The use of musical instruments in church worship is a topic that often generates much debate among Christians. There are differing opinions on whether or not the Bible condones or condemns the use of instruments during corporate worship. While there are no direct prohibitions against using instruments in the New Testament, some believe the lack of mention indicates they should not be used. Others point to Old Testament references of instruments being commanded for use in temple worship as justification for their inclusion. There are good-faith arguments on both sides of this issue, and Christians have differed in practice throughout church history.
Those who argue against using musical instruments in church point to several key factors. First, they note that in the New Testament, singing is specifically mentioned as a form of worship, but instruments are never indicated (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16). The silence on instruments is taken to mean they should therefore not be used. Additionally, many early church buildings lacked instruments, and unaccompanied singing was the norm for centuries in early Christian worship. Those opposed also claim the introduction of instruments is tied to efforts to make worship more entertaining and performance-focused rather than God-focused. This risks making worship about what pleases people rather than what pleases God. Finally, some point to church history, where organs and other instruments were initially strongly resisted before gradually gaining acceptance over the course of many centuries.
On the other side, those in favor of using musical instruments in church also have biblical and historical justifications. In the Old Testament, instrumental music was commanded by God for use in temple worship (1 Chron 23:5, 2 Chron 29:25-26). The Psalms also mention the use of instruments like the lyre and harp in praising God (Psalm 33:2, Psalm 150). While these exact Old Testament prescriptions do not carry over into Christian worship, advocates argue there is nothing immoral about using instruments, so they can be utilized if desired. Historically, instruments like the organ eventually became widely accepted and valued specifically for their ability to facilitate congregational singing and praise. This demonstrates how instruments can support and enrich singing, which does have clear New Testament precedent, rather than detract from it.
There are good-faith Christians on both sides of this debate, which stems from differing views on how prescriptive or descriptive the New Testament passages on worship are meant to be. Those opposed emphasize the regulatory nature of the silence on instruments, while those in favor stress the lack of a clear prohibition. This results in different practices – some churches only use singing with no instruments, others use both, and still others take a middle ground approach of occasionally including instruments but emphasizing singing. But both sides would affirm the priority of worshipping God over personal preferences about instruments. Romans 14 speaks to these kinds of disputable matters, counseling acceptance of differing practices in non-essential issues. The main thing is that Jesus Christ is preached and praised (Philippians 1:15-18).
Looking deeper at the key biblical passages invoked in this discussion can shed more light on the matter:
Silence of the New Testament on instruments
It is true that the New Testament does not specifically mention using musical instruments in church gatherings. Singing is referenced frequently, but instruments are not. Some see this as evidence that the early church did not utilize instruments:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…” (Ephesians 5:18-19)
These passages mention singing specifically but do not indicate accompaniment by instruments. However, others point out this does not necessarily equal a prohibition against using instruments in worship. The New Testament also never mentions using songbooks or worship bulletins, but virtually all churches use these helpfully today. The lack of mention does not mean instruments cannot be utilized in service of worshipping God.
Instruments in Old Testament worship
In contrast to the New Testament silence, the Old Testament has abundant references to instruments used in temple worship. God Himself commanded the use of instruments like cymbals, harps and lyres in the temple:
“David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who prophesied with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals.” (1 Chronicles 25:1)
The Psalms also frequently mention praising God with musical instruments:
“Praise the Lord with lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!” (Psalm 33:2)
“Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!” (Psalm 150:3)
Advocates of using instruments note that while these specific Old Testament ceremonial laws do not directly apply, they establish a biblical precedent of God approving and even commanding the use instruments for worship. This provides a basis for including them in Christian worship, even without a New Testament directive.
Impact on focus of worship
One concern from those opposed to instruments is that they can shift emphasis away from God and toward human performance or entertaining the congregation. Elaborate instrumental pieces can become a distraction or glorify the musicians instead of glorifying God. However, those in favor counter that instruments can also be valuable in supporting and strengthening congregational singing when utilized carefully and thoughtfully. Instruments like keyboards or guitars can help keep the singing on-pitch and on-rhythm, helping the congregation participate together. Table percussion instruments are sometimes used specifically to boost energetic engagement in singing simple songs. So instruments do not necessarily detract from God-focused worship, and can often enhance it when used to facilitate sung praise.
Historical acceptance
Looking at the history of instruments in worship provides an interesting perspective. In the early church, musical instruments were generally not used in worship, which was mostly a cappella singing. But as the church grew, instruments gradually became more accepted over the centuries. The organ in particular was adopted into worship services starting in the Middle Ages, becoming widespread by the 17th and 18th centuries. Those opposed believe this illustrates a digression away from biblical norms over time. But advocates would counter that it shows instruments were not inherently problematic, as they became valued specifically to aid large group worship when utilized in appropriate ways.
By the 19th century, many denominations now regularly incorporated instruments like the organ. This history reveals a broad pattern of increasing acceptance of instruments based on their practical benefits for enabling rhythmic and harmonic musical worship. Just as few churches today take issue with using items like microphones or projectors, despite no biblical mention, many came to see instruments as benign additions supporting worship, not replacing or distorting it.
Potential principles from Scripture
Given the differing perspectives and the lack of definitive clarity on this issue, laying out some principles from Scripture can help guide decision-making and practice:
- True worship comes from spirit and truth (John 4:24) – Whatever practices we adopt, instruments or no, must be subservient to genuine heartfelt worship of Christ in spirit and truth.
- In all things, love should prevail (1 Cor 13:1-3) – Even “preferable” practices without love are worthless, so Christian love and acceptance must cover all disputable matters of practice.
- Careful judgment is required (1 Cor 14:7) – Consider the edification of the church in any practices, ensuring they ultimately aid worship not hinder it.
- Cultural adaptation is permissible (1 Cor 9:19-23) – Forms and styles may vary by culture, as long as centered on Christ. Musical instruments vary in acceptance and availability in different cultures.
- Liberty in non-essentials, charity in all things (Rom 14:1-23) – Even strong personal convictions on disputable matters should not lead to passing judgment on others.
As with many issues on which the Bible does not provide absolute clarity, wisdom and grace are required. Seeking fundamental biblical principles that transcend specific instructions can help in given situations. The main thing is that Jesus Christ is lifted up in corporate worship, through whatever musical forms best suit each church’s context, conscience and culture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God is concerned with the condition of hearts more than outward practices. Where instruments facilitate whole-hearted worship, they can be employed fruitfully. Where they distract from reverence and glory given to God, they should be minimized. Seeking God’s glory and Christ’s exaltation should remain the highest aim.
In conclusion, there are reasonable biblical cases to be made both for and against musical instruments used in church gatherings for worship. This issue has been debated for centuries without definitive resolution. Given the principles outlined and room for liberty, churches today follow differing practices – some use only singing with no instruments, some incorporate certain instruments to aid singing, and some utilize a fuller ensemble of instruments. But the emphasis should remain on meaningful expressions of worship regardless of accompaniment or style. As long as truth resounds and Christ is magnified, churches have room for choice in matters like instruments. With love and biblical fidelity guiding the way, instruments can be assessed for their impact on the gospel and responded to accordingly by each local body.
