A sincere Christian posed this question: “Why don’t we use instruments of music in our worship?”
Tragically, so many members of the Lord’s church appear to be untaught as to exactly why churches of Christ refrain from instrumental accompaniment in their worship. The simplest, most concise answer is this: It is a matter of authority. There is no authority for the use of a mechanical instrument in Christian worship. We are not concerned with how the ancient pagan worshipped his gods. Nor is the Hebrew method of worship germane, since that system was abrogated by the death of Christ (Romans 7:4; Galatians 3:24-25; Colossians 2:14).
For this age, the crucial question is: How is the Christian authorized to worship? In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote: “And whatsoever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (3:17). The expression “word or deed” encompasses two realms – teaching and practice. Our teaching and practice must be “in the name of the Lord.”
The Greek expression en onoma, signifies “in the power of” or “by the authority of” (J.T. Mueller, Wycliffe Dictionary of Theology, 371). Too, the designation “Lord” emphasizes the Savior’s authority (cf. Matthew 28:18) in matters of faith and practice. The child of God must operate only within the bounds of Christ’s authority (see John 4:24; 17:17; 1 Corinthians 4:6 ASV; 2 John 9).
If the auto mechanic is instructed to do a “tune-up,” that does not mean he is authorized to rebuild the transmission. If a physician authorizes a certain medication, the pharmacist is not at liberty to improvise otherwise. The “wheel chair” symbol authorizes a handicapped person to park in a certain place; there are heavy fines for ignoring this authority designation. Each day, in different ways, we are required to respect the limitations of authority.
So it is with worship; we are authorized to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). We are not authorized to “play.” It is a matter of authority. Some folks respect the authority of the New Testament; others do not. They yield to the impulse of “will-worship” – the practice of which embraces both that which is “forbidden” and “unbidden” (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary). Such disobedience brings only condemnation. This term “will-worship” condemns the use of mechanical instruments in Christian worship. The devout Christian, who wishes to respect the Lord’s authority, will worship in song (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) – without the encumbrance of mechanical instruments.
Miami Gardens, let us be thankful to have the opportunity to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
Keep the faith!