The simple answer for “Why do churches of Christ not use musical instruments in worship?” is that the Bible instructs churches to sing as a congregation to praise God and edify one another (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). When a congregation sings together, musical instruments become irrelevant as the New Testament makes no mention of Christians worshiping with musical instruments in assembly. The instrument cannot speak, teach, or thank God and so cannot praise God with meaningful words.
The churches in the New Testament never used musical instruments when they worshiped in song for good reason. Christ, His apostles, and His prophets only commanded singing for worship in the New Testament.[1] As New Testament Christians, the churches of Christ see the blessings of praising God by their lips, and they plead with all who rely on Christ’s words to consider congregational singing as essential to true worship by speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Here are 4 reasons why churches do not use musical instruments:
1. The NT (New Testament) commands congregation singing and does not mention the playing of instruments for spiritual teaching, praise, and thanksgiving (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16).
2. The Bible forbids anyone adding or annulling God’s commands (1 Cor 11:2; Gal 3:15; Rev 22:18–19). Furthermore, Jesus is sinless and His words are without error, so no one should change His words (John 6:63; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22).
3. The NT teaches that words are essential to worshiping in song and that unknown languages and nonverbal sounds are excluded (1 Cor 14:9–19).
4. Jesus established worship in spirit and truth changing the OT physical worship including musical instruments to NT spiritual worship with singing meaningful words for teaching, praise, and thanksgiving (John 4:21–24; Heb 13:15–16; 1 Pet 2:9).
Worship with Words
The Bible contains commands from God for the order of the assembly in 1 Corinthians 14 (cf. 11:17–34). In the Bible, words are essential to making melody to worship God. In 1 Corinthians 14, the apostle Paul emphasized understandable words as he explained that words build up worshipers gathered in the assembly. Because words are essential to edification and the assembly of Christians, the New Testament Scriptures describe musical instruments as “lifeless” meaning “without soul” (1 Cor 14:7). Paul noted this description of lifeless instruments as greater than speaking in unknown languages in assembly.
In 1 Corinthians 14:15, the apostle Paul used the Greek word psallo meaning “to make melody” to describe how words are essential to singing and praying to God with the spirit and mind. These scriptures explain that meaningful music in worship consists of understandable words (1 Cor 14:7–19). Furthermore, Paul also instructed Christians to complete the act of psallo by making melody in the heart (Eph 5:18–19). Musical instruments are an irrelevant addition to the purpose and heart of singing praises to God. Lifeless instruments cannot produce words for meaningful worship and making melody in the heart.
No Changing Jesus’s Words
Believers find that Christ is perfect and complete, and so are His words (John 6:63; Heb 4:15; 1 Pet 2:22). The Bible reveals that adding to the words of Christ and His Spirit is wrong (1 Cor 4:6; Gal 1:6–9; 3:15; 2 John 9; Rev 22:18–19). Do Christians have liberty to express worship in any way other than true worship in the New Testament? Christians can neither change Christ nor alter the gospel. Christ is infallible and so are His words (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:14–15; 1 John 3:5; 1 Pet 2:22). Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8). Therefore, Jesus’s words are constant and unchanging and that is true for His teaching about true worship.
When believers consider the complete perfection of Christ’s words, then Christ’s institutions of the Lord’s Supper, baptism, prayer, music, and the like are complete in presenting His ideal conduct for the Christian faith. Few people would consider adding lamb’s meat to the Lord’s Supper even for the purpose of presenting Jesus as the Passover Lamb. Some may consider adding incense to prayers and ashes to the waters of baptism because of passages in the Old Testament. However, such additions are contrary to Jesus’s infallibility. A true worshiper must not add to true worship.
Churches can no more change the fruit of the vine in the Lord’s Supper than change the fruit of the lips in praise to God (Heb 13:15; cf. Matt 26:29; Mark 14:25). The Letter to the Hebrews declares, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb 13:15). God specified the true worship that is best for believers. Christians can no more change the music that Christ commanded than change the elements of the Lord’s Supper (Matt 26:26–29; 1 Cor 11:17–34). God created humanity with the ability to use their voices to sing praises to Him. Singing in worship is the most beautiful, pure, and sublime form of music.
