What Does the New Testament Teach About Music in Worship?
Music has always been part of the worship of God's people. The Old Testament frequently mentions singing accompanied by instruments. David appointed musicians, and instruments were used in the worship of the tabernacle and later the temple (1 Chronicles 23:5; 2 Chronicles 29:25).
The New Testament, however, introduces a new question.
How did the first Christians worship after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus?
Rather than beginning with the Old Testament or later church history, let's begin with the New Testament itself.
When the New Testament speaks about music in the church, it consistently tells Christians to sing.
Paul writes,
"Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19)
He also writes,
"Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)
Notice what these passages emphasize.
Christians sing.
They teach one another.
They encourage one another.
Their praise is directed to God.
The melody Paul specifically mentions is made in the heart.
The New Testament never criticizes instrumental music. Neither does it command the church to use instruments when it assembles. Instead, every direct instruction concerning the church's music speaks of Christians singing.
This brings us back to the principles we learned earlier.
When studying any subject, we should first ask:
What has God actually said?
Only after answering that question should we ask whether a particular practice helps carry out the instruction or changes it.
Faithful Christians have reached different conclusions at this point, and this study is not intended to question anyone's sincerity. Our purpose is simply to observe what the New Testament teaches and to allow each reader to compare that teaching with his own practice.
Whatever conclusion we reach, it should grow naturally from the biblical text rather than from personal preference or religious tradition.
Continue Your Study
Jesus gave His disciples a simple memorial to remember His death.
How did the early church observe it?
What can we learn from the New Testament about its purpose and practice?
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What Does the New Testament Teach About Singing?
What Does the Bible Teach About Silence?
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Companion Video
What Does the New Testament Teach About Music in Worship?
Read First. Conclude Later.