Is Instrumental Music a Sin?

Our practice is different from most churches in town in that we do not use instrumental music in our worship. It is, therefore, not uncommon for people to ask, Why? Sometimes the question is put stronger: “Do you think that instrumental music is a sin?” Or “Do you think people will be lost for using instrumental music?”

 

So how do I answer such questions? It’s not my call – I’ll leave that up to God. However, this is what I do know. I do know that in the Old Testament when King David introduced instrumental music into temple worship he did not do so on his own authority but rather at God’s instruction through Nathan the prophet. (2 Chronicles 29:25) What I also know is that in the New Testament there is no authority from God for instrumental music in Christian worship.

 

Why do we not use instrumental music in our worship? Simply put: God didn’t tell us to; so, we don’t. God said, “Singing” – so we sing. (Ephesians 5:19) God said, “Making melody in your heart” – so we do. (Ephesians 5:19) God said, “Offer…the fruit of our lips” – so we do. (Hebrews 13:15)   But God did not say for us to praise Him with an organ, so we don’t.

 Claude