Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

One of the characteristics of the churches of Christ which strike our visitors as different and unusual is the fact that we do not have a piano, organ, or other kind of mechanical instrument of music in our worship. Some appreciate the difference and some do not.

When visitors learn that our reason for not having mechanical instruments of music in worship is doctrinal, frequently they react negatively. When a sermon is heard condemning the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship, some judgmentally condemn us for “judging” others and “judge” us to be extremely narrow-minded and bigoted.

Recognizing that some people will immediately dismiss any discussion of the issue as “much ado about nothing,” I find myself faced with the difficult task of trying to convince a prejudiced person when I try to explain what I believe. I only request that you give me a fair hearing, and that whatever decision you reach on the subject will be based on what the Bible teaches rather than on preconceived notions.

Some Misconceptions People Have About Why We Oppose Mechanical Instruments Of Music In Worship

Some people who are aware that we do not use mechanical instruments of music in worship do not understand why we have chosen not to use them. Here are some misconceptions which people have: (1) We have a personal distaste for instrumental music in worship. Actually, most of us like to hear songs sung with mechanical instruments of music and some among us are very talented musicians. (2) We think singing with instrumental accompaniment is better. Our reasons are not based on personal opinion and judgment. (3) Our objection to mechanical instruments of music is a cultural objection, much like the Amish objection to driving automobiles. Our objections are not related to our culture. (4) We cannot afford a piano. Most congregations among us can easily afford a piano or organ. (5) We do not have anyone qualified to play the piano. In most congregations with which I have had contact, someone among them has the ability to play the piano or organ. Hence, the conceptions which some have of why we object to mechanical instruments in our worship are inaccurate.

Having set aside these misconceptions, let me explain why we oppose mechanical instruments of music in worship.

Divine Worship Is Revealed From God

God has never left man to grope in the dark to find the kind of worship which pleases Him. Instead, God has given man a divine revelation to show men the kind of morality, family life, and worship which pleases Him. This is demonstrated for us very early in the Scriptures.

God revealed the kind of worship which men were to offer when they left the Garden of Eden. The Scriptures relate, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. . . ” (Heb. 11:4). One can walk by faith only when he moves in obedience to God’s divine revelation (Rom. 10:17). Hence, Abel offered unto God the kind of sacrifice which God commanded. In contrast, Cain offered a sacrifice to God with which God was not pleased, and He rejected it (Gen. 4:4-5). This Bible account demonstrates that not all worship pleases God; the only worship which pleases God is that which is offered in compliance with God’s divine revelation.

Another incident which demonstrates that worship must be offered according to the revelation which God has given to us is found in 1 Kings 12:13. God had revealed to Moses on Mt. Sinai the kind of worship which His people were to offer to Him (see Exod.-Deut.). About 500 years later, the kingdom of Israel divided into two nations-Israel and Judah. King Jeroboam of Israel was afraid that the worship in Jerusalem would draw men back to Judah. Consequently, he established an alternate form of worship in Bethel and Dan. He changed the worship place from Jerusalem to Bethel and Dan; he used idols in their worship; he used men from every tribe for priests rather than using only Levites; he changed the date of the holy day (cf. 1 Kgs. 12:25-33). The Scriptures say, “This thing became a sin” (I Kgs. 12:30). God had revealed the kind of worship which should be offered to God; when they departed from it, they were guilty of sin and their worship was unacceptable.

The New Testament reinforces these same facts. Jesus taught that worship had to be offered according to the pattern which God revealed for it to be acceptable to God. When the Pharisees made “washing of hands” a religious ceremony, Jesus condemned their practice saying, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8-9). There is nothing morally wrong with washing one’s hands before eating. However, to make it an act of worship to God was to render worship useless. Anything which is introduced into worship on the authority of man will nullify one’s worship.

Paul described a kind of worship as “will worship” (Col. 2:23). Will worship is a worship devised by man, according to man’s perception of what is good. Men subjected themselves to ordinances such as, “Touch not; taste not; handle not” –ordinances from men, not from God (Col. 2:22). This worship is useless. It honors and glorifies the men who invented, devised, and willed it. Rather than glorifying God, it dishonors Him.

The warnings of Scripture emphasize the need for man to content himself with obeying what God’s word has commanded and revealed. The punishment of hell will come upon those who step outside the boundaries of God’s word in their worship. Notice the following warnings:

Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son (2 Jn. 9).

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book (Rev. 22:18-19).

Other Scriptures such as Galatians 1:8-9, 1 Timothy 1:3, 4:1-3 and others could be cited. All of them warn of the dangers of failing to do what God has commanded and doing things which He has not commanded. All of them urge Christians to walk within the revelation of God’s word given to us through the inspired apostles and prophets.

The Kind Of Music Which God Accepts

Having learned the importance of confining our worship to what the Bible has revealed, we now need to learn what kind of worship pleases God. From the outset, we recognize that the kind of worship which pleases God must be revealed in the New Testament. All Christians understand that a return to the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament would be a rejection of the all-sufficient atonement of the blood of Christ. Hence, the kind of worship which Christians are to offer must be learned from the New Testament.

