Truth Magazine

By Wayne Burger

One of the most oft asked questions by those who visit our service is, ” Why do you not use instrumental music in your worship?” That is a good question – one that is worthy a biblical answer. It can be answered in just a few words, “Wd do not use it because God,has not authorized the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship to him.” All that one does is to be done “in his name” (or by his authority, Col. 3:17). Since he has not told us to use instrumental music, we do not have the right to assume that it is alright to worship him by means of the instrument.

That answers the question but below is more information to help one understand why we do not use instrumental music in our worship services.

It Is Not Because

1. We do not like instrumental music. Members of churches of Christ like instrumental music as well as anyone else. Often musical instruments are owned and played at home or in situations other than worship services.

2. We cannot afford them. When we were in the mission field, often people suggested that we did not have mechanical inst ruments of music in our services because we were few in number and the church was just getting started. No, we could have afforded them then and could afford them now – that is not the reason.

3. We do not have anyone to play them. Some of the most musically talented people in the world worship with the church of Christ. Many members play the piano and other instruments. Some even make their living teaching instrumental music. But, they do not. play,these instruments when they gather to worship God.

4. We just want to be different. Not using instrumental music makes us different from most religious groups, but that is not the reason we do not use them. We do not mind being different but we do not refrain just to be different or difficult.

There are other religious groups who do not use mechanical instruments in their services. The Greek Orthodox Church does not use instrumental music and it is for the same reason which we do not. They say that they are not authorized in the New Testament. Remember also that they study from the Greek New Testament – in which the Bible was first written.

In fact most denominational groups did not use instrumental music until about 100 years ago. Leading authorities in many denominations can be quoted as to why they oppose their denomination using instruments of music.

5. It is just our personal preference. It is not a matter of us choosing the opinion of acapella. music over instrumental music. It is a matter of faith. That is, it is a matter of what God has authorized. What one does in worship must be according to what God has authorized. God has not left the acts of worship to the opinion of men. It is a matter of faith (legislation from God) not opinion of man.

Whether or not something is right or wrong is not determined by opinion. Different people may have different opinions as to what the speed limit ought to be but the laws of the land determine what it will be. When one violates that law his opinion about what the speed limit ought to be will not satisfy the courts of the land.

The same principle is true with regard to one’s relationship to God, even to the worship of God. There may be a variety of ideas as to what will make God happy, but the only way that one can know what he desires is to read what God has written on the subject.

The New Testament is our authority for what God desires in worship. The New Testament does not authorize instrumental music in worship. Even though the Jews used instrumental music to worship God in the Old Testament, they did not when they became Christians.

There are several passages in the New Testament which tell about the worship of the church and all of them authorize singing – none authorizes using instrumental music. Note the passages below which speak of singing.

Ephesians 5:19: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

James 5:13: “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”

See also Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Hebrews 2:12; 13:15.

Can you find a passage which gives us the right to use instrumental music? Let us know if you have in mind a passage.

Why not instrumental music? Because it is not authorized by God. We are to walk by faith – which means we walk by the instructions which God gives (Rom. 10:17). Where God has not spoken we do not have the authority to do. (Reprinted from The Word of Life, 2 Apr. 1989, published by Wylie Church of Christ, Wylie, TX.)

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 21, p. 654
November 2, 1989

By Mary Mayberry

In the final scene of the movie classic, “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy came to realize that “There’s no place like home!” How true! After a long day at work, we look forward to the rest and relaxation of home. Soldiers stationed on foreign soil long for the time when they can go home to family, friends and sweethearts. The most commonly asked question in a hospital is, “Doctor, when can I go home?”

The Bible speaks of heaven as the enduring home of the soul. Abraham sojourned in a strange land, but “looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:10). Jesus told his disciples to “rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Lk. 10: 17-20). The Christian’s greatest hope is finding a home with God. What a joy it is to know that, if we are faithful, one day heaven will be our home. In the words of the chorus of that old gospel song: “When the saved get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When the saved see Jesus, they will sing and shout the victory.”

The Various Uses of the Word “Heaven”

What is heaven? Of the several words translated “heaven,” the most important are the Hebrew shamayim and the Greek ouranos. This Greek word appears 284 times in the New Testament. The word “heaven” is used in three distinct ways in the Scriptures: First, it refers to the atmospheric heavens, i.e., the sky. It describes the region where the birds fly and where the clouds and tempests gather (Gen. 1:20; Lk. 4:25).

