Is It a Salvation Issue?

In an effort to justify the use of instrumental music in worship, this question is often asked: “Is instrumental music a salvation issue?” Do not be deceived by the subtleness of the question. Remember Paul’s words to the Corinthians: “I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)

 

Another way to frame the same question is this: “Can we get away with it?” That does not sound so good, does it? But it’s the same question. Both questions mean can we use instrumental music in worship and still go to heaven even if God prefers a cappella.

 

The problem with the question: “Is it a salvation issue?” is that it is the wrong question. How do I know it’s the wrong question? I know because the Bible does not answer it. The proper question is: “Has God authorized it?” Now that question is easily answered? God has clearly authorized singing (Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15) but we have no Bible authority for the use of an instrument of music in our worship.

 

What it all comes down to is this: Are we interested in doing exactly what God wants or are we interested in seeing what we can get away with?

Claude