Our study of the kind of worship which pleases God is limited to the kind of music which pleases God. Here are the New Testament passages which discuss the music of the saints:

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives (Matt. 26:30; cf. Mk. 14:26).

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns unto God. . . (Acts 16:25).

Therefore will I give praise unto thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name (Rom. 15:9).

I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also (1 Cor. 14:15).

. . . speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:19).

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 (Col. 3:16).

I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the congregation will I sing thy praise (Heb. 2:12).

Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing psalms (Jas. 5:13).

These are all of the New Testament passages which refer to the music used by the disciples in their worship to God. The things which impress us about their worship in song are that (1) it was congregational and (2) it was vocal. The early church knew nothing about special singing groups to entertain them in worship. The early church did not use mechanical instruments of music in worship.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 18, pp. 546, 567
September 19, 1985

By Ramon Madrigal

Most Christians realize that the first century church experienced tremendous growth both in numbers and in spirit. Indeed, about 3000 repentant sinners were converted in response to the very first gospel sermon. What we often overlook is that this notable increase occurred under very hostile circumstances. Perhaps the presentation of a television miniseries like “A.D.,” aired last spring, helped graphically illustrate the problems and dilemmas our early brethren had to face. While much of the material in that movie was inaccurate and speculative, the Christians were, indeed, “fed to the lions” and treated cruelly. It was under such circumstances that the Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation and admonished his brethren to be “faithful unto death” (Rev. 2:10). Stephen was the first martyr, but certainly not the last (Acts 7).

So how is it in modern times that many churches seem “dead” spiritually and show little growth? We enjoy relative religious freedom and little governmental persecution at the present time. If the kingdom was able to grow in the first century within a belligerent environment, should not the modern church abound in growth and maturity?

Let me suggest to you that affluence and prosperity present special problems and trials to contemporary Christians. People who enjoy good health, a stable economy, and untold luxuries and leisure have a tendency to forget about God! Who needs the Lord when everything is going so well? The lesson of early Christianity is unmistakable: Growth is a product of dependence on God. This is why Jesus taught that the “poor in spirit are blessed” (Matt. 5:3). We need to humble ourselves before God and before our fellow-man. We ought to entrust to God our lives, expressing our humility and dependence to our Maker. Every Christian can do this in the following ways:

(1) Prayer. I suppose that there is no act or event that so vividly expresses our humility and lowliness as prayer. Yet this is our avenue of communication to God. Through prayer we can come boldly before the throne of grace and discuss life with our Lord. He will give us the strength and stamina we need to carry our crosses. How else could Paul and Silas endure the prison of Philippi?

(2) Singing. It is written that “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Perhaps there is nothing as powerful to stimulate and motivate the mind as music. That is why the advertising industry uses musical “jingles” to sell products. That is how a lustful and sinful world sells a lascivious lifestyle to young and nimble minds. On the other hand, it is also how Christians can keep their thoughts on honorable, just, pure, and lovely things. Why not begin each day with a spiritual song? Like certain culinary foods, it is likely to “repeat” all day in your heart!

(3) Study. The Psalmist declared that he meditated on God’s law both day and night. So must we! The most effective way to eliminate evil and corrupt thoughts and desires from our minds is to fill and refill our minds with “things that are higher” and “things that are nobler.” Study also prepares us for the most important work of communicating our faith to others who “see our good works and glorify God” (Matt. 5:16). How else can we be ready to give answer to those who ask us to explain our hope (1 Pet. 3:15)?

(4) Sharing. By this we mean the deliberate and conscious effort to evangelize a lost and dying humanity. All have fallen short of God’s grace and stand condemned before God without Christ. Do you know of a friend, relative, or neighbor who needs the blood of the Lamb? Of course you do. Share your faith with him or her! Invite them to the services of the church; write a letter or send a tract; make that phone call and express your love and concern. We can do all things “through Christ who gives us strength” (Phil. 4:13).

While each of these items can be expressed in our assemblies together, I believe that the greatest growth is accomplished “behind the scenes.” Personal growth is primary and preparatory to church growth. Constant and fervent prayer “in our closets” shows God (and no one else) that we are aware of our need for Him. While our co-workers may sing along with Kenny Rogers or Juice Newton, we should sing spiritual songs and hymns to the glory of God. Who knows, maybe we’ll actually influence somebody for good rather than being influenced by evil. Although it may be relaxing and entertaining to watch 3-6 hours of television each night, can we not find 10-30 minutes to meditate on the Word? Can we not scrape together 20 minutes to regularly share our faith to others in some way?

These are things that we all can do, whatever talents and abilities God has given to us. The preacher cannot pray or sing for you. That is your responsibility both in and out of the church building. Neither can the elders study and evangelize for me. That is my responsibility and opportunity. May God give us the wisdom to recognize our utter dependence on Him, the courage and confidence to continue in the faith, and the zeal to evangelize the world!