Jesus Established True Worship
As most Christians realize, worship has changed from physical to spiritual. Jesus revealed that worship is now in spirit and truth, and no longer “in Jerusalem will you worship the Father” (John 4:21–24). David brought the temple worship to Jerusalem and enhanced this worship with musical instruments. Jesus professed, “believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. […] But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:21–24). The churches of Christ see that Jesus set true worship apart from the worship that David established in Jerusalem.[2] True worship is with the right spirit and by the truth of God’s Word (cf. John 1:17; 17:17).
Jesus taught that God seeks true worshipers who worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23–24). For that reason, Jesus distinguished true worship apart from temple worship in Jerusalem (John 4:21–24). The temple of God changed from that physical building to the spiritual church (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:21), and worship also changed from the physical symbolism of the Old Testament to the spiritual reality of the New Testament (1 Pet 2:5). According to Scripture, Christ became the atoning sacrifice for sin (Heb 9:22–26). All Christians are now the priests of God’s spiritual temple, the church. Christians are the ones for whom God blessed to make melody in the heart and upon the lips. Thereby, true worshipers offer spiritual offerings of praise unto God (Heb 13:15; 1 Pet 2:5). The Scriptures reveal that the priesthood of the Levites and their physical worship with David’s instruments have ceased (Heb 7:12).
No More Shadows of Worship
Old Testament worship foreshadowed and symbolized true worship, but the substance has always been Christ (Col 2:16–17; Heb 8:5; 10:1). Christ fulfilled the Law, so that Christ has led believers to true worship (Heb 9:9–10; 1 Pet 2:5). Revelation’s symbolic references to worship on an altar with sacrifices, use of incense, and the holding of harps are all Old Testament symbols. These physical symbols foreshadowed true worship in the New Testament. Scripture says that incense symbolizes prayers and the harps symbolize praise (Rev 5:8–14). John described the praises of the faithful sounding like thunders, many waters, and harps (Rev 14:1–3; 15:1–3). While holding harps, no one played these harps in Revelation, but they did praise God with singing.
The New Testament describes the ordinances of Old Testament worship as obsolete, carnal, and fleshly (Rom 7:1–7; Gal 3–5; 2 Cor 3:7–18; Eph 2:14–22; Heb 8:13). This is why the churches of Christ believe in observing all of Christ’s commands — unaltered, because Christ’s words are perfect and greater than the Law of Moses. The churches of Christ refrain from musical instruments in worship because these are contrary to the Spirit of the New Covenant (cf. 2 Cor 3:1–6). If God wanted Christians to worship with instruments as the music of the church, God would have commanded instruments for Christians to worship God. However, the New Testament specifies that Christians praise God in song with their hearts and lips (Eph 5:19; Heb 13:15).
Worship throughout History
The word acapella refers to non-instrumental singing and means “of the chapel” in Latin. The word comes from the ancient form of Christian praise when early churches worshiped by singing without instrumental music. For fourteen centuries following Christ, most churches sang and opposed the use of musical instruments in worship and assembly. During the Reformation, the reformers led believers in France and England to remove the additions of musical instruments that the Roman church added in the fourteenth century.[3] This effort to reform Christian worship according to “the regulative principle” continued among many churches through the nineteenth century. Through the Reformation until today, “nonconformist” churches find that true worship is free of innovations and amusements. In the Restoration Movement, the restorers made the same stand for true worship and still do among churches of Christ.
God Judges Hearts
True worshipers will not add or annul from true worship. As far as true worship being a matter of salvation, God judges the hearts of those who worship for whether they love God and keep His commands (John 14:21–24). Some Christians in ancient Corinth received condemnation for not discerning the Lord’s Supper. Some also misused the gifts of languages in the assembly while corrected they were not overtly condemned (1 Cor 11:17–34; 14). Christians must defer to God who judges on these matters, so the faithful urge that all follow Christ to worship as God has revealed in the Scriptures.
Conclusion
The churches of Christ do not use musical instruments to worship God, because Christ commanded congregations to sing in the New Testament. Churches in the New Testament sang together with one voice and never used instruments. The New Testament writers affirm that singing is the most edifying, meaningful, and spiritual form of music. Because the New Testament Scriptures command music consisting of words for praise and spiritual teaching, the church of Christ will not add musical instruments to the singing of a congregation in worship to God (1 Cor 14:9–19).