Secondly, it refers to the celestial heavens, i.e., outer space, It describes the firmament in which the sun, moon and stars are located (Gen. 1:14-18). The Old Testament had no word for “universe,” so the concept was expressed in the words “heaven and earth.”

Finally, the word heaven refers to the perfect and eternal abode of God (Deut. 26:15; Matt. 7:21; etc.). Heaven is the present dwelling place of God and his angels, and the ultimate destination of men and women who love him. Paul described this paradise of the soul as “the third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2-4). In other words, the “third heaven” refers to a place distinct from the atmospheric and the celestial heavens. Both the Old and New Testaments recognize that this present physical universe is not eternal. When the Lord returns, this old earth will be destroyed and it will be replaced by “a new heaven and a new earth” (2 Pet. 3:10-13; Rev. 21:1).

What Is Heaven Like?

Let us examine the description of heaven that appears in the New Testament with a special focus on Revelation 21-22. Remember that heaven is a spiritual place, but it is described in human terms so that we might comprehend its lofty greatness.

First, let us understand that heaven is not just a mood or a state of mind. It is a place, a place as real as these United States! Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (Jn. 14:3). Those who inhabit heaven will have an undeniable existence. Our bodies will be different, but they nevertheless will be real (1 Cor. 15:42-44,50; 1 Jn. 3:2).

Secondly, heaven is described as a city (Heb. 11:16; 13:14). Not a village or a small town or a hamlet, heaven is a magnificent and spacious metropolis. This great city, the New Jerusalem, is described from the outside. Heaven is surrounded by a wall of solid jasper which sits upon a great foundation, composed of twelve beautiful stones. Twelve gates line the wall, each made of a solid pearl (Rev. 21:18-21). The city lies foursquare, i.e., its length, height and breadth are all the same. It measures 12,000 furlongs, or stadia, in each direction (Rev. 21:16). In other words, it is 1,500 miles long 1,500 miles wide, and 1,500 miles high. Obviously these figures are symbolic. The number 12,000 is a combination of the numbers 12 and 1000, both of which are used in the book of Revelation to represent perfection or completeness.

To enter the city, one must pass through the pearly gates. The pearl is the only gem that is conceived by suffering. Pearls are formed within the shells of certain mollusks as mineral layers are deposited as a protective coating around an irritating and painful foreign object, such as a grain of sand. The symbolism is obvious: The suffering and sacrifice of Christ provided access to heaven. Furthermore, there is a cross that we each must bear. Those who are faithful to God will suffer persecution as they travel the path to heaven.

This heavenly city is also described from the inside as a place of overwhelming beauty. Its inhabitants will not face the multitude of problems that are encountered here on earth. Many urban areas face decline and decay. However, heaven will have no burned out warehouses or dilapidated slum districts. Empty buildings will not dot the landscape. Heaven has a beautiful street made of pure, transparent gold (Rev. 21:21). This boulevard is lined by fair mansions (Jn. 14:1-3).

Heaven is a spacious city. Earthly municipalities suffer with problems of overpopulation and congestion, but in heaven there will be room for all. Jesus said, “In my father’s house are many mansions.” According to the measurements given in Revelation 21:16, the city is 1,500 miles long and wide. This equals about 2,250,000 square miles. What a spacious city!

Heaven contains a beautiful, luxuriant and fruitful garden (Rev. 22:1-2). James Montgomery once said, “If God hath made this world so fair where sin and death abound, how beautiful beyond compare will paradise be found.” Paradise was lost because of sin, but in heaven Eden is restored. The river of life flows through the midst of the city, and on either side of the river is the tree of life. This tree yields twelve kinds of fruits, and “the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Think of that! The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will walk, and the sick will be made well! In heaven, there will be no more tears, sadness, pain or death (Rev. 21:4). The sorrow and tragedy of this life will no longer trouble us. Death will no longer curse mankind. Pain will be a thing of the past. Heaven is a place of perfect and eternal happiness.

