Lesson Ten - Singing in Worship
The Christian religion is a singing religion. Singing is another one of the acts of worship recorded in the New Testament. In this brief study, we want to take a close look at this very important part of worship.
First of all, we want to notice the various verses of scripture that deal with this subject:
1. Matthew 26:30 (KJV) 30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
2. Acts 16:25 (KJV) 25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
3. Romans 15:9 (KJV) 9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
4. 1 Corinthians 14:15 (KJV) 15What is it then? 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.
5. Ephesians 5:19 (KJV) 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
6. Colossians 3:16 (KJV) 16Let 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.
7. Hebrews 2:12 (KJV) 12Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
8. James 5:13 (KJV) 13Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
9. Revelation 5:9 (KJV) 9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10. Revelation 14:3 (KJV) 3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
11. Revelation 15:3 (KJV) 3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Now in all of the pages of the New Testament, these are the only verses that deal with the subject of singing. It would appear then that it is quite clear as to what the Lord wants in this respect. Anything more or less would not be in keeping with his word.
To most religious people singing suggests music and music suggests mechanical music. Therefore, the majority of the religious groups have mechanical music to accompany their singing. But while all can agree that the New Tesament teaches that we should have singing in our worship services, all cannot agree that mechanical music should also be included. But what does the Bible say? Does it teach singing only or that mechanical music is also to be used in worship? Is it possible to worship without mechanical music? Is it possible to worship with it? Is it possible to do either? Let us see.
We will notice first of all that there are two kinds of music known to man: vocal and mechanical. Vocal music is produced by the vocal cords of a human being. It therefore comes from within the individual. It is alive. It comes from God's own creation. Therefore, it has been said that the most beautiful music in all the world comes from the blending of the sounds that come from human voices. Mechanical music is just the opposite. It is mechanical. The instrument has been made by man. It is cold, lifeless, spiritless, and heartless. And the only reason that it makes sounds is because someone beats on it, plucks its strings, or blows into it, depending on the type of instrument it is. God did not make it as such, but rather it is an invention of man. It is a substitute. Now which would God prefer? The Hebrew writer says, Hebrews 13:15 (KJV) 15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Well known religous leaders through the years have not advocated mechanical music in worship, but singing as the Bible teaches. Let us observe some of their statements:
1. John Wesley: "I have no objection to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are neither heard or seen." Clark Commentary, Vol. IV, p. 686.
2. John Calvin: "Musical intrument in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The Baptists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from the Jews." John Calvin's Commentary, Thirty-third Psalm.
3. Martin Luther: He called it "the organ an ensign of Baal." McClintock and Strong's Encyclopedia, Music, Vol. VI, p 762.
4. Adam Clarke: "Music is a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity." Clarke's Commentary, Vol. IV, p. 686.
There are many other Bible scholars who have likewise spoken out against mechanical instruments of music in worship. But where did it all begin? With the Catholic Church, and inasmuch as the denominations have come out of the Catholic Church then the majority have brought their mechanical music with them.
Many of the denominational people try to justify mechanical music as follows:
1. They say that David used it. That may be true but we must remember that David lived under one law and we live under another. We cannot do what David did just because he did it. If so we will have to go back to Jerusalem once a year to offer animal sacrifices, etc. Remember, those that go back to David for mechanical music only return to him for that, and perhaps a few other things, but they don't want all that David had. But read, John 1:17; 2nd Corinthians 3; Hebrews 10:9; etc.
2. They say that it doen't say not to have them. But it doesn't say not to have a lot of things in worship. It does say though what to have, and it does say to sing. (Ephesians 5:19). That eliminates the other.
3. They say that there is nothing wrong with it. There may not be anything wrong with having mechanical music in the home, in weddings, for etertainment, etc., but for worship it is different. It would be wrong to add it to the worship, when the Lord did not command it. (Revelation 22:18, 19).
4. They say that it aids our worship. Then why didn't the Lord command it? But I suggest to you that it is not an aid but it actually becomes a part of the worship when used. This is not in keeping with the scriptures.