The words of Jesus compel churches of Christ to maintain the purity of true worship. Neither Christ, his apostles, nor his prophets used or commanded musical instruments for worshiping God. Therefore, many Christians conclude that no one should add to Christ’s perfect words or change true worship as Jesus established. Because God specified singing in the New Testament Scriptures, alterations are contrary to the heart of meaningful worship. By the Holy Spirit, the apostle taught that every Scripture is God’s breath to make the person of God complete and fully equipped unto every good work (2 Tim 3:16–17). Christians are not lacking any teaching or any good work in the Scriptures. The faithful listen to Christ’s Spirit and His words in the Scriptures, and by loving Christ, they see the holiness of singing meaningful words over all other musical forms. This is why the churches of Christ do not use musical instruments.
Encouragement
May God bless all to consider sincerely the music that God desires for believers to worship in spirit and truth. To understand true worship, a believer must think spiritually (1 Cor 2:14). A person must also have an honest and good heart who does not dismiss Christ’s teachings (Luke 8:15). Furthermore, churches of Christ urge repentant believers to receive salvation by the gospel — the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor 15:1–5). Jesus rose bodily from the dead so that His followers will rise bodily from the dead on the last day (Rom 6:5; 8:11; 1 Cor 6:14). God saves believers by raising them from burial with Christ in baptism (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12–13). The believer must die with Christ to one’s sins to rise with Christ from baptism (Rom 6:1–7; Col 2:12–13). In this way, the Scriptures teach that God saves believers by grace raising them to new life in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:4–7).
- Matt 26:30; Mark 14:26; Acts 4:24; 16:25; Rom 15:6; 1 Cor 14:15; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16; Heb 2:12, 13:15; Jas 5:13; Rev 15:3–4.
- Scott J. Shifferd, “Do David’s Instruments Have a Place in True Worship?,” <https://Godsbreath.net/2014/03/04/davids-instruments-for-worship/> (2014).
- John Price, Old Light on New Worship: Musical Instruments and the Worship of God, a Theological, Historical, and Psychological Study, (Avinger, TX: Simpson Publishing, 2005).
The Breath of God 
That is the point! A transformed mind has those commands as part of it’s essence and therefore does not have to read and act according to written commands. The New Covenant is based upon a renewed mind returning to it’s origin which is that of renewed understanding that was lost in the flesh.
Would you say that obedience from fear is acceptable?
It is dangerous, because that love is not complete (1 John 4:18).
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Amen.
Obedience to Christ can start from fear, guilt and shame as well as from Faith, love and hope. Yes, proper obedience should be from Love and faith, but that does not mean obedience can only happen from that. Think about it. Did you ever obey your parents because of what would happen if you didn’t? Was that obedience from love?
If we all receive the same message then how is it possible for hundreds of different religion to be created using the same words from the bible?
Jesus said, “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:5).
Your mindset & approach to NT Christianity is flawed from it’s inception. You approach your walk with God from the standpoint of “obedience to commands”, as if we are judged by how well perform the task of following commands, rules and regs. Anyone can do all of the above without one ounce of faith. Fear is a great motivator ftowards obedience, and fear is not based in love and faith.
IM is a matter of choice. I am often inspired by the playing of soft religious piano music, and I’m often turned off by the sound of someones awful voice. Should I use laws and commands as my guide to listen to an awful voice (which mine is) which make me experience nothing spiritual? Or as a mature Christian can I listen to soft IM to help me in my quest to connect with God? You forget that our relationship with God (under NT principles) is spiritual and not lawful. I don’t use a checklist to determine if my behavior is acceptable to God. He wants much more than just Christian actors.
You do not have the credentials to tell me that I misuse Romans 14. If you do then I’d like to see them. You forget that the New Covenant is a Spiritual Covenant in which we are led by God’s Spirit within our consciousness, and not by the written laws and commands to which you are so attached. How many verses in the NT can I point to to validate this? Many, Many…I assure you.
I hope you reconsider you position.
Nope. You are back at making assertions. Obedience comes from faith, hope, and love.
We must turn to Christ’s commands, His words, and His life to guide worship in spirit and Truth. You forget that our fellowship with God is not physical or according to your Law, but according to the Law of faith in Christ Jesus that we keep written on our hearts — our spirits (2 Cor 3:3–7).
As for Romans 14, you have the words of Christ as noted before. I think Christ and His words should be enough for you, but reading His words is a matter of subjective reasoning then one will turn from Christ.
So obedience can only come from faith? Are you suggesting that one cannot obey from fear? Seriously? I spent the first years of my Christian life obedient to commands because I was afraid I would go to Hell if I didn’t. That’s not faith, hope or love. Can you not see this?