Heaven is a place of total security, with no danger from without or within. Although surrounded by great and high walls (Rev. 21:12), heaven is so secure that its gates will never be shut (Rev. 21:25). All threat of evil will then be gone because Satan and his followers will have been cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10; 21:8). What a contrast with the perilous cities of men! Our inner cities are crime-ridden cesspools of violence. However, the citizens of heaven will not have to fight the scourge of drugs, gambling, alcoholism, vice, etc. We will have nothing to fear in heaven. It is a place of light, with no night or darkness (Rev. 21:23-25). Heaven will be a city of righteousness, and evil will not enter therein (Rev. 21:27). God Almighty will serve as our Protector.

It is a place of newness (Rev. 21:5). Earthly treasures are subject to decay, but not heavenly treasures (Matt. 6:19-21). They are incorruptible, undefiled, and will not fade away (1 Pet. 1:4). In heaven we have a better and an enduring substance (Heb. 10:32-34).

In heaven the saints will enjoy complete fellowship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit (Rev. 21:23). The redeemed of all ages will delight in the immediate presence of God, forever gazing upon the splendor of his majesty. We will see him even as he is (1 Jn. 3:2).

Heaven is a place of rest from our earthly labors (Rev. 14:13). Yet, there will be activities in heaven to engage man’s energies and highest faculties (Lk. 19:17; Matt. 25:20-21), Whatever their form, these activities will be the glory of God, and will therefore be a form of worship.

Conclusion

In summary, let it be said that heaven is a delightful place Qn. 14:1-3), a place of beauty (Rev. 21:1-22:7), of life (1 Tim. 4:8), of service (Rev. 22:3), of worship (Rev. 19:1-3) and of glory (2 Cor. 4:17). However, is it easy to go there? Many people seem to think so. They ignore God’s will, rebell against his commandments, and yet think that somehow they will be able to slip through the pearly gates. The Bible does not support this view! No one will get to heaven by accident. It is not easy to go to heaven (Lk. 13:24; Matt. 7:21-23; Rev. 22:14-15). Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. Obedience and faithfulness are required. Yet, the rewards are worth every effort. It has been said, “If the way to heaven be narrow, it is not long; and if the gate be straight, it opens into endless life.” As C. S. Lewis once said, “If you seek heaven you will get earth thrown in; if you seek this earth you will miss both heaven and earth.” Are you laying up for yourself treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21)?

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 20, pp. 622-623
October 19, 1989

By Larry Ray Hafley

“And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Eph. 2:16). Four great questions are answered in our text. The questions are: (1) What did God purpose to do? (2) For whom did he propose to do it? (3) Where did God fulfill his plan? (4) How did he effect his goal?

Questions Answered

(1) What? The Plan: God’s plan was to “reconcile.” To reconcile is to make peace with alienated, separated parties. “Re” means “again.” “Conciliate” means peace; hence, to make peace with again.

Man is estranged from God by sin. “Your sins have separated between you and your God” (Isa. 59:2). “And you that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works yet now hath he reconciled” (Col. 1:21). Note the past condition contrasted with the present state – were alienated enemies, now reconciled. This forever destroys the false doctrine of total hereditary depravity. Calvinism says men are born in sin, having never been at peace with God. However, this cannot be true, for God reconciles, makes peace with again. How could man be again reconciled if he has never been at peace with God in the first place?

(2) Who? The Persons: Whom did God seek to reconcile? The text says “both.” “Both” whom? The context shows that Jews and Gentiles are under consideration (Eph. 2:11). So, God sought to reconcile “both” Jews and Gentiles. This corresponds with “every creature” (Mk. 16:15), “all nations” (Matt. 28:19), “every nation” (Acts 10:34,35), “whosoever will” (Rev. 22:17), “all” (Matt. 11:28), “to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16; cf. Acts 1:8; 2:21,39; Eph. 2:11-13; Rom. 1:5; 16:26).

Primitive Baptist doctrine, Calvinism, denies that God loved and that Christ died for all men (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 2:9; 2 Cor. 5:14). They limit the love of God and the efficacy of the death of Christ, but our text shows that “both” (all men) are objects of reconciliation. Calvinists say Christ died for the elect, not the non-elect, but John says that, “He (Christ) is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 Jn. 2:1,2).

(3) Where? The Place: Where are all men reconciled unto God? The passage says “in one body.” But what is the body? Lenski says it is “one spiritual organism.”

