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Mosaic Covenant is Obsolete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 The first is obsolete (Heb. 8:13).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.
"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).
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.
Awesome. Please feel free to email me at warrior.slj@gmail.com for further study.
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