You said, “As for Romans 14, you have the words of Christ as noted before. I think Christ and His words should be enough for you, but you think reading His words is a matter of subjective reasoning and thus you turn to your own intuition.”
Everyone turns to their own ability to process written words. Words have no power of their own to make you understand them. Otherwise everyone would recieve the same message.
You are as fallable as anyone else. How many times have you changed your mind on what you read and thought you understood correctly? We all do this. What does that tell you?
Yes, I see that you have swung the pendulum from one extreme to another. Start with Christ. Obedience to Christ starts with faith, hope, and love. You appear to falling over the same cliff that you have gone backward and fallen down a cave.
We do all receive the same message. Christ’s words are true, and He is able to communicate the same message clearly to all, who accept Him.
My mistakes in understanding tells me that Christ is always right and that His words are the standard. As you admit, we can change our minds and know Christ. There is only one Lord, and we must not be deceived to follow a different Jesus, spirit, or gospel (2 Cor 11:4).
Can a person worship using IM remain a new creation? Absolutely! Read Romans 14 and see that the principles taught there do allow for Instruments in worship.
Worrying that everything you do is going to be judged as “reason for condemnation” takes away the faith and love that defines Christians. We as spiritually transformed individual know by instinct what builds up and what tears down. If the use of instruments offends you then maybe it’s you who needs to consider that your faith is still weak to the point that such trivial and benign things such as IM can bring you down while not affecting other who are beyond this minor issue.
Even if it were wrong to use IM we are still covered by grace. This is why grace exists.
Hi Phil,
You make an excellent example of how many people misuse Romans 14. This is about matters of opinion or “thorough logic” to translate the Greek. The faith and love that defines Christians should first consider God and that His commands are a blessing to each one of us. If it is true that my faith and many others are weak like most Christians 200 years ego, then should you not consider that and not put a stumbling block before us? Should you not rather speak to us so that the good that you do if not spoken by us as evil? Is that not what Romans 14:1-15:6 says? You appear to be proposing that Christian worship in the Assembly is a matter of opinion, and that as long as it is not a sin, then it is permissible.
Consider that the Reformers and “Non-conformists” of the churches of Christ in the 17th c. believed, these found musical instruments to be additions of the Roman Church added according to its use in the physical Temple worship under the old Law. The Orthodox church agrees now and still does not use musical instruments. Christian worship now is to be by spirit and truth in meaningful words rather than unedifying sounds (John 4:20–24). This is why the Puritans pulled the organs from their buildings and destroyed them in trying to purify the Church of England. Mechanical music is not from the heart of meaningful worship that Christ established. These Reformers and churches of Christ referred to 1 Corinthians 14, which referred to musical instruments as “lifeless” and literally “soulless”.
I hope you considered the points of this article. While the Corinthian church erred in using such meaningless noises in the Assembly, their congregation was not lost yet. They repented. They were still “of Christ” despite their numerous errors even in worship (1 Cor 3:23). Yet, some of them were dead and asleep seen by their profaning the Lord’s Supper and making claims of greater spirituality by making a show out of their God-given gifts from the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12, 14). See, musical instruments is a part of a greater problem of the heart.
I cannot judge a church, who errs in using musical instruments, but I can warn them of the danger of the mindset of doing so just as the Apostle Paul did. This I do know about God’s grace, His forgiving grace covers those who love God and keep His commands (John 14:23–24; Rom 6:1–2; 1 Cor 16:22; Eph 6:24; 1 John 1:5–10).
So to quote you, you just said in a comment, “Those who use instruments to worship God have laid aside their confession of Christ for a confession of self.” So if I were to tell you i’m considered a charismatic and I worship Jesus through instruments, singing, and dancing then i’m not saved? I don’t get the point in focusing so much on one issue when the scripture also says specifically that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus. It also references in scripture that anyone who is call upon the Lord will be saved. So I know my confession is in my daily walk and not in the way I worship in church, though I do agree sometimes in certain areas of the church things can get out line, but my daily relationship with Him is what matters. This issue of whether to use instruments or not is not the end all of end alls.
Thanks, Much Love,
Joel
That is exactly the point. This is a matter of the heart. Our relationship with God in communicated in letters to congregations addressing their worship in assembly. Christ’s Spirit addressed the subject of worshiping with meaningful words rather than unintelligible noises in 1 Corinthians 14. That is what matters rather a person serving oneself according to one’s own opinion of a relationship with God over the words of Christ where the relationship begins and ends all.