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 18, pp. 545, 566
September 19, 1985

By Dennis C. Abernathy

The apostle Paul tells the Ephesians that “there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4-6). Just as surely as this passage shows there is but one God, it shows there is but one body. In other words, if you believe in one God, you also believe there is one body (that is, if you believe the Bible)!

Our Lord has but one body on this earth. “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (Rom. 12:4-5). “But now are they many mem4ers, yet but one body” (1 Cor. 12:20).

Since we now know there is but one body, the next question is: “What is this one body?” Let the Book answer. “And He is the head of the body, the church . . .” (Col. 1: 18). Notice further, “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church” (Col. 1:24). One last passage, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). The church is His body! “The body” — “the church.” How simple. But please notice that this does not say “a church … .. some church,” or “just any church.” But it does say “the church.” What does this prove? It proves there is but one body and this one body is the church. It follows then, that there is but one church!

This being the truth, why will men encourage people to “join the church of your choice and glorify God”? (Billy Graham, “My Answer,” 12/15/55).- May I ask a question in all sincerity, not to be ugly or offensive, but plain and forthright. How is it that there is a Catholic church, a Seventh-Day Adventist church, several different kinds of Baptist churches, Methodist churches, interdenominational churches that are composed of many different beliefs, and on and on we could go, yet with each of these claiming its existence by divine authority and all claiming to acknowledge the Bible as being true? Is the Bible the “infallible rule of faith and practice”? I can read of Paul addressing “the church of God at Corinth.” I can read of “the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae.” I can read of “the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons” (1 Cor. 1:2; Col. 1:2; Phil. 1:1). Then I can read of “all the churches of Christ” sending greetings (Rom. 16:16). But my dear friend, I must humbly confess that I have never found where Paul addressed the Presbyterian Church, the Baptist Church, or the Methodist Church. Have you? I cannot find anything like “the Seventh-day Adventist Churches salute you” in the Word of God. Can you? Have you wondered why this is so? Doesn’t it appear that something is wrong?

Ah! But someone says, “these organizations are but branches of the vine, or members of the one body of which Paul speaks. But when one defends error (or tries to) he finds himself engrossed in even more error. Now we have a “Baptist branch of the church,” a “Methodist branch of the church,” and I suppose the smaller, less prominent groups might be considered I ‘twigs. ” But notice, if you will. Until the various denominations came into being (whose beginnings are not found in the Bible), the church must have been without “branches” and consequently could not have been fruitful. A vine with no branches that bears no fruit is worthless! But we are supposed to believe that today God has branches, and branches, and branches, and branches. That there are branches of branches, and branches of branches of branches. Talk about “spiritual evolution.” And not only that, but all of these branches are growing from the same vine, with every one bearing different kinds of fruit. Talk about an oddity. My friend, who can believe it!

No, dear reader, there is but one body, the church. You can read all about it in the Bible. It is composed of the “saved,” who have been added to it by the Lord Himself (Acts 2:37,38,41,47). The units that make up the one body are Christians and not congregations or different denominations. These Christians form local churches when they meet together in their localities and do what God has ordained in His Word.

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 17, p. 532
September 5, 1985

By Ronnie Milliner

We all enter God’s family at different times. We mature at different rates. How are those who are more mature or stronger in the faith to treat those who are weaker? How should the weak react to the strong? Paul deals with these relationships in Romans 14:1-15:13.

Not Damning (14:1-12)

Paul admonishes, “Receive the one who is weak in the faith” (14:1a). The realm in which Paul is dealing in this section of Scripture is the area of opinion (14:1b, NASB). This point is important to remember for some individuals want to apply the writer’s instruction to areas unauthorized by the Word of God.

Two examples are given-one in the matter of diet, the other in the matter of day-keeping. “One believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables” (14:2). In the other area, “one person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike” (14:5a). If a man chooses to eat only vegetables, he is not violating any sacred principle. The man is not to be condemned for his actions, neither is he to try to bind his personal view on other brethren.

The reason we are not to condemn our weaker brethren is that we are not the Master (14:1), we are not the Lord (14:7-9), we are not the Judge (14:10-12). “Each of us shall give account of himself to God” (14:2).

Not Deterring (14:13-23)

In dealing with our weaker brethren we should not “put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (14:13). A man should not be caused to violate his conscience, for if he does he is sinning (14:23). Can you imagine destroying one spiritually “with your food the one for whom Christ died” (14:15)? Is my food (or my “rights”) more important than my brother’s soul? Instead of demanding our way, “let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food” (14:19-20).

Not Dividing (15:1-13)

The stronger need to carry the weaker, not put them down. Build up, not tear down. Christ was certainly one who was not looking out for just self. He was willing to sacrifice Himself for others, and so should we. Even though there may be differences of knowledge due to different stages of maturity, we should still be one. “Be like-minded toward one another . . . that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:5-6). Never should God’s people divide over matters of indifference.

Conclusion

We are a family. Families have problems and differences, but they seek to resolve their problems. God, our Father, has told us, His children, how to handle our problems. We can settle any matter if we will follow His will. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification”

Guardian of Truth XXIX: 18, p. 548
September 19, 1985