The Music of the Church

The subject of church music is of great interest and importance. It should be apparent to all that music was an important part of the worship of the New Testament church. But, what kind of music was it?

If we are at all concerned with “biblical authority” for what we believe and practice, we will want to know what kind of music the Lord authorized for His church. There are essentially two kinds of music: vocal and instrumental. What constituted the music of the church? Was it vocal, instrumental, or a combination of the two? The answer is quite clear. The music of the early church was vocal, a cappella singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Matthew 26:30). Instrumental music came centuries after the birth of Christianity and was foreign to the word of God!

Two objections are usually voiced in this regard. It is argued that the instrument was a part of the worship of the Jews in the Old Testament. This we readily acknowledge. But, we must also point out that the burning of incense and the offering of animal sacrifices were also a part of their worship. Should these things also be included in the worship of the church? Surely no one would argue that they should. The real issue is not what was practiced under the Mosaic system, but what did Christ authorize for His church?

Some attempt to justify the instrument on the basis of the word “psallo” (psalms – Ephesians 5:19). The argument goes something like this. The word “psallo” from which the word “psalms” comes, means “to pluck the hair; to twang the bowstring; to twitch the carpenter’s line; to touch the chord of a musical instrument.” It is then argued that this word authorizes the use of the instrument. If the word was understood to mean that in the New Testament it would not only authorize the use of the instrument, but would demand it. However, the same authority says of the word “in the New Testament to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, page 675). For centuries the New Testament was understood to authorize only singing as the music of the church.

Someone may ask, “What makes the difference? Does it really matter?” Nadab and Abihu might have asked the same questions moments before the fire of the Lord came down from heaven and consumed them (Leviticus 10:1-3). They were responsible for burning incense before the Lord. The account says that they used “strange” fire (unauthorized fire, NIV) which the Lord had not commanded. This “minor” deviation from what God had authorized cost them their lives. They may have thought it an insignificant change, but the Lord did not agree.

If it is important to obey God, and it is, then we must always seek to carry out His will as He has commanded. Even “minor” changes can have major consequences. In relationship to church music, God has authorized singing, and if we respect His authority, that is what we will do.