5. They say that there will be music in heaven. The scriptures do not teach mechanical music in heaven. Even if it did, that wouldn't justify using it. There will be many things in heaven we cannot have in worship now.
6. They say that they like it. Well, I like cake and soft drink, but does that mean that I can have it in worship? The question is not do we like it, but does the Lord want it?
So when we gather on the Lord's day for worship we are to praise the Lord through our singing. This is to be done in spirit and truth. Therefore, we must sing with understanding and in all sincerity. We are also to sing according to the scriptures, and that means praising the Lord through vocal music. Not only so, but the songs themselves are to be scriptural and spiritual in content.
The Bible teaches congregational singing. That is, we are all to blend our voices in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Through these songs we praise God, teach one another, and edify and encourage one another to be faithful to the Lord. How wonderful it is to sing such songs, unfettered by the noises and disturbances of mechanical instruments, but with reverence, peace, and serenity of our souls to lift our voices in common praise to the God of heaven. What could be more fitting? What could be more inspirational? This is what God wants.
NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP
QUESTIONS FOR
LESSON 10, "SINGING"
1. What is the Christian religion?
2. Read some of the verses from the New Testament that teach singing.
3. Do any of those verses teach use of mechanical music?
4. List the two kinds of music.
5. What is vocal music?
6. Explain the meaning of mechanical music.
7. How does God want us to praise him?
8. Give the names of some well known religious leaders who have condemned mechanical music in worship.
9. Where did mechanical music in worship begin?
10. What are some of the arguments that are used to try to justify the use of mechanical music in worship?
11. Why can't we go back to David for mechanical music in worship?
12. What eliminates mechanical music in worship?
13. Can we have mechanical music in the home?
14. Does this justify it in worship?
15. Read Revelation 22:18, 19.
16. Will there be mechanical music in heaven?
17. Would the Lord approve of something being brought into worship on the basis that we like it?
18. What kind of singing does the Lord want?
19. Define congregational singing.
20. Give some reasons for singing.
First of all, we want to notice the various verses of scripture that deal with this subject:
1. Matthew 26:30 (KJV) 30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
2. Acts 16:25 (KJV) 25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
3. Romans 15:9 (KJV) 9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
4. 1 Corinthians 14:15 (KJV) 15What is it then? 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.
5. Ephesians 5:19 (KJV) 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
6. Colossians 3:16 (KJV) 16Let 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.
7. Hebrews 2:12 (KJV) 12Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
8. James 5:13 (KJV) 13Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
9. Revelation 5:9 (KJV) 9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10. Revelation 14:3 (KJV) 3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
11. Revelation 15:3 (KJV) 3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Now in all of the pages of the New Testament, these are the only verses that deal with the subject of singing. It would appear then that it is quite clear as to what the Lord wants in this respect. Anything more or less would not be in keeping with his word.
To most religious people singing suggests music and music suggests mechanical music. Therefore, the majority of the religious groups have mechanical music to accompany their singing. But while all can agree that the New Tesament teaches that we should have singing in our worship services, all cannot agree that mechanical music should also be included. But what does the Bible say? Does it teach singing only or that mechanical music is also to be used in worship? Is it possible to worship without mechanical music? Is it possible to worship with it? Is it possible to do either? Let us see.
We will notice first of all that there are two kinds of music known to man: vocal and mechanical. Vocal music is produced by the vocal cords of a human being. It therefore comes from within the individual. It is alive. It comes from God's own creation. Therefore, it has been said that the most beautiful music in all the world comes from the blending of the sounds that come from human voices. Mechanical music is just the opposite. It is mechanical. The instrument has been made by man. It is cold, lifeless, spiritless, and heartless. And the only reason that it makes sounds is because someone beats on it, plucks its strings, or blows into it, depending on the type of instrument it is. God did not make it as such, but rather it is an invention of man. It is a substitute. Now which would God prefer? The Hebrew writer says, Hebrews 13:15 (KJV) 15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Well known religous leaders through the years have not advocated mechanical music in worship, but singing as the Bible teaches. Let us observe some of their statements:
1. John Wesley: "I have no objection to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are neither heard or seen." Clark Commentary, Vol. IV, p. 686.
