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| Pastor's Corner |
Music in scripture as relating to the Church.
The book of Revelation records the use of music in heaven, in the following scriptures.
-Rev. 5:8-9
-Rev. 14:2-3
-Rev. 15: 2-3
- If the use of music is forbidden in the church, then why does God ordain its use in
the throne room of Heaven?
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- And why does this seem to bring him glory and joy? |
The Old Testament is filled with the use of music in worship, including the Psalms, which was a songbook that was for use in the temple. The word-translated psalm, is the Greek word psalmos. This word is the word that is translated psalms and hymns in Col.3: 16. The definition of the Greek word that is used in the original manuscripts means," a piece of music that is sung, and is accompanied by a harp or other instrument."
The use of music in the Old Testament can not be refuted by anyone that is intellectually honest. Never once, anywhere is the use of music directly forbidden in the New Testament. That accompanied with the scripture in Col. 3:16, which instructs that the use of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs are beneficial to the church body make theirs a weak case.
Some may question the reason as to why music is not mentioned as much in the New Testament as the Old Testament. Probably the main reason is that the church was under heavy persecution and the Apostles were writing concerning more pressing issues, such as false teachers, the law of grace, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the return of Christ, and most importantly salvation by faith alone aside from works. The New Testament is 1/3 the length of the Old Testament, and the Apostles had no need of relaying foundational issues such as music, worship, and praise unto the Lord that were so eloquently laid the in the Old Testament. Jesus himself confirms this when He said that, He did not come to destroy the law, but fulfill it, and that not one jot or tittle of the law would pass away.
Also the argument that we do not find example of music being used in the church is a weak argument, especially in light of Col. 3:16, but also there are many things that we do not find examples of in the new testament that are widely accepted such as church buildings, altar calls, Sunday School, Wednesday evening service, tent meetings, week long revivals, pews, song books, Bible Colleges, and the list could go on and on.
We have every right to say that we prefer not to have music in any given church, but it is legalistic to say that it is wrong or that it is a sin to have respectful, God honoring music in the church. And most of those that hold this view are the same ones that have country music tuned in on their own car radio.
| Other verses to consult: Luke 15: 25, 2 Sam 18:6, 1 Chron. 15:16, 2Chron. 5:13, 7:6, 23:13, Ezek. 40:44. |
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| Pastor Jeff Isaacs | |
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