Paul says Christ has been made “head over all things to the church, which is his body” (Eph. 1:22,23). “Which, ” is a relative pronoun of apposition. The church, then, “is his body.” Thus, those reconciled are reconciled in the church. If you are not in the body, the church (Col. 1:18,24), you have not been reconciled. To be reconciled is to be justified (Rom. 5:1,9, 10). If you are not “in one body,” “the church” (Eph. 1:22,23; 2:16), you are neither saved, justified, redeemed nor reconciled (Rom. 3:24; 5:1,9, 10; 2 Cor. 5:18-20).

The church, therefore, is the realm of redemption, the sphere of salvation and the place of pardon. If we are not “members of his body” (Eph. 5:30), we are not reconciled unto God. Hence, those who say, “I am not a member of any church, but I am reconciled unto God,” are deceived. One might as well say, “I am a member of his body, but I am not reconciled.” Both statements are equally absurd in view of Ephesians 2:16.

(4) How? The Process: By what means are all men reconciled unto God in one body? Our text says “by the cross.” “We were reconciled to God by (dia) the death of his Son” (Rom. 5:10). We are “reconciled in the body of his flesh through death” (Col. 1:21,22). Surely, none who profess the faith in Christ will deny the process, the “how” of reconciliation. Suppose I did? Suppose I said, “It is true that all are reconciled unto God in one body, but it is not accomplished “by the cross”? If I were to say that, objections would be long and loud. “You cannot deny the process,” they would insist.

True, but if one cannot deny the process, can he deny the place where one is reconciled? Many do. They say that all men are reconciled “by the cross,” but they deny the place, the location of reconciliation. They say one may be reconciled whether he is a member of any church or not. By what authority can they ignore the place (“in the body”) but refuse to neglect the process (“by the cross”)? The truth is that all four aspects are essential.

Conclusion

Reconciliation unto God in one body by the cross is conditional. How else could Paul beg or “pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20)? Christ indeed made “reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17), but men are not reconciled until they hear and obey the “word of reconciliation. ” Have you heard and obeyed it (Acts 2:38; 18:8)?

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 20, p. 615
October 19, 1989

By Jady W. Copeland

You had no choice about whether or not you entered the world; you do have a choice as to which world you enter for eternity (Matt. 25:46). And the way you live in this world will determine which world you will occupy in eternity. Since that is obviously true (to the Bible believer), doesn’t it argue for a “prescription” as to how to live while in this world?

We must have no fellowship with the evil of the world (1 Cor. 5:10; 2 Cor. 6:14-18). We must be “in” the world, not “of” the world (1 Cor. 5:10; 1 Jn. 2:15). The new Christian has a problem sometimes. Before he becomes a Christian he has a family, a job, associates and civic duties. After he becomes a Christian he has the same job, the same family and duties. In some cases he may have to give up his associates and, in a few cases, his job. In most cases he would not need to give up his family. So often he had the same temptations before him, and yet he has a changed life. Repentance may cause him to quit some of his actions, words and sometimes the associations. But the devil never quits; he just changes his strategy. Instead of keeping him out of God’s family, the devil now wants to make him an ineffective worker, or even cause him to quit.

Too often, the new convert has another problem, and this has to do with the Christians themselves – those in Christ. Often when one is baptized, he finds out (perhaps gradually) that all those in the fellowship are not what they ought to be – some simply are hypocrites. And this discourages him, being young in the faith. He has to learn (hopefully before it is too late) that all of God’s people are not what they should be, and that he must not let their actions control his actions. He must let God do that, and he must learn that from the beginning God has had his people go astray.

But as the new convert begins his life as a Christian, is there some way we can prepare him for what lies ahead? Of course there is no magic formula or spiritual “vaccine” one can take to prevent temptations, but there are a few Bible principles we can point to that will surely help. This will not only help the babe in Christ; it will help us all, and they are not new at all. They are Bible principles which have been preached from the beginning and are “tried and true.”

Recognize the Nature of Satan’s Devices

They are nearly always deceptive. As the poet said, “things are not what they seem” and “all that glitters is not gold.” But Jesus said it best in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.” Paul said, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ” (2 Cor. 11:13). Even Satan “fashioneth himself into an angel of light” (v. 14).