2. John Calvin: "Musical intrument in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The Baptists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from the Jews." John Calvin's Commentary, Thirty-third Psalm.
3. Martin Luther: He called it "the organ an ensign of Baal." McClintock and Strong's Encyclopedia, Music, Vol. VI, p 762.
4. Adam Clarke: "Music is a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity." Clarke's Commentary, Vol. IV, p. 686.
There are many other Bible scholars who have likewise spoken out against mechanical instruments of music in worship. But where did it all begin? With the Catholic Church, and inasmuch as the denominations have come out of the Catholic Church then the majority have brought their mechanical music with them.
Many of the denominational people try to justify mechanical music as follows:
1. They say that David used it. That may be true but we must remember that David lived under one law and we live under another. We cannot do what David did just because he did it. If so we will have to go back to Jerusalem once a year to offer animal sacrifices, etc. Remember, those that go back to David for mechanical music only return to him for that, and perhaps a few other things, but they don't want all that David had. But read, John 1:17; 2nd Corinthians 3; Hebrews 10:9; etc.
2. They say that it doen't say not to have them. But it doesn't say not to have a lot of things in worship. It does say though what to have, and it does say to sing. (Ephesians 5:19). That eliminates the other.
3. They say that there is nothing wrong with it. There may not be anything wrong with having mechanical music in the home, in weddings, for etertainment, etc., but for worship it is different. It would be wrong to add it to the worship, when the Lord did not command it. (Revelation 22:18, 19).
4. They say that it aids our worship. Then why didn't the Lord command it? But I suggest to you that it is not an aid but it actually becomes a part of the worship when used. This is not in keeping with the scriptures.
5. They say that there will be music in heaven. The scriptures do not teach mechanical music in heaven. Even if it did, that wouldn't justify using it. There will be many things in heaven we cannot have in worship now.
6. They say that they like it. Well, I like cake and soft drink, but does that mean that I can have it in worship? The question is not do we like it, but does the Lord want it?
So when we gather on the Lord's day for worship we are to praise the Lord through our singing. This is to be done in spirit and truth. Therefore, we must sing with understanding and in all sincerity. We are also to sing according to the scriptures, and that means praising the Lord through vocal music. Not only so, but the songs themselves are to be scriptural and spiritual in content.
The Bible teaches congregational singing. That is, we are all to blend our voices in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Through these songs we praise God, teach one another, and edify and encourage one another to be faithful to the Lord. How wonderful it is to sing such songs, unfettered by the noises and disturbances of mechanical instruments, but with reverence, peace, and serenity of our souls to lift our voices in common praise to the God of heaven. What could be more fitting? What could be more inspirational? This is what God wants.
NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP
QUESTIONS FOR
LESSON 10, "SINGING"
1. What is the Christian religion?
2. Read some of the verses from the New Testament that teach singing.
3. Do any of those verses teach use of mechanical music?
4. List the two kinds of music.
5. What is vocal music?
6. Explain the meaning of mechanical music.
7. How does God want us to praise him?
8. Give the names of some well known religious leaders who have condemned mechanical music in worship.
9. Where did mechanical music in worship begin?
10. What are some of the arguments that are used to try to justify the use of mechanical music in worship?
11. Why can't we go back to David for mechanical music in worship?
12. What eliminates mechanical music in worship?
13. Can we have mechanical music in the home?
14. Does this justify it in worship?
15. Read Revelation 22:18, 19.
16. Will there be mechanical music in heaven?
17. Would the Lord approve of something being brought into worship on the basis that we like it?
18. What kind of singing does the Lord want?
19. Define congregational singing.
20. Give some reasons for singing.