| Can a Man Worship God Acceptably Using Instruments of Music? 1. If he did, it would be without New Testament authority (command or example) A: God has authorized only singing in the New Testament (1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) B: The only examples of musical praise in the New Testament are singing. (Matt. 26:30; Acts 16:25; James 5:13; Rom. 15:9; Heb. 2:12) 2. Historically, musical instruments were not used in Christian worship until the 6th Century A.D. and then at the cost of a division between Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholicism. Reformation leaders John Calvin (Presbyterian), John Wesley (Methodist), and Charles Spurgeon (Baptist) opposed instrumental music because of its absence in the New Testament. 3. Didn’t God allow musical instruments in the Old Testament? A: Yes (11 Sam. 6:5; 11 Chron. 7:6; Psalms 98) even commanded it (11 Chron. 29:25) B: However, later God pronounced woes upon those who used them (Amos 5:23; 6:1-5) C: Remember also: The Old Testament is not our guide (authority) today. 4. Does the New Testament forbid the use of musical instruments? A: No, but this does not allow us to use them. B. We are not free to do everything the Lord does not forbid (Ex. Using orange juice and cake for the communion) 5. Does it really make that much difference how we worship God? Example: In Lev. 10:1-2 the sons of Aaron offered unauthorized fire before the Lord contrary to His command. Fire went out from the Lord and devoured them. 1- They were worshipping God – God had not authorized what they did – Since God did not authorize it, he did not accept it – and they suffered Death. 2- Such stories are examples to us (1 Cor. 10:11) B: When we worship God as we like, it is called “ will worship” (Col. 2:22-23) C: When we worship God according to the traditions or commandments of men, Jesus says it is “Vain” (Matt. 15:3,9) |
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