A Little Bit of Singing & A Whole Lot of Accompaniment.

 The subject of instruments and clapping in worship is an interesting one. I know this a controversial topic. I’m well aware that as a “Christian” group we do not all agree on the same opinion in the matter. I would like to bring you today not an opinion but fact on this topic. I pray that with an open heart you will read, search the scriptures for yourself and discover what God commands. 

Mosaic Covenant

When we examine the Mosaic covenant, we see that the music conducted was both in song and with instruments. Special assignments were given by God. This was done by God through His prophets and overseen by King David (1 Chron. 25:1-7; 2 Chron. 29:25-30).  We must keep in mind that the singers from the tribe of Levi and instruments of music were not merely authorized but that they were commanded. Even in Nehemiah we see the use of instruments. This was done according to the commandment we see in the ordinance for the restored temple services. Nehemiah says that Ezra the scribe was before them “with musical instruments of David the man of God” and that the chiefs of the Levites were “to praise and give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God” (Neh. 12:36,24). Nehemiah is expressing the authority given by referring to David as the man of God through whom the commandment came. He also did this by referring to Ezra who taught according to the law of Moses (Neh. 12:1-47).  We also know that they could violate this command. (Amos 6:5) God was specific and clear. Is not the author of confusion. (1 Cor. 14:33) He wants you to succeed in loving Him. (Matt. 22:37; 1 John 5:3)Does this mean we can have instrumental worship today? We are to worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). The word is where we find the truth. Therefore to understand what God says about this topic we need to search the scriptures (Acts 17:11).

Mosaic Covenant is Obsolete

              We no longer recognize the Mosaic covenant. The commandments or ordinances in that covenant were all abolished at the cross (Eph. 2:15). We are under a new covenant (Heb. 7:11-19; 8:7-13). We have a “change” from the old to the new (Heb. 7:12).  The first is obsolete (Heb. 8:13). Therefore we need to look to the New Testament to see what we are to do. This would mean that we must search the commandments under the New Covenant to see what we are to do about this instrumental worship. So let us do that. Let’s look in the New Testament.

New Covenant

In the New Testament there is no mention of instruments of music.  In fact, we only have mention of singing. Journey with me for a moment as we look at those verses.  Mary, the mother of Jesus, sang a song with no instruments to the Lord (Luke 1:46).  Then we see Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns to God in prison (Acts 16:25). They couldn’t have used instruments because they had none. Yet they still were glorifying God. They were doing what God commanded, singing to Him. They were suffering so they prayed and they were cheerful so they sang psalms (James 5:13).  In fact James 5:13 is one of the verses we see where singing is commanded. God’s name was sung so that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy (Rom. 15:9). We are to sing with the spirit and with understanding (1 Cor.14:15). The context of 1 Cor. 14 is the issue of tongues, different languages, taking over without interpretation. Everyone was not able to understand or participate in worship. 1 Cor. 14:15 is a statement for everything to be done in a language everyone can understand and profit.  1 Corinthians is written to an established body of believers. The issue in 1 Cor. 14 is that the way worship was being conducted was not proper. That means they were singing in worship. Why? They were commanded to and following that command. It was well understood. 

The Command

Here are three solid verses that lets us know were commanded to sing and only to sing. We are commanded to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. We are commanded to sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord (Eph. 5:19). We are commanded to teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. We are commanded to sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord (Col. 3:16).  We are commanded to sing when we are cheerful (James 5:13). Can we use instruments? No, there is no command for it in the new covenant. 

Singing

We are only permitted and commanded to sing (Col. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:19; James 5:13). The first historical reference we have under the new covenant is Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:25). Prophecy spoke of singing the salvation of God for the Gentiles (Rom. 15:9; quote 2 Sam 22:50 or Ps. 18:49). We are instructed to sing with the spirit and understanding (1 Cor. 14:15). Sing what?  Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Col. 3:16-17; Eph. 5:19; James 5:13). The heart is the instrument the Holy Spirit designates to accompany the singing (Eph. 5:19). By signing songs of worship we also teach and admonish one another. The fruits of the lips includes singing, it’s a sacrifice to God (Heb. 13:15).  There is no authority for instruments.

How About Clapping?

What about clapping? Clapping is considered a percussion instrument in all areas of music.  It’s used in bands and is written into the printed music. That would mean its an instrument. It is also used to introduce instruments into formally A Capella cultures.  What about clapping at a baptism? We are cheerful at that time because of salvation which is based off of nothing that we have done. When we are made cheerful through God’s good providence, we are to sing praises to God (James 5:13).  So to express that cheer, needs to be done in song. Also clapping would be applauding the individual for a job well done. What job did he do well? Nothing, Christ did it all. 

Authority And Command

The final point I want to make is understanding a command. You read in Col. 3:17 that whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. We need to understand that “In the name of” is by His authority (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). We have not been given a command for instruments or clapping anywhere in scripture. In fact we have only been commanded to sing.  So a command given by God should be followed as the command reads or is said (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Matt. 28:20).   A command is an absolute statement that automatically excludes all other ideas, thoughts, and possibilities out.  When we read do not add to or take away from the word of God, that is exactly what it means (Duet 4:2; Prov. 30:5-6; Rev 22:18-19). You only have permission to do what God said and that’s it (Deut. 12:32).  We must be careful not to go beyond what we have been commanded (Lev. 10:1-2; Num. 22:18 & 24:13; 1 Cor. 4:6).  Don’t take my word for it, study it for yourself. 

Have you gone beyond the command to sing and added to it?

What can you change?

If you have gone beyond the command, by what authority have you done so?

I want to offer this piece of out side bible evidence to show the early church did just sing.

Pliney the Younger says,
"They asserted, however, that the sum and substance of their fault or error had been that they were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god, and to bind themselves by oath, not to some crime, but not to commit fraud, theft, or adultery, not falsify their trust, nor to refuse to return a trust when called upon to do so. When this was over, it was their custom to depart and to assemble again to partake of food--but ordinary and innocent food." (Pliny the Younger, Letters 10.96-97 Pliny the Younger to the Emperor Trajan).

These men below objected to the use of instruments, however those that have come after them see no wrong with it and teach it's use as of about 150 years ago . Here is what they said,

John Calvin

(French Theolgian, Bible Scholar, Refermation Movement influence)

"Musical instruments in celebrating the prasis of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense.."

Adam Clark

(British Methodist Theologian, bible Scholar)

"but instrumental music in the house of God I abominate and abhor",

John Knox

(Scotish Clergyman, Notary Priest, Founder of the Presbyterian denomination, Scottish Reformation Leader)

"Knox considered the organ "the devil's kist o' whistles." and had the one [organ] in the High Kirk of Edinburgh removed,

Martin Luther

(German Monk, professor, Theologian, considered to be the father of the Prostant Reformation Movments)

"The organ in the worship is the insignia of Baal; a sign of the devil...the Roman Catholics borrowed it from the jews",

Charles Spurgeon

(Famous Bapstis minister of British decent)

"We do no need them [instruments in worship]. They would hinder rather than help our praise. Sing unto him.",

John Wesley

(Anglican Cleric, Theolgian, founder ofArmian Methodism)

" I have no objection to instruments of music in our worship, provided they are neither seen nor hear."

 The church of Christ started there in Acts 2, the 1st Century. Long before the men mentioned above came along.  They never deterred from the simplicity of the gospel (Matt. 28:20). However, some have felt that they themselves need to.

 Don’t take my word for it, study it for yourself.