In the end, I urge you to reconsider.
Cotonou, le 25 Avril 201
Bonjour mes chers frères et soeurs en Christ,
Tout le plaisir est pour moi de vous saluer sans oublier votre famille et vous encourager dans votre ministère. Je voudrais lancer une certaine préoccupations concernant l’Eglise et surtout l’Eglise du christ dans l’espoir d’avoir une suite favorable auprès de toute personne ressource capable de fournir les réponses aux préoccupations de mon cœur depuis 1998 que je suis dans le ministère et je lance spécialement cet avis très important aux frères et soeurs de l’Eglise du Christ dans le monde entier puisqu’ils sont plus disposés à me fournir des sources authentiques car toutes mes préoccupations sont les divergences dont sont victimes les assemblées de l’Eglise du Christ dans le monde entier. Faites lire ce message à toute personne que vous jugez digne, capable de me fournir des réponses à mes préoccupations.
Je voudrais savoir pourquoi il y a des assemblées de l’Eglise du Christ qui chantent avec les instruments de musique alors que d’autres en condamnent,pourquoi il y a des assemblées qui donnent la dîme et d’autres en refusent,pourquoi il y a des assemblées qui croient et enseignent la nécessité et l’existence des dons spirituels aujourd’hui alors que d’autres les limitent tout juste après l’achèvement du Canon et après la mort des apôtres,pourquoi il y a des assemblées qui permettent aux soeurs de diriger soit les chants ou d’autres choses dans l’Eglise alors que d’autres en refusent,pourquoi il y a des assemblées qui prennent une seule coupe lors de la célébration de repas du Seigneur alors que d’autres prennent des petits verres ; ce sont là en quelque sorte mes préoccupations que je voudrais porter à votre connaissance.
Dans l’espoir d’avoir une réponse convaincante, historique et biblique de toute personne capable de m’aider, je vous envoie mes fraternelles salutations les plus distinguées en Christ.
Votre frère en Christ :
Kagbanon Amour Marc
Prédicateur de l’Eglise du Christ de Tori – Cada
Email : pastmarck@yahoo.fr
Cél : (00229) 97133842 et 95095707
Cotonou ,R.Bénin
Translated via babelfish:
“Cotonou, on April 25, 201 Hello my dear brothers and sisters as a Christ, All the pleasure is for me to greet you without forgetting your family and encouraging you in your ministry. I would like to launch certain concerns concerning the Church and especially the Church of Christ in the hope to have a favorable continuation near any person resource able to provide the answers to the concerns of my heart since 1998 that I am in the ministry and I launch especially this very important opinion to the brothers and sisters of the Church of Christ in the whole world since they are laid out to provide me authentic sources because all my concerns are the divergences whose the assemblies of the Church of Christ in the whole world are victims. Made read this message with any person that you consider worthy, able to provide me answers to my concerns. I would like to know why there are assemblies of the Church of Christ which sing with the musical instruments whereas others condemn some, why there are assemblies which give the dîme and others refuse some, why there are assemblies which believe and teach the need and the existence of the spiritual gifts today whereas others just limit them after the completion of Canon and the death of the apostles, why there are assemblies which allow the sisters to direct is the songs or other things in the Church whereas others refuse some, why there are assemblies which take only one cut at the time of celebration of meal of the Lord whereas others take small glasses; these are there to some extent my concerns that I would like to bring to your attention. In the hope to have a convincing, historical and biblical answer of any person able to help me, I send to you my fraternal greetings best as a Christ. Your brother as a Christ: Kagbanon Marc Love Preacher of the Church of the Christ of Tori – Cada”
I know of no churches of Christ who use musical instruments. This is despite that those of the “international” group and the “united” reformed congregationalists. I certainly cannot speak for these because they are not of us but exclude us. These you may find using instruments and some “progressives”. The condemning comes not from believing in singing only, but rather from those who judge Christ’s words to be incomplete and singing only is not enough. The churches of Christ strive to be united in the same mind and the same judgment (1 Cor. 1:10). Yet, when not participating in divisions and sects (i.e. being “ecumenical”, “inter-denominational”) being condemned in Scriptures (Gal. 5:19-21), then we are accused of being exclusive. In the 1st century, some churches struggled then to be united, so there would be no surprise that congregations still struggle with this, and yet just as in the 1st c., the mainstream of the congregations can observe all of Jesus’ commands just as Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:20).
