Question: What does the Scripture (New Testament) say about instrumental music accompaniment in the meetings, especially the (so-called) “worship meeting”?

Dear E.,

If we wanted to answer your question briefly, we could say that the New Testament does not mention musical instruments at any point in connection with Christian gatherings (as an assembly). This should make us very cautious. Because if God is silent about certain things in his word, we are called upon to investigate the reasons for this – and not immediately use the silence as a “free space” for our ideas.

There is no question that songs have their place in the gatherings of believers: “I will sing praises with the spirit, but I will sing with the understanding also,” the apostle tells the Corinthians (1 Cor 14:15). Singing praise glorifies God. It is certainly also exemplary that our Lord sang a song of praise with his disciples at the institution of the memorial meal (Mk 14:26). The Jewish custom of singing certain psalms at the Passover may have played a certain role here. However, the song was sung directly after the memorial meal. This shows that (spiritual) songs support and express our thoughts and feelings appropriately, especially on this occasion. After the work of atonement has been accomplished, it is obviously a special joy for our Lord to “sing praises to God in the midst of the assembly” (Heb 2:12). This is why the quotation from Psalm 22 is applied to the believers of the time of grace. The risen Lord has united us most closely with Himself. And this is expressed in common praise.

Let us return to the musical instruments. Anyone reasonably familiar with the Old Testament will notice that no instruments are mentioned in connection with the New Testament service. Instruments, on the other hand, were of great importance in the temple service; they are mentioned frequently. Of course, singing was also in the foreground at that time, while the instruments merely served as accompaniment. This is why singers are mentioned in the relevant passages – and not players or instrumentalists (cf. 1 Chr 15:16, 19). It is remarkable that in the context of the temple service, the instruments used are even called “musical instruments of God” (1 Chr 16:42). David had obviously chosen them with care and insight. They were to be suitable for the worship service of the time, “to praise the Lord” (1 Chr 16:7, 41; 23:30; 25:3). And they fulfilled this purpose. God had given His approval; He had, so to speak, put His stamp on these instruments.

Today, these “sacred instruments” no longer have any significance for the praise of God and “worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). They are no longer mentioned and obviously no longer used. Is the reason not that praise and worship in the time of grace is a matter of the heart – even more so than in the Old Covenant? In any case, it is noticeable that singing “in the heart” is mentioned twice in the New Testament:

• “… speaking to one another in psalms [footnote 1] and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing in your hearts to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

• “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God” (Col 3:16).

Of course, this does not exclude the possibility that the singing of praise by Christians can also be heard. Especially when we come together as a congregation and sing together, this is not done with the heart alone; the voice and lips are also involved: “Through him, therefore, let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb. 13:15).

This verse from Hebrews also makes it clear that what we offer to God is different from the sacrifices of thanksgiving that were offered in the Old Testament. Indeed, the Israelites had already offered their thanks offerings on their initiative back then; in this respect, their hearts were also involved. But the content and accompanying elements of these sacrifices were of a material and sensual nature. We, on the other hand, bring “spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

In contrast to the visible glory that unfolded, especially in the temple service, the New Testament contains no instructions for the outward appearance of our gatherings. Gold, splendid garments, spices, and the like have found their fulfillment in the person, ministry, and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Since God has fully revealed himself in the person of his Son and “became truth through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17), we can worship “in truth.” Musical instruments cannot promote our worship – on the contrary, there would be more of a danger that purely natural feelings would suppress spiritual thoughts and feelings. This is because, depending on our disposition, our attention would quickly turn to the musical performance. Real worship is only promoted by the Holy Spirit, who magnifies the divine persons and divine actions in our hearts.

These principles, which we can take from the teachings of the New Testament, should not lead us to prohibit the instrumental accompaniment of (praise) songs in general. This applies in particular to the use of instruments in family and youth lessons. After all, it is not the case that we are always together for worship – and not even as a local assembly in the name of the Lord (Mt 18:20). So, an instrumental accompaniment can enhance the joyful or sad mood of a song, which can also be of benefit and to the glory of the Lord. However, it is important that the Word (of God) is at the center and remains in the foreground. Then, the prerequisite is given that the heart and thoughts are spiritually involved. If, on the other hand, only instruments are heard in the praise of God, there is a danger of slipping into a natural and emotional level.

One final note on instrumental music accompaniment in the meetings as an assembly: even if it is not really in the spirit of Scripture to use musical instruments in the meetings, we still must also bear in mind that there is no direct prohibition in Scripture. This topic can not be dealt with dogmatically.

In some places, singing in the meetings could be better. What can be done? One measure is definitely effective: singing more in families again. It would have a blessed effect – not only acoustically, but above all spiritually. A revival in personal and family life of faith always results in a revival in our gatherings.

With best wishes and blessings

_______________________________

[1] Psalms do not necessarily mean the Psalms of the Old Testament, but songs that express the feelings of a Christian in musical compositions. It should also be noted that the “use of the Greek word ‘psalmos,’ ‘psallo’ in the basic text of the New Testament provides no evidence for the use of musical instruments”.