solemn airs which before had inspired the devotion of his people.”

Further, Neander writes of the consequences of bringing secular music into the church as follows: “We have to regret that both in the Eastern and Western Church their sacred music had already assumed an artificial and theatrical character, and was so far removed from its original simplicity that even in the 4th century the abbot Pambo of Egypt complained that heathen melodies [accompanied as it seems with the action of the hands and feet] had been introduced into their Church psalmody” (Kirchengesch, ii, 681: comp. Scriptores Ecclesiastici, De Musica, i [1784] 3).

These innovations ultimately lead to the demise of congregational singing. “Thus it soon came about that the many, instead of uniting their hearts and their voices in the songs of Zion, could only sit coldly by as spectators” (Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Vol. VI, page 758). These are indisputable facts of history.

Further, the New Testament knows nothing of the present state of division within Christendom. From Acts 2 to the close of Revelation there was only one church. Denominationalism did not exist! The Bible makes it clear that Jesus came to build one church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). One church is all we find in the Bible. These are also indisputable facts.

If it is important to respect the authority of the New Testament, then these are matters of extreme significance. If, on the other hand, it is more important to do what we deem best rather than what is clearly authorized in Scripture, then these are matters of little concern. I am convinced by Scripture that it is far more important do what God authorizes in His word than to do what appeals to men (Galatians 1:10). Therefore, I am committed to teaching the truth on these matters whether others agree or not!