He wears a face of beauty appealing to the five senses. He tempts by sight, sound (like the rock music of our day), taste (alcoholic drinks), feel (lust of the flesh), etc. He promises pleasure, popularity and excitement; but he tells you nothing of the outcome of such sins. This is not only dishonesty, but it is the temptation of the lust of the flesh. Satan has (through the world around us) caused most to believe there is nothing wrong with pre-marital sex, “live ins,” cursing, cheating, immodest attire, homosexuality and the like and many Christians have come to believe that these things are not so bad after all. Indeed Satan is very subtle in his ways. Beware!

If Satan fails in one area he will not quit. If the Lord convinces you to quit gambling, Satan will tempt you to work on the Lord’s day to make an honest living. If you are convinced to quit working on the Lord’s day, Satan will try to get you to be stingy with the Lord in your giving. If the Lord convinces you to get married, repent of fornication and live godly, Satan will try to get you to abuse your wife and children. He never quits. If the Lord convinces you that you should obey the gospel, Satan will try to convince you that you need not save others. Beware! Satan has many faces, and outwardly many things “look good” but take a closer look and check it by the word of God.

Develop A Hatred for Sin

“Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way” (Psa. 119:104). Again the Psalmist, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psa. 119:11). We are often inclined to “wink” at sin, or make excuses for sinners. “Off-color” jokes, “white lies” and “watered-down” cursing is getting too common among brethren. How many parents teach their children to hate sin – when they allow them to listen to Satan-inspired rock music and attend R-rated movies? Even the movies rated a bit “higher” are unfit for most Christians to see, yet we flirt with the world trying to rationalize and make ourselves think they are “not too bad.” Should we not hate those things which the Lord hates? The wise men gives a list in Proverbs 6:16-19 and includes a haughty spirit, lying, murder, those who plan wicked things, mischief, false witnesses and those who sow discord among brethren. The Lord’s hatred for sin is manifested in Jesus’ dying on the cross. What better argument need we make? If he hated sin to that degree, should not we?

Remember How Jesus Met Temptations

We can live among our fellows much easier if we become familiar with Jesus’ methods of resisting temptation (read Matt. 4:1-11). Each time Satan tempted him, he met each temptation with God’s word. Are we familiar enough with the word to be able to use it in such trials? As noted above, we must “hide” the word in our hearts to the extent that we “might not sin” against God. It is the great weapon for fighting back. Jesus proved it. If one is tempted to commit adultery, remember Hebrews 13:4, “Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” If we are tempted to divorce, remember Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. If you are tempted to sin by swearing, remember Matthew 5:37. If you are tempted to forsake the Lord, remember Hebrews 10:25.

I believe the reason many do not resist temptations as they ought is because (1) they do not know the Scriptures and (2) they have not thought seriously enough about the consequences. When we think of the fact that all God’s promises have come true, and every transgression of people in the past has been justly rewarded, why should I think God will overlook my sins? Am I different than they?

Choose The Proper Companions

“I need all the help I can get” we hear so often. Christians can help one another. “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33). Godly companions encourage us in the things that are wholesome and right. Evil companions tempt us and influence us in the wrong way. Christians have to be strong enough on the job to say “no.” But in their social contacts, how much easier it is to five a godly life when all have the same ideals, desires, motivations, love for God and habits as we. Proverbs 1:17-19 gives us some good advice in this matter. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (v. 7). “If sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (v. 10). They may act secretly, as they “lay wait for blood.” Indeed they are very bold sometimes about their methods (v. 12). They promise rewards for “we shall find all precious substance” (v. 13). They are very generous and say, “Let us all have one purse” (v. 14). But the wise will not fall into their trap (v. 17). Indeed the improper choice of companions has led many away from God.

We Must Pray Constantly

Jesus said, “Lead us not into temptation” as he taught his disciples to pray (Matt. 6:13). Does God hear the Christian? Does the prayer of a Christian appeal to God? If you answer these in the affirmative and if Jesus’ prayer in teaching his disciples means anything, then surely he will help us to resist the devices and temptations of Satan. And what a comforting thought that Paul left: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to men; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

You will be tempted by Satan but with God’s help you can be faithful. You hold the key.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 20, pp. 620-621
October 19, 1989