I know of no churches of Christ who refuse tithing, but it is wrong when done in following the Law of Moses. Giving is done by one’s own will (2 Cor. 9:6-8). No church of Christ rejects spiritual gifts, but do realize that all truth does not need further revelation (1 Cor. 13:8ff, etc.) and that the Apostles passed on the gifts by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:14ff). The Apostles received all truth being God’s word (John 14:26, 15:20, 16:12-13, 17:8, 17). Every good work is written in the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17), which includes both Old and New Testaments (1 Tim. 5:18). Women lead singing for other women and children, but do not teach or have authority over men (1 Tim. 2:11ff). Men received this role being created first (1 Tim. 2:11ff), and women were created in the image of God and even more blessed being created in the glory of men (1 Cor. 11:7). Regarding the Lord’s Supper, Jesus commanded His disciples to divide the cup before the meal (Luke 22:17ff).
Please contact me here with your questions or my email ScottJon82[at]yahoo.com.
i need a study book to study to able to evangelize. especially on
1.WHY THE LORDS SUPPER IS TAKEN EVERY SUNDAY.
2.CHURCH OF CHRIST DO NOT USE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.
and other interesting topics and please a BIBLE.
Church Of Christ
P.O.Box 96,
Tema New Town
Accra-Ghana
Right now, the best study guide that I can think of is the “Searching for Truth” Study Guide. I can certainly send you that and at least another Bible.
Are there any missionaries especially from the States involved with the work there? I’ll reply next by email.
May God bless you and all the Saints in Ghana.
Regarding instrument music:
Do not use instrument while worshiping. there is no direct command like this. But there is instrument used for to say certain thing for us for example Luke 15:25. There is a dance and music when prodical son returned.
Paul gives example 1 cor 14:7-9,Even musical instrument the flute,harp and army bugler while playing those instruments the tune should be recognized.
1 cor15: 51 when the last trumpet blown. there is a instrument when Lord comes.In the book of revelation you can see the trumpet mentioned.
So there is a examples for instrument play but there is no single word that we should not use instrument while we worship.Our leader is Jesus christ not Alexander campel and others we do not need others openion, statements and church of christ traditions.Still we need reformation in church of christ.
I think nothing wrong with instrument music.We should not be a overly righteous persons.
Hope to hear from you
D.Samuel raj
sathycoc@yahoo.com
You cannot just say that musical instruments are for Christian worship as God without any evidence from His Word. You have to have scriptures for such a conclusion.
Implying the phrase “Do not use instruments while worshiping” is legalistic. Because the Bible does not say verbatim “do not worship with incense or drama,” can Christians do that? The Bible does not explicitly condemn practicing polygamy or abortion? Can believers do that? The specifics of God’s ideals are complete and perfect. The Word excludes these without mention, and yet some believe that what God has given is not complete regarding worship and the truth that we should follow. Some have no problem excluding others by adding to the worship that Christ made perfect the first time.
There is nothing wrong with instrumental music in everyday life, but rather to use instrumental music to worship is contrary to everything Christ’s words teach. Those who use instruments to worship God have laid aside their commit to following Christ for a confession of oneself. Anyone can read the passages that you cited and see that these make no sense in regard to supporting your argument. Luke 15 is a parable and shows that instruments are fine to use in life and recreation, but God did not approve them for worship here. First Corinthians 14:7–9 calls these instruments “lifeless” casting them down and never mentions the use of them in worship and yet the context is worship. First Corinthians 14 talks about the bugle for war and the flute for a tune for one to learn, and yet these are greater than speaking in unknown languages. In fact, 1 Corinthians 14:15 condemns the use of music that does not edify the mind and spirit with coherent words. Paul taught that singing in foreign languages was a sin for worship here because the words are not understandable and yet some would have instruments that do not produce words to understand. Christ’s Spirit was pointing out in 1 Corinthians 14 that one should not teach or pray in the assembly with a foreign language which would certainly include trying to do so with a musical instrument. First Corinthians 15 speaks of the final trumpet that may be symbolic, and yet it neither worships nor can it. This is the sound of the Lord for His saints and it is nowhere described as melody or worship. Only thoughts from the heart expressed in action can worship God. For only these have meaning. What is the meaning of the instrument to worship?
“We should not be overly righteous people.” Christ is overly righteous and He makes all righteous before God who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). Lets keep the traditions of the Church of Christ Jesus since He did buy it was His own blood (2 Thess 2:15).