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It has long been argued by religionists who lean to the left (liberal) that "if God has not specifically forbidden a thing in worship, then it is allowed." In other words, "silence is permissive." The group that leans to the right (conservatives who seek authority to act) contend that "if God has been silent about some religious act, then it is forbidden." In other words, "silence is prohibitive." Which philosophy is correct? The first group (Group A) seeks to justify their contention based upon what they call "liberty in Christ." The other group (Group B) appeals to certain passages of Scripture. Let's consider the virtues and pitfalls of each group.
Group A: Acts on what God did not say.
Group B: Acts on what God has said.
Group A seeks to justify their position based upon the "liberty and grace" that we have in Christ. But the scriptures regarding liberty are not helpful to them.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians to answer a question about whether it was a sin to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
(1 Cor. 8:7) Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge: but some, being used until now to the idol, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But food will not commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak.
The passage above mentions liberty, but it is regarding something that is explicitly said not to be sinful. Yet even in this situation (when something is not a sin) Paul warns brethren to "take heed," i.e., to be very careful in taking action lest it cause others to stumble.
Another passage that mentions liberty is James 1:25. It says,
"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."
The above passage notes that there is a "LAW of liberty," i.e., that the New Testament is a law. Furthermore, it tells us that those who continue in it will be blessed. This law affords liberty and freedom from sin, but the passage does not condone lawlessness. Jesus' words remain true: "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Jesus also said, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). Those who seek the truth look to the word rather than tradition or what pleases men.
Group B uses various passages of scripture to support their contention.
Deut. 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
The above is from the Old Testament, but it sets forth God's thinking as to men's adding to what He has said or written for us. Revelation 22:18 confirms that the above continues to be true today.
Heb. 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
God, through Moses, authorized that the priests be of the tribe of Levi. God did not have to say, "Priests cannot be of the tribe of Juda." The Hebrew writer tells us that God said "nothing" about Juda. "Nothing" implies that God was silent. But was God totally silent regarding which tribe one must be a part of to be a priest? No. When He specified the tribe of Levi His words were LOUD AND CLEAR. The same is true with instrumental music in worship. God has not been silent. He specified "singing" (Eph. 5:19; Col 3:16) and, again, His word is loud and clear. The question that remains to be answered is: "Will we hear and give heed to God or will we listen to feeble arguments of men who seek to justify unauthorized acts that are pleasing to men?"
Deut. 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
The prophets of God who sought to please Him did not act presumptuously in their duty. They waited on the command from God. If God was silent, they were silent.
Lev. 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. 2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
Here God had evidently commanded the use of a certain kind of fire (giving a specific command). But Nadab and Abihu (Mosaic priests) acted upon their own thinking or desires and performed an act of worship "which he commanded them not." God showed us His displeasure regarding such actions by making an example out of these two men. Would it not be highly risky to assume that God does not care about conduct like this today and that we can get away with doing basically the same type of things?
QUESTIONS:
- "If silence condemns, are we not condemned for adding song books?"
Answer: Silence does not condemn but doing things in religion that God has not authorized certainly is not pleasing to Him. Song books are authorized. We have the command to sing, which is a generic command, but no specifics are given as to how to accomplish our singing or carry out the command to sing. Thus, we have the choice as to whether to try to learn songs by memory or use printed pages or projections on a screen.
- "Will those who participate in the use of instrumental music in worship not go to heaven?"
Answer: The answer to the above question is for GOD to decide on an individual basis. Certainly, the requirement to "walk in the light" is to be considered. Based upon examples God has set forth as to how He deals with men (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11; Lev. 10:1, 2; Lev. 20:7-12), one whose attitude is "I don’t have to do what God said - I can do as I please - He is not concerned with how we worship Him" is treading on thin ice to say the least.
- What New Testament passages teach singing?
Matt. 26:30 "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives."
Acts 16:25 "But about midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God..."
Rom. 15:9 "...For this cause, I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto Thy name."
1 Cor. 14:15 "...I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."
Eph. 5:19 "Speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord."
Col. 3:16 "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God."
Heb. 2:12 "...In the midst of the congregation will I sing thy praise"
Heb. 13:15 "Through Him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips which make confession to his name."
James. 5:13 "Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing Psalms."
4. What New Testament passage teaches playing instruments in worship on earth? Answer: There are none. One says something about them in heaven. That all.
5. Why is playing instruments in worship important to many?
Answer: There are various arguments made for using instrumental music in worship. Here is one that seems to be the one that most embrace: "We like it, we want it, and we are going to have it (or keep it)." The Bible answer to such a reply is to remind the reader of what Jesus said about "traditions of men" (Matt. 15:9). Paul wrote, "Our desires fight against God, because they do not and cannot obey God's laws" (Rom. 8:7 CEV).
Here is a link to 100 scriptures on pleasing God rather than men:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/pleasing_god_rather_than_people
6. What did early New Testament writers and scholars believe regarding music?
Answer: They were generally against it based on lack of authority.
Follow this link: https://www.bible.ca/H-music.htm
Conclusion:
If we want to have assurance of salvation and hope of heaven, then it behooves us to shun "commandments and doctrines of men" (Col 2:22; Tit. 1:14; Matt. 15:9) and endeavor to speak only the word of God. "If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message" (1 Pet. 4:11a CEV). How can anyone who preaches and/or follows teaching that is not supported by scripture think that it will end well for them? Rather, true disciples always endeavor to speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent.
Here is the link for part two of this study: https://totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-instrumental-music-in-worship-2.htm
Recommended reading for further study:
https://www.justchristians.com/resources/instrumental-music-in-worship
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